Category: Pediatric dentist

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

What To Expect From Your Overland Park Pediatric Dentist

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, it’s our privilege to serve the Overland Park community by providing kid-friendly, compassionate, and excellent dental care. If you’re new to the area or are just searching for a new pediatric dentist, we would love to meet with you! Until then, check out this blog to learn more about our dental practice.

But first, let us introduce you to our pediatric dentist!

Dr. Matt

Running his own pediatric dental practice has always been Dr. Matt’s dream. In doing so, he is able to teach kids and their families about the dangers of tooth decay and how to avoid it in a fun, non-clinical environment.

Dr. Matt’s education at the UMKC School of Dentistry and the Pediatric Dentistry at Northwestern University has prepared him to be an incredible resource for parents. The countless hours of hands-on experience he received at Children’s Memorial Hospital has equipped him to provide excellent care to children and teens.

All of this combined with his passion for working with children, flexibility, and high energy, make him the best choice for children’s dentistry in Overland Park.

Dr. Matt has worked hard to create an office where our patients and their parents feel welcome and cared for. Part of this is ensuring that we consistently create enjoyable experiences.

At our pediatric dentist office, here’s what you can always expect:

Personalized Care

We recognize that every child is unique which means that every child requires unique care. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, that’s what they get!

Our team gets to know you and your little one so that he or she can have the best dental experience possible. Does your child have a favorite TV show or book character? Is he more shy or outgoing? Does she play a certain sport? We take these into consideration before every single appointment! Knowing more about our patients makes the entire dental experience better for all parties involved.

No Surprises

Dental insurance can be complicated, but our administrative team works diligently to ensure you’re never surprised by unexpected expenses. We have a comprehensive understanding of your benefits and will communicate those effectively, so you always know what to expect.

Additionally, we strive to be consistent in every area of our practice because we know that familiarity brings comfort.

Diligence

Every patient deserves to receive diligent care from focused dental professionals. This way, we never miss an oral health care problem that needs to be addressed or an opportunity to teach your little one how to care for his teeth properly (that is our job after all!).

Consistency

Consistency is so important for children because it helps dissolve worrisome feelings. Dr. Matt understands that being a consistent figure in your child’s life will make sure going to the dentist is never a cause for fear or anxiety. This means, your child will always meet with Dr. Matt and no one else for every single appointment.

This isn’t just beneficial for our patients; Dr. Matt loves building relationships with his patients. He is just as excited about dentistry as he is about working with children, so every appointment is his dream come true!

Schedule an Initial Consultation

When you and your little one are ready, we’re here for you. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

Consequences of Sugar-Filled Snacks

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

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

Type 2 Diabetes
Heart disease
Fatty liver
Low energy
Depression
Acne

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

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

High fructose corn syrup
Honey
Fruit juice concentrate
Sucrose
Rice syrup

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

Nutrients for a Healthy Mouth

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

Calcium
Vitamin D
Potassium
Phosphorus
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Vitamin A

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

Healthy Snack Ideas

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

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

Dairy and Calcium

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

Fruits and Veggies

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

Protein

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

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

More Oral Hygiene Tips

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

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

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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 Kids Can Maintain a Healthy Smile During Thanksgiving

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

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

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

The Benefits of Thanksgiving Foods

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

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

Thanksgiving Oral Hygiene Tips

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

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

Learn More from Dr. Matt

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

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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

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning Appointments for Kids

New parents often have many questions about dental care for their little ones. Starting at about six months, babies begin to develop their first two teeth, and even those require special care! While Google, friends, and family members may offer advice, parents should seek the guidance of a pediatric dentist who can offer personalized oral health tips for their baby.

Topics that a pediatric dentist may discuss with parents include teeth cleaning appointments, baby bottle tooth decay, proper brushing and flossing techniques, nutrition, and thumb, finger, and pacifier habits.

