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Kids’ Dentist Answers: What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Oral health is a factor that all parents must consider from the time that their little one is born. Yes, even before his or her teeth have erupted!

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (aka Early Childhood Caries) mainly affects the upper front teeth but can have rippling effects throughout the mouth. Sugary drinks and milk turn into acid in the mouth when they encounter bacteria. This acid attacks the dental enamel and creates a cavity. If these drinks are paired with a meal, cavities are less likely. However, when children take a nap or go to bed for the night with a bottle in their mouths, Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is likely to occur.

Symptoms of Early Childhood Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in babies and toddlers can be especially difficult to detect. Presumably, your little one won’t be able to express in words what is wrong with his teeth. Here are a few symptoms of early childhood caries to look for:  

  • White spots on the teeth
  • Light brown spots on the teeth
  • Brown or black spots on the teeth
  • Pain around the tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and sweet foods

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a pediatric dentist near you as soon as possible.

How A Kid’s Dentist Treats Tooth Decay

When cavities first develop, and a baby has small white spots on her teeth, fluoride treatments may be able to reverse the decay by helping rebuild the dental enamel.

Darker spots on the teeth indicate more developed cavities that may require restorative treatments, such as fillings or dental crowns. Pediatric dentists make these procedures as comfortable and quick as possible. These are common dental treatments and should never be a source of anxiety for you or your little one!

Prepare your child for a dental crown with these helpful tips.

How To Prevent Early Childhood Caries

Prevention is always the best policy. There are several steps you can take to stop the development of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay in your child:

  1. Clean your child’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after a feeding.
  2. Don’t share eating utensils or straws that can transfer bacteria.
  3. After the teeth erupt, gently brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smudge of fluoride toothpaste.
  4. When two teeth erupt next to each other, floss between them daily.
  5. Avoid sending your little one to bed with a bottle in his mouth.
  6. Reduce the amount of juice and soft drinks your child drinks.
  7. Do not dip pacifiers in sugar or honey.
  8. Provide healthy, mouth-friendly meals and snacks.

Finally, be sure to schedule your child’s first dental visit by her first birthday or by the time her first tooth erupts (whichever comes first). These appointments give a pediatric dentist the chance to catch tooth decay in its earliest stages and offer tips for how to prevent more from developing.

During your child’s first visit, the dentist will mainly focus on reviewing you and your child’s dental and medical histories and evaluating his smile for oral health issues or developmental concerns.

When necessary, a dental assistant can clean and polish your little one’s teeth.

Call Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today

Our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is dedicated to reducing childhood tooth decay by offering high-quality, individualized oral health care in a comfortable environment. to schedule your child’s first visit with Dr. Matt, contact our Overland Park dental practice today at (913) 685-9990.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
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How Water Can Improve Your Child’s Oral Health

When it comes to staying hydrated and healthy, water is the best option. Juice, soda, tea, milk, and sports drinks all have benefits (well, maybe not soda), but they also have several negative effects. For example, children who drink milk right before bedtime are much more likely to develop cavities than children who drink water at nighttime. Sports drinks, sodas, and juices are also filled with sugars that interrupt the health of the oral microbiome.

While it may take some convincing, it’s worth it to get your little one to drink more water! Here are the benefits of water for oral health:

1. Water can strengthen dental enamel.

Since 1945, fluoride has been added to public water systems. Fluoridated water has proven itself as one of the best defenses against childhood tooth decay. When children drink water that contains fluoride, it mixes with saliva and remineralizes and strengthens dental enamel, lessening their chances of developing cavities.

If your child is drinking mostly bottled water, he probably isn’t experiencing these benefits! Be sure to find a bottled water that contains fluoride to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay.

2. Water cleans the mouth.

Unlike sugary drinks, water rids the mouth of food particles and cavity-causing bacteria without leaving anything behind. Sports drinks, soda, juice, and even milk leave unwanted sugar and acids lingering on the teeth and gums that can cause cavities.

Water also removes stains that could cause your child’s teeth to become dull or yellow. Sugary, dark-colored drinks are one of the most common teeth-staining agents.

3. Water helps the mouth produce more saliva.

Did you know that saliva actually plays a very significant role in your child’s oral health? More concerning than your little one producing too much saliva is when he or she isn’t producing enough!

Saliva helps us break down and digest food properly and keeps us from experiencing dry mouth (which can be extremely uncomfortable!). The more water your little one drinks, the better she will digest food and avoid dry mouth.

Check out this blog to learn how to help your little one if he or she is experiencing dry mouth.

4. Water doesn’t contain any sugar.

Children over two years of age and older should consume no more than 25 grams of sugar per day. Just one apple juice box can contain 23 grams of sugar!

Not only does sugar contribute to cavities, but it also contributes to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes. By simply avoiding these drinks, your child’s oral and overall health could dramatically improve.

If you want to “spice up” your little one’s water to make it more appealing, try adding fruit, such as strawberries and blueberries to give it a little more flavor. Some parents add a small amount of juice to their child’s water too.

For more tips to improve your child’s oral health…

Contact our friendly dental team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park! Dr. Matt and his team of hygienists are passionate about helping children avoid childhood tooth decay. That’s why we offer preventive dentistry methods that are safe and effective and focus on educating our patients and their parents in easy-to-understand language.

Join our family! Call (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
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What are the causes and effects of teeth grinding in children?

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition where a person rubs the bottom and top teeth together with immense pressure. For children and adults, this condition can lead to serious oral and systemic health issues. It can also be caused by oral and systemic health issues.

Sleep-related bruxism may be difficult to detect if you aren’t sleeping in the same room as your little one. However, sometimes the sounds of teeth grinding can be heard throughout the house (yikes!).

Experts say that nearly 3 out of 10 children will grind their teeth or clench their jaw at night. Some children do it occasionally while others do it consistently.

Continue reading to learn more about the causes and effects of teeth grinding in children.

Causes of Bruxism in Children

While the exact cause of teeth grinding can be difficult to determine, it can usually be linked to one of five causes:

  1. Stress or anxiety: This is the same for adults. Bruxism is a common stress response from the body at night and during the day. Pay attention to your little one throughout the day to see if he is clenching his jaw.
  2. Malocclusion: Children with an overbite, underbite, or other bite issues are more susceptible to teeth grinding.
  3. Response to pain: Teeth grinding may provide relief to children who are suffering from teething or an earache.
  4. Hyperactivity: Children with ADHD are more likely to suffer from teeth grinding than those who do not.
  5. Other medical conditions: Cerebral palsy, GERD, epilepsy, sleep apnea, and night terrors can also contribute to bruxism.

The Effects of Teeth Grinding in Children

Teeth grinding can go completely undetected or present mild, moderate, or severe consequences.

Headaches, earaches, and dental sensitivity are a few of the milder impacts of bruxism. Of course, we never want our children to suffer, so even these are cause for treatment.

More severe effects of bruxism include:

  • Broken or worn-down teeth
  • Sore gums
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Severe facial and jaw pain
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Development and behavior problems

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, bruxism (teeth grinding) increases a child’s risk of having problems in school and being more withdrawn from their family and friends. While there is no proof that these are directly related, the two could be connected to another sleep disorder, like sleep apnea.

Treatment for Childhood Bruxism

The first step to treating bruxism is to find the underlying cause. It could be one of the causes mentioned above or something as simple as drinking too much caffeine. Based on the pediatric dentist’s findings, he will recommend the most effective treatment.

Some of the most common treatments for teeth grinding in children include:

  • Making lifestyle changes such as creating a consistent bedtime routine, reducing their sugar and caffeine intake, and ensuring the child is getting enough exercise throughout the day.
  • A customized nightguard that reduces pressure on the teeth, protects them from damage, and mitigates other symptoms of teeth grinding.
  • Finding the root of the child’s stress and eliminating the stressor or finding helpful ways for him or her to cope.

Overland Park Pediatric Dentist Treats Teeth Grinding

Want to ensure your little one is as healthy and happy as can be? We know you do! Don’t let teeth grinding diminish your child’s oral, overall, and mental health. Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids can help determine the cause of your little one’s bruxism and recommend the appropriate treatment.

To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Matt, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
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What Parents Should Know About Fluoride

We hear over and over again how important fluoride is for our teeth, but many of us don’t understand why. Understanding the value of fluoride is especially important for parents who want to help their children avoid cavities and achieve optimal oral health (and we know you do!).

A Brief History Lesson

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in rocks, rivers, lakes, oceans, soil, and certain foods. In 1944, the City Commission of Grand Rapids, Michigan voted to add fluoride to its community water system. During the 15-year study, researchers monitored the effects of water fluoridation on the children in Grand Rapids. Their findings? The number of cavities in children who were born after 1944 dropped more than 60 percent.

Since this discovery, many cities have added fluoride to their community water systems, and it has been added to most oral hygiene products for children and adults. Got more questions? We’ve got answers! Continue reading to learn more about fluoride and its effects.

What does the ADA think about water fluoridation?

The American Dental Association fully supports the addition of fluoride into community water systems. Based on years of research and the obvious benefits, the ADA states that fluoridation is “the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.”

How does fluoride fight cavities?

Fluoride, the chemical ion of fluorine, strengthens dental enamel and prevents cavities from forming by combining with the calcium and phosphate in saliva.

Foods like bread, crackers, candy, and noodles trigger cavity-causing bacteria. These bacteria eat away and weaken dental enamel, making it vulnerable to developing cavities. Saliva on its own replaces the calcium and phosphate that these bacteria strip from the teeth, but it is not always strong enough to fight against the disease-causing bacteria.

Fluoride combined with saliva creates a substance called fluoroapatite. This combination of minerals strengthens and protects the dental enamel from decay.

Is there such a thing as too much fluoride?

Yes. Dental fluorosis is the greatest risk for children who consume too much fluoride. This condition is also known as mottled teeth. Children who swallow fluoride toothpaste or take fluoride supplements may develop streaks, spots, or pits on their teeth. Severe cases of dental fluorosis can cause brown, black, or gray spots on the teeth. While we hope this issue never occurs, the good news is that it is purely cosmetic.

When children with dental fluorosis are older, dentists may recommend teeth whitening to even out the surfaces of the teeth.

When should children start using fluoride toothpaste?

The ADA guidelines on fluoride toothpaste are as follows:

  • Infants receive appropriate amounts of fluoride through breast milk, ready-to-feed formula, and powdered formula. Mix powdered formula with water that is demineralized, purified, distilled, or de-ionized to ensure he or she isn’t consuming too much fluoride.
  • Parents of children younger than 3 should place a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) on the child’s toothbrush.
  • For children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
  • The National Institutes of Health estimates that children ages 9-13 have a daily intake of no more than 2 mg of fluoride, and teens ages 14-18  have no more than 3 mg of fluoride daily.

Children are most at risk for dental fluorosis until age 8. As soon as your child is able, teach him or her to spit out the toothpaste and avoid swallowing it.

Talk to an experienced and trusted pediatric dentist about introducing your little one to fluoride.

Learn More from Dr. Matt, Overland Park Pediatric Dentist

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt’s goal is to educate children and their parents on how to avoid childhood tooth decay and achieve optimal oral health. He does this through kid-friendly teaching and easy-to-understand explanations for parents.

Call our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation or dental check-up for your little one.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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Pediatric Dentist Discusses Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing while sleeping because of a blocked airway. In children, OSA is most often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids but can also be caused by obesity. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to detrimental oral, physical, mental, and behavioral problems.

Children with obstructive sleep apnea often suffer from poor oral health caused by bruxism, poor performance in school because of a lack of concentration, behavioral issues like impulsiveness, and cardiopulmonary disease.

Thankfully, all hope is not lost! If your little one is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, a pediatric dentist can offer an effective solution. Continue reading to learn about how OSA in children is diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of OSA

Sleep apnea isn’t always as easy to detect in children as it is in adults. Snoring, of course, is one major symptom, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your child has OSA. To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, dentists and other doctors ask specific questions about the symptoms your little one is experiencing.

The symptoms of sleep apnea in children include:

  • Night sweats
  • Sleep talking
  • Sleepwalking
  • Bedwetting
  • Coughing or choking while sleeping
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Behavioral problems like hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and rebelliousness
  • Difficulty controlling emotions
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • Restlessness

If your little one has any combination of these symptoms, contact a sleep doctor to schedule a sleep study. You can also schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist who can identify signs and symptoms of OSA and refer your child to a sleep doctor.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dentists should do the following to determine whether a patient has sleep apnea or not:

  • Screen the patient for snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders
  • Screen patients for OSA
  • Assess tongue positioning
  • Assess the tonsillar pillar
  • Refer patients to the appropriate medical providers

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea in children is an absolute necessity. There are several options available to children with obstructive sleep apnea. The most common pediatric OSA treatments include:

  1. Adenotonsillectomy: surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids
  2. Myofunctional therapy: mouth and throat exercises
  3. Continuous positive airway pressure: a machine that pumps air into the airway
  4. Oral appliances: devices that reposition the jaw or tongue to open the airway
  5. Weight loss: a pediatrician can create a healthy diet and exercise plan that helps the child lose weight and alleviate the symptoms of OSA
  6. Allergy treatment: medications that reduce airway constriction caused by sinus inflammation
  7. Positional therapy: training the child to sleep in a different position

Every child is unique and will require a unique treatment plan that reduces or eliminates the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Your child’s pediatric dentist can work with a sleep doctor or pediatrician to create an effective and beneficial treatment. This may include several treatments or just one.

Learn More About OSA

If you’re concerned that obstructive sleep apnea may the cause of your child’s symptoms, don’t wait to visit with a pediatric dentist or sleep doctor. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is passionate about helping children live happy and healthy lives. Part of that is identifying signs and symptoms of OSA.

To schedule an initial consultation for your child, contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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Causes and Consequences of Dental Fear in Children

Dental fear is common in children and adults. In almost every case, this is a learned behavior that isn’t caused by a first-hand experience. Sadly, dental fear in children can lead to serious oral health problems later in life.

As a parent, you hope to raise a healthy and happy child. Dental fear puts both of those goals at risk. In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes dental fear in children, the consequences of dental fear, and how to help your little one overcome it.

Causes of Dental Fear

A child who has never been to the dentist may have different fears than one who has experienced the dentist. Therefore, the causes of dental fear are wide-ranging. Here are the most common reasons that children are afraid of the dentist:

  1. The child is unprepared for the appointment. Fear of the unknown is real and valid. Children may express fear or anxiety about an upcoming dental appointment because they don’t know what to expect.
  2. Their parents are afraid of the dentist. Try not to project your own fear of the dentist onto your little one. The same goes for all of the other adults in your child’s life! The way you talk about the dentist matters and has an immense impact on how he will act during the appointment and his oral health.
  3. TV shows or books portray the dentist as scary. Dental appointments and procedures are the topic of many TV shows and books. In some cases, the main character is afraid at first, but the appointment ends up going a lot better than expected. In other shows, the character has a really bad experience. This can lead your child to believe that all dentists are bad and should be feared.
  4. The child had a bad experience at the dentist’s office. A first-hand poor experience at the dentist’s office can be difficult to overcome. If your little one had a bad dental appointment, we are so sorry to hear that! Hopefully, a new dentist can undo the damage.

Consequences of Dental Fear

Just like any other fear, dental fear has consequences. For children, it may mean that their parents are less likely to bring them to the dentist regularly. This could lead to untreated oral health issues, early tooth loss, and improper dental development.

Children with dental fear grow up to be adults who avoid the dentist’s office at all costs which may result in serious oral and overall health problems like cavities, gum disease, poor self-esteem, diabetes, and heart disease.

