Category: Children&#8217;s dentist

We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

How To Help Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

Whether it’s your child’s first trip to the dentist or tenth, he might feel fearful or anxious. Dental fear among children is common, but there are certainly ways to overcome it! As pediatric dental professionals, we take responsibility for providing a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for our patients. This includes rooms filled with bright colors and team members with kid-friendly, happy attitudes. We know that each of these things contributes to making a child feel more at ease.

A parent’s responsibility is to simply prepare their child for the visit. Dental fear doesn’t’ have to rule the appointment—it can be overcome! In this blog, we offer five tips to help your little one overcome their dental fear and anxiety.

1. Don’t over-explain

If it’s your child’s first visit, its best to keep the details as simple as possible. Overexplaining can lead to more questions, fear, and anxiety.

You and I know that nothing scary happens at the dentist’s office, but certain aspects can sound intimidating when a person hasn’t experienced it for themselves.

Most likely during your child’s visit, the dentist will examine and clean his teeth and gums. This may or may not include x-rays. For most of the appointment, your child can sit in your lap rather than in the chair by himself. If your child is needing a cavity filled or any other dental procedure, use simple language to describe that process.

2. Use positive language

As an adult, you may have had a negative dental experience (unfortunately, those are all too common!). However, it’s best to keep that experience to yourself. Something as simple as using positive language when talking about your own dental experiences or your child’s pediatric dentist can make all the difference in how she perceives her own experiences!

3. Play pretend

All (okay, most) children love to play house, school, and other pretend activities. Offer to play dentist! Your little one will love playing with you and will get to “experience” the dentist for the first time in a super fun way.

When playing, find a comfy chair and a toothbrush. You can use the toothbrush to act like you are brushing his teeth or just count his teeth. Try not to lay out any pretend dental tools that might seem scary.

4. Watch TV shows or read books

Many of your child’s favorite TV characters have an episode about visiting the dentist. In most cases, the show or book begins with the main character being fearful of the dentist, then learning that there was never anything to be afraid of.

Here are some examples of TV shows and books that can help your child overcome dental fear:

SpongeBob SquarePants
Dora the Explorer
Arthur
Berenstain Bears
Peppa Pig
Bubble Guppies

There are also several fun videos on YouTube about the dentist and the importance of dental hygiene. Colgate has a series of ten episodes called Dr. Rabbit and the Tooth Kingdomthat kids love!

5. Bring comfort items

A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can make a huge difference for a child dealing with dental fear. If, despite all of your preparation and hard work, your child is still showing signs of fear or anxiety, pack her favorite comfort item just in case!

Eliminate Dental Fear with The Right Dentist

Choosing the right pediatric dentist for your little one is another major step to avoiding and/or overcoming dental fear. A great first visit can set him up for good oral hygiene throughout his life!

If you’re searching for a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, consider Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Dr. Matt is passionate about creating the ultimate dental experience for all of his patients. Contact us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a visit!

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Make Your Child’s First Visit A Positive One

Visiting the dentist can be a scary experience for anyone, but especially children. The sounds, smell, environment, and experience are completely new and unlike anywhere else they’ve been before. For parents of little ones, preparation is key. The first visit to the pediatric dentist can be a great experience when parents and dental professionals work together.

The importance of first impressions is not lost on us. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to provide a fun, comfortable, and uplifting environment for children and their parents every single time because we know your child’s oral health is dependent on it!

To increase the chances of your child’s first visit being a positive one, follow these guidelines:

1. Watch dental-themed TV shows

Your child’s favorite TV character probably has a show about going to the dentist. We know for sure that Peppa Pig, Arthur, andBubble Guppies all have episodes about visiting the dentist for the first time. These allow your little one to experience the dentist through someone else’s eyes. Typically, the character initially fears the dentist, then realizes it’s not scary at all!

2. Speak positively about the dentist

Many times, children are scared of the dentist because they’ve heard their parents speak negatively about their experiences. However, that doesn’t have to be the case for your child.

Use positive language when talking about your child’s upcoming appointment. This includes using uplifting words as well as explaining the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

Here are some helpful talking points:

Preventing cavities
Keeping a beautiful smile
Getting rid of bad breath
Creating good habits

3. Schedule the appointment appropriately

If at all possible, try to schedule your child’s appointment in the morning or after their afternoon nap. Typically, this is when children are happiest. Try not to schedule their appointment during nap time or lunchtime. This way, the dental experience is better for everyone!