Gaining this advice and education on your child’s oral health is one of the main advantages of attending regular teeth cleaning appointments. Continue reading to learn about the other benefits of bringing your child to the dentist every six months.

1. Creates a positive relationship with the dentist

From the time that your child’s first teeth erupt, you should schedule a teeth cleaning and exam appointment every six months. Though your child may be too young to remember her first few dental visits, she will quickly become familiar with the office environment, dentist, and team members. As she grows, she and her pediatric dentist will create a trusting and positive relationship so that she never deals with dental fear or anxiety.

Additionally, you will feel much more comfortable putting your child in the care of someone you know and trust.

2. The dentist teaches your child good oral hygiene habits

Teaching your child how to brush and floss properly can be a really fun experience, but it can also be really frustrating if you don’t know exactly what your teaching and what he should be doing.

Pediatric dentists are experts at teaching children how to care for their teeth. Many dentists use fun props and tools in their office to show children how to brush and floss. Making oral hygiene fun goes a really long way for kids!

The dentist will also provide tips for how you can teach your child later on.

3. The dentist’s office keeps oral health records

Having one consistent dentist is important for people of all ages, but especially children. When your little attends teeth cleaning and exam appointments every six months, the dentist can easily keep track of his or her dental development and oral health. This allows the dentist to predict any potential dental problems and create a plan to avoid them in the future.

These records also come in handy in a dental emergency. Rather than having to spend time talking to the parents about their child’s oral health history, they can pull out their records and get to work as soon as possible.

4. Serious oral health problems are avoided

Bi-annual trips to the dentist are one of the best ways to prevent oral health problems for children and adults. During these appointments, the dental team uses special tools to thoroughly clean the mouth, and the dentist checks for signs of decay or disease. When those are detected, measures are taken to treat them immediately. The teeth cleaning itself helps stop cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems from ever developing.

Kids’ Teeth Cleaning in Overland Park

Want to help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile? Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt. We are passionate about providing personalized, compassionate, and fun dental care, and creating a positive experience for our patients and their parents.

Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment.

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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

What to Expect at Your Local Pediatric Dental Office

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we strive to create a positive environment for our patients (and we must say, we’re pretty good at it!). We never want the dental office to be a place that kids fear or dread which is why Dr. Matt is so intentional about how he runs his dental practice.

Part of enjoying a visit to your dental office is knowing what to expect, but that’s nearly impossible when you’ve never been to a place before. While you may have been to other dentist offices, ours is unique in the best ways.

Here’s what your child can expect at their first visit to our pediatric dental office:

Friendly and Fun Environment

From the time you and your little one walk in our doors, our team will treat you like family. We prioritize providing quality care for children and teens, but we want the experience to be pleasant for the entire family.

Our office is full of bright colors that will surely grab your child’s attention, and Dr. Matt uses props that are sure to keep him or her engaged while learning about oral hygiene.

Discussion About Oral Hygiene Habits

Education about oral hygiene is so important for children and their parents. As your little one grows, he will need to change his oral hygiene routine accordingly and parents are most likely the ones who will enforce those!

During the first visit and each one after that, Dr. Matt and his team will talk with you about your child’s specific oral health needs and how to address those at home.

Some topics that may be covered include:

Baby bottle tooth decay
Types of toothpaste and toothbrushes
Thumb and pacifier habits
Cavity prevention
Flossing techniques

Oral Exam

While an oral exam is normal and expected for adults, children are often nervous about it. You can prepare your child for this part of the appointment by playing “dentist” at home and using your finger to count his or her teeth.

During the exam at your dental office, the dentist or dental hygienist will check to ensure your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw are healthy and functioning properly.

Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleanings are absolutely necessary for preventing cavities and ensuring your child’s teeth develop properly. This is another part of the appointment that may make your child nervous, but it shouldn’t! Our hygienists are extremely gentle to ensure the experience is comfortable and pain-free.

We recommend reading a book or watching a TV show about visiting the dentist before coming so your little one is more comfortable in the chair.

