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Category: Kids’ Health

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.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
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Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Using the carrots you bought, plant some of your own. Check out this blog to learn how to propagate the carrots.
  3. Print out coloring pages of rabbits eating carrots for a short, creative activity.
  4. Read about the origin and history of carrots.
  5. 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.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
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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.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
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Happy National Pack Your Lunch Day!

Here’s a fun fact for you: Mickey Mouse was the first known character to appear on a lunchbox in 1935. Since then, thousands of tv and movie characters have traveled to school cafeterias, workplaces, and so many other places with people who pack their lunches. Are you one of those people? Do you pack lunches for your child? If not, maybe today is the day you start!

One of the greatest benefits of packing lunch for your child is that you have more control over his or her diet. Kids need proper nutrients and vitamins to gain and maintain a healthy mouth and body. Many times, school lunches don’t provide those, or your child just may not choose to eat the healthier options.

On this National Pack Your Lunch Day, we’re offering healthy and delicious lunch ideas that your little one will love.

Foods That Promote Good Oral Health

As dental professionals, our hope is to see every child achieve optimal oral health. Good oral health does more than just help us avoid cavities and gum disease; it promotes good overall health as well! When we feed our children mouth-friendly foods, we’re also feeding them foods that contribute to a healthy body and mind.

When packing your child’s lunch, stick to these food groups:

Vegetables

Eating enough vegetables can be difficult for adults, so, understandably, it is even more difficult for children! Cooking the vegetables in different ways may help your little one find a few that he really enjoys. Seasonings and dips make a huge difference as well!

Here are some of the best vegetables for oral health:

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Green and red peppers
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Broccoli

Fruit

Fruit makes packing lunches fast and simple. Every type of fruit offers several overall health benefits, but some benefit our mouths more than others. To promote a healthy, beautiful smile, pack these fruits at least twice a week:

  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
  • Pears
  • Watermelon
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries

Protein

Most protein-rich foods also contain phosphorous. These are doubly beneficial because they both help protect and regrow dental enamel. You can find both of these nutrients in chicken, red meat, fish, and eggs.

Other high-protein snacks for kids include:

  • Pepperoni
  • Beef jerky
  • Sliced turkey and ham
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Hummus
  • Roasted chickpeas

Dairy

Dairy products contain a large amount of calcium which promotes strong, healthy teeth. Milk also creates a protective layer that keeps disease-causing bacteria from attacking teeth and gums. If you’re able to keep it cold until lunch, milk is a beneficial and filling beverage to go with their meal!

Here are a few more calcium-rich foods we think your child will love:

  • Almonds
  • String cheese
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Almond butter

Lunch Box Ideas

Here are some mouth-healthy lunches we think your little one will love:

  • Meat and cheese roll-ups, strawberry-yogurt parfait, and roasted carrots
  • Spinach and cheese quesadilla, an orange, and a hard-boiled egg
  • Chicken salad over spinach, string cheese, and watermelon
  • Pepperonis, cubed cheese, blueberries, and celery with almond butter
  • Beef jerky, string cheese, pears, and broccoli with ranch dip

The possibilities are endless!

More Oral Health Tips from Our Pediatric Dentist

Looking for an experienced and caring pediatric dentist in Overland Park? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is that and so much more! Contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
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Pediatric Dentist Explains: 3 Reasons Children Should Visit the Dentist by Age One

According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll, one in six parents believed that dental visits for children aren’t necessary until age four or older. Contrary to that belief, dental professionals and the American Dental Association stress the importance of dental visits as early as 12 months or six months after a baby’s first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.

If your child has passed both of those milestones, don’t worry! There is still time to offer your little one the oral health care he or she needs to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Not convinced that pediatric dentistry is necessary? Continue reading to learn three important reasons children should visit the dentist by their first birthdays.

1. Prevention

Pediatric dentistry mainly focuses on preventive treatments that reduce serious and not-so-serious oral health problems in infants and children. Except for some possible genetic oral health problems, most children begin with a clean slate when it comes to their mouths. The goal is to help children maintain that good oral health throughout their childhood and the rest of their lives.

