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

4 Steps to Take When Choosing a Kids’ Dentist

Your child’s first dental experience could impact the way he feels about the dentist for the rest of his life. Feeling the pressure? Don’t stress! Choosing a kids’ dentist that prioritizes your child’s comfort and overall experience is simple when you follow four simple steps.

When you select a dentist like Dr. Matt, your child will actually enjoy going to the dentist—we guarantee it! Our dental team puts our patients first by treating them like family, caring for their developing smiles, and providing a kid-friendly office environment.

To find a great kids’ dentist near you, follow these practical steps:

Step 1: Read reviews

The quickest way to find the nearest pediatric dentists is to type “pediatric dentist near me” in the Google search bar.

The best pediatric dentists have raving reviews. To find these, check out Google Reviews or the dentist’s Facebook page. The dentists with the most five-star reviews are the ones you need to add to your list.

Be sure to read through the reviews to learn more about the dentist, the office environment, and available services.

To ensure you’re choosing the best kids’ dentist, look for reviews like this one:

“Dr. Matt and his team are extremely professional and our incredible with their patience. My daughter has a lot of anxiety about going to the dentist and they always treat her with extreme patience and kindness. The office is decorated and bright colors and makes you want to be a kid again yourself! I would recommend this place to anyone.” – Amy Allen

Step 2: Visit the website

Now that you have a list of pediatric dentists near you, it’s time to check out their websites. Usually, the website reflects the office environment. For example, if the website is full of fun colors and happy children, that’s most likely what you’ll find when you visit the office in person!

On the website, you should also find information about:

The dentist’s background and education
A meet the staff page to familiarize yourself with people you may meet
Expectations for the first visit
Interesting blog topics

Take a good look around to find all the information you need to make the best decision for your child. If the website doesn’t answer a question you have, feel free to call the office to ask a team member.

Step 3: Schedule the First Visit

The best way to learn about a dentist, his team, and the office environment is to schedule an introductory visit. Most importantly, your time at the office will give your child a chance to develop his own opinion about the dentist and office. Remember, your child’s opinion is the most important!

Not all pediatric dentists are the same, but at Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids, you can expect the first visit to include:

An office tour
Meeting the dentist and team members
A review of your child’s dental and medical history
Information about healthy teeth and jaw development
Reviewing your oral healthcare routine
A dental cleaning (if appropriate)
An oral exam
A conversation about your child’s specific oral health needs

These visits typically take between 20 and 40 minutes. For the first appointment and each one after, you and your child can count on consistent, personalized care from our friendly dental team.

Step 4: Make the commitment

If the visit was less than satisfying, feel free to move on to the next pediatric dentist to compare experiences. However, if your first experience was exceptional—and kid-approved! —there’s no need to go anywhere else!

We believe these four steps will lead you to a kids’ dentist who meets your little one’s specific needs, offers simple and effective advice, and provides a relaxing but fun environment.

To schedule a first visit with our Overland Park pediatric dentist, call (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

Dental Care Tips for Parents: Preparing for the First Visit

Did you know that your child should visit the dentist at least six months after his or her first tooth erupts? Whether you’re right on time or a little late, the important thing is that you are preparing your little one for their first visit to the dentist now.

For that, we want to say thank you! Thank you for prioritizing your child’s oral health. Regular visits to the dentist promote the healthy development of a child’s teeth and gums which is crucial to helping them maintain a healthy smile for the rest of their lives. And it all starts with their first visit.

To help your child prepare for their first dental visit, try these five helpful tips:

1. Schedule at An Appropriate Time

Most children are happiest right after they wake up. For this reason, scheduling an appointment in the morning or after naptime is extremely beneficial for all parties involved. A happy child makes the dental appointment much easier on the parents and the dental team. Your child will also be well-rested so you don’t have to worry about him falling asleep during the appointment.

Bonus tip: Try to show up a little early to give your child time to explore the waiting room filled with toys, games, and bright colors. This will make him feel comfortable right away!

