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

Brushing and Flossing Tips from a Children’s Dentist

Brushing and flossing are two of the first things we teach our children about hygiene. Parents begin this process as soon as their child’s first tooth emerges, and children learn by watching their parents care for their own teeth. Though brushing and flossing for adults are simple and sensible, children don’t always view them the same way.

The first step to helping children understand why oral hygiene is important is to explain why we do it. Of course, we know that brushing and flossing are two of the best defenses against tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Tell that to your little one and he or she may not understand.

Find a way to describe the process that’s fun for your child. Describe the plaque in their mouth as the “bad guys” and the toothbrush and floss as the “good guys” and create a fun story for them to be a part of.

Continue reading for more helpful brushing and flossing tips from our children’s dentist!

Proper Techniques

It’s not enough for someone to just have a toothbrush or floss in their mouth two times a day; these tools must be used properly. Be sure to use the following guidelines when teaching your child how to brush and floss.

Brushing

To encourage brushing, we recommend allowing your child to pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste at the store. Just be sure to ask your dentist about the best toothpaste for your little one! Once he or she has the tools picked out, follow this technique:

Place a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush
Brush the top, front, and back sides of each tooth in small circles
Don’t forget the tongue and roof!
Spit and rinse

Check out this video for a kid-friendly way to explain this technique!

Flossing

There are two types of floss: traditional and dental floss picks. For children, dental floss picks may be easier in the beginning, but we encourage parents to teach their children how to use traditional floss as it is more effective.

Here are the proper techniques for both types of floss.

Traditional:

Take about 18 inches of string
Wrap most of it around one finger (we recommend the pointer)
Wind the rest around the opposite finger—not too tightly!
Bring the floss up one side of a tooth and down the other
Be sure to reach all the way down to the gum lines
After cleaning each tooth, unwind the floss from one finger and collect it with the other

Floss picks:

Move the floss up and down the sides of each tooth, paying close attention to the gum line
Rinse the floss after cleaning each tooth
Replace the pick when the string looks worn

Make It Fun!

Many adults find oral hygiene to be boring and unnecessary. That’s why we aren’t surprised when parents tell us that their child refuses to practice good oral hygiene.

If that’s the case for you, try these three tips from our children’s dentist:

Make it a family event. Invite your little one into the bathroom with you and other family members, put some music on, and make brushing and flossing a party!
Use rewards. Create a brushing and flossing chart with stickers that show your child getting closer and closer to a reward. Once he or she reaches that mark, go for ice cream or to the store to pick out a toy—you know what your child likes best!
Utilize technology. Sometimes a distraction is exactly what we need to get something done. Allow your little one to watch a video or listen to her favorite song while she brushes and flosses.

For More Brushing and Flossing Tips

Want to know more about your child’s oral health and hygiene? Call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matt.

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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

About Dr. Matt, Pediatric Dentist at Smiles Dentistry for Kids

As parents, we want the very best for our children, but finding a great pediatric dentist isn’t always easy. Pediatric dentistry requires the dentist to be passionate about oral health, love children, and communicate well. And while you want the dentist to connect with your child, you want to connect with him too. After all, the two of you will combine efforts to help your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

To find the best pediatric dentist near you, you should (1) ask friends and family for referrals, (2) check Google reviews, (3) browse the dentists’ websites, and (4) schedule a first visit.

If you live in or around Overland Park, KS, consider Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. He has all of the qualities we discussed above and more!

Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Matt and our pediatric dental practice.

Our Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Matthew Hillman, known as Dr. Matt, is doing exactly what he loves to do—teaching children and their parents how to prevent dental decay in a fun, comfortable environment. His journey began at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Once he graduated, he moved on to Northwestern University and Children’s Memorial Hospital where he started his post-graduate residency program in Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Matt is now a board-certified pediatric dentist through the American Board of Pediatric Dentists. His passion, knowledge, and energy are what make him one of the best pediatric dentists around. It was out of his desire to create a fun, family-friendly environment that he established Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

Our Practice

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to provide quality care for every child and create an environment that makes the entire family feel welcomed and comfortable. We use easy-to-understand language, so you and your child know exactly what’s going on during the visit.

Our office is a fun place to be! We’ve chosen bright, cheerful colors because that’s how we want people to feel when they walk in and when they leave. There are also movies, cartoons, and video games available.

Each of our team members is highly skilled and trained so parents can trust that their children are receiving the best possible care.

