Category: Kids&#8217; Health

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

5 Smart Oral Health Tips for the School Season

Welcome back! The back-to-school season is an exciting time for both parents and children. Here are five ways to support your child’s oral health while they are learning and developing away from home:

1. Follow an oral hygiene schedule.

New year, new routines. The school year comes with many customs, including brushing and flossing before taking off to school and after dinner. Keeping kids accountable with their oral hygiene schedule helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

Does your child have trouble remembering to brush and floss their teeth? Posting a step-by-step oral hygiene instructional chart can help kids go through the motions of maintaining excellent oral health but can be more hands-off in the long run for parents who have busy mornings.

2. Provide healthy lunches and after-school snacks.

The secret to healthy teeth might be in your child’s lunchbox. Food has a significant impact on dental development and preservation.

Here are some of the best foods that help kids have healthy mouths:

High-fiber vegetables and fruit scrub away plaque. Carrots, celery, and apples are great side and snack choices.
Dairy products are rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphates to fortify bones (including the teeth and jaws). Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese pack a nutritional punch and help keep kids feeling full with added protein.
Eggs are eggs-actly what kids need to receive essential minerals for excellent oral health. Eggs are packed with protein, Vitamin D, and phosphates.
Green veggies are filled with vitamins and minerals that support healthy tooth enamel.
Nuts and seeds are filled with minerals that contribute to tooth remineralization and fight cavities.

3. Send students to school with a water bottle.

Is your child drinking enough water daily? An easily accessible water bottle can encourage kids to rehydrate while working through hours of lessons and after physical education.

According to a study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, children are most vulnerable to dehydration, and dehydration can adversely affect cognitive performance (brain function). When the brain is not performing at its mental peak, it weakens focus, psychomotor, and immediate memory skills.

Water with fluoride is safe to drink and helps prevent tooth decay. Almost all drinking water in the United States is fortified with fluoride. However, some bottled varieties don’t, so check the label to make sure.

4. Schedule your child’s back-to-school dental visit.

Most dentists recommend dental checkups twice a year, and August and September are popular months for parents to schedule them for their children. At this visit, the dental team:

Examines overall dental health
May take an x-ray to check for cavities
Professionally clean the teeth to eradicate harmful bacteria

5. Prepare for dental emergencies.

Dental emergencies aren’t common, but they can happen anytime and anywhere. Signs of a potential dental emergency are:

A permanent, “adult” tooth is loose or has fallen out
Cracked or chipped teeth
Severe toothaches or jaw pain
Bleeding or swelling that won’t stop

If a dental emergency does occur, it’s essential to visit the dentist as soon as possible so that he can save the tooth or treat the discomfort conservatively.

Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup

Education helps children’s brains develop. Parents can support their children’s dental development by assisting kids in sticking to oral hygiene regimens, offering balanced meals and fluoridated water, scheduling routine exams, and preparing for dental emergencies.

Call (913) 685-9990 or message us online to book a back-to-school checkup in Overland Park, KS, with Dr. Matt today.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Gum-believable Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease in Children

While it’s more prevalent in adults, younger kids and adolescents are still at risk for periodontal (gum) disease. Something worth smiling about is that gum disease is treatable. In this article, we talk about gum disease and how to handle it.

How Gum Disease Forms in Children

When harmful bacteria, food particles, and sugar build up on teeth and gums, they produce a sticky film called plaque. Plaque buildup can lead to puffy, inflamed, and bleeding gums. If this gets worse, severe gum disease can loosen teeth and damage the soft tissue and bones underneath them.

Signs of Gum Disease in Children and Teens

Chronic gingivitis is widespread in children and is the mildest form of gum disease. Here are four signs of gingivitis:

Inflamed gums that look puffy, swollen, and bright red
Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or any other time
Bad breath (halitosis) that does not clear up after brushing and flossing
Calculus (hardened plaque and tartar) builds up

Thankfully, gingivitis is treatable and reversible through at-home hygiene routines and professional dental intervention. However, left untreated, gingivitis can gradually progress into more severe forms of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis happens in otherwise healthy young people and typically attacks around puberty or later in life. The three stages of periodontitis are:

· Early stages of periodontitis stem from gingivitis. Gums may recede or move away from the teeth and sometimes expose tooth roots. Slight bone and connective tissue loss are common signs during the initial stage of periodontitis. Patients may also experience sensitivity to temperature or discomfort when chewing.

