Category: Kids’ Health

Your child’s smile lights up your world, so a few crooked teeth may not seem like a big deal. But while we agree that every smile is uniquely beautiful, orthodontic issues can cause some widespread health problems, affecting everything from speech to mental wellbeing. That’s why it’s important to address dental misalignment as early as possible.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, we encourage parents to bring their kids in as soon as their first teeth appear. That way, Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven can monitor dental development and look for any early signs of misalignment. As your child gets older, we can recommend appropriate treatment, referring you to a trusted orthodontist, if needed. We can also help to minimize the related effects of crooked teeth.

To schedule an appointment for your child, contact us today.

1. Increased Risk for Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Even slightly crooked teeth can increase your child’s risk for oral health problems. When teeth overlap, it’s more difficult to clean between them and more likely that food and bacteria will become trapped. This allows plaque and tartar to build up, eventually penetrating the interior of the teeth and causing cavities. 

Bacteria can also spread below the gums, where they will create pockets. This condition is known as gum disease, and it can cause significant pain, bleeding, and even tooth loss.  

2. Bad Breath

When bacteria and plaque are stuck between the teeth, it can also lead to chronic bad breath, or halitosis. If your child has unexpectedly potent morning breath, crooked teeth could be to blame. (Though this is certainly not the only reason for bad breath.)

3. Speech Problems 

The teeth play a key role in the pronunciation of fricative sounds (e.g., “f,” “s,” and “sh,” among others) and affricate sounds (“ch” and “j”). If your child has significantly misaligned teeth, it can affect tongue placement and the pronunciation of those sounds. Lisps and mumbling may also be the result of crooked teeth. Note that in some cases, your child may need speech therapy, in addition to orthodontic treatment.

4. Potential for TMJ Disorder

If your child’s overall bite is misaligned, this could strain their jaw joints (TMJs), inflaming the muscles or even damaging the joints themselves. One or two crooked teeth are unlikely to cause such severe effects, so in these cases, your child may need more significant orthodontic treatment.

5. Decreased Self-Esteem

You think your child’s smile is beautiful no matter what, but adolescents can be very self-conscious about their appearance, especially if they are teased or bullied. Alarmingly, low-self esteem can lead to even more serious consequences. 75% of teenage girls with low self-esteem report engaging in self-destructive activities, like cutting, drinking, smoking, or disordered eating. And boys can also be quite embarrassed by their looks.

Fortunately, there are many subtle orthodontic treatments that can enable teens and adolescents to straighten crooked teeth without the embarrassment of traditional metal braces.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids 

Learn more about dental alignment and find out the right treatment option for your child. 

Contact our Overland Park office to book an appointment. You can reach us online or call or text (913) 685-9990.

The Easter dresses and suits may be hanging back in the closet. And hopefully all the eggs have been retrieved from under bushes and beneath couch cushions. But if you are like most homes in America, one part of Easter is still hanging around: the massive piles of candy. So you may be wondering, should you let your kids eat it? Or should it make a mysterious disappearance while they are off at school?

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, Dr. Matt and his team are passionate about helping parents raise healthy kids. And though dental health is certainly a big piece of the puzzle, we also care about children’s physical and mental wellbeing. We want to provide parents the information they need to make fully informed decisions about their kids and a healthy way of life.

We love to answer questions and are always happy to discuss your concerns. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team.

How Sugar Affects Teeth

We all know that sugar is a notorious culprit for causing dental cavities. But how exactly does this work? Ultimately, sugar itself doesn’t cause cavities – bacteria lead to tooth decay. However, sugar is a ready food source for oral bacteria. When sugar remains in the mouth, bacteria can multiply quickly and form a thin film of plaque. Plaque adheres to teeth, keeping bacteria in constant contact with the tooth enamel. The elevated levels of microbes raise acidity in the mouth, leading to enamel erosion and allowing bacteria to access the softer underlying layers of tissue. Eventually a cavity will form. 

