Category: Pediatric dentist

Has your normally happy baby been screaming all day and refusing to be out of your sight? There’s a good chance she’s teething! Cutting teeth is no joke, and it can cause a whole host of symptoms. Your pediatric dentist can tell you what to expect, what’s normal, and what’s not. And he can also share the best – and safest! – ways to reduce teething pain.

As pediatric dentists, Dr. Matt and Dr. Tara love working with kids. And as a dad, Dr. Matt is all too familiar with the drama, tears, and rough nights that come with teething. That’s why he and the team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, are here to help! We’re always here to answer questions and, of course, to provide quality dental care once those teeth have come in.

Contact us for questions about your child’s teething symptoms. 

When can you expect teething to start?

Did you know that your child is already born with all 20 baby teeth formed beneath the gums? Typically, these teeth will start to erupt between the ages of 6 and 12 months. However, many babies start teething earlier, and some may get their first pearly whites after their first birthday. Nonetheless, if your child hasn’t started teething by the time he turns one, it’s best to see a pediatric dentist for an evaluation. 

The bottom two front teeth are usually the first to come in. Teeth will continue to erupt until your child gets his second molars around the time he turns two.

Normal Teething Symptoms

Teething can manifest itself in many different ways. The most common symptoms include:

• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4 degrees F)
• Drooling
• Excessive chewing and biting
• Facial rash, due to drool
• Pulling on ears
• Fussiness and irritability 
• Unusual waking in the night
• Loss of appetite
  

Keep in mind, however, that just as children get their teeth on their own timeline, they experience symptoms in their own way. In one of the few large-scale teething studies, only 35% of children experienced the same symptoms.

Effective Ways to Help Your Child

Of course, it hurts you to see your child in pain. Fortunately, there are several effective ways that you can reduce teething discomfort. 

• Gently massaging your baby’s gums 
• Offering a safe, rubber teether. Try placing it in the freezer for extra relief. Avoid frozen, water-filled teethers and anything made from brittle plastic. Only use items that are intended to be teethers.
• For children who are already enjoying solids, offer an edible teether or large teething cracker. 

Do not use numbing benzocaine. The FDA has warned that benzocaine can lead to a life-threatening blood disorder in children under age 2.

Once your child has gotten her first tooth, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist no more than six months later. Your dentist will monitor your child’s dental development and offer guidance on good oral hygiene. 

Contact a Pediatric Dentist Today

For more information about teething or to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids. 

Make an appointment online or call us at (913) 685-9990.

Fluoride has been a subject of debate for many years. Concerned parents often raise questions about its safety and efficacy. Luckily, Dr. Matt is here to help demystify this pediatric dentistry mystery.

If your little one is prone to cavities, then fluoride treatments at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, can help. Contact our friendly, fun, and compassionate team today at (913) 685-9990 to learn more!

As with any medical treatment, there are always risks and benefits to consider. In today’s blog, we explore the importance of fluoride in promoting oral and overall health in children while addressing possible risks and benefits.

The Benefits of Fluoride

When it comes to your child’s smile, the benefits of fluoride cannot be overstated. Let’s explore what this wonderful mineral can do for developing smiles!

Stronger Teeth

Tooth enamel is like a shield for our teeth. It helps protect our smile from the acids produced by oral bacteria. But weak or thinning enamel can lead to serious problems, like dental decay. 

Fluoride helps fortify enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid-producing oral bacteria. As a result, regular fluoride treatments help prevent cavities.

Promote Healthy Childhood Development

Children with poor oral health are more likely to experience pain, difficulty eating, and impaired speech development. Dental issues can also lead to systemic infections and negatively impact a child’s overall growth and development.

Fluoride prevents these issues by strengthening teeth and preventing an overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. In fact, some research suggests that fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste, and dental treatments may have a dual effect:

• The fluoride minerals bind to teeth, thereby strengthening them
• The fluoride minerals damage bacterial cell membranes, thereby keeping oral bacteria at bay

Possible Risks

There are very few downsides to fluoride treatments for children. However, some possible risks do exist, such as:

Dental Fluorosis

Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic issue that causes white or brown discoloration of the enamel. However, dental fluorosis is generally mild and primarily an aesthetic concern.