2. Read Dental-Themed Books (Or Watch TV Shows)

Most children’s authors and TV shows have a book or episode about a character’s first visit to the dentist. Books with pictures are a great way for your child to see what a dentist’s office looks like and hear about the character’s positive experience, and a TV show can help him acclimate to the sounds of a dentist’s office.

Check out these seven picture books to get your kid ready for the dentist. These tv shows also that have an episode about visiting the dentist: Peppa Pig, Arthur, and Bubble Guppies.

3. Use Positive Language

Unfortunately, it’s very rare to hear someone speak positively about visiting the dentist. This shouldn’t be the case for your little one. Be sure to share stories about the good experiences you’ve had at the dentist and explain all the ways dentists are beneficial.

Here are four major benefits of visiting the dentist regularly:

Keeping teeth strong and beautiful
Preventing bad breath
Preventing cavities
Creating good habits

If your child is too young to understand these reasons, remember that tone of voice can tell your child a lot about a person or place. Make the dentist office a place to be excited about!

4. Bring Comfort Items

At this point, your child has probably been to the doctor quite a few times so you know exactly what he needs to feel safe. Of course, you’ll be with your child during the entire dental visit, but feel free to bring along a favorite stuffed animal or toy to make your child feel even more at home.

5. Prepare A Reward

If your little one seems overly anxious about the first visit, promise a simple reward once it’s over. This can be anything from ice cream to a visit to the park. You know what your child loves best!

Whatever the reward, your child will have something else to look forward to during the appointment. It may even take his mind off anything that’s making him nervous during the visit.

For the First Visit, Choose the Right Dentist

Selecting an experienced pediatric dentist is the best way to ensure your child has a positive first visit to the dentist. Remember, their first dental visit will have a long-lasting impression, so make it a good one!

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, is one of the best around! To schedule an appointment for your little one, 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

Dental Care Tips for Parents: Teaching Kids to Floss

The responsibilities of parenting are great, but also rewarding. As parents, we are responsible for teaching our kids how to clean up after themselves, feed themselves, and maintain good hygiene. Oral care is a huge part of an effective hygiene routine. Most parents do a great job of teaching their children how to brush properly, but flossing tends to be more difficult.

Children can begin flossing their own teeth at age seven or eight, but it’s never too early to teach them! In fact, you should start teaching your child to floss when he or she has two teeth that touch one another.

In this blog, Dr. Matt gives dental care tips that will help make flossing simple and enjoyable for your little one!

Before we begin, we should answer: Why is flossing important?

Brushing is obviously the first line of defense against decay, bad breath, and gum disease, but flossing is a close second. Dental floss gets to the parts of the mouth that toothbrushes can’t.

Food and plaque love to hide between teeth and along the gum line. If not removed by flossing, cavities or gum disease may develop.

Now that you know the “why”, let’s get to the “how”.

Proper Flossing Technique

Dental floss comes in two types: traditional dental floss and dental floss picks. The technique you use will depend on which type of floss you and your child choose.

Traditional Floss

Break off about 18 inches of floss and have your child wrap most of it around one finger (usually the pointer) on the left or right hand. He or she will wind the rest of the floss around one finger on the other hand (just make sure it’s not too tight!). The finger with the most amount of floss will release between each tooth and the other will collect the used floss.

Have your child take the floss up one side of the tooth and down the other side making sure to get along the gum line of both the top and bottom teeth.

Repeat this between each pair of teeth.

Dental Floss Picks

Many children (and even many adults) prefer to use dental floss picks. Honestly, they are easier, but they aren’t quite as effective as regular floss. For adults, we would suggest using traditional floss, but picks are still a great option for kids who have a more difficult time with traditional floss.

Dental floss picks are either harp- or Y-shaped. Simply run the floss up and down the teeth like you would with traditional floss. Rinse off the floss between teeth and switch the pick when the floss looks worn.