Additionally, schedule at a time that works well for you. If you’re rushing to get to the appointment after work or picking up your child from school, the entire experience could be compromised. We encourage parents to arrive at least ten minutes early to fill out any needed paperwork and give their child more time to get comfortable in the new environment.

4. Bring comfort items

Does your little one sleep with a stuffed animal or favorite blanket? Bring it along! Sitting in the dentist’s chair alone may seem a little scary, but their favorite comfort item can provide some relief.

Of course, you will always be near your child to comfort him if he becomes overwhelmed, but a little extra reassurance is never a bad idea!

5. Offer a reward for good behavior

If your child responds well to rewards and is a little anxious about the visit, promising a new toy or ice cream run afterward could be the encouragement he needs. Not only with this make him more excited, but he will also have something to distract him during the appointment.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today

The first step towards preparing for the first visit is to schedule it! Then you can begin preparing your little one.

If your child doesn’t have a pediatric dentist or you aren’t satisfied with your current one, Dr. Matt and our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids would love to have you! Contact us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Keep Cavities Away at Every Age

In her article for Parents, Rebecca Felsenthal states that cavities are “more common among young children than any other chronic illness, including asthma and diabetes.” She goes on to say that at least 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay due to an increase of sugar in their diets. It may seem inevitable, but cavities don’t have to be a part of your little one’s future. Scientists and dentists have completed decades of studies that tell us exactly how and why cavities occur, therefore we have the upper hand when fighting against them!

Babies aren’t born with disease-causing bacteria in their mouths. They are introduced to the bacteria by sharing spoons and toothbrushes with their parents. However, children who aren’t exposed to this bacterium may eventually have a cavity or two.

Here’s how to fight against cavities at every age:

Babies (0-1)

Even babies without teeth require oral hygiene. Breast-fed and bottle-fed babies are susceptible to something called baby-bottle tooth decay (BBTD) which leads to cavities and other oral health problems later on. This is most common in babies who fall asleep while drinking milk, formula, or juice.

To prevent BBTD, dentists recommend parents wipe their babies’ gums at least once per day. When the teeth erupt, the parent should wipe the teeth as well and brush with a fluoride-free toothpaste as soon as possible.

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry also recommends that babies have their first dental appointment when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday.

Toddlers (1-3)

For toddler parents will just build upon the baby-care guidelines. Parents should talk to a pediatric dentist about using fluoride toothpaste to clean their toddler’s teeth. When the child has two teeth that are touching, floss should be introduced.

We recommend brushing twice a day for at least 30 seconds. Find a position that is comfortable for you and your little one and be sure to rinse their mouth out with water after brushing.

Preschool (3-5)

At this age, your little one is probably getting a little more independent. This is a great time to teach her how to brush her own teeth! Of course, she will still need your help to ensure every part of her mouth is cleaned.

At this age, parents should lead by example and try to set an oral hygiene routine with their child. Brush and floss together in the morning and evening. It’s also so important to provide mouth-healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Learn more about that in this blog!

School-Age (5-17)

While the routine may stay the same, the toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss will change many times as your little one grows into a teenager and adult.

In the beginning, continue to check your child’s mouth to ensure no plaque is left behind. Parents may want to introduce mouthwash into their child’s oral hygiene routine as well. Be sure to ask your pediatric dentist for mouthwash recommendations.

Check out some of our other blogs to learn about the proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as how to make oral hygiene fun!

Fighting Cavities in Overland Park

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is passionate about preventing dental decay in children of all ages. Be sure to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentist to ensure your little one has the best chance of avoiding cavities.

Call (913) 685-9990 today.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Brushing and Flossing Tips from a Children’s Dentist

Brushing and flossing are two of the first things we teach our children about hygiene. Parents begin this process as soon as their child’s first tooth emerges, and children learn by watching their parents care for their own teeth. Though brushing and flossing for adults are simple and sensible, children don’t always view them the same way.

