Category: Dental Hygiene

Routinely brushing teeth is foundational for good oral health, and it’s just as important for kids as it is for adults. But teaching your kids about how to brush can be intimidating. After all, even some grown-ups struggle to care for their teeth properly. Fortunately, teaching good oral hygiene is an incremental process. As your child grows, so can his or her own level of responsibility. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, we believe that patient education is a big part of our job. We don’t simply want to treat our patients. We want them to enjoy good oral health for life. That’s why Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven are always ready to answer questions and to provide age-appropriate instruction. 

For more information about kids’ oral hygiene or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.

When should we start? 

You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first one comes in. It may feel ridiculous to be brushing one tiny tooth, but it sets a pattern that can ensure a lifetime of good habits. Plus, it helps to remove the bacteria and plaque that can accumulate on even the newest teeth.

Actually, you can start “brushing” before your child even has any teeth. After breast or bottle-feeding, wipe down his gums with a soft, wet cloth or a piece of gauze. 

What kind of toothbrush/toothpaste should we use?

Use a soft-bristled brush, which will be more comfortable for tender gums. Soft toothbrushes are actually better for the whole family, since hard bristles can erode protective dental enamel. 

Though you may see a lot of fluoride-free toothpastes marketed for kids, it’s really better to use a fluoridated product. Just be sure to choose one with the ADA seal of acceptance. And apply an appropriate amount: a smear the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized dollop for older kids.

When is my child old enough to brush his own teeth?

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your child’s teeth for him until he is about 6. This will ensure that he is doing the job properly and not accidentally swallowing the toothpaste. 

However, timelines for kids are always individual. Some kids may be ready earlier, others later. Regardless of when you start allowing him to actually handle the toothbrush, continue to supervise the process until you are fully confident in your child’s abilities. 

How do I teach my child to brush her teeth?

If you’ve been doing a good job in the first few years, some kids may pick up on brushing teeth right away. Others may need a little help. To encourage proper brushing: 

• Before you fully relinquish the activity to your child, let her brush on her own for a minute or two before you take over. You can begin this as early as age 2 or 3.
• Have your child watch you brush your own teeth. 
• Brush your teeth together.
• Remind her to hold the toothbrush at a proper angle. 
• Set a timer for two minutes.
• Choose a rewards system, like a sticker chart. 

Learn More about Brushing Teeth and Other Oral Hygiene 

For more tips about brushing teeth and other dental health concerns, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

Reach our office online or call (913) 685-9990.

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for children as they grow and develop. Your child may wonder, “Which foods are bad for my teeth?” You play a vital role in shaping your child’s dental habits, including their diet. The foods your child consumes can significantly impact their dental health. In this blog, we’ll explore which foods are bad for your child’s teeth, and why our Overland Park pediatric dentists, Dr. Matt and Dr. Tara, recommend avoiding them.

For personalized recommendations, call our friendly dental team to schedule a first visit for your little one. 

Want to help your child understand the answer to “which foods are bad for my teeth?” Here’s what you need to know:

1. Sugary Snacks and Sweets

Kids love sweets, but excessive sugar intake can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Sugary snacks like candies, cookies, and sodas are major culprits. When sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth, it produces acid, which erodes tooth enamel. Over time, this erosion can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Encourage moderation and opt for healthier snack alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.

2. Carbonated and Sugary Drinks

Sodas and sugary drinks are not only high in sugar content but are also acidic. The acidity can wear down tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Additionally, the high sugar content provides fuel for bacteria, contributing to the formation of plaque. Encourage your child to choose water or milk instead, which not only hydrates but also supports their overall health.

3. Sticky and Chewy Foods

While it’s important to monitor sugar intake, the texture of certain foods matters too. Sticky and chewy foods, like caramels and gummy candies, can cling to the teeth, making it difficult for saliva to wash them away. This prolonged contact between the food and teeth increases the risk of cavities. Opt for snacks that are easily washed away by saliva, reducing the likelihood of dental issues.

4. Acidic Fruits and Juices

While fruits are generally healthy, some are acidic and can contribute to enamel erosion. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as acidic fruit juices, can wear down tooth enamel over time. Encourage your child to consume these fruits in moderation and rinse their mouth with water after consumption to neutralize acidity.

5. Starchy and Processed Foods

Starchy and processed foods, such as chips and crackers, may seem harmless, but they can also contribute to tooth decay. These foods break down into simple sugars, providing a breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, these snacks often get stuck between teeth, promoting plaque formation. Choose whole grains and opt for snacks that are less likely to stick to the teeth.