Recommended Sugar Consumption

So does this mean your little one is inevitably developing a cavity as she sits there noshing on a sugar-coated marshmallow chick? Not necessarily. Though we certainly don’t advocate eating marshmallows for breakfast on a regular basis, moderation is key. It’s ok to make an exception for a special day like Easter. Then you can go back to offering your normal healthy options.

In general, it will benefit your child to limit sugar intake. The World Health Organization recommends that sugar should make up no more than 5% of our daily energy intake (for both adults and children). For kids aged 4 to 6, this means no more than 19 grams of sugar a day. Children aged 5 to 11 should consume no more than 24 grams a day.

A Healthy Attitude Towards Food

At the same time, by completely denying your child access to sugar, you could set up a harmful cycle. Sugar is now seen as the ultimate goal, and kids will do anything to get it. They may not learn how to eat moderately or to trust their bodies. Try allowing reasonable access to sweet treats and modeling a healthy attitude towards food. This will help kids see food as something to celebrate and share – and to treat with respect as they learn to nourish their growing bodies.

Contact Us to Learn More about Children’s Dental Health

To learn more children’s health recommendations or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids. 

You can reach our office online or call us at (913) 685-9990.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that can affect people of all ages, including children. It occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth, which can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. In fact, it can even lead to dental decay on your child’s baby teeth! That’s why it is important to treat pediatric dry mouth with a trusted children’s dentist as soon as possible.

Do you suspect that your child is experiencing symptoms of dry mouth? Help them get the relief they deserve with Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS. Our team can help you pinpoint the cause and provide valuable advice and treatments to address the condition. Contact our children’s dental clinic today at (913) 685-9990 to get started.

In this blog, we explore why children get dry mouth. We also discuss treatment options to help your child get lasting relief.

Why do children get dry mouth?

Xerostomia can make eating and speaking much more challenging for little ones. You may notice that their saliva appears frothy or stringy while they talk. Additionally, you may notice that the odor of their breath is getting worse or that their voice sounds differently when their mouth is dry.

If you notice any of these symptoms, then several factors may be to blame, such as:

Medications

Some medications can cause xerostomia as a side effect. Children who take certain types of medication for conditions such as allergies, asthma, or ADHD may be more likely to experience dry mouth.

Here is a complete list of medications that are likely to give your child dry mouth. 

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions often affect other parts of our body, even if they do not seem related. Dry mouth is a great example of this, as many systemic health conditions can limit saliva production. 

Common medical conditions that have a drying effect on the mouth include:

• Sjӧgren’s syndrome
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Cystic fibrosis

Mouth Breathing

Children often breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, especially if they have allergies or a stuffy nose. This can decrease the amount of saliva in the mouth, making it feel dry and tacky.

Dehydration

Children who are not drinking enough fluids may develop xerostomia as a result. This can happen if they are sick with a fever or vomiting, or if they are not drinking enough water during the day.

How do you treat dry mouth in children?

The treatment for dry mouth in children depends on the underlying cause. Here are some general tips that can help:

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid giving your child sugary or acidic drinks
• Use a humidifier in their room while sleeping
• Encourage nose breathing over mouth breathing
• Offer saliva-producing treats, like sugar-free gum, cough drops, and candy
• Consider over-the-counter mouth moisteners or artificial saliva
• Speak to your child’s pediatrician about medications or conditions that may be causing xerostomia

Pediatric Dry Mouth Treatment in Overland Park, KS

Untreated xerostomia is problematic, as it can lead to extensive cavities and gum disease. The team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids can help you diagnose the cause and explore effective treatments. Schedule appointments for your kiddos here, or call Dr. Matt at (913) 685-9990.

Oral health is important for everyone, including kids. However, getting kids to take an active interest in their oral health can be a challenge. Fortunately, Dr. Matt and his friendly team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids have plenty of tips to share!

Is it time for your little one’s yearly dental check-up? If so, then contact our pediatric dental clinic in Overland Park, KS, to get started. Parents can easily request information and appointments at (913) 685-9990.

Is it like pulling teeth to get your child to brush and floss regularly? We can help. Here are a few, easy tips that can make oral health and hygiene more fun and exciting for kids!

Use Colorful and Fun Toothbrushes

Kids are more likely to brush their teeth if they have a toothbrush that they like. Look for toothbrushes with fun designs, colors, and characters that your child likes.

Just be sure to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes can be too abrasive on dental enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities.

Let Them Choose Their Own Toothpaste

Children love to make their own choices whenever possible. So, give them the freedom to choose whichever toothpaste they think may make brushing more enjoyable for them.

With plenty of recognizable and lovable characters on the packaging and yummy new flavors (hello, watermelon!), kids’ toothpastes offer a wide variety of choices. But, be warned – your kiddo might not be able to wait until they get home to start brushing!

Sing Songs or Use a Timer

According to the Journal of Dental Hygiene, we should brush our teeth for at least 120 seconds (two minutes) each time we brush. But, brushing for two minutes twice a day can feel like a long time to kids. 

We recommend using a timer or singing a two-minute song to make the time go by more quickly. You can even create your own tooth-brushing song with your child!

Make a Brushing Chart

Create a fun and colorful chart with your little one to track their progress with brushing. We recommend using stickers or other tokens to monitor and incentivize good oral hygiene habits.

Play Oral Health Games

There are several games you can play to make oral health more fun for kids. For example, you can play “Simon Says” with oral hygiene instructions, such as “Simon Says brush your front teeth.” 

Alternatively, you can play a game of “I Spy” to spot different oral hygiene products before putting them to use. You can even create your own little game together to make oral health more exciting!

Conduct Oral Hygiene as a Family

Our children follow our lead. So, set a great example by conducting oral hygiene together as a family. We recommend carving out time in the morning and at bedtime to ensure that children are brushing at least twice a day.

Pediatric Oral Healthcare in Overland Park, KS

Are you searching for a skilled expert to help your little one learn healthy oral health and hygiene habits? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park can help! Contact our friendly team here, or call our office directly at (913) 685-9990.

As the weather warms up, it’s common to treat your children with ice cream, snow cones, and other ice-cold refreshments. While it may be common to get a brain freeze after eating their favorite frozen treat, it is alarming if your child complains about sharp dental pain due to sensitive teeth.

Generally, hot, cold, sweet, and sour food and drink (and sometimes even cool air) can trigger tooth sensitivity. This can happen when your tooth’s outer layer thins out, or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin and dental nerves. Ouch!

Although this is generally a problem for adults, children can also suffer from tooth sensitivity. Because up to 52% of Americans struggle with sensitive teeth, we’ve unpacked six reasons your child might have sensitive teeth.

1. Tooth Decay

If ignored, dental decay eventually exposes the underlying dental tissue and nerve. Thankfully, tooth decay is largely preventable by eating a balanced diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and regularly visiting your child’s dentist.

2. Over-Brushing

Ideally, your child should brush their teeth in gentle circles with a soft brush. However, their gums can begin to pull away from tooth roots if you brush too hard or don’t use a soft toothbrush. Over time, over-brushing can wear away their enamel and expose the underlying dentin and dental nerves.

3. Acidic Foods and Beverages

Does your child have an insatiable appetite for citrus, fruit juice, or other acid-rich treats? Overeating acidic foods and drinks can erode the surface of your child’s teeth. If your child isn’t ready to part with their tart favorites, cut the acid with a calcium-rich treat (such as milk or cheese) after eating.

4. Chronic Teeth Grinding

Sleep bruxism is the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep. Although prevalence numbers vary from study to study, you might be surprised that sleep bruxism may affect anywhere from 13 to 49% of children. Furthermore, you might be even more surprised to discover that some researchers have linked sleep bruxism with excessive screen time and sugar consumption.

Regardless, bruxism will eventually wear down the enamel of your children’s teeth if ignored. Thus, leading to sensitivity. The good news is that your pediatric dentist can help your child manage their sleep bruxism habits through a prescribed nightguard.

5. Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Kids constantly gain life lessons through experiences. Sometimes, life lessons can permanently damage their teeth. If your kid learned the hard way that biting into hard candies, excessively munching on ice, or using their teeth as tools can leave teeth cracked or chipped, they might be experiencing teeth sensitivity. After a tooth is deeply cracked or chipped, the nerve-rich pulp may become irritated when chewing. Also, a cracked tooth can fill up with germs, leading to more irritation, inflammation, and discomfort.

6. Silver Fillings

Occasionally, some children need dental fillings to protect and restore function to a tooth. Some pediatric dentists select silver fillings for baby teeth since silver is cost-effective and durable. However, silver fillings are sensitive to thermal fluctuations—making your child’s teeth more sensitive than usual.

Contact Your Local Pediatric Dentist If Your Child Has Sensitive Teeth

If your child is battling dental sensitivity, you don’t have to tackle this common oral health issue alone. At his pediatric dental practice in Overland Park, KS, Dr. Matt guides parents through dental care to restrengthen their children’s pearly whites. Schedule a children’s dentist appointment by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online.

Got Milk? Because of these two simple words, many Americans associate milk with an everyday product that can help build healthy teeth and bones. But is there truth in this claim, or is it just a clever marketing gimmick? Dr. Matt of Overland Park, KS, breaks down some insightful information about the benefits of milk and answers the most frequently asked questions about dairy and dental health.

How is milk beneficial for teeth and bones?

Yes, it’s true. Milk contains a natural sugar called lactose. Some parents worry that the sugar in milk impairs oral health the same way that processed white sugar does. Fortunately, studies prove otherwise, and science supports that milk can positively affect developing teeth and bones.

First of all, dairy milk is considered a whole food, and a single glass provides 18 out of 22 essential nutrients. Milk delivers what your body craves, with more calcium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and protein than just about any other food.

Comprehensively, studies suggest that milk and dairy products may help prevent cavities in children and adolescents. Famously, milk is an excellent source of calcium. One cup of milk offers nearly one-third of the recommended daily amount (RDA). Also, dairy products contain unique proteins called caseins. When casein combines with calcium and phosphorus, a protective film forms over the enamel. This lowers the possibility of tooth decay.

Why is milk vital for human development?

The demand for milk starts early. During a person’s first few days of life, a newborn requires 1 to 2 ounces of baby formula or breastmilk every 2 to 3 hours (or more). Drinking milk at a young age helps protect against bone loss later in life.

Dairy products (including breastmilk and formula) are a rich, assessable source of calcium. Furthermore, calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and your body stores almost all of it in your teeth and bones. Aside from constructing the bones and teeth, less than 1% of your body’s calcium is ionized and can be found in the circulatory system, extracellular fluid, and various tissues.

Calcium helps the body function by providing structural support and allowing normal bodily movement. Also, calcium is responsible for helping the heart, muscles, nerves, and other bodily systems function their best.

How long should a person drink milk?

Generally, pediatricians allow babies to drink cow’s milk instead of breast milk or formula after celebrating their first birthday. Even though there is an age limit to start drinking milk, there’s not one to stop. Most recent scientific evidence suggests that milk can be a healthy dietary staple throughout life that may protect against prevalent chronic diseases, such as childhood obesity.

What are some alternative sources of calcium?

We understand that milk and other dairy products may not be a part of a child’s diet because of lactose intolerance, preferences, and lifestyles. If you’re worried about your child being calcium deficient, please don’t! 

You don’t have to limit your family to milk, cheeses, and yogurts to gain the positive effects of calcium. There are plenty of dairy-free sources of calcium, including almonds, chia and sesame seeds, green vegetables, and fortified tofu.

Call Smiles Dentistry for Kids to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Above all, our Smiles Dentistry for Kids team is passionate about helping your child achieve the smile they deserve while gently guiding parents through childhood health and development hurdles. Schedule a pediatric dental appointment in Overland Park, KS, by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online.