The first step to helping children understand why oral hygiene is important is to explain why we do it. Of course, we know that brushing and flossing are two of the best defenses against tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Tell that to your little one and he or she may not understand.

Find a way to describe the process that’s fun for your child. Describe the plaque in their mouth as the “bad guys” and the toothbrush and floss as the “good guys” and create a fun story for them to be a part of.

Continue reading for more helpful brushing and flossing tips from our children’s dentist!

Proper Techniques

It’s not enough for someone to just have a toothbrush or floss in their mouth two times a day; these tools must be used properly. Be sure to use the following guidelines when teaching your child how to brush and floss.

Brushing

To encourage brushing, we recommend allowing your child to pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste at the store. Just be sure to ask your dentist about the best toothpaste for your little one! Once he or she has the tools picked out, follow this technique:

Place a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush
Brush the top, front, and back sides of each tooth in small circles
Don’t forget the tongue and roof!
Spit and rinse

Check out this video for a kid-friendly way to explain this technique!

Flossing

There are two types of floss: traditional and dental floss picks. For children, dental floss picks may be easier in the beginning, but we encourage parents to teach their children how to use traditional floss as it is more effective.

Here are the proper techniques for both types of floss.

Traditional:

Take about 18 inches of string
Wrap most of it around one finger (we recommend the pointer)
Wind the rest around the opposite finger—not too tightly!
Bring the floss up one side of a tooth and down the other
Be sure to reach all the way down to the gum lines
After cleaning each tooth, unwind the floss from one finger and collect it with the other

Floss picks:

Move the floss up and down the sides of each tooth, paying close attention to the gum line
Rinse the floss after cleaning each tooth
Replace the pick when the string looks worn

Make It Fun!

Many adults find oral hygiene to be boring and unnecessary. That’s why we aren’t surprised when parents tell us that their child refuses to practice good oral hygiene.

If that’s the case for you, try these three tips from our children’s dentist:

Make it a family event. Invite your little one into the bathroom with you and other family members, put some music on, and make brushing and flossing a party!
Use rewards. Create a brushing and flossing chart with stickers that show your child getting closer and closer to a reward. Once he or she reaches that mark, go for ice cream or to the store to pick out a toy—you know what your child likes best!
Utilize technology. Sometimes a distraction is exactly what we need to get something done. Allow your little one to watch a video or listen to her favorite song while she brushes and flosses.

For More Brushing and Flossing Tips

Want to know more about your child’s oral health and hygiene? Call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matt.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Is there a kids’ dentist near me who sees new patients?

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your little one is an important and meaningful task. As a parent, we know that you desire for your child to grow up to be happy, healthy, and successful. Though we may have different definitions of those words, we can all agree that good oral hygiene affects each of those areas. After all, healthy, beautiful teeth certainly encourage smiling, improve confidence, and have a positive impact on overall health.

So, what’s the first step in helping your child achieve good oral hygiene? We believe the answer is finding the right kid’s dentist! Aside from asking for recommendations from friends and family, we recommend using the internet and your research skills to find the best “kid’s dentist near me.”

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what to look for and where to find it!

1. Experience

The saying “experience is the best teacher” is a saying for a reason—it’s true! It’s the reason we ask for references when we hire a handyman or babysitter. We want to know that the person is good at what they do and that they have had enough experience to perfect their craft.

When searching for a “kid’s dentist near me” to care for your little one, experience is a must. Pediatric dentists are trained to know how your child’s mouth should be developing but experience helps them know what to do when it’s not. Experience is especially helpful when learning how to handle children’s behavior in the dentist’s chair.

Where to find it: You should find information about a dentist’s experience on his website under the “About the Dentist/Doctor” tab. You can read about our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, here.

2. Good communication skills

A pediatric dentist should know how to communicate well with both children and adults. It is their responsibility to teach toddlers, adolescents, teens, and their parents about proper oral hygiene habits and routines.

Where to find it: The best way to learn if a dentist has good communication skills is to visit the office in person. However, we know that’s not always possible. The next best thing is to read patient reviews on Google. You can find ours here!

3. Passion

There’s nothing worse than dealing with a person who doesn’t love his or her job. Not only are they miserable, but they bring everyone around them down too. We see this in every profession, and pediatric dentists are no exception.