Overconsumption

Excessive consumption of fluoride, whether through toothpaste ingestion or drinking water with high natural fluoride levels, can lead to health issues like skeletal fluorosis. However, these cases are extremely rare and typically occur in regions with naturally elevated fluoride levels in the water.

The Importance of Fluoride for Children’s Health

Our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, recommends fluoride treatments for children as soon as they start sprouting teeth. Here’s why:

Early Prevention

Fluoride plays a pivotal role in preventive dentistry by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of cavities. Early oral health habits established in childhood often persist into adulthood, making it crucial to start dental care early.

Cost-Effective

Treating cavities and related complications can be expensive and time-consuming. By investing in fluoride-based preventive measures, parents and caregivers can save both money and their children’s dental health.

Overall Health

Oral health is interconnected with overall health. That means that poor oral hygiene in childhood can have far-reaching consequences well into adulthood. 

Fluoride fosters the delicate connection between oral and overall health by controlling cavity-causing bacteria and strengthening children’s teeth and bones.

Schedule a Fluoride Treatment for Your Little One Today

Fluoride is a valuable tool in promoting children’s oral and overall health. While there are some potential risks, they are minimal when fluoride exposure is monitored and controlled. 

As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that children receive the benefits of fluoride through appropriate dental care. So, be sure to schedule regular check-ups and fluoride treatments at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, to keep your kiddo’s smile happy and healthy! Schedule an appointment online, or dial (913) 685-9990 for more.

If you have been told that your child needs tooth extraction, it can be a bit alarming – both for you and for your child. Fortunately, knowing what to expect can make the whole process easier and help you prepare your child for treatment. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we take our responsibility to children and their parents seriously. We want to make every treatment, whether it is a routine cleaning or a dental extraction, as easy and stress-free as possible. Dr. Matt and the team at our Overland Park, KS, office will answer all your questions. And, of course, we will perform a gentle procedure with minimal discomfort and recovery time. 

Contact us today to learn more about tooth extraction or to schedule an evaluation for your child. 

When is tooth extraction necessary?

There are several reasons that extraction may be required:

• Cavities are the most common reason for pediatric tooth removal. According to one study, tooth decay accounts for half of all extractions in patients between the ages of 3 and 13. That being said, extraction is a last resort. If your child has a cavity, Dr. Matt will first try to treat it with a filling or other restorative procedure.
• Dental trauma, such as a broken or cracked tooth, may necessitate extraction. Here, too, tooth removal is a last resort.
• If your child has severely crowded teeth, extraction could create space in their mouth. This will allow for proper dental development. 
• Most people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Oral surgeons and dentists typically recommend doing it at a younger age before the teeth erupt. This will help to prevent problems such as impaction and overcrowding.

What’s the difference between a standard and a surgical extraction?

During a standard extraction, Dr. Matt will simply loosen the tooth roots before removing the tooth from the mouth. A surgical extraction requires the removal of some gum or jawbone tissue. These procedures are usually necessary for impacted teeth.

Will tooth removal hurt?

Prior to the procedure, Dr. Matt will numb your child’s tooth and gums. He or she should experience no pain, at most feeling only a mild sense of pressure. We can also provide nitrous oxide sedation if your child is anxious.

What can my child eat afterwards?

Your child will need to eat a soft diet for several days. It’s a good time to treat your little one to all the milkshakes, smoothies, and ice cream they want! Of course, good nutrition is important for healing, so make sure they are getting plenty of protein and vitamins. Avoid very hot foods and drinking from straws for a few days, as this can irritate the extraction site. 

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today

To learn more about what to expect during tooth extraction or to find out if this treatment is necessary for your child, contact our Overland Park, KS, office today. 