· Moderate periodontitis is more destruction of bone and connective tissue. Multiple teeth may be abnormally spaced and feel loose or separated. Periodontal pockets begin to form and fill with bacteria and tartar.

· Severe jaw bone loss and increased tooth mobility accompany advanced forms of gum disease. Periodontal pockets deepen and may fill with bacteria, tartar, and even pus (if infected). Teeth are more at risk of falling out at the advanced stage of gum disease.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

A consistent oral hygiene routine is the most efficient way to prevent and treat gum disease. Simple oral hygiene care includes:

Thoroughly brushing and flossing teeth twice a day
Using a pea-sized fluoridated toothpaste (if the child is over two years of age)
Rinsing the mouth with a mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria
Enjoying a healthy diet that is low in sugar and starch
Visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings

Good oral hygiene routines are essential for babies, children, and teenagers. While it’s normal for a kid to sneak a sweet treat or miss brushing here and there—sticking to at-home oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups are imperative. These healthy habits help protect children against gum disease and other health problems.

How to Treat Gum Disease

Here are some ways dentists treat all stages of gum disease:

Good dental habits (as mentioned in the last section) can help fight gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing can remove plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth and under the gum lines. This treatment can also smooth tooth roots and reattach gums to the teeth.
Antibiotics may be put in the periodontal pockets or orally in a pill form. Sometimes, dentists also prescribe an anti-bacterial
Surgery is needed to restore gingival tissues damaged by advanced gum disease.

Track and Treat Gum Disease in Overland Park, KS

Childhood gum disease requires professional care. Dr. Matt helps parents manage and treat gum conditions that detriment oral health and overall wellness. Call 913-685-9990 or message us online to schedule an appointment at Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, 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.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

What are the causes and effects of teeth grinding in children?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition where a person rubs the bottom and top teeth together with immense pressure. For children and adults, this condition can lead to serious oral and systemic health issues. It can also be caused by oral and systemic health issues.

Sleep-related bruxism may be difficult to detect if you aren’t sleeping in the same room as your little one. However, sometimes the sounds of teeth grinding can be heard throughout the house (yikes!).

Experts say that nearly 3 out of 10 children will grind their teeth or clench their jaw at night. Some children do it occasionally while others do it consistently.

Continue reading to learn more about the causes and effects of teeth grinding in children.

Causes of Bruxism in Children

While the exact cause of teeth grinding can be difficult to determine, it can usually be linked to one of five causes:

Stress or anxiety: This is the same for adults. Bruxism is a common stress response from the body at night and during the day. Pay attention to your little one throughout the day to see if he is clenching his jaw.
Malocclusion: Children with an overbite, underbite, or other bite issues are more susceptible to teeth grinding.
Response to pain: Teeth grinding may provide relief to children who are suffering from teething or an earache.
Hyperactivity: Children with ADHD are more likely to suffer from teeth grinding than those who do not.
Other medical conditions: Cerebral palsy, GERD, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and night terrors can also contribute to bruxism.

The Effects of Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding can go completely undetected or present mild, moderate, or severe consequences.

Headaches, earaches, and dental sensitivity are a few of the milder impacts of bruxism. Of course, we never want our children to suffer, so even these are cause for treatment.

More severe effects of bruxism include:

Broken or worn-down teeth
Sore gums
Limited jaw movement
Severe facial and jaw pain
Daytime sleepiness
Development and behavior problems

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, bruxism (teeth grinding) increases a child’s risk of having problems in school and being more withdrawn from their family and friends. While there is no proof that these are directly related, the two could be connected to another sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.