Patients can easily tell if their dentist is passionate about what he does. It shows in his countenance, office environment, and even on his website! Find the “kids’ dentist near me” that seems to give his all in every area of his practice.

Where to find it: Visit the dentist’s website, watch any informational videos, and read through the reviews for details about the dentist.

4. A welcoming presence

Children are often nervous or scared when they visit the dentist for the first time. A great pediatric dentist will make every patient (and their parents) feel as comfortable as possible during their visit. This includes making sure every team member is friendly and warm as soon as patients walk through the door.

Where to find it: We recommend an old-fashioned, in-person visit for this one! Of course, online reviews are helpful too.

Our Kid’s Dentist Near You

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we always look forward to welcoming new patients into our family! We do our best to provide a warm, fun, and safe environment for children of all ages. We know you’ll find all these qualities and more at our Overland Park office.

Call (913) 685-9990 today to schedule an initial consultation for your little one.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

What to expect at your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist’s office and how to make it great!

A child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist can be overwhelming for both the parent and the child. Unfortunately, dentists get a bad rap, but our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is here to change that! During your child’s first visit, and every visit after that, we promise to provide gentle and compassionate care in a fun environment.

If you didn’t know, children should visit the dentist six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). In this blog, we’ll discuss what happens during this appointment and provide tips to help parents prepare for their child’s first visit to the dentist.

The First Visit

At our practice, your child’s comfort, happiness, and dental health are our top priorities. We know the first visit will have a lasting impression on you and your child, so we want to make it a good one!

Here’s what happens during your child’s first pediatric dental appointment:

1. Review medical and dental history

While your child may not have a long medical or dental history, every detail matters. The dentist may also ask for details about your dental and medical history to help him predict any future oral health problems or orthodontic issues that your child could encounter.

2. Dental cleaning or polishing and discussion about oral hygiene habits

If necessary, a dental assistant will perform a gentle dental cleaning or polishing. During this time, the assistant and dentist will also inform the parent of the best oral hygiene habits for their little one. This might include:

Cleaning the gums after feeding
Types of toothpaste
Baby bottle tooth decay
Thumb and pacifier habits
Cavity prevention

3. An oral exam

During this part of the appointment, your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw will be examined by the dentist to ensure they are developing properly. If there are any signs of tooth decay, he will recommend the appropriate treatment. Dental x-rays may also be taken if necessary.

When parents bring their children to the dentist regularly, he is able to track the child’s oral health development to predict and prevent future problems.

Tips for the First Visit

Though we are committed to creating a fun and positive experience for every child, there’s only so much we can do. Parents are the experts on their children, and we need their help!

Here are three tips for parents who are preparing for their child’s first visit:

Schedule the appointment at a good time. You know when your little one is happiest. For many, its right after a nap or early in the morning. If possible, try to schedule his or her first visit at that time. This makes the entire appointment more pleasant for your child, you, and us.
Watch a dental-themed TV show. Your child’s favorite TV show character probably has an episode about his or her first visit to the dentist. Watching that episode can help your child view the dentist’s office in a positive light and reduce any fear or anxiety.
Bring comfort items. You are most likely your child’s favorite comfort item, but he probably has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that he likes to carry around, too. Bring whatever it is along to help him feel safer and more comfortable in our chair.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today

As a part of his commitment to good oral health for all children, Dr. Matt offers free cleanings and exams for children under two years old. We’re excited to have your family join ours at Smiles Dentistry for Kids!

Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

About Dr. Matt, Pediatric Dentist at Smiles Dentistry for Kids

As parents, we want the very best for our children, but finding a great pediatric dentist isn’t always easy. Pediatric dentistry requires the dentist to be passionate about oral health, love children, and communicate well. And while you want the dentist to connect with your child, you want to connect with him too. After all, the two of you will combine efforts to help your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

To find the best pediatric dentist near you, you should (1) ask friends and family for referrals, (2) check Google reviews, (3) browse the dentists’ websites, and (4) schedule a first visit.

If you live in or around Overland Park, KS, consider Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. He has all of the qualities we discussed above and more!

Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Matt and our pediatric dental practice.