6. Sports Drinks and Flavored Waters

While marketed as healthy alternatives to sodas, sports drinks and flavored waters can be just as detrimental to dental health. Packed with sugars and acids, these beverages can contribute to enamel erosion and cavities. Water remains the best choice for hydration, promoting overall health without compromising dental well-being.

7. Caffeinated and Sugary Lattes

For older children or teenagers who may indulge in coffee or flavored lattes, it’s essential to be mindful of their impact on dental health. Caffeinated and sugary lattes can stain teeth and contribute to decay. Encourage your child to limit their intake of these beverages and practice good oral hygiene to counteract potential negative effects.

Visit Our Pediatric Dental Team Today

Regular dental check-ups with a pediatric dentist can further ensure that your child’s oral health remains on the right track. By taking a proactive approach to their diet and dental care, you can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Dr. Matt and Dr. Tara are passionate about helping children gain and maintain optimal oral health through compassionate care. Call (913) 685-9990 today to schedule an appointment! 

Most parents fondly remember smelling the back of their baby’s head and thinking nothing could come close to that sweet scent. So if your child starts having chronic bad breath, it can come as a bit of a shock! Isn’t bad breath something that tends to affect older individuals? Actually, children can struggle with bad breath (halitosis) just as much as adults. Fortunately, a kids’ dentist near you can help you prevent bad breath and treat any underlying issues that might be causing the odors. 

Dr. Matt and his Overland Park, KS, team exclusively treat children. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we are compassionate and non-judgemental. We know that parenting is a challenge, so one of our primary goals is to answer questions and to help you feel confident in your role as a mom or dad.

To schedule an appointment, contact our office today.

1. Insufficient Oral Hygiene

Plaque is a film of bacteria clinging to teeth, and the buildup of microbes can cause a lingering odor. Routine hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and biannual visits to the dentist, are essential at every age. 

2. Cavities and Other Dental Concerns

If your child has a cavity, it means that dental tissue is currently decaying, which can emit a bad odor. Similarly, dental infection can cause chronic bad breath. If your child has a crown or filling, it may have come loose, which means that bacteria can become trapped beneath the restoration. If you suspect any of these issues, be sure to visit a kids’ dentist near you. 

3. Your Child Is Sick

Just as dental infection can cause bad breath, so can other types of infections, particularly those affecting the throat and/or sinus passages. A sinus infection, tonsillitis, infected adenoids, and gastroesophageal reflux can all cause halitosis. These conditions typically cause other symptoms, so if you suspect your child is sick, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

4. An Odiferous Diet

If your child regularly consumes smelly foods like garlic and onions, this could be the cause of bad breath. These foods are particularly problematic because they are sulfurous. This means that molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and released when your child exhales. So even a thorough brushing after a meal may not fix the problem. What will? Time. And if the problem is chronic, consider limiting those more pungent foods.

5. An Object Is Stuck Where It Shouldn’t Be

If you’ve ruled out these other causes, check their nasal passages. As kids start to explore their world, they may stick objects up their nose. In fact, nasal foreign body insertion is most common among kids aged two to five and slightly more common among boys than girls. 

If you suspect that your child has an object lodged up his nose, be sure to visit your pediatrician. Trying to remove the object yourself may only push it further up and cause serious damage. 

Contact a Kids’ Dentist Near You to Treat Your Child’s Halitosis

Your child doesn’t have to live with embarrassing smelly breath. A kids’ dentist near you can provide appropriate care and offer tips for prevention. 

Contact us online or call us at (913) 685-9990.

Whether you are a new parent or a veteran, you know that when it comes to your kids, there’s no shortage of advice out there. Frustratingly, much of it is contradictory. And it is no different when it comes to oral hygiene. So how do you know the right thing to do? Fortunately, organizations like the American Dental Academy and the American Academy of Pediatrics have issued clear guidelines about how to protect your child’s teeth.

A great pediatric dentist is another invaluable resource. Dr. Matt and the team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, stay on top of the latest dental research and guidelines. They can help you navigate the often confusing waters of kids’ oral health. And they also offer oral hygiene and preventive care for children of all ages. 

For more information about how to care for your child’s teeth or to schedule an appointment, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

As soon as they come in! Baby teeth are just as prone to decay as adult teeth, and this is true from the moment they erupt. Brush twice a day, just as you would your own teeth. 

Actually, good oral care begins even before teething. When your child is still an infant, wipe her gums with a soft cloth or a piece of gauze. Not only will this help to prevent decay later on; it will also accustom her to oral hygiene from an early age.

When can my child start brushing his own teeth?

The timeline varies from child to child. Your little one should not begin brushing on his own until you are certain that he can do so safely and effectively. For some children, this may be as young as age 6. Others may be closer to age 8 or 9 before they are ready to brush for themselves. Regardless of the age, be sure to supervise your child until you are certain that he is brushing properly. And you may need to remind your child to brush twice daily for several years to come!

How much toothpaste should I use?

For children under age 3, use a smear no larger than a grain of rice. After age 3, use the same amount that you should for yourself – a dollop about the size of a pea.

Almost 40% of kids between the ages of 3 and 6 use too much toothpaste. The excessive fluoride they are taking can damage the still-developing dental enamel. They may develop fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots on the surface of teeth.

What kind of toothbrush should I buy?

Actually, for both kids and adults, soft bristled toothbrushes are the best. This type is less abrasive and will not damage the dental enamel. For very young kids, be sure to purchase a toothbrush with a smaller head.

Learn More about Kids’ Oral Hygiene

We are always happy to answer your questions and help you feel confident about your child’s oral hygiene. Contact our office today with any questions or to schedule an appointment. 

Reach us online or call us at (913) 685-9990.

Nothing ruins a snuggle session with your little one like bad breath. If this is the first time you’ve detected your child’s bad breath, it might not be a cause for concern. At some point, we all struggle with bad breath. However, if the bad breath is persistent, your child may have halitosis, and it might be time to schedule an appointment with our Overland Park, KS, pediatric dentist. 

During an appointment with Dr. Matt, your child will feel safe and comfortable as he determines the cause of the halitosis. Then, he will recommend the most effective treatment as well as tips for avoiding bad breath in the future. 

Continue reading to learn about some of the most common reasons for bad breath in children. 

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

As with adults, children must brush their teeth once in the morning and once in the evening and floss daily. Without this routine, it’s likely that cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues will develop. These can lead to halitosis. 

Persistent bad breath may also occur without these additional health issues, simply because food and beverage particles aren’t being removed from the oral surfaces. If you need help with maintaining an oral hygiene routine for your child, check out this blog! 

2. Eating Certain Foods

Bad breath can often be linked back to a meal. Has your child recently eaten something that had onions and garlic in it? Did he or she just eat a sugary snack? Thankfully, this bad breath is typically temporary and should resolve after brushing or drinking some water. 

3. White Tongue

Take a look at your little one’s tongue. Is it white? This tongue coating is full of odor-causing bacteria and food that can cause smelly breath as they break down. The white color is specifically caused by gunk that is trapped between the papillae, or tiny bumps on the tongue. 

4. Dental Decay

Cavity-causing bacteria release odors that could be the cause of your child’s persistent bad breath. Food may also be stuck in the damaged part of the tooth, causing a bad smell. 

5. Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the inflammation or infection of the gum tissue. This occurs because of plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline, which may be the reason for persistent bad breath. Infections in any part of the body typically smell bad, and gum infection is no different. 

6. Dry Mouth

Saliva does more for your mouth than you probably realize. It washes away food particles and bacteria and neutralizes acids in the mouth that cause cavities. At night, saliva production slows down, which is why most people experience “morning breath.” Dry mouth, however, doesn’t just occur in the morning, but all throughout the day as well. 

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to bad breath in children because there isn’t enough saliva to remove food particles, bacteria, and acid from the oral surfaces.  

7. Allergies or Infections

Allergies or infections in the ears, nose, and/or throat are often linked to bad breath. Mucus and other secretions drip down the throat and onto the tongue when these health issues are present. Then, the bacteria in the mouth feed on them and produce smelly gases. 

When the allergies or infections clear up, you should notice an improvement in the smell of your child’s breath. 

Overland Park, KS Dentist Treats Bad Breath in Children

Bad breath doesn’t have to ruin quality time with your little one. If you can’t determine the cause of your child’s bad breath or if you know the cause and need treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt today by calling (913) 685-9990. 

The first smile, the first steps, the first words. When you have very young kids, it seems that every day brings a new milestone. But one important milestone that you may not have considered is the first dental cleaning. Babies and toddlers require routine dental care just like their parents. Preparing for this appointment at our Overland Park, KS, office can ensure that it goes smoothly for both you and your child.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt works exclusively with children. He understands the special concerns of young patients, and he knows how to make appointments fun. 

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment or to find out what is entailed in a first dental cleaning. 

Do young children really need teeth cleaning?

Absolutely! Children’s teeth are just as prone to decay as adult teeth. In fact, 52% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have suffered from at least one cavity. For teens, the situation is even more alarming, since 57% of them have developed a cavity in their adult teeth.

Dr. Matt believes so strongly in early preventive care that he offers free exams and cleanings to kids under 2.

When should I schedule the first dental cleaning?

The American Dental Association recommends that children first visit the dentist when their teeth first come in and no later than their first birthday.

That being said, it’s never too late to begin good oral hygiene. Whether your child is six months old or six years old, cleanings can lay a foundation for lifelong dental health.

What will happen during my child’s appointment?

One of our hygienists will gently clean and polish your child’s teeth. Like Dr. Matt, our hygienists specialize in pediatric treatment, so they know how to keep kids comfortable in the dental chair. 

Cleanings always occur in conjunction with dental exams. Dr. Matt will evaluate your child’s teeth, taking x-rays if appropriate. He can recommend any treatment that he deems necessary and provide tips for better oral hygiene at home. 

How can I prepare my child for a cleaning?

Brushing your child’s teeth at home will not only help to prevent dental decay. It can also acclimate her to having her teeth cleaned. 

Discussing the upcoming visit can give your child a sense of security since he will have an idea of what to expect. You can also find a number of good children’s books about the dentist. Pictures can help familiarize smaller children with the sights of a dental office. 

How long will the first appointment last?

Dental visits last from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your child’s health needs and level of comfort. This also includes time to answer any questions you may have.  

Please note that for your first visit, you should arrive at least ten minutes early. We work hard to keep wait times to a minimum. 

Schedule a Dental Cleaning Today

Make sure your child receives specialized dental care, tailored to his or her particular needs. Contact our Overland Park, KS, office today.

Request an appointment online or give us a call at (913) 685-9990.

Although dry mouth is commonly associated with the elderly, this condition can affect any age group—temporarily or long-term. If left untreated, this condition can lead to issues that threaten their oral health and development. So, we have compiled this guide to educate parents and their children about everything they need to know about dry mouth.

Signs of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is defined by low saliva production and an extreme lack of saliva. As the mouth dries out, it becomes more tender. You may observe that your child has:

• Chapped or cracked lips
• Dry gums and tongue
• Parched throat

In addition to irritation, these drying symptoms can lead to significant consequences that can impact daily life:

Issues with Speaking, Swallowing, Eating, and Drinking

A lack of saliva and irritation can make your child’s mouth feel clumsy, which may cause them to trip over their words. Also, a dry mouth can feel uncomfortable for the mouth and throat. Consequently, mealtimes can be difficult due to the mouth and throat being unable to make the necessary movements for digestion, increasing the chances of choking.

Increased Tooth Decay, Tartar, and Periodontal Disease

Did you know that saliva has a starring role in our mouth’s ecosystem? Saliva is responsible for:

• Protecting the enamel from harmful bacteria and acid
• Moisturizing the tongue, gum, and other soft tissues

Without ample saliva, the mouth is more vulnerable to oral disease. Many experts believe that oral health is connected to overall health. As a result, managing dry mouth is vital to oral and systemic health.

How to Manage Dry Mouth

Whether your child is suffering from short or long-term dry mouth, there is more than one way to resolve this oral health issue:

Stay Hydrated

One of the most effective remedies against dry mouth happens to be simple: drink more water. The more hydrated a person is, the easier it is to produce saliva. Sipping water moistens the mouth and hydrates the body.

Practice Excellent Daily Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing every morning and night helps remove unwanted debris and bacteria and stimulates the gums. Ask our team about which types of toothpaste and oral rinses are ideal for chronic dry mouth.

Avoid Sugar and Caffeine

Sugar and caffeine are drying ingredients. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid sodas and other treats with these ingredients. Additionally, carbonated drinks are acidic and can erode your child’s already vulnerable teeth.

Chew on Sugar-Free Gum

Conveniently, chewing gum encourages salivary flow and volume by mechanical action and stimulation of oral taste receptors. So, urge your child to pick a flavor of sugarless gum that they love. Then, let them chomp away!

Visit Your Kid’s Dentist

Taking your child’s oral hygiene seriously gives them a fighting chance to avoid discomfort and long-term oral health complications. If your child persistently has a dry mouth, it’s wise to bring your child’s dentist in the loop immediately.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt identifies the source of mouth dryness and recommends treatment options to help relieve the symptoms. If you suspect that your child is suffering from dry mouth and live in the Overland Park, KS area, schedule a kid’s dental visit by messaging us online or calling (913) 685-9990.