Regular dental cleanings and exams are two of the most important parts of preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Beginning at age one, children should be attending these appointments at least every six months. During the appointment, the dentist may recommend other forms of prevention, such as fluoride treatments and sealants.

Dental exams are especially important for predicting and avoiding or preparing for future oral or dental health problems like malocclusion.

2. Education

Another main focus of pediatric dentistry is education. Caring for another person’s mouth can be difficult, but parents do it every day! The guidance and advice from a pediatric dentist make this process much easier.

Pediatric dentists help parents understand their child’s mouth by using everyday language, props, and helpful resources. Kids’ dentists often answer questions concerning:

  • Brushing techniques
  • Flossing techniques
  • How to get your child to brush and floss consistently
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Tips for weaning a child off of a pacifier
  • Breaking thumb-sucking habits
  • What to do during a dental emergency

When you have a question about your little one’s oral health or development, a pediatric dentist should be your first call!

3. Relationship

Building relationships with children and their families is so important for establishing good oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dentists prioritize creating an environment where children feel at home. This could include having bright colors on the walls, using fun props while talking to your child, and having toys in the waiting room.

While the first visit can be overwhelming, children usually grow accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental practice pretty quickly. Choosing a skilled and passionate pediatric dentist, a good experience is almost guaranteed even for children as young as one year old.

Our Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids offers parents and children a unique, comfortable, and informative dental experience. We strive to create an environment where people of all ages feel at home, but especially the little ones!

Dr. Matt has a passion for children’s dentistry that is hard to come by. So, if you’re searching for a dentist who will care about your child’s mouth health as much as you do, look no further! We’d love to make your family a part of ours. Call (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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Parents Beware: 5 Common Oral Health Problems in Children

From the first moment we hold our babies, we make a promise to ourselves to do all we can to ensure they are loved and protected. It’s the reason we put locks on our cabinets, set curfews, and over-do it with gifts on their birthdays. Another way we, as dental professionals, encourage parents to protect their children is to start taking care of their child’s mouth from the day he or she is born.

Good oral hygiene practices like wiping a baby’s gums after feedings, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and breaking thumb-sucking and pacifier habits protect infants and adolescents from all kinds of oral health problems.

When parents don’t abide by their pediatric dentist’s guidelines, children may suffer from the following oral health issues:

1. Cavities

Cavities, or caries, occur when sugar and other food particles remain on the chewing, front, or back surfaces of the teeth. These particles turn into plaque, then tartar, and eat away at the enamel. This creates a cavity, or hole. If left untreated, the cavity continues to form, affecting the softer, inner layer of the tooth.

Dental caries can be extremely painful for children and should be avoided at all costs! Be sure to talk to your child’s pediatric dentist about good oral hygiene practices to put in place at home.

2. Gingivitis

Like cavities, gingivitis begins with plaque that transforms into tartar. The difference is that this plaque is built up along the gum line. The longer it sits there, the more damage it does.

Signs of gingivitis include bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, swollen gums, or irritated gums. If you notice these symptoms in your child’s mouth, be sure to schedule a dental cleaning with his pediatric dentist as soon as possible. 

3. Baby bottle tooth decay

Bottle- and breast-fed babies are at risk for something called “baby bottle tooth decay.” Essentially, this is the same as cavities, but in infants and toddlers. Dental professionals have given it this name because these cavities are usually caused by frequent, long-lasting feedings, especially right before bedtime or naptime.

Breast milk and formula contain sugar that sticks to teeth immediately after a feeding. When babies eat right before sleeping, less saliva production allows the sugar to turn into acid and eat away at the enamel.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, clean his or her teeth after every feeding and try not to allow bottles to put her to sleep.

4. Bad breath

Persistent bad breath in children (and adults) can have a few different causes, such as:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Cavities
  • Gingivitis
  • Dehydration
  • Sinus or upper respiratory infection
  • ENT problems

Our first recommendation is to ensure your little one is brushing and flossing properly and consistently. If this doesn’t help, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist or physician, based on his other symptoms.