Here are four ways we strive to provide personalized and exceptional dental care for your child:

Consistency: You and your child will see Dr. Matt at every single visit.
Diligence: We will never rush through your child’s appointment. We take our time so we can carefully and thoroughly examine your child’s mouth and meet his or her oral health needs.
Individualized care: We recognize that every child is unique. Their visit with us will be tailored to their individual personality.
No surprises: Our administration team understands your dental benefits and works closely with your insurance so there are no unexpected charges on your dental bill.

Dental Care Tips

Your child’s mouth is like his fingerprint—it’s the only one in the world. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt is passionate about helping parents understand the best ways to care for their child’s mouth.

Do you ever wonder if you’re brushing your child’s teeth the right way? And when should they start flossing? Are those juice boxes having a negative or positive impact on their oral health?

Dr. Matt can answer all of these questions and more! He’s full of information about oral health, and once he has examined your child’s mouth, he can give you tips that are tailored to your child.

To schedule an appointment to meet Dr. Matt and our friendly dental team, call us today at (913) 685-9990.

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

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

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

4 Useful Tips for Teaching A Child to Brush His or Her Teeth

From holding their own bottle and walking without holding your hand to their first day of school, children become independent so quickly! As difficult as it can be for a parent, teaching children to do things on their own is a good thing. Independence helps develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence.

Most children are ready to brush their teeth by themselves around the same time they learn to tie their shoes. Proper brushing techniques are necessary for helping your child maintain good oral health. Those baby teeth need to be taken care of! And good habits should be formed while they’re young.

So, where do you begin? Check out these four useful tips on teeth brushing for teaching your little one how to brush his or her teeth properly.

Teeth Brushing Tip #1: Talk to your pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat and care for children’s mouths. All those years of dental school and additional training don’t just benefit your child, they benefit you as well! Your pediatric dentist is happy to discuss any questions you may have about your child’s oral health. They are especially helpful when it comes to teaching your child the right way to brush his or her teeth.

Here are some things you should ask your pediatric dentist about:

The proper brushing technique
The right types of toothpaste
The use of fluoride
How to explain the importance of brushing to a child

Additionally, a pediatric dentist can answer any questions regarding flossing, dental sealants, and mouthguards.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is more than happy to sit down with you to discuss your child’s oral health and oral hygiene routine.

Teeth Brushing Tip #2: Lead by example

A show and tell session is one of the best things to do before letting your child brush on her own. Have her watch as you brush your teeth so she knows exactly what it should look like.

Be sure to brush for two minutes and try to explain what you’re doing as you go.

Teeth Brushing Tip #3: Technique

Once you’ve learned everything you can from your pediatric dentist and have shown your child exactly how brushing is done, it’s time to teach it to your little one! Explain that we should brush our teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes in the evening. Then, make sure you use these guidelines:

Put a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush
Start with the teeth in the back of the mouth and work your way forward
Brush the top, front, and back sides of each tooth in little circles
Don’t forget your gums and tongue!
Spit out all the toothpaste and rinse

If you need a little help explaining the proper brushing technique in a fun, kid-friendly way, check out this video!

Teeth Brushing Tip #4: Make it fun

We know it isn’t always easy to teach your kids to brush their teeth, but these fun tips for teeth brushing can make an enormous difference:

Take him/her to the store to pick out a fun toothbrush and yummy-flavored toothpaste
Play a two-minute song or video
Brush together
Offer a reward

For more useful tips for teeth brushing, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist near you today. To meet with Dr. Matt, call our friendly dental team at (913) 685-9990.

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

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

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

Top 10 Q&A About Dentistry for Kids

Dental care for infants and children can seem overwhelming but having a knowledgeable and helpful pediatric dentist on your team can make everything much simpler! A great pediatric dentist is passionate about three things: dental care, children, and patient education. This trifecta ensures that the dentist you choose will care for your little one’s oral development just as much as you do AND have the tools to teach you everything you need to know.

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, certainly meets the standard of a great pediatric dentist. For this reason, he is the go-to guy for so many parents in the Overland Park area.

Here are some of the most frequent questions he receives from concerned and caring parents every day:

1. How do I best clean my baby’s teeth?

Your baby’s teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. Simply use a clean, damp washcloth, finger brush, or gauze pad to wipe the top, front, and back of the new teeth and the tip of the tongue. This should be done after meals and at bedtime.

You may also use a pediatric-dentist-approved baby toothbrush with a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste. These toothbrushes are extremely soft and have no more than three rows of bristles. Toothbrushes or finger brushes that are more than two months old should be thrown out and replaced.

2. How old should my baby be before I introduce her to fluoride toothpaste?

As soon as the first tooth emerges! Dentists used to recommend waiting until age two, but new discoveries have changed that fact. As stated in question one, you’ll only use a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste until your baby reaches three years of age.

3. How do I keep my kid’s teeth healthy?

For children above age three, follow these guidelines:

Brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and evening
Floss daily
Reduce sugar in their diet
Drink lots of water
Visit a pediatric dentist regularly

To receive more detailed oral health tips, visit a pediatric dentist who can evaluate your child’s mouth and determine his specific oral health needs.

4. What should I do if my child has a toothache?

If your child is complaining about tooth pain, first rinse the area with warm saltwater. Then, place a cold compress on the side of the face where the pain is (especially if it’s swollen). If necessary, give him or her children’s pain medication. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. Finally, contact your pediatric dentist.

If your child is experiencing a fever, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms along with the toothache, contact your pediatric dentist immediately for an emergency visit.

5. How are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful?

Fortunately, most children stop these habits on their own so they don’t pose any problems. However, if your child still sucks his thumb or uses a pacifier past age three, you may need the help of a pediatric dentist to avoid oral development problems such as:

Misalignment
Overbite or underbite
A lisp
Sensitivity or changes to the roof of their mouth

6. At what age should a child brush their own teeth?

Most children learn to brush their teeth around age six. However, as the parent, you know your child best! It’s never too early to begin teaching your child to brush his own teeth. Just remember to oversee and assist him until you’re confident he’s doing it correctly.

7. When should my child receive their first dental exam?

At least six months after their first tooth emerges. The pediatric dentist will check to make sure everything is developing properly and give you tips on how to care for your child’s mouth.

8. What should I expect on our first visit?

Your child’s first visit to the dentist usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. It will be very laidback and simple. Not every dentist is the same, but here’s what our first-time patient experience includes:

Office tour
Meeting the dentist and team members
Reviewing your child’s dental and medical history
Discussion about healthy teeth and jaw development
Review of your oral healthcare routine
An oral exam
A conversation about your child’s oral health needs

If appropriate, the pediatric dentist may suggest a dental cleaning.

9. How frequently should a baby see the dentist?

Infants, toddlers, adolescents, and adults should all visit the dentist every six months. This is the best way to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

In some cases, your pediatric dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

10. What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are to dentistry what pediatricians are to medicine. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of specialty training that makes them experts on children’s oral health development. Family dentists treat patients of all ages, including children, but without the same training.

To meet with our pediatric dentist for specific advice about your child’s mouth, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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

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

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

How often do kids need dental exams and cleanings?

Choosing a pediatric dentist is extremely important. A good pediatric dentist is passionate about helping children, treats your family like their own, and offers comprehensive gentle dental care. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we do just that (and more)!

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist every six months to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. These visits begin right after your child’s first tooth erupts. In some cases, the pediatric dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

To schedule your child’s first visit with Dr. Matt, call (913) 685-9990 today.

Regular dental exams and cleanings do more than just keep your child’s mouth clean, continue reading to learn all the benefits of these appointments.

Relationships are developed.

Children thrive on familiarity. When parents choose and stick with a pediatric dentist, the dental team builds a trusting relationship with the child. Imagine your child looking forward to their dental checkup! That’s the goal at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. We want your child to feel welcome, known, and valued each time he or she visits.

This is especially helpful in a dental emergency. While everything else may seem chaotic, you and your child will find relief know exactly where to go and what to expect.

Parents also feel much more comfortable asking questions about their child’s mouth when they know and trust their child’s dentist.

Oral health records are kept.

As your child grows and develops, so will his teeth. A pediatric dentist will track your child’s oral development to predict and try to avoid any potential dental problems.

In the event of an emergency or if a painful dental disorder arises, the dental team will have immediate access to records of your child’s dental history, health, and jaw development for reference.

Children learn good habits.

Pediatric dentists are great at teaching kids how to properly care for their teeth at home. If you’re having a tough time getting your child to brush or floss properly, let your pediatric dentist help! A deep understanding of oral health and passion for children makes for a great teacher.

Eventually (and all too soon!) your child will be scheduling his own dental exams and cleanings. If you prioritize your child’s oral health now, he is much more likely to keep up with it when he is out on his own.

Parents are educated.

First-time parents especially need to be taught how to properly care for their child’s teeth. While Google can be helpful, you won’t get personalized advice like you can get from the dentist himself. Your pediatric dentist will teach you about the following:

Proper brushing techniques
Proper flossing technique
Fluoride use
Healthy thumb, finger, and pacifier habits
Healthy snacking habits
Dental sealants and other preventive measures

Another benefit of getting the advice in person? You can ask all your questions and voice all your concerns, and you’ll receive immediate answers.

Dental problems are addressed quickly.

Regular dental exams and cleanings allow for the early detection of oral health problems like tooth decay or misalignment. The pediatric dentist can then use more cost-effective and conservative treatments to address the problem. In the long run, these appointments could save your child from lots of pain and discomfort AND save you from breaking the bank!

To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment for your child, call (913) 685-9990.

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

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

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

Pediatric Dentist Answers: Why is flossing important?

Many parents ask the question: if my child’s teeth aren’t permanent, how important is it for him to floss? To which we answer: extremely! Your child’s baby teeth aren’t just taking up space until they fall out, they allow your child to chew, speak, and smile properly. Without proper oral hygiene, these functions can be impaired.

Baby teeth also hold space in the jaws for developing permanent teeth. When a baby tooth falls out too early because of decay or trauma, the permanent teeth are more likely to come in crooked. While using floss won’t help fight against trauma, it will remove food particles and bacteria from the hardest to reach places to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Because of this, pediatric dentists like Dr. Matt and the American Dental Association recommend teaching children to floss when they have two teeth that touch.

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, teaching your child to floss now will set him or her up for oral and overall health success in the future!

Here are five surprising benefits of dental floss:

1. Reduces bad breath

This is probably a little less shocking but flossing also reduces bad breath. If you’ve noticed your child constantly has bad breath despite good brushing habits, give floss a try!

Allowing tartar to remain on your teeth is like your child leaving a glass of unfinished milk under his bed– over time, it will make itself known (and you’ll probably be the first one to smell it!).

Have your child floss regularly for a week and see if you notice an improvement. If not, contact your pediatric dentist for an appointment.

2. Prevents gingivitis

Flossing removes plaque buildup on the gum line that leads to gingivitis. The first sign of gingivitis (which is the first stage of gum disease) is bleeding gums. However, don’t be alarmed if your child’s gums bleed the first few times he flosses– this is normal.

If your child’s bleeding gums are also red and swollen, a trip to your pediatric dentist may be necessary.

3. Reduces risk of heart disease

Heart disease is often associated with gingivitis. Bleeding gums opens the pathway for bacteria to enter into the bloodstream and attack the heart. This may result in heart disease or blood clots. Daily flossing is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of heart disease (especially in men).

You probably aren’t worried about your child developing heart disease now, but in twenty years, you’ll be glad you taught him how to floss.

4. Controls diabetes

As surprising as it sounds, flossing and diabetes have something in common– oral bacteria. For children and adults with diabetes, the removal of oral bacteria with dental floss actually helps stabilize glucose levels.

To experience this benefit, consistency is key. Be sure to floss at least once a day to eliminate as much bacteria as possible.

5. Reduces risk of pulmonary disease

When our mouths are healthy, the rest of the body benefits. This is because the mouth is a direct channel to the other organs in the body, including the respiratory system. Sometimes, the oral bacteria in our mouths find their way into the lungs and can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia.

However, this only happens when there are large amounts of bad bacteria in our mouths. Dental floss is a sure way to limit the number of disease-causing bacteria.

Types of floss

There are several types of floss to choose from:

Flavored floss
Dental tape
Monofilament floss
Floss pick
Waxed and unwaxed floss

It doesn’t matter which one you choose as long as you do choose one!

Flossing for fun

Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits is no easy task, but it can be done! Check out this blog to learn how to floss properly and ways to make it enjoyable for your little one.

Along with brushing and flossing, be sure to schedule regular dental appointments with a pediatric dentist near you to keep your child’s smile bright and healthy.

To schedule an appointment at our kid-friendly dental office, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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

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

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

4 Steps to Take When Choosing a Kids’ Dentist

Your child’s first dental experience could impact the way he feels about the dentist for the rest of his life. Feeling the pressure? Don’t stress! Choosing a kids’ dentist that prioritizes your child’s comfort and overall experience is simple when you follow four simple steps.

When you select a dentist like Dr. Matt, your child will actually enjoy going to the dentist—we guarantee it! Our dental team puts our patients first by treating them like family, caring for their developing smiles, and providing a kid-friendly office environment.

To find a great kids’ dentist near you, follow these practical steps:

Step 1: Read reviews

The quickest way to find the nearest pediatric dentists is to type “pediatric dentist near me” in the Google search bar.

The best pediatric dentists have raving reviews. To find these, check out Google Reviews or the dentist’s Facebook page. The dentists with the most five-star reviews are the ones you need to add to your list.

Be sure to read through the reviews to learn more about the dentist, the office environment, and available services.

To ensure you’re choosing the best kids’ dentist, look for reviews like this one:

“Dr. Matt and his team are extremely professional and our incredible with their patience. My daughter has a lot of anxiety about going to the dentist and they always treat her with extreme patience and kindness. The office is decorated and bright colors and makes you want to be a kid again yourself! I would recommend this place to anyone.” – Amy Allen

Step 2: Visit the website

Now that you have a list of pediatric dentists near you, it’s time to check out their websites. Usually, the website reflects the office environment. For example, if the website is full of fun colors and happy children, that’s most likely what you’ll find when you visit the office in person!

On the website, you should also find information about:

The dentist’s background and education
A meet the staff page to familiarize yourself with people you may meet
Expectations for the first visit
Interesting blog topics

Take a good look around to find all the information you need to make the best decision for your child. If the website doesn’t answer a question you have, feel free to call the office to ask a team member.

Step 3: Schedule the First Visit

The best way to learn about a dentist, his team, and the office environment is to schedule an introductory visit. Most importantly, your time at the office will give your child a chance to develop his own opinion about the dentist and office. Remember, your child’s opinion is the most important!

Not all pediatric dentists are the same, but at Smiles Dentistry 4 Kids, you can expect the first visit to include:

An office tour
Meeting the dentist and team members
A review of your child’s dental and medical history
Information about healthy teeth and jaw development
Reviewing your oral healthcare routine
A dental cleaning (if appropriate)
An oral exam
A conversation about your child’s specific oral health needs

These visits typically take between 20 and 40 minutes. For the first appointment and each one after, you and your child can count on consistent, personalized care from our friendly dental team.

Step 4: Make the commitment

If the visit was less than satisfying, feel free to move on to the next pediatric dentist to compare experiences. However, if your first experience was exceptional—and kid-approved! —there’s no need to go anywhere else!

We believe these four steps will lead you to a kids’ dentist who meets your little one’s specific needs, offers simple and effective advice, and provides a relaxing but fun environment.

To schedule a first visit with our Overland Park pediatric dentist, call (913) 685-9990.

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

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

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

Dental Care Tips for Parents: Preparing for the First Visit

Did you know that your child should visit the dentist at least six months after his or her first tooth erupts? Whether you’re right on time or a little late, the important thing is that you are preparing your little one for their first visit to the dentist now.

For that, we want to say thank you! Thank you for prioritizing your child’s oral health. Regular visits to the dentist promote the healthy development of a child’s teeth and gums which is crucial to helping them maintain a healthy smile for the rest of their lives. And it all starts with their first visit.

To help your child prepare for their first dental visit, try these five helpful tips:

1. Schedule at An Appropriate Time

Most children are happiest right after they wake up. For this reason, scheduling an appointment in the morning or after naptime is extremely beneficial for all parties involved. A happy child makes the dental appointment much easier on the parents and the dental team. Your child will also be well-rested so you don’t have to worry about him falling asleep during the appointment.

Bonus tip: Try to show up a little early to give your child time to explore the waiting room filled with toys, games, and bright colors. This will make him feel comfortable right away!

2. Read Dental-Themed Books (Or Watch TV Shows)

Most children’s authors and TV shows have a book or episode about a character’s first visit to the dentist. Books with pictures are a great way for your child to see what a dentist’s office looks like and hear about the character’s positive experience, and a TV show can help him acclimate to the sounds of a dentist’s office.

Check out these seven picture books to get your kid ready for the dentist. These tv shows also that have an episode about visiting the dentist: Peppa Pig, Arthur, and Bubble Guppies.

3. Use Positive Language

Unfortunately, it’s very rare to hear someone speak positively about visiting the dentist. This shouldn’t be the case for your little one. Be sure to share stories about the good experiences you’ve had at the dentist and explain all the ways dentists are beneficial.

Here are four major benefits of visiting the dentist regularly:

Keeping teeth strong and beautiful
Preventing bad breath
Preventing cavities
Creating good habits

If your child is too young to understand these reasons, remember that tone of voice can tell your child a lot about a person or place. Make the dentist office a place to be excited about!

4. Bring Comfort Items

At this point, your child has probably been to the doctor quite a few times so you know exactly what he needs to feel safe. Of course, you’ll be with your child during the entire dental visit, but feel free to bring along a favorite stuffed animal or toy to make your child feel even more at home.

5. Prepare A Reward

If your little one seems overly anxious about the first visit, promise a simple reward once it’s over. This can be anything from ice cream to a visit to the park. You know what your child loves best!

Whatever the reward, your child will have something else to look forward to during the appointment. It may even take his mind off anything that’s making him nervous during the visit.

For the First Visit, Choose the Right Dentist

Selecting an experienced pediatric dentist is the best way to ensure your child has a positive first visit to the dentist. Remember, their first dental visit will have a long-lasting impression, so make it a good one!

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, is one of the best around! To schedule an appointment for your little one, call 913-685-9990 today.

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

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

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

Dental Care Tips for Parents: Teaching Kids to Floss

The responsibilities of parenting are great, but also rewarding. As parents, we are responsible for teaching our kids how to clean up after themselves, feed themselves, and maintain good hygiene. Oral care is a huge part of an effective hygiene routine. Most parents do a great job of teaching their children how to brush properly, but flossing tends to be more difficult.

Children can begin flossing their own teeth at age seven or eight, but it’s never too early to teach them! In fact, you should start teaching your child to floss when he or she has two teeth that touch one another.

In this blog, Dr. Matt gives dental care tips that will help make flossing simple and enjoyable for your little one!

Before we begin, we should answer: Why is flossing important?

Brushing is obviously the first line of defense against decay, bad breath, and gum disease, but flossing is a close second. Dental floss gets to the parts of the mouth that toothbrushes can’t.

Food and plaque love to hide between teeth and along the gum line. If not removed by flossing, cavities or gum disease may develop.

Now that you know the “why”, let’s get to the “how”.

Proper Flossing Technique

Dental floss comes in two types: traditional dental floss and dental floss picks. The technique you use will depend on which type of floss you and your child choose.

Traditional Floss

Break off about 18 inches of floss and have your child wrap most of it around one finger (usually the pointer) on the left or right hand. He or she will wind the rest of the floss around one finger on the other hand (just make sure it’s not too tight!). The finger with the most amount of floss will release between each tooth and the other will collect the used floss.

Have your child take the floss up one side of the tooth and down the other side making sure to get along the gum line of both the top and bottom teeth.

Repeat this between each pair of teeth.

Dental Floss Picks

Many children (and even many adults) prefer to use dental floss picks. Honestly, they are easier, but they aren’t quite as effective as regular floss. For adults, we would suggest using traditional floss, but picks are still a great option for kids who have a more difficult time with traditional floss.

Dental floss picks are either harp- or Y-shaped. Simply run the floss up and down the teeth like you would with traditional floss. Rinse off the floss between teeth and switch the pick when the floss looks worn.

How to Make Flossing Fun

If you’re struggling to get your child to floss, here are three ways to make it enjoyable:

Do it together! Put on some fun music, make silly faces in the mirror, and get to flossing. Your child will love spending extra time with you (and will hopefully enjoy flossing too!).
Use a reward system. A flossing chart is a great way to encourage your child to floss daily. Each time your child flosses, put a sticker on the chart. For every five consecutive days he or she flosses, offer a reward of some sort—we’ll let you decide what that is!
Let them choose the floss. Before teaching your child to floss, take him to the store to pick out the type and flavor of floss he wants to use. Flossing with their favorite color or a tasty flavor is a great incentive.

Another Dental Care Tip

Along with brushing and flossing, your child should visit a pediatric dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. Contact a pediatric dentist near you today to schedule an appointment.

To meet with Dr. Matt or for additional dental care tips, call (913) 685-9990.

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

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

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