Our Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Matthew Hillman, known as Dr. Matt, is doing exactly what he loves to do—teaching children and their parents how to prevent dental decay in a fun, comfortable environment. His journey began at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Once he graduated, he moved on to Northwestern University and Children’s Memorial Hospital where he started his post-graduate residency program in Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Matt is now a board-certified pediatric dentist through the American Board of Pediatric Dentists. His passion, knowledge, and energy are what make him one of the best pediatric dentists around. It was out of his desire to create a fun, family-friendly environment that he established Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

Our Practice

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to provide quality care for every child and create an environment that makes the entire family feel welcomed and comfortable. We use easy-to-understand language, so you and your child know exactly what’s going on during the visit.

Our office is a fun place to be! We’ve chosen bright, cheerful colors because that’s how we want people to feel when they walk in and when they leave. There are also movies, cartoons, and video games available.

Each of our team members is highly skilled and trained so parents can trust that their children are receiving the best possible care.

Here are four ways we strive to provide personalized and exceptional dental care for your child:

Consistency: You and your child will see Dr. Matt at every single visit.
Diligence: We will never rush through your child’s appointment. We take our time so we can carefully and thoroughly examine your child’s mouth and meet his or her oral health needs.
Individualized care: We recognize that every child is unique. Their visit with us will be tailored to their individual personality.
No surprises: Our administration team understands your dental benefits and works closely with your insurance so there are no unexpected charges on your dental bill.

Dental Care Tips

Your child’s mouth is like his fingerprint—it’s the only one in the world. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt is passionate about helping parents understand the best ways to care for their child’s mouth.

Do you ever wonder if you’re brushing your child’s teeth the right way? And when should they start flossing? Are those juice boxes having a negative or positive impact on their oral health?

Dr. Matt can answer all of these questions and more! He’s full of information about oral health, and once he has examined your child’s mouth, he can give you tips that are tailored to your child.

To schedule an appointment to meet Dr. Matt and our friendly dental team, call us today at (913) 685-9990.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

How to Find a Great Kids’ Dentist Near Me

We all desire for our children to grow up happy and healthy, and their mouths have so much to do with that! When a child or teen has a healthy, beautiful smile, they feel more confident and capable to do things that they may otherwise shy away from.

The key to helping your child create good oral hygiene habits is choosing a kids’ dentist (also called a pediatric dentist) that they love. Finding a great dentist for your child could be the difference between creating a positive, healthy view of oral hygiene and a negative, fearful one.

To find a great pediatric dentist, you must know what you’re looking for. When you ask friends or family members for recommendations, or when you search Google, be sure to choose a “kids’ dentist near me” with these five qualities:

1. Experience

Pediatric dentists are specialists. This means that a large part of their education was centered around working with children and learning how their mouths develop. It’s important to choose a kids’ dentist that knows and understands exactly what should be happening and when as it pertains to your child’s teeth.

Pediatric dentists also have years of experience in handling children of all ages (and attitudes). In fact, it’s what they sign up for! Choose a kids’ dentist so you know he won’t be surprised by anything your child throws at him (literally and figuratively).

2. A desire to educate

Kids’ dentists have a huge responsibility—teaching toddlers, adolescents, teens, and their parents the most effective oral hygiene habits. Your child’s dentist should be enthusiastic about teaching you and your child how to brush and floss properly. He should also do so in a way that’s easy for kids and adults to understand.

A pediatric dentist will be eager to answer any questions you have about your child’s oral health. After all, you two are working together to achieve the same goal!

3. A passion for children

Did you ever have a teacher in grade school that seemed to dislike his students? Unfortunately, that doesn’t just happen in the education field—it can happen in dentistry too. Make sure the kids’ dentist you choose actually enjoys children.

You’ll should be able to tell pretty quickly how much the dentist enjoys children by the office environment, the attention he gives your child, and his overall countenance. Truly, it’s not hard to tell when someone doesn’t enjoy their job. Just don’t let it affect you! Move on to the next pediatric dentist until you find one who cares about your child’s oral health as much as you do.

4. Knowledge of children

In addition to knowing how children’s teeth work, pediatric dentists must understand how children are wired in order to work with them. Your child’s dentist should know how to keep your child’s attention, distract him from uncomfortable moments, and help him relax in fun ways.

