Category: Dental Hygiene

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

October is Dental Hygiene Month

In October, dental offices across the nation celebrate dental hygienists’ hard work. Pediatric dental hygienists provide preventative oral care and dental hygiene practices. They examine and clean young patients’ teeth under a dentist’s supervision. Additionally, they educate young patients about their developing mouths in kid-friendly language.

Good dental hygiene must happen in and outside of the dentist’s chair. Here are the answers to five commonly asked questions regarding dental hygiene:

1. How do I remove plaque from my children’s teeth?

Did you know that the mouth is full of bacteria? Helpful bacterias create balance in your mouth’s ecosystem. However, an imbalance of oral bacteria can destroy teeth and supporting tissues. When harmful oral bacteria lingers on the surface of teeth, plaque develops. After bacterial plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a dental hygienist. If a dental hygienist does not remove the tartar, cavities and gum disease are likely to develop.

A dental hygiene routine with flossing and twice-daily brushing can help prevent plaque and tartar development. Daily brushing keeps the mouth healthy by removing food particles and bacteria. In addition, the brushing motion also stimulates the gums (which helps keep them healthy). Also, choosing toothpaste with fluoride is a simple practice that prevents cavities.

2. Do my kids really need to floss?

Even though some children and adults consider flossing a chore, flossing is an essential habit. Brushing alone cannot remove the plaque and food particles lodged between teeth and near the gumline. We recommend flossing at least once per day.

With any dental floss, be mindful to avoid gum injury:

Gently insert the floss between two adjacent teeth using a rocking back and forth motion.
Carefully bring the floss to the gumline (but do not force it under the gums).
Curve floss around the edge of the tooth in the shape of the letter “C.”
Slide it up and down the side of each tooth.
Repeat the process between all teeth.

3. What’s the correct way to teach my children how to brush their teeth?

Brushing teeth in the morning and before bed helps prevent plaque build-up. Here are some tips to help teach your children to brush their teeth effectively:

Use a timer or favorite tune to time children for two to three minutes.
Hold the brush at a righchildren’skid’sWhat’st angle (45 degrees) against the gumline.
Gently brush all inside and outside surfaces of the teeth in short strokes. Scrub the chewing surfaces, making sure to clean the pits and crevices.
Gently brush the tongue to remove harmful breath-causing bacteria.

4. How does sugar affect my kid’s dental hygiene?

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that children and adults reduce their sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. Sugar is a widely-known culprit of tooth decay because harmful oral bacteria thrive on high starch diets consisting of sugars and carbohydrates. When oral bacteria feast on sugar and carbohydrates, they create acids that can lead to bacterial infections. If left untreated, oral bacterial infection can turn into cavities.

An often overlooked component of maintaining good oral hygiene is cutting down on sugary, high-carbohydrate foods. This dietary change can decrease the likelihood of children developing cavities.

5. How often should my children visit the dentist for a dental hygiene visit?

Dental professionals encourage people of all ages to visit every six months. Consistent visits to the dental clinic can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, other oral health disorders. Our dental hygienists work diligently and patiently to keep your children’s teeth healthy by:

Removing cavity and gum-disease causing bacteria, plaque, and tartar
Cleaning and smoothing the surface of the teeth
Educating children to care for their teeth

Schedule a dental cleaning in Overland Park, KS, by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online today.

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

Why are baby teeth important?

If you think your baby’s toothless smile is adorable, just wait until her first tooth appears! Babies are born with 20 primary teeth, but they don’t erupt above the gumline until between the first six months to a year. Most children have their complete set of primary (baby) teeth by age three, but every child is different.

Even though most primary teeth fall out and are replaced with adult teeth, baby teeth still matter. Healthy baby teeth can lead to healthier adult teeth and limit toothaches.

1. Healthy Adult Teeth

Young children who have a high-sugar diet and inadequate oral care tend to develop cavities. If baby teeth develop cavities, there may be significant consequences, such as:

Gum Disease

As cavities develop, the infection can migrate to the gums. Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, causes gums to be inflamed, red, and bleed. Thankfully, gingivitis is reversible through professional dental cleaning and extra care in at-home routines.

However, if gingivitis is left untreated, gum infection develops into periodontitis. Periodontitis is an irreversible gum disease that ravages the gum tissue, teeth, and underlying bone. Periodontitis symptoms become more severe over time and can lead to tooth loss in the most extreme cases.