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

The last Saturday of September is the annual celebration of National Family Health and Fitness Day USA. It’s the perfect opportunity to establish good habits for all aspects of your health – physical, mental, and oral! Here your pediatric dentistry office provides five great ideas to celebrate this important but little-known holiday. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt and his team are committed to your family’s complete wellbeing. That’s why we offer free exams to children under two. And we take all the necessary time to make sure little ones feel comfortable in the office. 

In addition to the ideas listed below, make sure your kids are up-to-date on their dental care. Contact our office today to book your appointment.

Exercise Together

The American Heart Association recommends that children ages 6 to 17 get at least an hour of moderate to strenuous physical activity each day. 

Exercising as a family doesn’t have to mean sweating it out at the gym! There are lots of ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine:

• Go for a family walk after dinner
• Take a bike ride
• Have a dance party
• Go ice skating
• Go for a hike
• Sign up for a family exercise class

Cook a Meal as a Family

Even if you regularly cook healthy meals, your kids may not have any grasp of what makes a food nutritious or not. Cooking together is not only a fun family activity. Research shows that kids who cook at home are more likely to make healthy eating choices. 

Try making some of the following with your children:

• Healthy homemade pizzas with whole-wheat crusts and loads of veggies
• Turkey meatballs over whole-wheat spaghetti
• Homemade hummus with veggie sticks and grilled chicken
• Chicken and vegetable soup

Set a Limit on Screen Time

In the US, children ages 8 to 12 spend an average of 4 to 6 hours a day watching screens. Teens can spend 9 hours a day on electronic devices! This means kids are not getting the right amount of exercise, which can lead to obesity and poor body image. Too much screen time can also lead to poor sleep, lower grades, and a reduced quality in relationships.

Set a realistic screen time limit for your children based on their ages. Discuss other activities that your kids can do to fill up the time.

Take an Emotional Temperature Reading

Around 70% of parents say they struggle to have deeper conversations with their kids. Encourage meaningful discussions with a weekly “temperature reading.” Have each person share:

• Something they appreciate in another member of the family
• New information
• Puzzles they may have
• Polite requests for change
• Apologies
• Wishes and dreams 

Encourage Family Dental Health

Children will more likely practice good dental hygiene if they see their parents doing so. Be sure that everyone – including mom and dad – are brushing twice daily and flossing at least once. 

You should also make sure that everyone is visiting the dentist regularly. Children should visit the dentist for a biannual exam and cleaning as soon as their first teeth appear.

Schedule an Appointment at Your Pediatric Dentistry Office 

Celebrate Family Health and Fitness Day by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Matt. 

Make an appointment online or call our Overland Park, KS, office at (913) 685-9990.

Excellent oral hygiene at a young age is vital for keeping the teeth and gums healthy and harmful bacteria at bay. A high-quality toothpaste can help prevent dental decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath. With so many kinds of toothpaste on the market, it can be challenging to understand which products are the best. Dr. Matt, a pediatric dentist from Overland Park, KS, explains how parents can choose the best toothpaste for their children based on their needs and preferences.

1. Check for one key ingredient: fluoride.

Fluoride is a buzzword for many dental health enthusiasts, but what is it? Fluoride is a natural mineral that boasts anti-cavity and enamel-protecting properties. Researchers credit fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water with the recent substantial reduction of dental decay.

As crucial as the fluoride itself, it’s essential to monitor children as they brush their teeth to (1) ensure they brush thoroughly and (2) give kids a just-the-right amount of toothpaste. We recommend:

• A smear the size of a grain of rice for children under three
• A pea-sized amount for children between the ages of three and seven
• A small ribbon of toothpaste for anyone exceeding age seven

2. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

If you are unsure whether a dental product is worth trying, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. For the past 90 years, American dentists have considered the ADA Seal of Acceptance as the “gold standard” for evaluating the efficacy and safety of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other dental products. 