How to Make Flossing Fun

If you’re struggling to get your child to floss, here are three ways to make it enjoyable:

Do it together! Put on some fun music, make silly faces in the mirror, and get to flossing. Your child will love spending extra time with you (and will hopefully enjoy flossing too!).
Use a reward system. A flossing chart is a great way to encourage your child to floss daily. Each time your child flosses, put a sticker on the chart. For every five consecutive days he or she flosses, offer a reward of some sort—we’ll let you decide what that is!
Let them choose the floss. Before teaching your child to floss, take him to the store to pick out the type and flavor of floss he wants to use. Flossing with their favorite color or a tasty flavor is a great incentive.

Another Dental Care Tip

Along with brushing and flossing, your child should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. Contact a pediatric dentist near you today to schedule an appointment.

To meet with Dr. Matt or for additional dental care tips, call (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

Dress to Win: A Pediatric Dentist Talks About Mouth Injuries in Sports

As parents, we love to see our children having fun and trying new things! There’s hardly anything sweeter than watching your child run around the bases during their first tee-ball game or run up and down the soccer field. Not only is it exciting for us to watch, it’s both fun and healthy for them. Sports help kids develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Unfortunately, participation in athletics also comes with some risks to your child’s physical wellbeing—including their teeth. This shouldn’t stop you from allowing them to play! In this blog, Dr. Matt suggests practical ways to protect your child’s teeth during sporting events.

Tooth Injuries in Sports

Before we get to the “how,” let’s talk about why injury prevention is so important. Here are the most common types of tooth injuries in sports:

Knocked-out tooth

If your child loses a baby tooth during a sports game, it may seem like no big deal, but there could be serious consequences. The impact that made your child’s tooth fall out could also cause damage to the underlying nerves, tissue, or permanent tooth.

Cracked tooth

A cracked or fractured tooth could be a simple fix, but it can also lead to serious dental problems. You should take your child to the dentist immediately if he or she experiences these symptoms:

Sharp pain when biting
Tooth pain that comes and goes
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods

These symptoms arise because cracks and chips can expose the innermost part of the tooth. This requires immediate professional care.

Fractured Root

When the root of the tooth is cracked, it often spreads to the chewing surface of the tooth. This is usually not visible to the eye, and sometimes there aren’t any symptoms, until an infection develops. If this is the case, your child may need root canal therapy.

Prevention

Here are two of the best ways to protect your child’s teeth during an athletic event:

Get a custom mouthguard

The American Dental Association reported that of the 5 million teeth that are knocked out each year, 13-39% of them are a result of sports-related injuries. Mouthguards can help lower that percentage because they are essential to protecting your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw during contact sports.

Most children don’t want to wear mouthguards because they are uncomfortable. To combat this, your dentist can create a custom mouthguard that fits your child’s mouth perfectly.

Another reason to have a mouthguard made is to prevent concussions. According to Science Daily, a custom-made mouthguard reduces an athlete’s risk of concussion by half.

Put on a helmet

Helmets help absorb the brunt of any sort of impact to the head. As a result, wearing a helmet protects children from head, jaw, and teeth injuries.

Your kid is most likely wearing a helmet during football or baseball games, but make sure he is wearing a helmet during practice too. While practice may not be as intense as games, there are still many chances for your child to be injured.

Encourage your child to wear a helmet while skateboarding, skiing, or snowboarding as well.

While helmets will help protect your child’s head and teeth, they aren’t nearly as beneficial as mouthguards. It’s best to give your child both a mouthguard and helmet to ensure he is as safe as possible.

Treatment

If your child does experience a dental injury, follow this protocol:

Call a pediatric dentist, like Dr. Matt, immediately
Place the tooth (whole or part) in a Ziplock bag with milk
Keep the milk and tooth cold
Bring to the dentist

Protect Your Child’s Teeth Every Day

Children’s teeth need to be protected and cared for every day through good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental cleanings. Our pediatric dentist and dental team are passionate about helping your child achieve a healthy mouth because we love seeing happy children!

