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The morning is the perfect opportunity to set intentions for the day, and research supports that starting your day with a balanced breakfast can positively impact your overall wellbeing. If you’re having trouble deciding what to put on your next grocery list, start your day with one of the following healthy breakfast foods that can protect your smile while giving your body the complex nutrients it needs:

Whole-Grain Cereals

It’s no secret that kids tend to love the cereal aisle at the grocery store. Here, you can find bright-colored boxes covered with kid-friendly cartoon characters. Many kinds of cereal marketed to children are often labeled as “healthy” but are loaded with sugar, sodium, and artificial ingredients.

Although sugary cereals have a bad reputation, not all cereals are created equal. When finding cereals for your family, look for whole-grain cereals with no sugar added. (Also, don’t forget warm whole grain cereals, like no-sugar-added oatmeal.)

Increasing whole grains in your diet might reduce your risk for periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Also, don’t forget to add a splash of plant-based or traditional dairy milk for extra calcium.

Crunchy Fruit

It’s summer, which means that fruit is in season! When filling up your fruit bowl, consider picking crunchy fruits, like apples and pears, with a high water and fiber content. Crunchy foods benefit oral health and hygiene in many ways, including:

• Saliva Stimulation: When the mouth produces saliva, it washes away food particles and harmful bacteria.
• Fiber: Crunchy fruits offer high amounts of fiber, which take more work to consume and digest.
• Mechanical Scraping: Crunchy fruits act similarly to a natural toothbrush and can scrape away bacteria from the surface of your teeth.

Eggs

Whether you love a hearty omelet or a simple scramble, eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Furthermore, eggs are a versatile food. You can load them up with fresh vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients or sprinkle them with a bit of cheese for extra calcium.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great breakfast option and are a way to sneak in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, dairy, and fiber in a single glass. The next time you want a smoothie, consider combining your favorite combo of the following oral health-friendly ingredients:

• Liquid base: green tea, plant-based milk, or low-fat milk
• Leafy greens: spinach, kale, or Swiss chard
• Whole fruit: bananas, berries, or apples
• Protein: Protein powder, cottage cheese, or yogurt
• Healthy fats: peanut butter, flax, or chia seeds

Yogurt

If you’re on the go, a serving of plain or Greek yogurt is an excellent, convenient breakfast full of probiotics and calcium. Make your simple yogurt a more wholesome and filling treat by adding fun mix-ins, such as nuts, seeds, or fruit.

Take Care of Your Teeth After Breakfast

After eating a balanced breakfast, ensure the food particles don’t hang around. Shortly after mealtime, brush and floss your teeth to remove bacteria, plaque, and food bits to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Also, don’t forget to schedule a children’s dental appointment at least every six months. Dr. Matt and his Overland Park, KS dental team are trained to care for the smallest smiles. Book a kid’s dental visit by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online right now.

Coincidentally, Father’s Day falls in the same month as Oral Health Month and Men’s Health Month. So, Dr. Matt and his team have compiled our favorite dental care tips for fathers and their children:

Lead By Example

There’s no better role model than you, Dad! It’s no secret that your kids watch and learn from your actions. During the early years, participate in your child’s oral hygiene routine by showing them the ropes (or tubes of toothpaste and best brushing practices). When you demonstrate good examples of oral hygiene in your household, your children are likely to follow suit.

Take Time to Take Care of Your Oral Health

Life never slows down, and this sentiment is especially true for parents. We understand that it can be challenging to pencil in “me” time with working overtime, coaching your kid’s little league team, and so much more. Yet, one way that you can ensure a long, healthy, and happy life is to pencil in moments to take care of your oral health.

Although it may be hard to hear, some gender-based studies propose that men generally take oral health for granted. Furthermore, men are more likely to disregard their oral health, have worse oral hygiene habits, and suffer from greater rates of oral health disease (such as gum disease and oral cancer) as well as dental trauma. Neglecting your oral health is devastating to your smile and can negatively impact your life.

Along with daily brushing and flossing, we recommend seeing the dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental hygiene check-ups and cleanings remove stubborn plaque, the sneaky culprit behind cavities, gum disease, and potentially systemic health conditions like heart disease.