Dental Alignment

As stated above, dental decay can lead to early tooth loss. Prolonged empty spaces in the mouth allow neighboring teeth to shift and try to take the vacancy. The inadequate space becomes a huge issue when the adult teeth are ready to erupt and causes misalignment. Misalignment of one tooth causes a domino effect, and adjacent teeth also become crooked. Crooked teeth are more challenging to clean and can lead to oral bacteria accumulation.

Life-long Habits

Inadequate care can speed up the development of decay, but daily brushing and flossing and routine can help remove cavity-causing bacteria from the surface of the teeth. Excellent oral hygiene routines set a solid foundation in children to carry it into adulthood.

2. Toothaches

The source of dental pain is often an untreated cavity, cracked tooth, or infection. Toothaches can make it difficult for children to eat nutritious foods and pay attention in school.

Chewing

A well-rounded, nutritious diet is full of foods that vary in flavors, textures, and density. However, spicy, acidic, coarse, and chewy foods can trigger toothaches. A limiting diet can make children more picky eaters in the long run and make it difficult for them to reach their nutritional needs.

Concentration

Toothaches can make it challenging for children to pay attention in school, and their grades may suffer. Children with dental pain were four times more likely to score lower than their peers with healthy teeth.

Schedule Baby’s First Dental Check-up

Although baby teeth are only around for a fraction of your child’s life, they play an essential role in your child’s development. Dr. Matt offers free dental exams and cleaning in Overland Park, KS for children under the age of two. Early, consistent dental exams help maintain the health of baby teeth and help prevent oral health problems later in life.

If your child has a tooth in their mouth, it’s time to schedule their first dental appointment. Call (913) 685-9990 or conveniently message us online to schedule your baby’s first dental appointment at Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

6 Prevalent Dental Problems in Children

From their first teeth, to their first steps, and their first day of school, parents strive for healthy lives for their children. This includes promoting life-long oral health habits. Dental-related issues are prevalent among children, so preventative and proactive care is essential.

In this blog, we discuss six of the most common dental problems that affect young children and adolescents.

1. Cavities

According to the Center of Disease Control and prevention, about 1 in 5 children aged 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated cavity. Why? In addition to sugar-heavy diets, most young children aren’t proficient at oral hygiene routines without supervision. Inconsistent and inadequate flossing and brushing often lead to dental decay.

When a sticky film of bacteria (plaque) isn’t removed from the tooth’s surface, the acid in the plaque erodes the enamel and eventually wears away at the tooth.

Dentists advise parents to supervise and help young children brush their teeth, ensuring that they remove plaque, bacteria, and debris twice a day to prevent cavities from forming. If tooth decay develops, dentists must treat it to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the mouth.

2. Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, which means dental emergencies can happen at any time. As kids adjust to their growing bodies or are physically active, they are more prone to dental-related accidents. If teeth fracture or get knocked out completely, this is considered a dental emergency.

If a dental emergency happens (especially if the tooth is lost), immediately call the dentist and set up an emergency appointment. Early prevention, intervention, and treatment are vital to saving your child’s smile.

3. Excessive Thumb and Pacifier Sucking

Did you know that some babies suck their thumbs before they’re even born? Babies have innate sucking reflexes, which can cause them to place their thumbs or fingers in their mouths. Sucking thumbs and pacifiers is an appropriate and valuable self-soothing technique for very young children.

However, most medical professionals do not encourage children to suck their fingers past their fifth birthday. On top of relentless social difficulties, prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to abnormal bite and speech issues.

4. Gum Disease

Unfortunately, chronic gingivitis is common among children. Gingivitis is a reversible infection signified by red, swollen gums that may lightly bleed when your child brushes or flosses.

Generally, gum disease becomes more aggressive over time in children that do not practice adequate oral hygiene. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is irreversible and may involve gum recession, discomfort, and tooth loss if left untreated.

5. Orthodontic Issues

Perfectly straight teeth without intervention are rare. Today, dentists expect up to 70% of American children to wear orthodontic devices to perfect their smiles. Orthodontic problems are typically genetic, with tooth and jaw size and shape playing a role in how teeth form and align.

Beyond aesthetic reasons, misaligned teeth can pose life-long health problems. It can be difficult for children to clean between crooked or crowded teeth, which may lead to the development of gum disease. Furthermore, overcrowded or misaligned teeth can cause jaw difficulties and fractured teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists advocates that children receive their first orthodontic checkup at age seven to evaluate jaw and teeth development and create a treatment plan (if needed).