Treatment for Childhood Bruxism

The first step to treating bruxism is to find the underlying cause. It could be one of the causes mentioned above or something as simple as drinking too much caffeine. Based on the pediatric dentist’s findings, he will recommend the most effective treatment.

Some of the most common treatments for teeth grinding in children include:

Making lifestyle changes such as creating a consistent bedtime routine, reducing their sugar and caffeine intake, and ensuring the child is getting enough exercise throughout the day.
A customized nightguard that reduces pressure on the teeth, protects them from damage, and mitigates other symptoms of teeth grinding.
Finding the root of the child’s stress and eliminating the stressor or finding helpful ways for him or her to cope.

Overland Park Pediatric Dentist Treats Teeth Grinding

Want to ensure your little one is as healthy and happy as can be? We know you do! Don’t let teeth grinding diminish your child’s oral, overall, and mental health. Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids can help determine the cause of your little one’s bruxism and recommend the appropriate treatment.

To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matt, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Pediatric Dentist Discusses Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing while sleeping because of a blocked airway. In children, OSA is most often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids but can also be caused by obesity. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to detrimental oral, physical, mental, and behavioral problems.

Children with obstructive sleep apnea often suffer from poor oral health caused by bruxism, poor performance in school because of a lack of concentration, behavioral issues like impulsiveness, and cardiopulmonary disease.

Thankfully, all hope is not lost! If your little one is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, a pediatric dentist can offer an effective solution. Continue reading to learn about how OSA in children is diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of OSA

Sleep apnea isn’t always as easy to detect in children as it is in adults. Snoring, of course, is one major symptom, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your child has OSA. To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, dentists and other doctors ask specific questions about the symptoms your little one is experiencing.

The symptoms of sleep apnea in children include:

Night sweats
Sleep talking
Sleepwalking
Bedwetting
Coughing or choking while sleeping
Daytime sleepiness
Behavioral problems like hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and rebelliousness
Difficulty controlling emotions
Headaches in the morning
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Restlessness

If your little one has any combination of these symptoms, contact a sleep doctor to schedule a sleep study. You can also schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist who can identify signs and symptoms of OSA and refer your child to a sleep doctor.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dentists should do the following to determine whether a patient has sleep apnea or not:

Screen the patient for snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders
Screen patients for OSA
Assess tongue positioning
Assess the tonsillar pillar
Refer patients to the appropriate medical providers

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea in children is an absolute necessity. There are several options available to children with obstructive sleep apnea. The most common pediatric OSA treatments include:

Adenotonsillectomy: surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids
Myofunctional therapy: mouth and throat exercises
Continuous positive airway pressure: a machine that pumps air into the airway
Oral appliances: devices that reposition the jaw or tongue to open the airway
Weight loss: a pediatrician can create a healthy diet and exercise plan that helps the child lose weight and alleviate the symptoms of OSA
Allergy treatment: medications that reduce airway constriction caused by sinus inflammation
Positional therapy: training the child to sleep in a different position

Every child is unique and will require a unique treatment plan that reduces or eliminates the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Your child’s pediatric dentist can work with a sleep doctor or pediatrician to create an effective and beneficial treatment. This may include several treatments or just one.

Learn More About OSA

If you’re concerned that obstructive sleep apnea may the cause of your child’s symptoms, don’t wait to visit with a pediatric dentist or sleep doctor. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is passionate about helping children live happy and healthy lives. Part of that is identifying signs and symptoms of OSA.

To schedule an initial consultation for your child, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Causes and Consequences of Dental Fear in Children

Dental fear is common in children and adults. In almost every case, this is a learned behavior that isn’t caused by a first-hand experience. Sadly, dental fear in children can lead to serious oral health problems later in life.

As a parent, you hope to raise a healthy and happy child. Dental fear puts both of those goals at risk. In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes dental fear in children, the consequences of dental fear, and how to help your little one overcome it.