Open Conversation About Oral Health

How often do you talk to your children about how to stay healthy? Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to pass on some wisdom about keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Help your child understand the vital relationships between oral health, general health, and quality of life by opening the floor to the following conversations:

• Why it’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day
• The dangers of tobacco and other drugs
• How mouthguards can protect your teeth during sports
• Why it’s important not to use your teeth as tools

Treat Yourself to Cosmetic Dentistry

Father’s Day serves as an opportunity to get pampered. If you’ve pushed off repairing a chipped tooth from an old sport’s injury, whitening your teeth, or straightening your smile, seize the day and celebrate Father’s Day by scheduling a cosmetic dentistry appointment with a local Overland Park dentist.

Be a Part of Your Child’s Dental Appointment

There’s a delicate balance to the art and science of fatherhood, but what’s most important is that you’re there. Whether you realize it or not, your children value the support and input that you provide in their wellness. Research suggests that children generally do better in life when their father actively participates in their lives.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, we always welcome fathers who bring in their children for dental visits. (There’s no reason to miss out on the fun!) Check out what our children’s dentist’s office has to offer your family by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online.

Is it finally time to schedule your child’s first dental appointment? If your child has a tooth or has celebrated their first birthday, then the answer to that question is an astounding YES! Before scheduling the first dental appointment, we want to make sure both parent and patient are calm and collected for their child’s big day at our office. In this blog, we discuss do’s and don’ts in preparation for your child’s first dental appointment.

DO be prepared.

Please have medical records and insurance ready before arriving at your child’s first dental appointment. At Smiles for Kids Dentistry in Overland Park, KS, our team tends to run on schedule. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to your appointment. We need an ample amount of time to accommodate your needs and every child after.

DON’T use anxiety or fear-based language.

Despite our best intentions, studies show that children with anxious parents tend to showcase anxiety as well (likely due to a combination of genetics and learned behavior). If you feel uneasy about going to the dentist, your child may also develop feelings of apprehension. Please don’t be scared! Instead of allowing your fears to rub off on your children, act out or speak with your child about positive dental experiences (if your child is old enough to understand). 

DO bring comfort items.

Just like the people who rely on them, coping strategies are diverse. When stress and anxiety hit, some children reach for something soft and familiar. By bringing a child’s favorite toy or blanket, children can practice self-soothing and help them feel more secure.

DON’T use negative reinforcement.

We get it. Sometimes, children can behave differently in a clinical setting. Whether your child does not appreciate being in a new environment or maybe that the dentist is taking too long for his or her liking, our pediatric dental team is experienced in handling different types of kids and scenarios. Also, we are hopeful and understand that it typically gets better with each visit. 

It’s incredibly beneficial for parents to reassure their children that these feelings are normal for some kids, that they are in a safe environment, and have a positive attitude. Additionally, parents can praise their children for being brave after the dental appointment.

During difficult moments when your child is not receptive to what you have to say, actions can speak louder than words. Sometimes, a simple hug from mom or dad can help calm young children down. Recent research supports that receiving hugs can reduce cortisol responses to stress. We can assume that when children feel less stressed, they often feel more comfortable.

DO schedule your child’s first dental appointment with a pediatric dentist.

Some parents believe that they can simply take their kids to visit their general dentist. However, not all dentists are trained (or will treat) young children. In contrast, pediatric dentists complete additional training after dental school to learn about all the nuances of rapidly developing mouths.

At Smiles for Dentistry Kids, our team is trained to understand how to comfort and treat young patients with a wide range of needs and stages of development. Schedule your child’s first dental appointment by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online today.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis) is a progressive inflammatory infection that can be triggered by poor oral health habits, genetics, hormonal changes, and inadequate nutrition. Untreated gum disease can potentially lead to these four detrimental effects: 

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an awkward problem for both the sufferer and those around them. While bad breath can be due to subpar oral hygiene, diet, or other factors, halitosis can be also be caused by gum infections. Chronic bad breath may be attributable to an overgrowth of oral pathogens that emit sulfur-producing compounds into the mouth. Periodontal disease-causing bacteria are housed within the plaque and tartar, which accumulate on the gums and teeth. 

2. Speech Impairment

Did you know that healthy teeth help us speak clearly? Unfortunately, as periodontitis progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen or fall out. The changed position of the teeth can cause issues when pronouncing words, which affects speaking or singing abilities. For example, if the two front teeth in the upper jaw are lost, the airstream broadens and it can make children sound like they have a lisp.