In a nutshell, an ADA-approved toothpaste should: 

• Be high-quality, reliable, and safe
• Contain fluoride and active ingredients that improve oral hygiene 
• Not contain sugar, flavoring agents, or substances that contribute to cavities
• Be scientifically proven that it is safe and effective

3. Read the label carefully.

It’s wise to check labels gingerly because not all types of toothpaste are recommended for everyone (especially children). For example, some flavoring agents may be too harsh for kids. Toothpaste manufacturers should include a list of ingredients on the tube. If you know that your child is sensitive to specific chemicals, avoid toothpaste with those ingredients entirely. If you are unsure of which ingredients may be too harsh for children, speak with your pediatric dentist.

4. Figure out what flavors your child likes.

Contrary to popular belief, taste buds do not have much to do with what flavors your child may like. Instead, personal preferences are ever-changing and are shaped by personal experiences and special memories. 

While finding a toothpaste flavor that your children actually like can be tricky, understanding their preferences may encourage them to brush a little more. Feel free to experiment and shop around until your child discovers what works for them. While trying different options, always prioritize how well the product meets dental needs and beware of ingredients that may trigger sensitivity in your child.

Speak with a Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS

With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to select a trusted toothpaste brand that is good enough for your children. If you are ever unsure, please consult with a pediatric dentist. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt answers parents’ questions about life’s greatest dental mysteries and more. Schedule a children’s dental appointment with our Overland Park team. Call (913) 685-9990 or message us online today.

Have you noticed that your child’s incoming adult teeth appear more yellow or darker than their baby pearly whites? If your child is adhering to proper oral hygiene, then you can relax. This type of discoloration is normal and can be attributed to the fact that permanent teeth have more dentin (dense inner tissue) than baby teeth. Enamel (surface of the teeth) is translucent. Sometimes, the dentin is visible and appears more yellow and larger than little, light-colored baby teeth. As your child begins to lose their baby teeth, their permanent teeth will start to appear more uniform.

Other than the natural circumstances of normal development, Overland Park Pediatric Dentist Dr. Matt unravels four potential reasons why your child’s emerging teeth may appear darker or discolored.

1. Plaque and Tartar Accumulation

When kids don’t brush or floss their teeth as thoroughly or often as they should, plaque is highly likely to develop. Plaque is a film of bacteria that naturally forms on the teeth and has a yellowish, buttery tint. However, if plaque is not removed with frequent flossing and brushing, it solidifies and transforms into thick, yellow tartar. Tartar can only be removed with tools found in the hands of a dental hygienist. 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that children visit their pediatric dentist every six months for a check-up and dental cleaning to remove caked-on plaque and tartar.

2. Diet

You may be surprised by what foods and drinks can stain your child’s teeth. Some enamel-altering ingredients to look out for are:

• Acidic foods (such as citrus, tomato, and curry sauce)
• Tannins (found in tea, coffee, and red grape juice)
• Citric acid (serves as a preservative for many foods, including sports drinks and sour candy)

3. Trauma

Accidents can happen at any moment. If your child suffers from a blow that damages their inner dental tissue, their teeth may appear stained.

If your child has one tooth that appears yellow, brown, gray, or black after an accident, speak with your pediatric dentist immediately. This is considered a dental emergency and requires immediate action to save the tooth and inner nerves.

4. Certain Antibiotics

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to fight bacterial infections, but an unwanted side effect can be dental discoloration in children who are exposed during tooth mineralization and this can happen:

• In utero, during the second and third trimester of pregnancy
• Via breast milk, if the mother is taking it
• When children under the age of eight take it

Even though tetracycline may be the most common, doxycycline and minocycline can also produce similar consequences. Because this family of antibiotics binds with the calcium ions in teeth, they will oxidize as they erupt. In this scenario, teeth will first appear fluorescent yellow and may darken to brown. Thankfully, today’s doctors typically only prescribe tetracycline to children over the age of eight and adults.

Find Out More About Pediatric Dentistry in Overland Park, KS

The truth is that not all dentists are trained or equipped to handle the oral health needs of constantly growing children. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt and his dedicated Overland Park, KS team facilitate a kid-friendly environment to provide oral health education for young minds. Pick a pediatric dentist with years of experience and call (913) 685-9990 or message us online right now.