Contact our friendly dental team today at 913-685-9990 to schedule your child’s cleaning and exam 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

Children’s Dentist Explains: The Effects of Sugar on Your Child’s Teeth

If you’re like us, sugar is the main ingredient in some of your favorite foods—cookies, pie, ICE CREAM. But did you know sugar is also hidden in unsuspected places like ketchup, fruit-flavored yogurt, spaghetti sauce, granola bars, and canned soup? It’s easy for parents to limit their child’s sugar intake when it comes to desserts and candy, but when sugar is hidden in seemingly healthy foods, planning snacks and meals can get tricky.

According to the American Heart Association, children between two and 18 should eat no more than 25 grams of sugar a day. Consuming more than this can harm your child’s oral and overall health.

In this blog, we will show you the impact sugar has on your child’s teeth, how to spot hidden sugars in foods and snacks, and healthier alternatives to sugary foods.

If you’ve noticed that your little one has more cavities than you think he should, or his gums are red and puffy, contact our children’s dentist today to schedule a regular dental cleaning and exam.

Sugar vs. Teeth

In our mouths are billions of bacteria. Good oral hygiene habits, eating healthy, and regular dental cleanings keep the bad bacteria from over-powering the healthy bacteria.

When a person (young or old) consumes sugar, the harmful bacteria in our mouths turn the sugar into acid that causes enamel to soften, then eats away at the enamel on our teeth. As the harmful bacteria spread and overpowers the healthy pH in saliva, our mouths become much more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.

Sugar vs. Body

Along with causing oral health problems, too much sugar is linked to childhood obesity and malnutrition. In turn, these an unhealthy consumption of sugar can lead to diabetes, a weakened immune system, and a lack of energy.

Sugar is also known to cause brain fog, which can make focusing in school more difficult for children.

Sugar in Disguise

Remember that line from Romeo and Juliet? “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. “

This same concept applies to sugar. No matter what we call it, sugar has the same effect.

To help you spot hidden sugars, check for these names on food labels:

High fructose corn syrup
Rice syrup
Any other kind of syrup
Agave nectar
Honey
Fruit juice concentrate
Evaporated can juice
100% fruit juice
The suffix “-ose” (fructose, sucrose, dextrose, lactose, maltose, glucose)

Another way to spot hidden sugars is by checking the “added sugar” line on the food label.

Healthy Alternatives

Beginning a new food journey can be overwhelming. To lessen your stress and show you how doable lowering your child’s sugar intake is, we’ve compiled a list of delicious, healthy, low-sugar snacks that your child will love!

Celery and cream cheese
String cheese
Popcorn
Pretzels
Guacamole and pita wedges
Hard-boiled eggs
Zucchini chips
Parmesan fries
Sweet potato chips
Pepper nachos

Check out this blog to learn about portion sizes, how to prepare these snacks, and other snack ideas.

Other ways to limit your child’s sugar intake include:

Limiting juice and soft drinks – choose water!
Keeping candy out of the home
Only making desserts on special occasions

Visit a Children’s Dentist

One of the most effective ways to combat tooth decay is to visit the dentist regularly. Your child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled as soon as the first tooth erupts. He or she should attend regular dental cleaning and exams every six months following the first appointment.

Schedule a dental cleaning and exam with Dr. Matt today by calling 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

10 Questions for Your Pediatric Dentist

For healthy teeth and gums, regular dental visits are essential—especially for children! Using proper brushing and flossing techniques at home is great, but nothing beats the thorough cleaning that only happens at the dentist’s office. Keeping your child’s mouth clean is important for their overall health.

So, if you’re getting ready to take your child in for a regular dental cleaning and exam, check out these common questions parents have for their child’s pediatric dentist.

For more detailed information, ask our team at Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids during your child’s appointment.

1. Why do baby teeth matter?

Even though baby teeth don’t last forever, they serve some pretty important purposes. Baby teeth help your child move from mushy baby food to solid foods that supports good nutrition. They help your child speak clearly and support their jawbone until the permanent teeth develop.

