Category: Pediatric dentist

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, 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.

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Is there a kids’ dentist near me who sees new patients?

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your little one is an important and meaningful task. As a parent, we know that you desire for your child to grow up to be happy, healthy, and successful. Though we may have different definitions of those words, we can all agree that good oral hygiene affects each of those areas. After all, healthy, beautiful teeth certainly encourage smiling, improve confidence, and have a positive impact on overall health.

So, what’s the first step in helping your child achieve good oral hygiene? We believe the answer is finding the right kid’s dentist! Aside from asking for recommendations from friends and family, we recommend using the internet and your research skills to find the best “kid’s dentist near me.”

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what to look for and where to find it!

1. Experience

The saying “experience is the best teacher” is a saying for a reason—it’s true! It’s the reason we ask for references when we hire a handyman or babysitter. We want to know that the person is good at what they do and that they have had enough experience to perfect their craft.

When searching for a “kid’s dentist near me” to care for your little one, experience is a must. Pediatric dentists are trained to know how your child’s mouth should be developing but experience helps them know what to do when it’s not. Experience is especially helpful when learning how to handle children’s behavior in the dentist’s chair.

Where to find it: You should find information about a dentist’s experience on his website under the “About the Dentist/Doctor” tab. You can read about our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, here.

2. Good communication skills

A pediatric dentist should know how to communicate well with both children and adults. It is their responsibility to teach toddlers, adolescents, teens, and their parents about proper oral hygiene habits and routines.

Where to find it: The best way to learn if a dentist has good communication skills is to visit the office in person. However, we know that’s not always possible. The next best thing is to read patient reviews on Google. You can find ours here!

3. Passion

There’s nothing worse than dealing with a person who doesn’t love his or her job. Not only are they miserable, but they bring everyone around them down too. We see this in every profession, and pediatric dentists are no exception.

Patients can easily tell if their dentist is passionate about what he does. It shows in his countenance, office environment, and even on his website! Find the “kids’ dentist near me” that seems to give his all in every area of his practice.

Where to find it: Visit the dentist’s website, watch any informational videos, and read through the reviews for details about the dentist.

4. A welcoming presence

Children are often nervous or scared when they visit the dentist for the first time. A great pediatric dentist will make every patient (and their parents) feel as comfortable as possible during their visit. This includes making sure every team member is friendly and warm as soon as patients walk through the door.

Where to find it: We recommend an old-fashioned, in-person visit for this one! Of course, online reviews are helpful too.

Our Kid’s Dentist Near You

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we always look forward to welcoming new patients into our family! We do our best to provide a warm, fun, and safe environment for children of all ages. We know you’ll find all these qualities and more at our Overland Park office.

Call (913) 685-9990 today to schedule an initial consultation for your little one.

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

What to expect at your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist’s office and how to make it great!

A child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist can be overwhelming for both the parent and the child. Unfortunately, dentists get a bad rap, but our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is here to change that! During your child’s first visit, and every visit after that, we promise to provide gentle and compassionate care in a fun environment.

If you didn’t know, children should visit the dentist six months after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday (whichever comes first). In this blog, we’ll discuss what happens during this appointment and provide tips to help parents prepare for their child’s first visit to the dentist.

The First Visit

At our practice, your child’s comfort, happiness, and dental health are our top priorities. We know the first visit will have a lasting impression on you and your child, so we want to make it a good one!

Here’s what happens during your child’s first pediatric dental appointment:

1. Review medical and dental history

While your child may not have a long medical or dental history, every detail matters. The dentist may also ask for details about your dental and medical history to help him predict any future oral health problems or orthodontic issues that your child could encounter.

2. Dental cleaning or polishing and discussion about oral hygiene habits

If necessary, a dental assistant will perform a gentle dental cleaning or polishing. During this time, the assistant and dentist will also inform the parent of the best oral hygiene habits for their little one. This might include:

Cleaning the gums after feeding
Types of toothpaste
Baby bottle tooth decay
Thumb and pacifier habits
Cavity prevention

3. An oral exam

During this part of the appointment, your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw will be examined by the dentist to ensure they are developing properly. If there are any signs of tooth decay, he will recommend the appropriate treatment. Dental x-rays may also be taken if necessary.

When parents bring their children to the dentist regularly, he is able to track the child’s oral health development to predict and prevent future problems.

Tips for the First Visit

Though we are committed to creating a fun and positive experience for every child, there’s only so much we can do. Parents are the experts on their children, and we need their help!

Here are three tips for parents who are preparing for their child’s first visit:

Schedule the appointment at a good time. You know when your little one is happiest. For many, its right after a nap or early in the morning. If possible, try to schedule his or her first visit at that time. This makes the entire appointment more pleasant for your child, you, and us.
Watch a dental-themed TV show. Your child’s favorite TV show character probably has an episode about his or her first visit to the dentist. Watching that episode can help your child view the dentist’s office in a positive light and reduce any fear or anxiety.
Bring comfort items. You are most likely your child’s favorite comfort item, but he probably has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that he likes to carry around, too. Bring whatever it is along to help him feel safer and more comfortable in our chair.

Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today

As a part of his commitment to good oral health for all children, Dr. Matt offers free cleanings and exams for children under two years old. We’re excited to have your family join ours at Smiles Dentistry for Kids!

Call us today at (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!

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

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

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

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

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

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

Our Pediatric Dentist

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

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

Our Practice

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

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

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

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

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

Dental Care Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

How to Find a Great Kids’ Dentist Near Me

We all desire for our children to grow up happy and healthy, and their mouths have so much to do with that! When a child or teen has a healthy, beautiful smile, they feel more confident and capable to do things that they may otherwise shy away from.

The key to helping your child create good oral hygiene habits is choosing a kids’ dentist (also called a pediatric dentist) that they love. Finding a great dentist for your child could be the difference between creating a positive, healthy view of oral hygiene and a negative, fearful one.

To find a great pediatric dentist, you must know what you’re looking for. When you ask friends or family members for recommendations, or when you search Google, be sure to choose a “kids’ dentist near me” with these five qualities:

1. Experience

Pediatric dentists are specialists. This means that a large part of their education was centered around working with children and learning how their mouths develop. It’s important to choose a kids’ dentist that knows and understands exactly what should be happening and when as it pertains to your child’s teeth.

Pediatric dentists also have years of experience in handling children of all ages (and attitudes). In fact, it’s what they sign up for! Choose a kids’ dentist so you know he won’t be surprised by anything your child throws at him (literally and figuratively).

2. A desire to educate

Kids’ dentists have a huge responsibility—teaching toddlers, adolescents, teens, and their parents the most effective oral hygiene habits. Your child’s dentist should be enthusiastic about teaching you and your child how to brush and floss properly. He should also do so in a way that’s easy for kids and adults to understand.

A pediatric dentist will be eager to answer any questions you have about your child’s oral health. After all, you two are working together to achieve the same goal!

3. A passion for children

Did you ever have a teacher in grade school that seemed to dislike his students? Unfortunately, that doesn’t just happen in the education field—it can happen in dentistry too. Make sure the kids’ dentist you choose actually enjoys children.

You’ll should be able to tell pretty quickly how much the dentist enjoys children by the office environment, the attention he gives your child, and his overall countenance. Truly, it’s not hard to tell when someone doesn’t enjoy their job. Just don’t let it affect you! Move on to the next pediatric dentist until you find one who cares about your child’s oral health as much as you do.

4. Knowledge of children

In addition to knowing how children’s teeth work, pediatric dentists must understand how children are wired in order to work with them. Your child’s dentist should know how to keep your child’s attention, distract him from uncomfortable moments, and help him relax in fun ways.

5. A friendly spirit

Taking your child to the dentist for the first time can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A great pediatric dentist will ensure you and your child feel welcome and valued during the first visit and each time after by doing the following:

Getting to know you
Getting to know your child
Providing a comfortable, fun environment
Offering a tour
Having a kind, welcoming dental team

Our Kids’ Dentist

Looking for a kids’ dentist in Overland Park? Look no further! Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids has all of these qualities and more. Our desire is to create a fun, comfortable environment for kids of all ages to enjoy.

To meet with our friendly and experienced pediatric dentist, call (913) 685-9990 today.

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

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

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

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

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

Teeth Brushing Tip #1: Talk to your pediatric dentist

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

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

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

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

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

Teeth Brushing Tip #2: Lead by example

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

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

Teeth Brushing Tip #3: Technique

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

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

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

Teeth Brushing Tip #4: Make it fun

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

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

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

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Top 10 Q&A About Dentistry for Kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For children above age three, follow these guidelines:

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

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

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

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

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

5. How are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What should I expect on our first visit?

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

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

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

9. How frequently should a baby see the dentist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

How often do kids need dental exams and cleanings?

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

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

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

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

Relationships are developed.

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

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

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

Oral health records are kept.

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

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

Children learn good habits.

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

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

Parents are educated.

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

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

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

Dental problems are addressed quickly.

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

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

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist

Pediatric Dentist Answers: Why is flossing important?

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

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

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

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

Here are five surprising benefits of dental floss:

1. Reduces bad breath

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

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

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

2. Prevents gingivitis

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

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

3. Reduces risk of heart disease

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

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

4. Controls diabetes

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

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

5. Reduces risk of pulmonary disease

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

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

Types of floss

There are several types of floss to choose from:

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

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

Flossing for fun

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

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

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

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

Baby's Health, Children's dentist, Kids' Dentist, Kids' Health, Pediatric dentist

Children's dentist, dental care tips, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric dentist