6. Dental Anxiety and Fear

Dental anxiety is a common worldwide phenomenon that affects 36% of children. Sadly, this often learned behavior can result in serious oral health consequences. Parents have the power to change the narrative and foster a more positive relationship with the dentist’s office for their children.

Schedule an Appointment

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt provides proven, kid-friendly dental care to help his young patients reach and sustain peak oral health. Contact our Overland Park, KS office today at (913) 685-9990 or message us online to schedule a consultation.

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

How Water Can Improve Your Child’s Oral Health

When it comes to staying hydrated and healthy, water is the best option. Juice, soda, tea, milk, and sports drinks all have benefits (well, maybe not soda), but they also have several negative effects. For example, children who drink milk right before bedtime are much more likely to develop cavities than children who drink water at nighttime. Sports drinks, sodas, and juices are also filled with sugars that interrupt the health of the oral microbiome.

While it may take some convincing, it’s worth it to get your little one to drink more water! Here are the benefits of water for oral health:

1. Water can strengthen dental enamel.

Since 1945, fluoride has been added to public water systems. Fluoridated water has proven itself as one of the best defenses against childhood tooth decay. When children drink water that contains fluoride, it mixes with saliva and remineralizes and strengthens dental enamel, lessening their chances of developing cavities.

If your child is drinking mostly bottled water, he probably isn’t experiencing these benefits! Be sure to find a bottled water that contains fluoride to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay.

2. Water cleans the mouth.

Unlike sugary drinks, water rids the mouth of food particles and cavity-causing bacteria without leaving anything behind. Sports drinks, soda, juice, and even milk leave unwanted sugar and acids lingering on the teeth and gums that can cause cavities.

Water also removes stains that could cause your child’s teeth to become dull or yellow. Sugary, dark-colored drinks are one of the most common teeth-staining agents.

3. Water helps the mouth produce more saliva.

Did you know that saliva actually plays a very significant role in your child’s oral health? More concerning than your little one producing too much saliva is when he or she isn’t producing enough!

Saliva helps us break down and digest food properly and keeps us from experiencing dry mouth (which can be extremely uncomfortable!). The more water your little one drinks, the better she will digest food and avoid dry mouth.

Check out this blog to learn how to help your little one if he or she is experiencing dry mouth.

4. Water doesn’t contain any sugar.

Children over two years of age and older should consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day. Just one apple juice box can contain 23 grams of sugar!

Not only does sugar contribute to cavities, but it also contributes to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. By simply avoiding these drinks, your child’s oral and overall health could dramatically improve.

If you want to “spice up” your little one’s water to make it more appealing, try adding fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries to give it a little more flavor. Some parents add a small amount of juice to their child’s water too.

For more tips to improve your child’s oral health…

Contact our friendly dental team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park! Dr. Matt and his team of hygienists are passionate about helping children avoid childhood tooth decay. That’s why we offer preventive dentistry methods that are safe and effective and focus on educating our patients and their parents in easy-to-understand language.

Join our family! Call (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!

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

Oral Hygiene Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright and Healthy

Having healthy teeth and gums is more than just about having a beautiful smile, it’s about maintaining overall health and wellness. When we practice good oral hygiene, we reduce our risk of cavities, gum disease, halitosis, heart disease, diabetes, and various other health issues. For parents, oral hygiene takes on a whole new meaning when they realize how important it truly is for their children’s health and wellbeing.

Whether your little one is six months or six years old, developing and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is essential. We’ll help you do that in this blog and offer several oral health tips along the way.

Oral Hygiene 101: Brushing and Flossing

We all know that brushing and flossing are the two main components of a proper oral hygiene routine. Let’s make sure you and your child are doing these correctly.

Toothbrushing Tips

Even more important than the fact that a person brushes their teeth is how they brush. Children and adults should follow the rule of two: brush twice a day for two minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, use circular motions to clean the back, front, and top of each tooth. Then, brush the tongue and roof of the mouth.

Most children begin brushing on their own between six and eight years old but may still need supervision to ensure every tooth is receiving the proper care.

Flossing Tips

Flossing is a meticulous task that many adults dread. However, it is one of the most beneficial things a person can do for his or her oral health. Brushing only cleans the surfaces of the teeth, not between them where food, plaque, and tartar love to hide and wreak havoc on the oral microbiome.