Check out this blog for tips to prepare your child for their first visit to your local pediatric dental office.

Contact Your Local Pediatric Dental Office Today

Now that you and your child know what to expect, it’s time to schedule that appointment! Another thing you can expect from us is punctuality. We will always respect your time, so don’t expect to be in the waiting room for very long! In fact, we encourage families to arrive at least ten minutes early to complete any paperwork before being called back to one of our private operatory rooms.

Dr. Matt and his team are excited to have you and your family become a part of ours. Call 913-685-9990 today to schedule your child’s first visit to Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

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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 important are dental exams and cleanings for your child?

Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for people of all ages, but particularly for children. Attending these appointments will set them up for oral health success in the future! According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist every six months after their first tooth erupts.

These appointments are imperative for reducing your child’s risk of cavities and other oral and overall health issues. Check out this blog to learn about the benefits of attending dental exams and cleanings every six months.

1. Prevent cavities

The most obvious benefit of dental exams and cleanings is cavity prevention. According to the Center for Pediatric Dentistry, 40 percent of children have dental decay by the time they start kindergarten and 60 percent of children in elementary school suffer from decay. Most of the time, these instances of decay are completely preventable when children practice proper oral hygiene, eat properly, and attend dental exams and cleanings every six months.

These visits are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth because dentists are able to reach the parts that are often neglected. Dentists can also treat decay early on, so it doesn’t become an issue later.

2. Keeps bad breath away

If you notice that your child has bad breath, a professional dental cleaning can usually nip it in the bud! No one wants to be known as the “kid with bad breath” at school. Be sure to schedule your child’s dental appointments every six months to make sure he never is!

3. Keeps parents up-to-date on oral hygiene practices

Another major aspect of preventing oral health problems is education. Many parents have never heard of the term “baby bottle tooth decay” which occurs when a child’s teeth are exposed to liquids containing sugar over a long period of time. When you visit the pediatric dentist, he can explain how to prevent this and several other oral health issues your little one may face!

As your child grows, his oral hygiene will change. During these six-month visits, the pediatric dentist can explain what steps need to be taken at home to help your little one maintain a healthy mouth. The dentist will use language that both you and your child will understand.

4. Promotes self-confidence

As adults, we know the power of a beautiful and healthy smile. When a person feels confident about their teeth, they are more likely to smile and be comfortable in most social situations, therefore affecting how they feel and how those around them feel. In fact, studies have shown that people with beautiful smiles are perceived as smarter and more successful!

5. Encourages good oral hygiene

When children understand why oral hygiene is important, they are more likely to practice it! Children’s dentists are better at explaining this than most—that’s why they get paid for it! Additionally, your child’s dentist will model proper brushing and flossing techniques that she can emulate at home.

Attending dental exams and cleanings every six months keeps oral hygiene in the forefront of you and your child’s mind so that you never neglect your mouth and open it up to decay and disease. We want your little one to achieve optimal oral health just as much as you do!

Dental Exams and Cleanings for Kids in Overland Park

If you’re searching for a great pediatric dentist in the Overland Park area, check out Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Call us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first appointment.

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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 To Help Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

Whether it’s your child’s first trip to the dentist or tenth, he might feel fearful or anxious. Dental fear among children is common, but there are certainly ways to overcome it! As pediatric dental professionals, we take responsibility for providing a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for our patients. This includes rooms filled with bright colors and team members with kid-friendly, happy attitudes. We know that each of these things contributes to making a child feel more at ease.

A parent’s responsibility is to simply prepare their child for the visit. Dental fear doesn’t’ have to rule the appointment—it can be overcome! In this blog, we offer five tips to help your little one overcome their dental fear and anxiety.

1. Don’t over-explain

If it’s your child’s first visit, its best to keep the details as simple as possible. Overexplaining can lead to more questions, fear, and anxiety.

You and I know that nothing scary happens at the dentist’s office, but certain aspects can sound intimidating when a person hasn’t experienced it for themselves.