5. Early tooth loss

Ultimately, all of these oral health issues could lead to tooth loss if they aren’t treated in time. While this may not seem like a big deal because “baby teeth fall out anyway,” early tooth loss comes with serious consequences, like:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Digestive issues
  • Inability to pronounce certain letters
  • Low self-esteem
  • Improper development of permanent teeth

As pediatric dental professionals, we strive to give parents the knowledge and tools help their children avoid these consequences through education and preventive care.

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is always prepared to educate parents on the proper oral hygiene practices for their children. We also provide necessary and preventive treatments that reduce oral health problems in kids of all ages.

Contact our friendly team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your initial consultation.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
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7 Fun Facts About Dentistry and Oral Health for Kids

It’s probably pretty rare that you have a conversation with anyone about oral health. Unfortunately, it’s not a hot topic except for those who work in the dental field. Since it is our profession, we find it very interesting, and we’ve discovered quite a few fun facts that you and your child will be interested to learn about!

Whether you’re trying to teach your little one how to take good care of his or her teeth or are trying to hype him up for his first dental appointment, these fun facts about dentistry and oral health should certainly make that process easier.

1. Dental enamel is the strongest substance in the human body.

It’s true! Although dental enamel is also one of the smallest substances in the body, it can withstand an immense amount of pressure and regular wear and tear.

Enamel is made up of two essential proteins: dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). These play two different roles but together create a strong and healthy surface. Click here to learn more about these proteins.

2. Chewing sugarless gum helps prevent cavities.

Many children grow up believing that gum is bad for your teeth. Although some types of gum are, many are actually good for oral health! Sugarless gum helps remove food from between the teeth and clean the surfaces of the teeth. It also contains xylitol which inhibits the growth of bacteria that leads to cavities.

Another fun fact: Santa Anna helped introduce gum to America!

Why this is, we don’t know! But if you or your child have a blue toothbrush, you’re a part of the minority of people who prefer blue over other toothbrush colors. Can you come up with any ideas about why this is true?

4. No mouth is exactly the same.

Forensic dentists use dental records to identify people all the time. Teeth can tell us how old a person is, their ethnicity, and information about a person’s lifestyle and diet. Additionally, the shape, size, and placement of a person’s teeth are unique, like fingerprints.

5. Ida Gray was the first African-American woman to earn a dental degree.

Ida Gray was orphaned as a teenager and faced many challenges growing up. Despite her difficult life, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1890 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, becoming the first African- American woman dentist in the United States.

6. “Bacon” is a toothpaste flavor.

We don’t recommend using bacon toothpaste, but it is available to try! Other bizarre toothpaste flavors include:

  • Mint chocolate
  • Cupcake
  • Wasabi
  • Pumpkin pudding
  • Curry
  • Octopus
  • Eggplant

For the sake of your family and friends, we suggest sticking to mint and cinnamon.

7. Brushing is only 70% effective at cleaning teeth.

Brushing only cleaning the chewing surfaces, fronts, and backs of the teeth. To effectively reduce the risk of cavities, flossing is essential! Be sure your little one is flossing at least once a day to remove the food and bacteria from between the teeth.

Visiting the dentist every six months is another essential part of oral health care. These visits ensure that your child isn’t suffering from tooth decay that could lead to pain, discomfort, and early tooth loss.

To schedule an appointment with our experienced and highly recommended pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, call (913) 685-9990 today.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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Is it inevitable that my child will have cavities?

Did you know that water was first fluoridated in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945? This began the study of how fluoride protects children’s teeth. After 11 years, the NIDR found that the cavities rate among children in Grand Rapids dropped more than 60 percent!

Because of this research, almost all community water sources, toothpastes, and mouthwashes today contain fluoride. Dental professionals continue to find ways to prevent cavities and other oral health problems among children and adults.

Although cavities for children may have been inevitable at one point in history, they don’t have to be part of your little one’s childhood! Continue reading to learn the most common reasons for cavities in children as well as tips to prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Ultimately, cavities develop when sugars and starches cling to the teeth and aren’t removed by brushing, flossing, or rinsing. Bacteria turn these particles from food to acids that contribute to the formation of plaque that eats away at the dental enamel.