If parents want their little ones to be avid flossers, they must lead by example.

Oral hygiene is more enjoyable for children when parents do it alongside them. So, grab some kid-friendly-flavored floss and start cleaning between those teeth!

We recommend flossing once a day, after the last meal of the day. To make flossing easier and more enjoyable, consider using floss picks, a water flosser, or interdental brushes. These alternative methods will motivate you and your child to floss regularly.

More Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Children achieve optimal oral health by practicing good oral hygiene which includes brushing and flossing and so much more. Here are a few more tips to help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile:

Replace toothbrushes every three months, when the bristles fray, or after sickness
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Chew sugarless gum
Reduce starchy, sticky foods like bread, crackers, and chips
Offer healthy, mouth-friendly snacks
Schedule regular dental cleaning and exam appointments
Find an experienced and trusted pediatric dentist

Our Children’s Dentist

When asked about why he chose the pediatric dental field, Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids answered:

“I love pediatric dentistry. Not everybody gets to do exactly what he or she wants for a career. I’m so lucky to have this unique opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with the community. Through education I hope that we can reduce the occurrence of dental decay in kids and do so in a super fun environment that doesn’t feel clinical. Children are amazing and working with such diverse personalities requires a lot of flexibility and a lot of energy. I truly feel that working with children is what I was meant to do and look forward to the many years to come.”

If you’re searching for a great pediatric dentist for your child in the Overland Park, KS area, look no further! Contact our friendly dental team 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!

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

5 Ways Dental Check-ups Help Your Kid Now and Later

Bi-annual dental check-ups are important for permanent teeth but not necessary for baby teeth, right? Wrong. Baby teeth, also called milk teeth, are essential for helping your child maintain a healthy mouth and body, learning how to speak, digestive health, and good self-esteem. Without proper care, baby teeth can fall out too soon, leaving children with a host of oral, physical, and mental health problems.

Children should begin regular dental visits by their first birthday and every six months after that. These appointments will provide the following immediate and long-lasting benefits for your little one:

1. Plaque- and tartar-free teeth

The key to avoiding cavities (or caries) is ridding the teeth of plaque and tartar. For children who are just learning how to brush and floss, this can be a difficult task. Cavities develop very slowly over time. So, having the teeth thoroughly cleaned every six months, in addition to twice-daily brushing, is one of the best defenses against the growth of dental caries.

During dental check-ups for children, a dental hygienist uses gentle techniques and tools to clean every surface of every tooth. A pediatric dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments or other preventive measures to ensure a child has the best chance of avoiding cavities.

2. Healthy gums

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children are susceptible to three types of gum disease: chronic gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis, and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Chronic gingivitis is the most common type of periodontal disease in children. Symptoms of chronic gingivitis include:

Inflamed gums
Red gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Bad breath

Gum disease develops when disease-causing bacteria from tartar along the gum line infiltrate the gingiva and attack the soft tissue. Regular dental visits are one of the best defenses against this disease.

3. Track teeth and jaw development

During a dental check-up, dentists keep track of the child’s teeth and jaw development to ensure they are growing properly. If not, he may refer the child to an orthodontist. Sometimes, early intervention can reduce a child’s need for orthodontics in the future. This also gives insight into what type of oral health problems the child may have in the future.

4. Provide oral health advice for kids and parents

Dental care tips and oral health advice are especially important for new parents but helpful for all. Children require different types of dental care for every stage of development. A pediatric dentist can walk with parents and their little ones through each of these stages, ensuring all of the child’s oral health needs are met!

5. Encourage a healthy relationship between your child and dentists

We all know at least one person who is afraid of the dentist. Many of these people can trace their dental fear back to a bad experience they had as a child. By choosing an experienced and compassionate pediatric dentist, parents set their children up for oral health success and ensure their child’s relationship with the dentist is a positive one.

Dental Check-ups at Smiles Dentistry for Kids

During dental check-ups with Dr. Matt and our team, children receive high-quality, gentle dental care. We strive to be informative and punctual, so your time is never wasted!

For children under 24 months, the first visit is short, simple, and free. To learn more about our practice, or to schedule an initial consultation, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

Moms, Brisket, Burgers, Family, Baking, and Pizza Parties! (National observance days in May) + Dental Care Tips

Happy May! Spring flowers, warm weather, gardening, and baseball characterize this time of year. Each of those things is worth celebrating, but that’s not all that we look forward to in May. Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are coming up, and this year, you might just be able to get together with your family and friends in person.