Most likely during your child’s visit, the dentist will examine and clean his teeth and gums. This may or may not include x-rays. For most of the appointment, your child can sit in your lap rather than in the chair by himself. If your child is needing a cavity filled or any other dental procedure, use simple language to describe that process.

2. Use positive language

As an adult, you may have had a negative dental experience (unfortunately, those are all too common!). However, it’s best to keep that experience to yourself. Something as simple as using positive language when talking about your own dental experiences or your child’s pediatric dentist can make all the difference in how she perceives her own experiences!

3. Play pretend

All (okay, most) children love to play house, school, and other pretend activities. Offer to play dentist! Your little one will love playing with you and will get to “experience” the dentist for the first time in a super fun way.

When playing, find a comfy chair and a toothbrush. You can use the toothbrush to act like you are brushing his teeth or just count his teeth. Try not to lay out any pretend dental tools that might seem scary.

4. Watch TV shows or read books

Many of your child’s favorite TV characters have an episode about visiting the dentist. In most cases, the show or book begins with the main character being fearful of the dentist, then learning that there was never anything to be afraid of.

Here are some examples of TV shows and books that can help your child overcome dental fear:

SpongeBob SquarePants
Dora the Explorer
Arthur
Berenstain Bears
Peppa Pig
Bubble Guppies

There are also several fun videos on YouTube about the dentist and the importance of dental hygiene. Colgate has a series of ten episodes called Dr. Rabbit and the Tooth Kingdomthat kids love!

5. Bring comfort items

A favorite blanket or stuffed animal can make a huge difference for a child dealing with dental fear. If, despite all of your preparation and hard work, your child is still showing signs of fear or anxiety, pack her favorite comfort item just in case!

Eliminate Dental Fear with The Right Dentist

Choosing the right pediatric dentist for your little one is another major step to avoiding and/or overcoming dental fear. A great first visit can set him up for good oral hygiene throughout his life!

If you’re searching for a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, consider Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Dr. Matt is passionate about creating the ultimate dental experience for all of his patients. Contact us today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule a visit!

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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

Oral Health Tips: Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy After Going Back to School

The back-to-school season is tough for many reasons, especially for parents. Along with getting themselves back into a routine, they have to teach their kids to do the same. If you’re a parent, oral hygiene may be on your mind especially if getting your child to brush this morning was a little more difficult than expected. This part of your morning shouldn’t be burdensome. Thankfully, we’ve got some tips that will make helping your child maintain a healthy mouth a breeze.

Follow these three tips to make this aspect of your child’s daily routine simpler and to help him maintain a healthy smile:

1. Stay consistent

If routines are important for adults, just imagine how important they are for children. Take time to sit down with your child to create a morning routine and stick with the plan. Allowing your little one some input will make it much easier! So, whether the two of you decide brushing takes place before or after breakfast, make it happen every day without exception (at least as much as possible).

According to an article in Psychology Today, it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. So don’t be surprised if your child is struggling to stay consistent three weeks in. Keep pushing forward! The author also explains that missing a day here and there shouldn’t completely derail the new routine, so don’t get discouraged on the difficult days.

2. Make brushing fun

A major way to encourage your child to stick with their oral hygiene routine is to make it fun (yes, brushing teeth CAN be fun)! This could be as simple as brushing your teeth together or providing positive reinforcement every time your child brushes.

We also recommend that parents let their children pick out a fun toothbrush with their favorite tv show character or color and choose their flavor of toothpaste. These will give him or her something to look forward to in the morning.

If these ideas aren’t enough, a distraction might be just the ticket. Allow your child to watch a two-minute video while brushing. He will enjoy the extra screen time and you’ll enjoy how easy it is to get him to brush!

For more ideas on how to make oral hygiene fun and effective, check out this blog.

3. Pack healthy lunches

Offering your child a healthy lunch or after-school snack may be one of the best things you can do for his or her oral health. Fruits and veggies, high protein foods, and high calcium foods are essential to keeping their teeth and gums healthy because the nutrients support strong bones, create a protective barrier around the teeth, and support gum health.

Try to avoid sugary foods and snacks as much as possible as these create an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth that leads to decay and disease. Your child’s teacher will also thank you for it!

We offer numerous mouth-healthy lunch and snack ideas in this blog!

Back-to-School Pro Tip: Visit a Pediatric Dentist

It’s never too late to take your child to the dentist. While it may be a little more inconvenient during the school year, if he or she hasn’t attended a regular dental cleaning and exam in the past six months, now is the time.

Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, would love to visit with you and your little one at our Overland Park dentist’s office. Call us 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!

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

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

Pediatric Dentist Speaks on Helping Kids Eat Healthy

Along with practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, parents must encourage their children to eat a nutritious diet that promotes strong teeth and healthy gums. This process is much easier when parents focus on providing nutritious meals for their child at a young age because he or she will begin to crave nutritious foods instead of unhealthy ones. Just like with adults, children can become addicted to sugary foods that lead to cavities and gum disease. Because of this, it’s best to stay away from sugar-laden snacks, drinks, and candy.

If you’re having a hard time convincing your child to eat his fruits and veggies, we’re here to help! Our pediatric dentist knows what kids like and how parents can encourage healthy eating habits without all the drama.

Here are three categories of delicious and nutritious snack ideas that all (okay, most) kids love:

1. Fruits and veggies

Fruits and veggies aren’t just simple snacks, they promote mouth health in several ways. Oranges, broccoli, green and red peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries contain high levels of Vitamin C that protect the teeth and gums from disease-causing bacteria and cell damage. Crispy fruits and uncooked veggies also help clean plaque from teeth.

It may be difficult to get your little one to eat plain fruits and veggies. We recommend providing a yogurt fruit dip or ranch dressing for dipping that will make these foods irresistible!

Here are more ways to serve fruits and veggies:

Zucchini chips
Sweet potato chips
Kale chips
Guacamole with pita wedges
Pepper nachos
Hummus
Celery and apples with low-sugar peanut butter
Peanut butter and banana sandwich
Fresh fruit smoothie

2. Protein

Many of the same foods that contain protein also contain phosphorous, both of which protect and rebuild tooth enamel. You’ll find these nutrients in red meats, chicken, fish, milk, and eggs.

Here are some high protein snacks your child will love:

Jerky, salami, and pepperoni
Sliced turkey or ham
Hard-boiled eggs
Greek yogurt
Hummus
Edamame
Oven-baked onion rings
Roasted chickpeas

Though protein bars are convenient—and let’s face it, all kids love them—they are usually very high in sugar. It’s better for children and adults to get their protein from more natural sources like those we listed above.

3. Calcium

We all know that milk supports strong bones, but did you know that includes teeth? Furthermore, milk creates a protective barrier so that disease-causing bacteria can’t infiltrate the teeth and gums. So, while we recommend children drink mostly water throughout the day, a glass or two of milk is definitely beneficial.

In addition to milk, there are several other calcium-rich foods for your little one to snack on throughout the day, including:

String cheese
Almonds
Yogurt
Fortified orange juice
Apples and almond butter
Blueberries and cottage cheese
Yogurt and fruit parfaits
Scrambled eggs with cheese

Foods to Avoid

The key to helping your child maintain good oral health is to avoid sugar as much as possible. Eating too much sugar is one of the main causes of cavities, and contributes to childhood obesity and malnutrition.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot sugar on a food label. It may be disguised as “high fructose corn syrup”, “rice syrup”, “fructose”, “sucrose”, and several other names. To learn more about how sugar affects your child and its many names, check out this blog.

Learn More from Our Pediatric Dentist

If you’d like to know more about how to ensure your little one grows up with a healthy, beautiful smile, call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation with our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt.

"*" indicates required fields

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