The following factors raise a child’s risk of tooth decay:

  1. High consumption of sugar and starches
  2. Low consumption of water
  3. Not drinking fluoridated water (tap water)
  4. Failing to brush and floss daily
  5. Dry mouth caused by medications

Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Along with encouraging your little one to drink more water, it’s entirely possible to prevent cavities. Check out these tips from our Overland Park pediatric dentist!

Encourage good oral hygiene

Children (and adults) should brush two times a day and floss once daily. These two practices fight against disease-causing bacteria that lead to cavities by ridding the mouth of sugars and starches that they feed off.

We know that teaching your little one to brush and floss properly and consistently can be challenging, but it is possible!

Start with taking your child to the store to pick out is oral hygiene tools like a cartoon-themed toothbrush and yummy-flavored toothpaste. Then, watch this kid-friendly video together to learn about the importance of oral hygiene and how to brush and floss properly.

Talk with your kid’s pediatric dentist for more helpful tips and tricks.

Offer healthy snacks

What your child eats affects her oral, physical, and mental health. Therefore, it is so important to offer healthy, mouth-friendly snacks for her to eat throughout the day! Protein, dairy, fruits, and veggies are the best food groups to stick to.

Check out this blog to learn about some of our favorite healthy snacks for kids!

Visit the dentist regularly

Dental cleanings and exams aren’t just for adults; children need them too! Children should begin visiting the dentist when their first tooth erupts and every six months after that. A dental cleaning is performed when appropriate, but an exam is completed every single time.

This way, the dentist can track your child’s oral development, check for cavities, and offer personalized tips for a healthy mouth. These appointments are also important because you (the parent) get access to an expert in kids’ oral health. Any and all questions are welcome!

Start Preventing Cavities Today

One of the best ways to put your little one’s oral health on track is to schedule a regular dental cleaning and exam appointment as soon as possible. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to help all children live cavity-free lives!

Call (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

Get in Touch

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Kid-Friendly, Pediatric-Dentist-Approved, Healthy Snacks for Your Child

One of the main ways we keep our mouths healthy is by eating nutritious, mouth-friendly foods. As adults, it’s our responsibility to choose our foods well. As parents, we also have the responsibility of choosing healthy snacks for our children. This isn’t always an easy task, especially when your child knows the deliciousness of chips and soda.

Healthy snacks don’t have to be unappealing. That’s why we’re writing this blog! Our hope is that we can help you discover new, convenient, and delicious snacks that your child will love just as much. But first, let’s talk about the dangers of sugary, processed snacks.

Consequences of Sugar-Filled Snacks

Processed foods (mostly foods that come in wrappers) are often filled with hidden sugars that pose a threat to our children’s oral health. These include granola bars, sports drinks, premade soup, low-fat yogurt, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and fruit juice.

It’s no wonder that so many children eat triple the amount of sugar they are supposed to have in a day! Consuming too much sugar doesn’t just affect your child’s teeth and gums, it can also lead to several overall health conditions, including:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Fatty liver
  • Low energy
  • Depression
  • Acne

Additionally, these children typically have a harder time focusing at school which can lead to poor academic performance.

To help reduce your little one’s sugar intake, check food labels for these ingredients:

  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Honey
  • Fruit juice concentrate
  • Sucrose
  • Rice syrup

A general rule is to look for anything that ends in “-ose” and “syrup”! Additionally, sticking to whole, unprocessed foods helps avoid sugar altogether.

Nutrients for a Healthy Mouth

Our mouths, like our bodies, require certain nutrients to function properly. For our mouths, these vitamins and minerals are particularly important:

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A

When we provide these nutrients to our children, we set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Healthy Snack Ideas

To get all the vitamins and minerals our mouths and bodies need, we should stick to four food categories: dairy and calcium, fruits and veggies, and proteins. Grains are also important for our overall wellness and should be included in meals.