5. A friendly spirit

Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A great pediatric dentist will ensure you and your child feel welcome and valued during the first visit and each time after by doing the following:

Getting to know you
Getting to know your child
Providing a comfortable, fun environment
Offering a tour
Having a kind, welcoming dental team

Our Kids’ Dentist

Looking for a kids’ dentist in Overland Park? Look no further! Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids has all of these qualities and more. Our desire is to create a fun, comfortable environment for kids of all ages to enjoy.

To meet with our friendly and experienced pediatric dentist, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Top 10 Q&A About Dentistry for Kids

Dental care for infants and children can seem overwhelming but having a knowledgeable and helpful pediatric dentist on your team can make everything much simpler! A great pediatric dentist is passionate about three things: dental care, children, and patient education. This trifecta ensures that the dentist you choose will care for your little one’s oral development just as much as you do AND have the tools to teach you everything you need to know.

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, certainly meets the standard of a great pediatric dentist. For this reason, he is the go-to guy for so many parents in the Overland Park area.

Here are some of the most frequent questions he receives from concerned and caring parents every day:

1. How do I best clean my baby’s teeth?

Your baby’s teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. Simply use a clean, damp washcloth, finger brush, or gauze pad to wipe the top, front, and back of the new teeth and the tip of the tongue. This should be done after meals and at bedtime.

You may also use a pediatric-dentist-approved baby toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste. These toothbrushes are extremely soft and have no more than three rows of bristles. Toothbrushes or finger brushes that are more than two months old should be thrown out and replaced.

2. How old should my baby be before I introduce her to fluoride toothpaste?

As soon as the first tooth emerges! Dentists used to recommend waiting until age two, but new discoveries have changed that fact. As stated in question one, you’ll only use a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste until your baby reaches three years of age.

3. How do I keep my kid’s teeth healthy?

For children above age three, follow these guidelines:

Brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening
Floss daily
Reduce sugar in their diet
Drink lots of water
Visit a pediatric dentist regularly

To receive more detailed oral health tips, visit a pediatric dentist who can evaluate your child’s mouth and determine his specific oral health needs.

4. What should I do if my child has a toothache?

If your child is complaining about tooth pain, first rinse the area with warm saltwater. Then, place a cold compress on the side of the face where the pain is (especially if it’s swollen). If necessary, give him or her children’s pain medication. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. Finally, contact your pediatric dentist.

If your child is experiencing a fever, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms along with the toothache, contact your pediatric dentist immediately for an emergency visit.

5. How are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful?

Fortunately, most children stop these habits on their own so they don’t pose any problems. However, if your child still sucks his thumb or uses a pacifier past age three, you may need the help of a pediatric dentist to avoid oral development problems such as:

Misalignment
Overbite or underbite
A lisp
Sensitivity or changes to the roof of their mouth

6. At what age should a child brush their own teeth?

Most children learn to brush their teeth around age six. However, as the parent, you know your child best! It’s never too early to begin teaching your child to brush his own teeth. Just remember to oversee and assist him until you’re confident he’s doing it correctly.

7. When should my child receive their first dental exam?

At least six months after their first tooth emerges. The pediatric dentist will check to make sure everything is developing properly and give you tips on how to care for your child’s mouth.

8. What should I expect on our first visit?

Your child’s first visit to the dentist usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. It will be very laidback and simple. Not every dentist is the same, but here’s what our first-time patient experience includes:

Office tour
Meeting the dentist and team members
Reviewing your child’s dental and medical history
Discussion about healthy teeth and jaw development
Review of your oral healthcare routine
An oral exam
A conversation about your child’s oral health needs

If appropriate, the pediatric dentist may suggest a dental cleaning.

9. How frequently should a baby see the dentist?

Infants, toddlers, adolescents, and adults should all visit the dentist every six months. This is the best way to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

In some cases, your pediatric dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

10. What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are to dentistry what pediatricians are to medicine. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of specialty training that makes them experts on children’s oral health development. Family dentists treat patients of all ages, including children, but without the same training.

To meet with our pediatric dentist for specific advice about your child’s mouth, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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We are excited to welcome Dr Tara Craven to the Smiles Dentistry for Kids team!

cavities, Children's dentist, dental care tips, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist