Category: Pediatric dentist

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

Overland Park Kids’ Dentist Answers Popular Oral Health Questions

Few things encourage a person to take oral health more seriously than having children. All of a sudden, the mouth becomes a little more complicated and a lot more important! No parent wants their child to suffer from cavities, bad breath, or early tooth loss. This is why pediatric dentists exist—to help parents navigate the beginning stages of their child’s oral development.

When parents bring their little ones to our Overland Park kids’ dentist, they usually have lots of questions. Here are five of the most popular questions we receive about children’s oral health:

1. How often should my child visit the dentist?

Children should visit the dentist just as often as adults—every six months. These appointments begin six months after his or her tooth erupts or by the child’s first birthday. These biannual appointments ensure your little one develops a good relationship with a kid’s dentist, tracks their dental development, and helps create good oral hygiene habits.

2. How can I help reduce pain and discomfort from my teething baby?

Teething occurs from the time a child is about six months old until age two. It’s a painful process for babies to go through, and one that parents can help make more comfortable. A pediatric dentist will look after your little one’s dental development and offer a few tips to help ease his or her pain.

Here are some of our top tips for reducing pain and discomfort in teeth babies:

Offer your child a firm rubber teething ring to chew on
Use a cool, wet washcloth to gently rub and massage the gums
Feed him or her soft foods that require minimal chewing

3. When should we begin using fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen and protect dental enamel. However, too much fluoride can lead to a problem called fluorosis which creates discoloration on the teeth. Talk to a kids’ dentist before introducing your little one to fluoride to learn exactly how much to use and how often to use it.

4. What if my child hates brushing his teeth?

Many parents dread nighttime routines because children dread going through the motions. It doesn’t have to be this way! Make oral hygiene fun by playing music or videos while brushing and flossing, offering rewards for consistent oral care, and going through the motions together as a family.

Visiting the dentist regularly will also help your child understand and think about oral hygiene in a different light. Pediatric dentists use kid-friendly language and tools to help explain how to brush and floss and why we need to do it. Never underestimate the power of a great pediatric dentist!

5. What are the most common causes of cavities?

Baby bottle tooth decay is one of the most common causes of cavities in infants and toddlers. This occurs when babies drink milk out of a bottle right before a nap or bedtime. Like older children, babies should have their teeth cleaned daily, especially before going to sleep.

Other common causes of cavities in children include:

Sodas
Crackers
Sharing spoons and straws
Juice
Other foods and beverages high in sugar and carbohydrates

Talk to your kids’ dentist to learn how to care for your child’s teeth at every stage.

Our Overland Park Kids’ Dentist

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids loves helping parents navigate the early stages of oral hygiene for kids. For more personalized dental tips and excellent pediatric dental care, contact our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

How to Find A Stand-Out and Stand-Up Pediatric Dentist

When it comes to dental care, we believe every child deserves the best of the best. Mediocrity just won’t cut it! We know many adults who suffer from dental fear because of a bad dental experience they had during childhood. The best way to stop this cycle is to find a stand-out and stand-up pediatric dentist for our children.

To do that, you must know the formula for finding one! We believe that these five simple steps will help you find the pediatric dentist that meets all of your expectations and all of your child’s needs.

Step 1: Know what you’re searching for!

You know better than anyone what your child needs. So, jot down a short list of your child’s needs as well as expectations you have of the office environment, dentist’s experience and training, location, hours, etc.

Of course, you may not find a pediatric dentist that meets every requirement, but one should come close! Now that your list is made, the search can begin.

Step 2: Ask friends and family.

Talk to friends and family members with children who have recently visited a pediatric dentist and ask for recommendations. Be sure to get details about their experiences and how their child responded to the dentist, office environment, and the appointment as a whole.

Based on these recommendations and your relationship with that person, you may skip step three and move right on to step four, but a quick Google search couldn’t hurt!

Step 3: Search Google.

Looking for a dentist in a specific location? Want to read reviews of pediatric dentists nearby? Google! Simply type “pediatric dentist near me” in the search bar and let Google do the work for you.

By clicking on the stars underneath the dental practice’s name, you’ll have access to every patient review ever submitted. Here, you’ll find the most accurate information about the dentist’s office, the staff, and the pediatric dentist. While most of the reviews will be good, look for great ones that make the practice stand out!

Take this review, for example:

“My daughter fell and had a lot of mouth trauma/teeth out of place on an Sunday afternoon. Dr. Matt quickly met us at the dentist to help with the situation. He is always amazing at our regular visits but we so appreciated the extra attention today during this accident. He helped her to stay calm and she had such a positive experience. ❤️” – Meghan A.

These types of reviews show a dentist that goes above and beyond for his patients, even when it isn’t convenient.