However you decide to commemorate these holidays, we want to help you do it all while keeping your and your child’s oral health in mind. Along with a couple of brief history lessons, we’ll discuss four dental care tips for how to protect your child’s teeth and gums while still fully enjoying some of your favorite holiday foods.

The History of Mother’s Day

Several women began their own Mother’s Day traditions, but it was Anna Jarvis who established it as a national holiday in 1914. President Woodrow Wilson signed the holiday into effect after years of persistence from Jarvis. Ironically, Jarvis herself wasn’t a mother but believed that motherhood should be honored.

By the 1920s, the holiday had been completely commercialized by card companies, merchandise stores, and florists. Jarvis despised the commercialization of the holiday that she created, so much so that she spent years lobbying the government to remove it from the calendar.

Although we don’t believe it must be a national holiday for us to celebrate our mothers, we are glad her efforts weren’t successful. This day gives all of us another opportunity to spoil the moms and mother figures in our lives!

Modern Mother’s Day Celebrations

Current Mother’s Day celebrations don’t look much different than in the early 1900s. Typically, families get together and go to church, go out to eat, or stay home. Wherever the celebration occurs, cards, candy, gifts, and flowers are usually involved.

Mother’s Day is a day to tell your mom or mother figure just how much she means to you through words, actions, and gifts. In some cases, this means cooking for her! Many people decide to cook a delicious lunch or dinner and bake a sweet treat. Others opt for pizza!

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, became a federal holiday in 1971. However, celebrations began long before this, in the late 1860s. After the Civil War, townspeople would hold tributes to fallen soldiers by visiting and decorating gravesites.

Today, many cities organize parades, and families of fallen soldiers still visit the gravesites of their loved ones. Many people also visit cemeteries and memorials, bringing flowers and other items to leave on the graves.

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer. So much of the country spends this long weekend outside with family and friends. The smell of brisket, burgers, and hotdogs fill backyards and stomachs across the country.

Regardless of what your celebration looks like, take time to remember the fallen soldiers who have given their lives for our freedoms. Every May 31^st, there is a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.

Dental Care Tips

So, how can you enjoy these holidays without feeling guilty about your child’s oral health? Here are four helpful tips from our pediatric dentist (but these go for you, too, mom and dad!)

Start the day off right: Brush with your child first thing in the morning and eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast that promotes good oral health, won’t get stuck between the teeth, and isn’t filled with sugar.
Bring toothpicks or floss to the party: Sneak away to the bathroom after eating to clean between your child’s teeth to prevent bad breath and cavities.
Drink plenty of water: Water promotes saliva production, which is necessary for a healthy oral microbiome. Additionally, the water will wash away any lingering foods from the teeth and gums. Limit or completely avoid sugary beverages like sweet tea and juice.
Brush and floss before bed: Don’t forget to end the day with a good toothbrushing session! Make sure your little one uses a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that strengthens dental enamel and helps fight against disease-causing bacteria. Then, floss those pearly whites again!

To learn more from our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, call (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!

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

Oral Health Tips for Kids: Flossing, Food, and Making Oral Health Care Fun

As parents, one of our top priorities is helping our children create healthy habits. This includes reading, exercising, drinking plenty of water, cleaning, and oral health care. Building these healthy habits isn’t an easy task, and sometimes seeking the help of a professional is necessary! As pediatric dental professionals, our goal is to walk alongside parents when it comes to teaching good oral hygiene.

In this blog, we offer tips for flossing, providing healthy snacks for your little one, and how to make oral hygiene fun so it no longer feels like a chore.

Flossing Tips for Kids

Brushing is one oral hygiene habit that most parents have mastered. Flossing is a bit of a different story. For starters, many adults don’t floss regularly or at all. Yikes! This is likely due to a lack of understanding of why flossing is important.

Dental floss allows us to clean parts of our teeth that brushes can’t. Toothbrushes remove plaque from every surface of the teeth except the small area between the teeth where food and plaque love to hide. This is why some people who brush consistently still develop gum disease.

To encourage your little one to floss, and to do it right, here are some tips:

Teach by example—show your little one how you floss every night!
Buy dental floss picks instead of traditional floss (it’s much easier to use)
Offer a reward for every week that your child flosses consistently
Let your little one choose a flavor or color of floss

Foods That Improve Oral Health

Unfortunately, brushing and flossing every day isn’t always enough to keep cavities away. Kids who eat and drink lots of sugar and starches are much more likely to suffer from dental decay. Therefore, parents should offer nutritious meals and snacks to help their littles maintain good oral and overall health.