Here are our favorite kid-and-dentist-approved healthy snacks:

Dairy and Calcium

  • Cottage cheese with fruit
  • A glass of milk
  • Apples with almond butter
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Almonds

Fruits and Veggies

  • Fresh-fruit smoothie with spinach or kale
  • Guacamole with peppers
  • Hummus with carrot, pepper, and celery
  • Kale or zucchini chips
  • Apples and celery dipped in all-natural peanut butter

Protein

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Scrambled eggs with cheese
  • Plain Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts
  • Pepperoni
  • Beef jerky

We know that when you offer these snacks to your little one, you’ll notice a difference in his oral and overall health. Of course, it’s always important to talk with your child’s pediatrician to learn about any allergies or specific dietary needs.

More Oral Hygiene Tips

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is passionate about making oral hygiene simple and practical for children and their parents. When you visit our office, your child will receive more than just a dental cleaning and exam; our dentist and hygienists provide helpful tips to ensure your child has a beautiful healthy smile for years to come.

To schedule an appointment with our friendly pediatric dentist, contact our team today at (913) 685-9990.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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How Kids Can Maintain a Healthy Smile During Thanksgiving

A house full of family, playing games, and eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal are some of our favorite things about the Thanksgiving holiday. While this year may look a little different, we hope that it is just as special!

The Thanksgiving meal is full of old family recipes, favorite family dishes, and foods your little one has probably been requesting year-round. Helping your little one maintain a healthy mouth is just as important as making his favorite Thanksgiving dish. That doesn’t mean he has to skip out on anything. In fact, many Thanksgiving staples have oral health benefits.

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and practical tips for helping your family maintain good oral health during the holiday.

The Benefits of Thanksgiving Foods

Most foods have some sort of nutritional value. Here’s how popular Thanksgiving foods benefit oral and overall health:

  • Turkey: This beloved main course is often the star of the show. It is also packed full of protein and low on fat. Turkey contains vitamin b3 which helps support healthy teeth and gums. 
  • Sweet potatoes: For those of us with a sweet tooth, sweet potatoes, also called yams, are a Thanksgiving favorite. They are also full of nutrients that help keep your body and mouth healthy. Of course, yams typically contain loads of butter and brown sugar that may reduce these benefits.
  • Green bean casserole: Green beans, mushrooms, and onions make this dish one of the most nutritious options at a Thanksgiving feast. Green beans, in particular, are full of vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin, bones, and hair.
  • Mac and cheese: We all know that calcium helps build strong bones, and there aren’t many more delicious ways to get calcium than macaroni and cheese! This is a favorite among children, so just make sure your child is getting nutrients from other sources as well!
  • Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are full of nutrients that help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.
  • Pumpkin pie: The most popular Thanksgiving dessert is pumpkin pie. Apart from the added sugar and whipped cream on top, the pumpkin itself is full of vitamin A which strengthens dental enamel and helps maintain healthy gums.

Thanksgiving Oral Hygiene Tips

The holidays are a time for enjoying and indulging in the good things in life. We won’t ask you or your child to give any of those things up! However, we will offer these tips to help your family maintain healthy mouths.

  1. Encourage your little one to brush and floss her teeth more often during the holidays. Brushing after meals is a great habit to keep
  2. The Thanksgiving meal is full of sugar and calories already, so try to drink only water throughout the day. Water helps clean the mouth of food particles, sugar, and other debris that may lead to cavities and gum disease. Your child won’t have as much of an after-dinner crash, and you’ll feel less bloated!
  3. Portion sizes matter, even on Thanksgiving. Try to fill up your plate with the healthiest options, then when you aren’t as hungry, go back for smaller portions of the not-so-healthy dishes.
  4. If possible, spread the leftovers out among family members. This way, you and your family don’t have three days of Thanksgiving meals instead of just one!
  5. There’s no better way to begin the new year than with a clean and healthy smile. Call to schedule regular dental cleaning appointment for your little one with his or her pediatric dentist. Be sure to do the same for yourself!

Learn More from Dr. Matt

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt’s goal is to help your child gain and maintain a healthy smile year-round. For more oral hygiene tips, or to schedule a dental cleaning for your little one, contact our friendly team today at (913) 685-9990.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

Get in Touch

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