Causes of Dental Fear

A child who has never been to the dentist may have different fears than one who has experienced the dentist. Therefore, the causes of dental fear are wide-ranging. Here are the most common reasons that children are afraid of the dentist:

The child is unprepared for the appointment. Fear of the unknown is real and valid. Children may express fear or anxiety about an upcoming dental appointment because they don’t know what to expect.
Their parents are afraid of the dentist. Try not to project your own fear of the dentist onto your little one. The same goes for all of the other adults in your child’s life! The way you talk about the dentist matters and has an immense impact on how he will act during the appointment and his oral health.
TV shows or books portray the dentist as scary. Dental appointments and procedures are the topic of many TV shows and books. In some cases, the main character is afraid at first, but the appointment ends up going a lot better than expected. In other shows, the character has a really bad experience. This can lead your child to believe that all dentists are bad and should be feared.
The child had a bad experience at the dentist’s office. A first-hand poor experience at the dentist’s office can be difficult to overcome. If your little one had a bad dental appointment, we are so sorry to hear that! Hopefully, a new dentist can undo the damage.

Consequences of Dental Fear

Just like any other fear, dental fear has consequences. For children, it may mean that their parents are less likely to bring them to the dentist regularly. This could lead to untreated oral health issues, early tooth loss, and improper dental development.

Children with dental fear grow up to be adults who avoid the dentist’s office at all costs which may result in serious oral and overall health problems like cavities, gum disease, poor self-esteem, diabetes, and heart disease.

Help Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

Want to ensure your little one grows up with a healthy smile and good oral hygiene habits? Here are five ways to ease your child’s dental fear:

Change the narrative. Tell your child about a positive experience you have had with a dentist. it could be as simple as your first dental experience as a child, a dental cleaning appointment that went off without a hitch, or a serious procedure that made you feel so much better.
Prepare her for the appointment. Play dentist at home, using common household items as dental tools. Make sounds with your mouth that the real ones will make at the office, have your child sit back as if she was in the dental chair, brush her teeth, and have her pretend to be the dentist, too!
Allow him to bring comfort items. No rule says a child can’t bring a stuffed animal, blanket, or toy to the dentist’s office. In fact, our pediatric dentist encourages it! We want your little one to feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
Watch a TV show that portrays the dentist in a positive light. Peppa Pig, Dora, Arthur, and several other kids’ shows have episodes where the main character overcomes their own dental fear when they realize the dentist isn’t really scary at all. This should help ease your little one’s fear and anxiety.
Find the best pediatric dentist near you. An experienced, trusted, and passionate pediatric dentist will ensure your child has the best dental experience possible. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, check Google reviews, and make sure the dentist is the right fit for your little one.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is passionate about providing comfortable, kid-friendly dental care to help his patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you’re searching for a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, look no further! Contact our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Happy Fresh Veggies Day! Here are 5 vegetables to improve your child’s oral health.

There are few things more satisfying than cutting up and cooking a batch of fresh vegetables. The delicious aroma fills the house, and you know you are providing your family with high-quality nutrients that improve overall health and wellness.

Unfortunately, your little one might not feel the same way. Part of this stems from not understanding the benefits of vegetables for the mouth, mind, and body. Fresh Veggies Day is a great opportunity to educate your little one AND learn new ways to cook vegetables so that your child will enjoy them.

Here are five veggies that improve oral health with tips for how to incorporate them in a kid-friendly way!

1. Onions

Yes, onions. This vegetable that is known to cause bad breath also contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that prevent diseases in the mouth and body.

Cooked, sauteed, or roasted onions can be easily incorporated into your child’s favorite foods like pizza, burgers, and spaghetti. You may be surprised that it doesn’t take much convincing to get your little one to eat this delicious and nutritious vegetable.

2. Carrots

In addition to acting as a natural toothbrush, carrots contain keratin, which fights against plaque build-up, and vitamin A that strengthens tooth enamel.

Raw carrots are the perfect vehicle for any of your child’s favorite dips—peanut or almond butter, hummus, ranch, or guacamole.