2. How often should my child visit the dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should have their first dental visit as soon as their first tooth erupts and every six months after that. These visits will help track your child’s dental development, prevent tooth decay, and inform you about ways to best care for your child’s teeth.

By attending these regular dental appointments, you will be setting your child up for oral health success when he or she gets older!

3. Should I brush my baby’s teeth?

Absolutely! As soon as your baby’s first tooth erupts, you can use a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to clean his or her tooth. Use toothpaste that is recommended by your pediatric dentist, follow the instructions, and make sure your child does not swallow excess toothpaste.

4. Will thumb-sucking hurt my baby’s dental development?

Before age three, thumb-sucking shouldn’t be a problem. However, it can become a problem if your child continues to suck on his or her thumb after their third birthday.

Talk to your dentist about the best ways to wean your child off thumb-sucking (or using a pacifier).

5. How much fluoride is safe for my child?

Fluoride can be found in most tap water sources and toothpaste. As long as these are your child’s only sources of fluoride, there shouldn’t be a problem.

In fact, as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, you should use fluoride toothpaste (albeit, an amount the size of a grain of rice) to brush it.

Stay away from fluoridated mouthwash until your dentist recommends it or your child is more than six years old.

As long as you follow these guidelines (and recommendations from your dentist) your child shouldn’t experience any negative effects of fluoride. However, if you notice a change in the appearance ofyour child’s teeth, talk to your dentist or healthcare provider.

6. How do I keep my child from being afraid of the dentist?

The best thing you can do is talk about the dentist in a positive way. Many adults are afraid of the dentist and pass that fear on to their child. This can make pediatric dental appointments difficult for both of you.

You can also find books or tv shows about the character’s first dental appointment, promise your child a treat after the appointment, or tell him or her a positive story about a time you went to the dentist.

Hopefully, the pediatric dentist and dental team you’ve chosen also help make going to the dentist fun for your little one.

7. Are dental x-rays safe?

X-rays are one of the most important parts of the diagnosis process. To keep your child safe, and lower the risk of radiation exposure, your dentist will use protective gear, keep up with the latest technology, and follow American Dental Association guidelines.

These things make the risk of radiation exposure almost nonexistent. It is actually much riskier to leave a dental problem undetected than it is to have an x-ray.

8. Are dental sealants worth it?

Dental sealants are a thin coating that protects your child’s back teeth from cavities for up to four years. This will save you time and money in the long run. We’d say that’s worth it!

9. How is a pediatric dentist different from a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat and care for children from infancy to adolescence. Family dentists typically receive a more general education so that they can treat patients of all ages.

In addition, pediatric dentists design their offices specifically for children to feel comfortable. Their goal is to create a fun and educational environment that children enjoy coming to.

10. How can I help my child avoid baby bottle tooth decay?

Baby bottle tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in infants. To protect your baby’s teeth, follow these guidelines:

Clean your baby’s gums with a washcloth or gauze pad after feeding
Make sure he or she is getting enough fluoride
Brush the baby’s new teeth
Schedule regular dental visits

Ready to meet with your pediatric dentist? Call today to schedule an appointment for your little one!

To meet with Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids, contact our friendly team 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

Is there a great pediatric dentist near me?

There’s a popular quote from Theodore Roosevelt that says, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” This is especially true for medical professionals.

A pediatric dentist doesn’t become great by simply having a good education. A great pediatric dentist will make your child feel safe, cared for, and important. In doing so, your child is much more likely to look forward to visiting the dentist and taking care of their teeth at home.

The best pediatric dentist for your child will have these five characteristics:

1. A love for children

This may seem obvious, but if you ever had a teacher who seemed to dislike all of their students, you know why this isn’t such a silly quality to look for. As a student, you didn’t care if that teacher went to Harvard or had a doctorate, you probably just wanted out of that class.

The same is true for a pediatric dentist. He or she should love dentistry AND children in order to provide quality care and keep their little patients at ease.