3. Worsened General Wellness

As previously mentioned, gum disease is an inflammatory disease, which means that the immune system is attacking its tissues and results in the inflammatory response to fight infection. Periodontal disease-causing pathogens start as oral inflammation but can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. In addition to oral diseases, The American Academy of Periodontology recognizes the connection and progression between gum disease and other diseases, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Respiratory disease (such as pneumonia)
• Cancer (including kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers)
• Alzheimer’s disease

Admittedly, the link between gum disease is not usually a cause-and-effect relationship but rather a mutual one. For instance:

• When you treat gum disease and diabetes (or vice versa), both conditions will improve.
• However, if you ignore treating gum disease and diabetes (or vice versa), both conditions will worsen. 

Also, it’s important to mention that oral inflammation may contribute to chronic inflammation all over the body.

4. Decreased Confidence

When young people do not like how their smile looks, it influences how they feel about themselves. According to a study published in The Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, dental disorders cause a profound impact on adolescents’ aesthetics and psychosocial behavior, which affects their self-esteem. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and eating the right foods can help control visible signs of periodontal disease, including dark spots from untreated dental decay and tooth loss.

Avoid Gum Disease with Periodic Dental Appointments

In summary, untreated periodontal disease can profoundly impact the physical, emotional, and social components of a person’s life. Thankfully, gum disease is largely preventable. Visiting the dental clinic every six months gives dentists a fighting chance of catching and treating the signs of gum disease while it’s still in the reversible stage (gingivitis). 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our team of dental professionals helps keep children in Overland Park, KS, and surrounding areas gums healthy by:

• Educating young children about how they can keep their smiles healthy for life
• Providing dental hygiene and other oral health services
• Offering a no-cost dental exam and cleaning for children under two

Prevent the adverse effects of periodontal disease by scheduling your child’s next dental checkup and cleaning by calling (913) 685-9990 or contacting us online today.

Cavities are permanent holes in the teeth’s surface caused by tooth decay. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all children aged 2 to 19 years old experience a cavity. Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in starches and sugars, and other factors raise the risk of developing tooth decay at any age.

Although children may not experience symptoms initially, cavities get worse and more prominent over time when left untreated. If you believe that your child may have a cavity, here are five signs to look out for:

1. Toothaches

Discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of cavities. However, cavities typically do not hurt until they are deep enough into the tooth to affect the underlying tissue and nerves. Pain can range from mild to unbearable. Toothaches can come suddenly, be ongoing, or trigger when chewing or biting down. 

2. Sensitivity

Does your child experience a sensitivity that lingers after enjoying food and drinks that are:

• Hot
• Cold
• Sweet
• Acidic
• Sticky

Sensitivity could be a sign of a cavity. As the enamel (surface of the teeth) erodes, it can affect the dentin (layer of dental tissue below the enamel). When there is an inadequate amount of enamel, the dentin is exposed and can stimulate the cells and nerves inside the tooth.

3. Stains

If you notice white, brown, or black stains on the surface of your child’s tooth, it may be the start of a cavity. As dental decay advances, the staining becomes darker (brown or black spots) and more widespread.

4. Holes or Pits in Teeth

When stains worsen, they turn into a hole or pit in the tooth. In terms of size, they can range from tiny openings to being large enough to break the tooth itself. They may be visually noticeable or able to be felt when your child runs their tongue over the surface of their teeth. Some holes or pits, especially in crevices or between teeth, are challenging to see or feel. However, they may still cause discomfort or sensitivity. 

5. Abscessed Tooth

In a worst-case scenario, an untreated cavity can spread to the gums and cause a tooth abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the infected tooth root caused by bacterial infection. Some symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Intense, unrelenting pain that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities and sleeping
• Discomfort in the jaws, ears, or gums
• Swelling in the gums or face

In treatment, dentists must drain an abscess. Some patients may require a root canal and dental crown. If the infection spreads to the jawbone, the tooth must be pulled.

Schedule a Pediatric Dental Exam in Overland Park, KS

Overall, the symptoms of cavities greatly depend on the size and location in the mouth. For example, larger cavities are more noticeable and may cause more discomfort as the tooth weakens. Furthermore, cavities often form in the back teeth (molars and premolars) because they have many grooves and pits that collect food particles and bacteria.
Excellent dental care, offering nutritious snacks, and routine dental checkups can prevent the formation of cavities. However, if you suspect that your child may be suffering from tooth decay, it’s imperative to seek immediate attention so that the problem does not worsen. Dr. Matt applies contemporary techniques to identify and treat childhood cavities. Schedule an appointment with us by calling (913) 685-9990 or conveniently requesting an appointment online.