Step 4: Browse some websites.

Choose a few dentists from the Google search to look further into based on the reviews. The dentist’s website should explain most details about their treatment philosophy, services, team members, and payment options. The dentist’s website reflects their office, so if the website looks professional and kid-friendly that’s most likely what you can expect in person as well.

If you’re left with any additional questions, be sure to call the practice to get those answered. That’s also a great time to ask more specific questions about your child’s needs.

Step 5: Schedule an initial consultation.

Congratulations! You’ve (hopefully) found the best dentist for your little one.

When scheduling the initial consultation, choose a time that will give your child the best opportunity for a great experience. This could be after nap time, early in the morning, or after lunch. Sleepy, hungry children are usually more interested in what’s after the appointment!

Our Overland Park Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids offers an exceptional, comfortable, and kid-friendly experience to children of all ages. Dr. Matt genuinely cares for his patients and desires to see every child achieve optimal oral health.

To learn more about our practice, check out our website! Or call (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

Overland Park Pediatric Dentist: What to Expect

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your little one is no small task, but it is an extremely important one! Your child’s first dental experiences will change the way he or she views oral hygiene and oral health care for the rest of their childhood, and maybe even adulthood.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we take the responsibility of giving children the best first dental experience very seriously. We strive to create a kid-friendly environment and cultivate relationships with the entire family. Whether you’re new to the area, or just in need of a new Overland Park pediatric dentist, we would love to have your family join ours.

Here’s what patients can expect at our pediatric dental practice:

Consistency

For children, consistency promotes relaxation, comfort, trusting relationships, and respect. That’s why parents and teachers focus on creating daily routines.

As dental professionals, we want our patients to always know what to expect when they come to our office—parents appreciate this, too! Consistency helps eliminate fear and anxiety, so the appointment goes as smoothly as possible for everyone.

In the name of consistency, children meet with Dr. Matt during every single appointment. Dr. Matt loves being a dependable figure in his patient’s lives and takes this role very seriously.

Individualized Care

Our team recognizes that every child has unique needs, preferences, and personalities. When you visit our office for the first time, expect our dentist and team members to ask questions to get to know your child (and you) as much as possible.

We’ll ask questions about your child’s favorite tv shows, books, and foods, personality traits, hobbies, and family life. Please feel free to share anything else you think we should know! Our team will use this information to make sure your little one has the best, most comfortable dental experience possible.

Diligence

When we’re with our patients, nothing else is more important. Every child receives diligent, focused care so that no oral health problem is ever overlooked. Dr. Matt takes the time to evaluate all of your child’s oral and overall health issues, answer questions, and create an effective treatment plan. We also teach children how to properly brush and floss and offer tips based on each child’s specific needs.

A Kid-Friendly, Educational Dentist

Smiles Dentistry for Kids is Dr. Matt’s dream-come-true. His years of education at the UMKC School of Dentistry and Northwestern University, desire to see children achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and high energy have all led him right here.

These qualities make Dr. Matt one of the best pediatric dentists in the Overland Park area. At our office, children and their parents feel welcome and cared for.

Dr. Matt uses fun tools and tricks to effectively communicate the importance of oral hygiene to children—a struggle for many parents. However, he isn’t just a master communicator for children, talking with parents is another one of his strong suits! After all, parents know their children best, and they know what’s best for them. When an oral health issue is detected, Dr. Matt works alongside the parents to create an effective, affordable, and comfortable treatment plan.

Schedule A First Visit

Ready to give your child the best dental experience? Contact our Overland Park dental practice today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a first visit.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

What New Parents Should Know About Baby Teeth

When will my child develop his first tooth? At what age should all my baby’s teeth be developed? Are brushing and flossing important for baby teeth? We hear these questions from new parents all the time, and we’re happy to answer them! Baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, can be hard to navigate on your own. As pediatric dental professionals, we love coming alongside parents to ensure their children start their lives with optimal oral health.

In this blog, we explain important information about the development, needs, and importance of baby teeth.

1. All baby teeth should be developed by age three.

Most children develop their first tooth between six months and one year old. Dental development usually begins with the bottom two incisors, the top two incisors, and they continue to erupt from the front to the back until age three.

2. Brushing and flossing are essential.

Although milk teeth will eventually fall out, they still require the same type of care as permanent teeth. For baby’s first tooth, use a clean, damp cloth or gauze pad to wipe the tooth and front of the tongue clean. Do this after meals and before bedtime.

When it’s time to start brushing, use a soft-bristled, baby toothbrush or finger brush and a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste. Talk to your pediatric dentist about the type of toothpaste that will be best for your child’s mouth.

As children get older and their mouths change, the tools and techniques for oral health will change too. A pediatric dentist helps parents navigate these changes through every age and stage.

3. Milk teeth impact the development of permanent teeth.

When a baby tooth falls out early, the permanent teeth, which exist below the gums, drift into the empty space. This can lead to crowding and crooked teeth once the adult teeth develop. Additionally, an infection and other oral health problems can prevent adult teeth from erupting and cause discoloration, staining, and malformations.

4. Bad habits can distort their shape and diminish their strength.

Before children can care for their own teeth, it’s the parent’s responsibility. This includes cleaning the baby’s mouth after every feeding. When milk remnants sit on the teeth and gums, they can lead to a problem called baby bottle tooth decay.

Using a pacifier too long and thumb sucking can also cause developmental issues such as buck teeth, protruding teeth, and an improper bite—issues that will likely require orthodontic treatment later on.

5. Baby teeth require professional dental care.

Dentists recommend that parents bring their children to the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts (whichever comes first) and every six months after. These appointments enable the pediatric dentist to track your little one’s dental development to ensure his or her teeth are developing on time and in the right order.

During these appointments, parents will learn the useful tips for caring for their child’s teeth and gums as well as what symptoms could be a cause of concern. The pediatric dentist also looks for signs of decay, disease, and dental development issues and recommends the necessary treatments.

Learn More from Our Pediatric Dentist

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt and our team love helping parents and children understand the importance of all things related to oral health, including baby teeth. To learn more, or to schedule a first visit 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!

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

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.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

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.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

Why Preventive Dentistry Matters for Kids

A healthy, happy child—it’s what we all desire for our kids, right? Many times, health and happiness are intertwined. This is especially true when it comes to oral health.

When a child’s mouth health declines, their smile usually fades away as well. Our pediatric dental team aims to help parents help their children achieve and maintain optimal oral health through preventive treatments.

Some of the most common preventive treatments for children include:

Dental cleanings
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants
Space maintainers
Mouthguards

Of course, there are so many things parents can do at home to give their child the best chance at a healthy smile. Creating a consistent oral hygiene routine, offering healthy meals and snacks, and ensuring their child drinks plenty of water.

Here are three reasons why preventive dentistry is so important for children:

1. Better overall health

The link between oral and overall health is extremely evident. When our mouths aren’t healthy, our body suffers and vice versa.

For example, children who experience early tooth loss because of poor oral hygiene often suffer from poor nutrition which can affect their ability to function well at home and school. Cavities and gum disease are caused by disease-causing bacteria that the body must fight against. This bacterium can cause inflammation all throughout the body, including the brain. Gum disease has also been connected to pancreatic and kidney diseases.

Teaching your little one proper oral hygiene techniques and bringing him to the dentist every six months doesn’t just ensure he avoids smelly breath and cavities, it also attributes to a healthier body and mind. That’s an investment worth making!

2. Proper dental and oral development

When a child experiences early tooth loss, the adjacent teeth will likely shift into the open space, causing serious alignment issues. These children will need braces in the future to correct the problem. Unfortunately, alignment problems can also lead to cavities and gum disease because of an inability to thoroughly clean the teeth.

As far as oral development goes, children with an unhealthy mouth or who have missing teeth may struggle to pronounce certain words and sounds. Children don’t typically begin to lose their primary (or baby) teeth until six years old, so their permanent teeth won’t be ready to erupt until then as well.

3. Good self-esteem

Something as small as persistent bad breath can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and mental health. On the other hand, a healthy smile can add to a confident, happy, and self-assured life.

As an adult, it isn’t hard to imagine what it would be like to live with an incomplete or imperfect smile. Low self-confidence can make our social lives nearly nonexistent, hinder our job prospects, and negatively affect our overall happiness and success.

The impact is the same for children, except instead of work, it’s school. Children with good self-esteem are more likely to do well in school, try new things, and lead a more fulfilling life. Preventive dentistry helps get them there!

Preventive Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park

The first step towards helping your child achieve optimal oral health is to find an experienced and compassionate pediatric dentist. Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is living his dream of helping children gain and maintain healthy smiles. We are conveniently located and excited to serve your family!

Call our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

5 Common Questions About Children’s Dentistry

In our opinion, oral health care isn’t talked about enough especially when it comes to infants and children. This leaves parents with dozens of questions about how to care for their little ones’ teeth and gums. Proper and effective oral care is so important at these ages because it lays the foundation for good oral development and hygiene practices.

The importance of children’s dentistry cannot be stressed enough. From the time a baby develops her first tooth, she should be visiting the dentist every six months (this applies to you, too, mom and dad!). The bi-annual appointments ensure your child is developing appropriately and not suffering from any oral health problems.

Want to learn more? Here are our answers to the five most common questions about children’s dentistry:

1. Why are baby teeth important?

Most people understand that adult teeth are important, but since baby teeth (aka milk teeth) fall out, they seem much less necessary. This simply isn’t true. Milk teeth provide infants, toddlers, and children with the ability to chew foods (which aids in digestion) and speak with proper pronunciation.

Can you imagine what life would be like for a child of school-age who didn’t have teeth? Much, much more difficult! This is why we take oral hygiene so seriously. Without proper care, children can experience early tooth loss because of cavities.

2. What’s the difference between a children’s dentist and a regular dentist?

A children’s dentist, also known as a pediatric dentist, specializes in oral health care and development in infants, toddlers, children, and teens. To practice children’s dentistry, the dentist must complete two more years of school than general dentists.

Children are our specialty! Our training and experience equip us to appropriately treat children with oral health problems and answer questions about the best oral hygiene practices for kids.

3. What if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Dental fear is common for children, especially during their first visit. As parents, you can do several things to help your child overcome dental fear, such as:

Speak positively about your past experiences with the dentist
Watch TV shows that portray dental visits as happy
Read books about visiting the dentist
Play “dentist and patient” at home

Unfortunately, these won’t help every child. In cases where a child has severe anxiety or fear, the pediatric dentist may recommend IV sedation.

4. How do thumb sucking and pacifier habits affect oral health?

Before age three, there aren’t any consequences to thumb sucking and pacifier habits. These are natural reflexes that become a habit for most children. However, after age three, these habits may cause problems with the growth of the mouth and position of the teeth.

Talk to your child’s pediatric dentist for tips on how to wean him or her off the pacifier or thumb sucking.

5. What qualities should I look for in a pediatric dentist?

Finding a great pediatric dentist should be as simple as searching for the closest one to your home. Unfortunately, not all dentists provide high-quality care. When researching “children’s dentistry near me” or “pediatric dentist near me,” look for these qualities:

A kid-friendly environment
Good patient reviews
A dentist who is passionate about children and dentistry
Consistency
Individualized care

Have more questions? Live in the Overland Park, KS area? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is prepared to answer all your questions and help you help your child achieve optimal oral health. Contact our team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?

Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Explains the Health Risks of Oral Piercings

It’s National Chocolate Cake Day! Here’s How to Make the Most of It

Yes, you read that right. Your kid’s pediatric dentist is encouraging you to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day. Why? We think this is a great excuse to make a special memory with your child while enjoying one of the most delicious desserts!

Plus, good oral health doesn’t mean we can never indulge. It’s important to teach our children about balance which includes having a sweet treat once in a while. This can also be an opportunity to teach him or her about how to care for our mouths after eating dessert.

How to Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day

The answer is obvious: eat some chocolate cake! We recommend making a classic recipe, like this one, or a family recipe. If you want to stay away from sugar, try this recipe!

Baking with your little one can be such a fun experience for you both. Don’t worry about making a mess—that’s part of it! Instead, focus on having conversations about the family member whose recipe your using, your other favorite desserts, how school is going, or the history of chocolate cake! Here are a few fun facts:

The first chocolate cake recipe was published in 1847 by Eliza Leslie (you can find it here)
Before this, chocolate was only consumed as a beverage
The first boxed cake mix was released in the 1920s
Dr. James Baker discovered how to make chocolate in 1764 by grinding cocoa beans

If you don’t have time to bake a cake yourselves, stop by your favorite bakery to pick up a cake or a few slices to eat together.

Oral Health Tips for After Eating Sweets from Our Pediatric Dentist

Once the baking, eating, and cleaning have commenced, the oral hygiene process should begin! We can’t say it will be quite as fun, but it is certainly necessary for helping you and your little one avoid cavities.

Here are four tips for taking care of teeth after eating a sweet treat:

1. Drink water or milk

Skip out on the sugary beverages like juice and soda, and drink either water or milk with your cake. Continue to drink it afterward as well.

Water and milk can rid the teeth and gums of any stray food particles in the mouth that may lead to cavities. Encourage your little one to swish some of his beverage around to ensure no cake is stuck to his teeth.

Milk is especially beneficial because it forms a protective film on the teeth, helps repair damage, neutralizes acid and sugar, and encourages saliva production.

2. Wait 30 minutes

Don’t send your child to brush his or her teeth immediately after eating. Doing so could actually lead to more damage! Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing or flossing.

3. Brush

After the 30 minutes is up, you and your little one should brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.

4. Floss

Toothbrushes can’t get between the teeth, so flossing is extremely important! Make sure your child cleans between all of her teeth to remove any cake that could lead to cavities.

Need help teaching your child how to brush and floss? Check out these tips from our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt.

To learn more about our practice or for more tips on how to care for your child’s mouth, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990.

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

National Astronaut Day: How do astronauts care for their teeth in space?