When you meet with a pediatric dentist for the first time, watch how he or she interacts with your child, and don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

What made you choose pediatric dentistry?
What other experience do you have with children?
Do you have children of your own?
What do you love about your job?

2. A good education

Just as important as a love for children (or maybe a little more so) is the dentist’s education. Their website should give you information about there educational background.

If you can’t find it on the website, ask questions about their education during your first visit.

3. Knowledge of children

To work with children, pediatric dentists must understand how children are wired. A pediatric dentist should be able to keep your child’s attention, distract them from uncomfortable moments, and calm them in fun and friendly ways.

Obviously, your children’s dentist should also be an expert on children’s teeth—always looking for signs of common dental issues in children caused by thumb sucking, pacifier use, and teeth grinding.

As a parent, you should feel confident that your child’s dentist can answer all of your questions about your child’s oral health. If not, it may be time to start looking for another dentist.

4. A teaching spirit

A huge part of children’s dentistry is educating both children and adults on oral health and best oral health practices. Your pediatric dentist should be able to explain these things to you and your child in a way that is easy to understand and put into practice.

You should never feel like a burden to your dentist because you have questions. That’s exactly what they are for! Choose a pediatric dentist who is happy to listen to and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health needs.

5. An approachable countenance

Talking with someone in the medical field can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Your pediatric dentist should make you feel welcome the first time you meet and every time after that. You and your child should feel completely comfortable in his or her presence.

This relationship shouldn’t be one-sided; your pediatric dentist should make an effort to get to know you and your child as well.

A Great Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids has a love for both children AND dentistry. We think he’s one of the best around!

Don’t just take our word for it, schedule an appointment for your child by contacting our friendly team 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

Dental Care for Kids: Awesome Stocking Stuffers

Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner? If you’re a parent, one of the best things about Christmas is the look on your child’s face as he or she opens presents and discovers their stocking stuffer goodies. If you’re here, you are probably looking for some alternative ideas to candy and other typical stocking stuffers. We’ve got you covered!

Check out this list of great stocking stuffer ideas that make dental care for kids a priority and help your child look forward to their oral hygiene routine.

1. A toothbrush

What better time to get your child a super-fun toothbrush than Christmas? Whether your child likes Batman, My Little Pony, or something in between, you can find a toothbrush they will enjoy using every morning and evening. Toothbrushes that sing and electrical toothbrushes are great for helping kids effectively brush their teeth.

You can find the perfect toothbrush for your child on Amazon!

2. Tasty dental products

Bubblegum, fruity, and sweet-flavored toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash will be an exciting change for a child who isn’t a fan of minty dental products—just make sure they don’t swallow it!

When choosing a toothpaste or mouthwash for your child, keep these things in mind:

Choose products that contain fluoride
Look for the ADA Seal of Approval
If your child is under two, check with your dentist about which types of toothpaste to use
Children under six shouldn’t use mouthwash

3. Healthy snacks

We know you will probably throw some chocolate, sour candy, or hard candies into your child’s stocking, but you can add more variety with these delicious and nutritious treats:

Raisins
Nuts
Sugar-free gum

Maintain Healthy Smiles Year-Round

These stocking stuffers will not only bring joy to your children, they will also set them up for success when it comes to their oral (and overall!) health. With their new toothbrush and toothpaste, teach them how to properly care for their teeth with a fun and effective oral hygiene routine.

This routine should include:

Brushing: Teach your child to brush for at least one minute in the morning or evening. He or she should use small circles to brush all sides of each tooth. If you bought your child a singing toothbrush, the song should end when your child should stop brushing! This is such a fun way to keep your child brushing. (Don’t forget to join in on the fun by brushing your teeth at the same time or singing along with the toothbrush!)
Flossing: Children should begin flossing as soon as their teeth fit close together (so, as young as two). This will probably require some help from you in the beginning. You can make flossing more fun by creating a story about the hero (the floss) who saves the teeth from the “plaque monster” that hide between teeth.
Mouthwash: For children over the age of six, now is the time to put that tasty mouthwash to use! Take part in this oral hygiene habit with your own mouthwash and make silly faces while you both swish the mouthwash around in your mouths. After one minute, have a silly-face contest to see who can make the other spit it out faster! Disclaimer: this can be messy, but it’s so worth it!