3. Celery

Like carrots, celery cleans the teeth while it is being chewed. It also encourages the production of saliva which cleans teeth, strengthens enamel, and balances the bacteria in the mouth.

Also like carrots, celery pairs well with almost any dip. It’s also easy to cook and add to soups and pasta!

4. Shiitake mushrooms

A 2016 study categorizes shiitake mushrooms as a “caries preventive food” because it contains active compounds that encourage antimicrobial activity.

For parents, convincing children to eat mushrooms can be a difficult task, but this is another vegetable that can easily be combined into dishes like soups, spaghetti, pizza, and casseroles. Most children complain about the texture of mushrooms more than the taste, so adding them to dishes will be your best option!

5. Spinach

Spinach, the vegetable responsible for Popeye’s bulging muscles, is rich in calcium, folic acid, and several other nutrients. The calcium in spinach builds up dental enamel and strengthens teeth to protect them from chips, cracks, and wear. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B that helps fight against and treat periodontal disease.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to sauté a bunch of spinach, put it on a plate, and not hear groans from your child. However, you may be able to hide spinach in your child’s morning smoothie, so he experiences all the benefits without having to taste or chew it. You can do this with kale as well!

Learn More About Kid’s Oral Health from Our Overland Park Dentist

Want more oral health tips for your child? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids loves educating parents and children about how to incorporate good oral hygiene habits into their everyday lives. For personalized tips from Dr. Matt, call our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, 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.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Kid’s Dentist Answers: What’s the point of saliva?

Babies drool. A lot. Sometimes, parents feel like their baby drools a little too much. The truth is that saliva plays an important role in creating a healthy oral environment that also promotes good overall health. So, if your little one is going through five bibs a day because of drool, you shouldn’t be concerned. Her body is just doing what it needs to do to maintain optimal health.

What exactly is the saliva doing? Check out this blog to learn the benefits of saliva, why your little one drools so much, and what to do if you or your child isn’t producing enough of it!

The Benefits of Saliva Production

One fun fact about saliva is that without it, our foods and beverages wouldn’t taste the same. That’s pretty interesting and cool, but it isn’t close to all that saliva does for our mouths and bodies.

The benefits of proper saliva production include:

Helps break down food for proper digestion
Speeds up the healing process when the mouth is cut, burned, or wounded
Remineralizes teeth to protect against cavities
Rids the teeth and other surfaces of food particles
Aids in chewing and swallowing
Keeps mouth comfortable

As you can see, saliva is so necessary for our mouths. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to function properly, and life would be a little more difficult.

Is too much saliva a bad thing?

Constant drooling may seem concerning, but dental experts agree that an overly drooly baby is normal and even a positive thing! This usually means that the baby’s teeth are developing, and the saliva is actively cleaning the surfaces of his or her mouth. Saliva also helps your baby break down and digest food properly, so be thankful! Another thing to keep in mind is that babies have to learn how to get rid of the saliva by swallowing, so instead of it going down their throats, much of it comes out of their lips.

The only problem your little one may experience is skin irritation around her mouth. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the area, then rub Vaseline or another mild moisturizer to protect the skin.

What about too little saliva production?

Many adults have experienced dry mouth. Infants, adolescents, and teens experience it as well. In children, dehydration is the usual source. Be sure that your child is drinking enough water throughout the day and especially when he or she wakes up in the morning or from a nap.

Other remedies for dry mouth in children and adults include:

Chew sugar-free gum
Eliminate caffeine
Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth
Use a humidifier
Eat a proper, mouth-friendly diet

Dry mouth is rare in children and is almost always due to dehydration, though certain medications may be the cause as well. Regular occurrences of dry mouth can lead to serious oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. If you are concerned about your little one’s saliva production, contact a pediatric dentist today to schedule an appointment.

Kid’s Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Have questions about your little one’s oral health and hygiene? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids has answers! If you’re concerned about your child’s mouth or if it’s time to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment, contact our office today at (913) 685-9990.

"*" indicates required fields

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

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

Children's dentist, dental check-up, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist