Category: Pediatric dentist

Palatal expanders might sound like a fancy gadget from a sci-fi movie, but they’re actually a nifty orthodontic tool that can do wonders for your child’s dental health. Our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, is here to explain exactly what palatal expanders are and why your kid might need one. 

It is never too early to begin thinking about your child’s dental alignment and health. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists advises corrective treatments starting no later than seven years of age. So, give your child’s smile the care it deserves with Dr. Matt Hillman at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Contact our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, at (913) 685-9990 to reserve an appointment today!

What Exactly Is a Palatal Expander?

Imagine a magical device that can help your child’s mouth grow just the right amount to fit all their pearly whites perfectly. That’s a palatal expander! 

A palatal expander is a small appliance that dental professionals place in the roof of the mouth (the palate) to widen it gradually. This little wonder works its magic over several months, creating more space for those growing teeth and helping to align them properly.

Why Would My Child Need One?

Great question! Kids might need a palatal expander for a bunch of reasons, and all of them are about making sure their smile is healthy and dazzling. Here are some of the top reasons:

Crowded Teeth

If your child’s teeth look like they’re having a party but there’s not enough room for everyone, our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, might suggest a palatal expander to create the space needed. This prevents future dental issues and gives each tooth its own space!

Crossbite Correction

When the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, it’s called a crossbite. This can lead to problems, like uneven wear on teeth and even jaw pain. A palatal expander can help correct this by gently widening the upper jaw.

Better Breathing

Believe it or not, a narrow palate can sometimes contribute to breathing issues, like mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea. Expanding the palate can open up the nasal passages, helping your child breathe easier and sleep better. 

Future Braces Buddy

If braces are in your child’s future, an expander can make the whole process smoother and faster. It sets the stage for a straighter smile by making sure there’s enough room for the teeth to move into their perfect positions.

Explore Palatal Expanders with a Trusted Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Palatal expanders might sound a bit intimidating at first, but they’re truly a marvel in the world of orthodontics. Remember, it’s all about giving your child the best start to a lifetime of beautiful, confident smiles. So, if your kiddo needs a palatal expander, embrace the journey with the team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

Not sure if your little one could benefit from a palatal expander? No problem! You can call our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, at (913) 685-9990 for more information, or you can request an appointment online here for an in-person consultation!

As a parent, it’s natural to notice every little detail about your baby’s development, especially when it comes to those adorable first teeth. One common concern many parents bring up to our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, is the appearance of gaps between their baby’s teeth. If you’ve been wondering whether these gaps are normal or a cause for concern, you’re not alone. Let’s discuss why babies have gaps between their teeth and when your concern may be valid. 

Looking for a pediatric dentist near you? Drs. Matt and Tara are trusted and experienced children’s dentists who truly care for their patients. Give us a call today to schedule your little one’s first visit. 

Why Do Babies Have Gaps Between Their Teeth?

Gaps between baby teeth, known as diastema, are quite common and typically nothing to worry about. There are several reasons why your little one might have gaps:

1. Natural Growth Pattern: Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are usually smaller and more spaced out than adult teeth. This spacing allows room for the larger adult teeth to come in later, reducing the likelihood of crowding and alignment issues as your child grows.
2. Jaw Size and Development: A baby’s jaw continues to grow and develop after birth. As the jaw expands, gaps may appear between the teeth. This growth is a normal part of development and helps create enough space for the adult teeth that will eventually replace the baby teeth.
3. Tooth Eruption Sequence: The order in which baby teeth emerge can also lead to temporary gaps. For instance, it’s common for the upper front teeth (central incisors) to come in first, followed by the lower front teeth. This can create a natural space between the upper front teeth until more teeth come in to fill the gap.
4. Frenulum Attachment: The frenulum is a small piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gum. In some babies, the frenulum can extend down between the upper front teeth, causing a gap. This condition, known as a maxillary labial frenulum, often resolves on its own as the child grows and the frenulum recedes.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While gaps between baby teeth are usually normal, there are a few scenarios where it may be worth consulting with a pediatric dentist:

1. Excessive Gaps: If the gaps between your baby’s teeth are unusually large or if there are missing teeth, it might indicate an underlying issue such as a congenital condition or developmental anomaly. A pediatric dentist can assess whether further evaluation or intervention is needed.
2. Gum Health Issues: If you notice swelling, redness, or other signs of gum inflammation around the gaps, it’s essential to consult a dentist. Gum health is crucial for the overall health of your baby’s teeth and can affect the alignment and development of permanent teeth.
3. Speech or Feeding Concerns: Sometimes, gaps or other dental issues can impact a child’s ability to speak or eat properly. If you notice any speech delays or feeding difficulties, it’s a good idea to have your child’s mouth and teeth evaluated by a professional.

Visit Our Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS

In most cases, gaps between baby teeth are a normal part of your child’s dental development and nothing to worry about. However, regular dental checkups are crucial to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are healthy and developing as they should. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friendly pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS. We’re here to help your child smile brightly and confidently!

The health benefits of breastfeeding are widely known, from a stronger infant immune system to a reduced risk of breast cancer for mom. But for women who can’t nurse or who choose to pump, the “mom guilt” is all too real! Suddenly it seems like everything is doomed to go wrong for your baby, including his or her dental development. 

Here at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, we understand that the decision to breastfeed your child is a highly personal one. While Drs. Matt and Craven can’t deny the health benefits of nursing, they also know that there are a variety of factors that will influence your decision. And ultimately we know that it is your decision. Baby bottles, used improperly, can increase the risk of dental problems. But with proper precautions, there is no reason your child shouldn’t enjoy a lifelong health smile. 

To learn more or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Is a Legitimate Concern

Baby bottle tooth decay (also known as early childhood caries) is an unfortunately common condition. Cavities typically affect the upper front teeth. However, the name is a bit of a misnomer because breastfed babies can also suffer from baby bottle tooth decay (albeit, it is less likely). Moreover, baby tooth decay doesn’t happen because of a bottle per se. Rather, it occurs when baby or toddler teeth have prolonged exposure to sugary liquids (including formula and breast milk). 

Early childhood tooth cavities can also develop when a mother passes on cavity-causing bacteria or when a child does not have enough fluoride intake. Interestingly, children with a traumatic birth or a high-risk pregnancy are more likely to suffer from early dental decay.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

You can easily reduce the risk baby bottle tooth decay with a few simple steps:

• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle (even one containing breast milk).
• Make sure your child swallows breast milk before falling asleep. 
• Never put juice or sugary beverages in a bottle. 
• Don’t use the bottle as a pacifier. 
• Before your child starts teething, wipe down his or her gums at least once a day with a soft cloth.
• After the first tooth comes in, start brushing, using a soft brush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. 
• Also after the first tooth comes in, or by the first birthday, schedule your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist.
• Do not share eating utensils with your child.
• Clean pacifiers with soap and hot water, never your mouth. 

Bottles, Dental Alignment, and Speech Delays 

Both bottles and pacifiers can cause dental alignment issues, including crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, and a narrowed palate. And, in turn, this can affect the way that your child learns to speak. 

However, be aware that this only applies to older children. As long as you wean your baby from bottles and pacifiers around 12 months, you are unlikely to see any permanent effects. 

Contact Us for Non-Judgmental, Family-Centered Care

We know parenting can be incredibly stressful, and we are here to make the task easier for you. To visit a compassionate, supportive pediatric dentist, contact our Overland Park office today.

Reach us online or call us at (913) 685-9990. 

As children enter their teenage years, it’s natural for them to want to express themselves. But if your teen’s desired form of self-expression is an oral piercing, it may fill you with dismay. First, be aware that minors may not get an oral piercing without parental consent. But if you feel that you should support your child, it’s important for both of you to be aware of the complications of oral piercings as discussed by your pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we offer great dental care for youth of all ages. We understand that each stage of childhood brings new challenges, and we want to help parents face these challenges with our knowledge and expertise. Whether your child already faces dental complications as a result of an oral piercing, or you are simply trying to discourage them from making this decision, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

What are oral piercings?

There are several types of oral piercings, but tongue piercings are by far the most common. Most frequently, the tongue is pierced in the middle. But the tip can also be pierced. Some people opt to have two piercings on either side of the tongue.

Other locations for oral piercings can include the lip, cheek, uvula, or frenum (the tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.)

Oral Piercings and Dental Health

Oral piercings can cause tooth erosion, as the mouth jewelry comes in frequent contact with the teeth. This is especially common with tongue tip piercings. This type of piercing can also lead to diastema, or a gap between the two front teeth, particularly if a person continuously manipulates his or her tongue piercing. 

Oral Piercings and Gum Health

Periodontal complications are even more common following an oral piercing. In fact, 50% of those with lip piercings and 44% of those with tongue piercings have reported gum erosion. In turn, receding gums can dramatically affect a person’s appearance, giving their teeth an elongated look. Even more alarming, gum recession can lead to exposed tooth roots, severe dental sensitivity, and tooth loss. 

Further, without vigilant hygiene and cleanings, oral piercings often trap and harbor bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

Oral Piercings and Overall Health Complications 

Aside from dental complications, oral piercings can be dangerous for systemic health. For one, the tongue is a highly vascular area, so if the piercing is not performed properly, it can lead to prolonged bleeding. The tongue could also swell, which could block the airway and cause difficulty breathing. 

Though rare, mouth jewelry could become embedded in other soft tissues, necessitating surgical removal. And some people have experienced life threatening complications because of their oral piercings. For all of these reasons, the American Dental Association (and your pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS) advise against this practice. 

Book an Appointment for Your Teen with a Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Think your teen might be more receptive to advice coming from someone else? Feel free to book an appointment with us!

Contact us online or give us a call at (913) 685-9990.