One of the most important parts of maintaining your child’s oral health is visiting the dentist every six months. After the busyness of the holidays is over, contact your pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment.

To visit our Overland Park children’s dentist, contact 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 the Right Children’s Dentist Near Me

Kids are smart. The experience your children have at the dentist’s office today will affect how they feel about dentists for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, a lot of adults hate dentists – that’s a fact. They’re scared of us.

Our goal is to change that for future generations.

When you and your kids visit Dr. Matt, you’ll have fun. Yes, you’ll have fun at the dentist’s office!

Just because all pediatric dentists are educated on the intricacies of children’s dental care doesn’t mean that we’re all alike. If you’re looking for a great experience for your little ones, read this blog. You’ll learn 5 key questions to ask when interviewing a potential dentist for your children.

To find the best children’s dentist near you:

1. Check Google reviews.

By simply typing “children’s dentist near me Overland Park, KS” in Google, a list of pediatric dentists near you will appear. Each one should have Google Reviews, accessible from their website or their Google Map profile. Under the 3-4 dentists listed with the map, click See More. That will show you all the children’s dentists in the area.

Read through the Google Reviews and make a list of the dental offices you are most interested in.

Google reviews like this one will lead you to the right dentist for your child:

“This was our first visit to Smiles Dentistry and they were truly fantastic! Check in was quick and we had very little wait before my kids were taken back. Everything was fast, professional, efficient and perfectly suited for my kids. This is not a dental factory but a place where your child will be known and treated by amazing dental assistants and by Dr. Matt.” -Kara Martin

2. Check out the website.

You may think all dental office websites look alike, but each one has specific info parents need to check out, like:

The dentist’s educational background
Services provided
Payment/financing/insurance info
Special offers for new patients

Dr. Matt offers free exams and cleanings for children under two years old. He is highly respected in the area as a pediatric dentist, and his education is outlined on our website. Dr. Matt and our team undergo continuing education each year as well, so we’re always learning new ways to bring you the best that pediatric dentistry has to offer.

3. Schedule an introductory visit.

You can tell a lot from a first impression. Though it takes some time, visiting the dentist’s office gives you a chance to meet the dentist in person, as well as the team, and you’ll experience the office environment firsthand.

Your child’s opinion of the dentist, team, and office mean a lot. If a child doesn’t like the dentist or office, you’ll have a tough time encouraging him or her to be positive about appointments.

A child’s first visit to the dentist should include:

A tour
Meeting the dentist
Meeting the team
A discussion of your child’s dental and medical history
A discussion about the development of your child’s teeth and jaw
Reviewing your home hygiene routine
A dental cleaning (if the child is age appropriate)
An oral exam
A discussion of the dentist’s findings and recommendations

First visits typically last between 20 and 40 minutes. Schedule your child’s first appointment with Dr. Matt here.

4. Get a feel for the dentist and team.

After the first visit, ask yourself these questions:

Did I feel welcome, respected, and did I have fun?
Was my child comfortable with the dentist and team?
Did I understand and appreciate the advice the dentist offered?
Was the dentist more interested in providing proactive treatments or reactive treatments?

Dr. Matt and our team work hard to create an environment that feels safe, inviting, and fun for children of all ages. Dr. Matt also prioritizes preventative care to help your child gain and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

5. Pull the trigger.

In our opinion, the most important qualities a dentist can have is a great education, a love for kids and parents, and a welcoming, homey office environment. You should trust your dentist’s opinion and always feel that he or she has your child’s best interests in mind.

We believe our team at Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids is the best choice for a children’s dentist in Overland Park, KS. Contact us today to schedule your child’s first dental 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