Most fruits and veggies offer serious benefits to the mouth. Additionally, foods that are high in protein and calcium protect and rebuild dental enamel. Here are some of our favorite mouth-healthy snacks:

Greek yogurt
Almonds
Apples and almond butter
String cheese
Sweet potato chips
Pepper nachos
Fresh fruit smoothie
Hard-boiled eggs
Scrambled eggs with cheese

How to Make Oral Health Care Fun

Is it possible to make an oral hygiene routine fun? We think so!

One of the simplest ways to make brushing and flossing more enjoyable is to do it together. Grab a stool and invite your little one into your bathroom. To amp up the fun, play some music! (Just don’t get too carried away with the dance moves.)

BONUS TIP: If playing music, pick a two-minute song. This way, you will know when it’s time to stop brushing!

Other ways to make oral hygiene fun include:

Offer a reward
Play a fun video for him or her to watch
Take your child to the store to pick out his or her toothbrush and toothpaste

For more helpful tips, visit our dentist’s office today!

More Oral Health Tips from Our Overland Park Dentist

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is full of helpful knowledge for both new and experienced parents. Our team helps children of all ages achieve optimal oral health through exciting, preventive, and comprehensive dentistry.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt, call (913) 685-9990.

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist

How to Celebrate International Carrot Day With Your Child (April 4, 2021)

This year, International Carrot Day falls on the day after Easter—a holiday famous for delicious, candy-filled eggs. We’re bringing some awareness to International Carrot Day to help you and your child fight against cavities in a fun way.

The sugars and starches that we usually indulge in on Easter should be enjoyed; it only comes once a year! But it’s important to counteract a day of indulgence with healthy eating habits that benefit our oral and overall health. Carrots are one food that does just that.

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of carrots, how to celebrate International Carrot Day, and some kid-friendly carrot soup recipe ideas.

Benefits of Carrots

Carrots are known for their bright orange color (though they do come in other colors), beautiful green leaves, and crunchy texture. These delicious vegetables also contain several nutrients that benefit our mouths and bodies. The greatest benefits of carrots include:

Improving eye health with beta-carotene reduces the risk of age-related diseases.
Beta-carotene, which helps produce vitamin A, also improves the body’s immune system.
Carrots contain carotenoids, such as retinol, biotin, and lycopene, which promote healthy, youthful skin.
All crunchy vegetables help clean the teeth naturally. In the process, the gums are also massaged.
The keratin and vitamin A in carrots strengthens dental enamel.
Fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin A are important parts of an anti-inflammatory diet. This is good news for patients who suffer from gum disease (an inflammatory disease). Eat more carrots to stop the development of gum disease or fight it off.
Experts say that yellow, red, and orange vegetables improve heart health; so, eat plenty of them!

How to Celebrate International Carrot Day

You will probably come up with some creative ideas on your own, but here are some of our ideas for how to celebrate this holiday:

Visit the grocery store or farmer’s market and pick out purple, orange, and white carrots to try at home. Eat them raw or prepared! Make this even more fun by blindfolding each other and trying to guess which carrot is which.
Using the carrots you bought, plant some of your own. Check out this blog to learn how to propagate the carrots.
Print out coloring pages of rabbits eating carrots for a short, creative activity.
Read about the origin and history of carrots.
Though you probably won’t reap the benefits of the carrots, and especially won’t be fighting against cavities, making a carrot cake together would be a fun activity. Here’s a popular recipe.

Fight Cavities with Soup

Soups are a great option for parents who want their children to eat healthier, and because so many soups contain carrots, they make a great dinner for International Carrot Day.

If you and your family love carrots, try a creamy roasted carrot soup or this Creamy Thai Carrot Soup with Basil (our mouths are watering).

For something a little less carrot-y, a simple vegetable soup, chicken noodle soup, or a hearty potato soup with carrots will do.

Fighting Cavities with Simple Oral Health Tips from Dr. Matt

At Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids, our goal is to make oral hygiene simple and practical. Dr. Matt believes that every child can obtain and maintain optimal oral health when their parents have the right tools and knowledge.

To schedule a first visit at our Overland Park pediatric dentist’s office, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, dental check-up, Kids' Dentist, Pediatric dentist