Help Your Child Overcome Dental Fear

Want to ensure your little one grows up with a healthy smile and good oral hygiene habits? Here are five ways to ease your child’s dental fear:

  1. Change the narrative. Tell your child about a positive experience you have had with a dentist. it could be as simple as your first dental experience as a child, a dental cleaning appointment that went off without a hitch, or a serious procedure that made you feel so much better.
  2. Prepare her for the appointment. Play dentist at home, using common household items as dental tools. Make sounds with your mouth that the real ones will make at the office, have your child sit back as if she was in the dental chair, brush her teeth, and have her pretend to be the dentist, too!
  3. Allow him to bring comfort items. No rule says a child can’t bring a stuffed animal, blanket, or toy to the dentist’s office. In fact, our pediatric dentist encourages it! We want your little one to feel as comfortable and at home as possible.
  4. Watch a TV show that portrays the dentist in a positive light. Peppa Pig, Dora, Arthur, and several other kids’ shows have episodes where the main character overcomes their own dental fear when they realize the dentist isn’t really scary at all. This should help ease your little one’s fear and anxiety.
  5. Find the best pediatric dentist near you. An experienced, trusted, and passionate pediatric dentist will ensure your child has the best dental experience possible. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, check Google reviews, and make sure the dentist is the right fit for your little one.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt is passionate about providing comfortable, kid-friendly dental care to help his patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you’re searching for a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, look no further! Contact our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an initial consultation.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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Happy Fresh Veggies Day! Here are 5 vegetables to improve your child’s oral health.

There are few things more satisfying than cutting up and cooking a batch of fresh vegetables. The delicious aroma fills the house, and you know you are providing your family with high-quality nutrients that improve overall health and wellness.

Unfortunately, your little one might not feel the same way. Part of this stems from not understanding the benefits of vegetables for the mouth, mind, and body. Fresh Veggies Day is a great opportunity to educate your little one AND learn new ways to cook vegetables so that your child will enjoy them.

Here are five veggies that improve oral health with tips for how to incorporate them in a kid-friendly way!

1. Onions

Yes, onions. This vegetable that is known to cause bad breath also contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that prevent diseases in the mouth and body.

Cooked, sauteed, or roasted onions can be easily incorporated into your child’s favorite foods like pizza, burgers, and spaghetti. You may be surprised that it doesn’t take much convincing to get your little one to eat this delicious and nutritious vegetable.

2. Carrots

In addition to acting as a natural toothbrush, carrots contain keratin, which fights against plaque build-up, and vitamin A that strengthens tooth enamel.

Raw carrots are the perfect vehicle for any of your child’s favorite dips—peanut or almond butter, hummus, ranch, or guacamole.

3. Celery

Like carrots, celery cleans the teeth while it is being chewed. It also encourages the production of saliva which cleans teeth, strengthens enamel, and balances the bacteria in the mouth.

Also like carrots, celery pairs well with almost any dip. It’s also easy to cook and add to soups and pasta!

4. Shiitake mushrooms

A 2016 study categorizes shiitake mushrooms as a “caries preventive food” because it contains active compounds that encourage antimicrobial activity.

For parents, convincing children to eat mushrooms can be a difficult task, but this is another vegetable that can easily be combined into dishes like soups, spaghetti, pizza, and casseroles. Most children complain about the texture of mushrooms more than the taste, so adding them to dishes will be your best option!

5. Spinach

Spinach, the vegetable responsible for Popeye’s bulging muscles, is rich in calcium, folic acid, and several other nutrients. The calcium in spinach builds up dental enamel and strengthens teeth to protect them from chips, cracks, and wear. Folic acid is a type of vitamin B that helps fight against and treat periodontal disease.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to sauté a bunch of spinach, put it on a plate, and not hear groans from your child. However, you may be able to hide spinach in your child’s morning smoothie, so he experiences all the benefits without having to taste or chew it. You can do this with kale as well!

Learn More About Kid’s Oral Health from Our Overland Park Dentist

Want more oral health tips for your child? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids loves educating parents and children about how to incorporate good oral hygiene habits into their everyday lives. For personalized tips from Dr. Matt, call our office today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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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.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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Oral Hygiene Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright and Healthy

Having healthy teeth and gums is more than just about having a beautiful smile, it’s about maintaining overall health and wellness. When we practice good oral hygiene, we reduce our risk of cavities, gum disease, halitosis, heart disease, diabetes, and various other health issues. For parents, oral hygiene takes on a whole new meaning when they realize how important it truly is for their children’s health and wellbeing.

Whether your little one is six months or six years old, developing and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is essential. We’ll help you do that in this blog and offer several oral health tips along the way.

Oral Hygiene 101: Brushing and Flossing

We all know that brushing and flossing are the two main components of a proper oral hygiene routine. Let’s make sure you and your child are doing these correctly.

Toothbrushing Tips

Even more important than the fact that a person brushes their teeth is how they brush. Children and adults should follow the rule of two: brush twice a day for two minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, use circular motions to clean the back, front, and top of each tooth. Then, brush the tongue and roof of the mouth.

Most children begin brushing on their own between six and eight years old but may still need supervision to ensure every tooth is receiving the proper care.

Flossing Tips

Flossing is a meticulous task that many adults dread. However, it is one of the most beneficial things a person can do for his or her oral health. Brushing only cleans the surfaces of the teeth, not between them where food, plaque, and tartar love to hide and wreak havoc on the oral microbiome.

If parents want their little ones to be avid flossers, they must lead by example.

Oral hygiene is more enjoyable for children when parents do it alongside them. So, grab some kid-friendly-flavored floss and start cleaning between those teeth!

We recommend flossing once a day, after the last meal of the day. To make flossing easier and more enjoyable, consider using floss picks, a water flosser, or interdental brushes. These alternative methods will motivate you and your child to floss regularly.

More Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Children achieve optimal oral health by practicing good oral hygiene which includes brushing and flossing and so much more. Here are a few more tips to help your child achieve a  healthy, beautiful smile:

  • Replace toothbrushes every three months, when the bristles fray, or after sickness
  • Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
  • Chew sugarless gum
  • Reduce starchy, sticky foods like bread, crackers, and chips
  • Offer healthy, mouth-friendly snacks
  • Schedule regular dental cleaning and exam appointments
  • Find an experienced and trusted pediatric dentist

 Our Children’s Dentist

When asked about why he chose the pediatric dental field, Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids answered:

“I love pediatric dentistry. Not everybody gets to do exactly what he or she wants for a career. I’m so lucky to have this unique opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with the community. Through education I hope that we can reduce the occurrence of dental decay in kids and do so in a super fun environment that doesn’t feel clinical. Children are amazing and working with such diverse personalities requires a lot of flexibility and a lot of energy. I truly feel that working with children is what I was meant to do and look forward to the many years to come.”

If you’re searching for a great pediatric dentist for your child in the Overland Park, KS area, look no further! Contact our friendly dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your child’s first visit.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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5 Ways Dental Check-ups Help Your Kid Now and Later

Bi-annual dental check-ups are important for permanent teeth but not necessary for baby teeth, right? Wrong. Baby teeth, also called milk teeth, are essential for helping your child maintain a healthy mouth and body, learning how to speak, digestive health, and good self-esteem. Without proper care, baby teeth can fall out too soon, leaving children with a host of oral, physical, and mental health problems.

Children should begin regular dental visits by their first birthday and every six months after that. These appointments will provide the following immediate and long-lasting benefits for your little one:

1. Plaque- and tartar-free teeth

The key to avoiding cavities (or caries) is ridding the teeth of plaque and tartar. For children who are just learning how to brush and floss, this can be a difficult task. Cavities develop very slowly over time. So, having the teeth thoroughly cleaned every six months, in addition to twice-daily brushing, is one of the best defenses against the growth of dental caries.

During dental check-ups for children, a dental hygienist uses gentle techniques and tools to clean every surface of every tooth. A pediatric dentist may also recommend fluoride treatments or other preventive measures to ensure a child has the best chance of avoiding cavities.

2. Healthy gums

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children are susceptible to three types of gum disease: chronic gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis, and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Chronic gingivitis is the most common type of periodontal disease in children. Symptoms of chronic gingivitis include:

  • Inflamed gums
  • Red gums
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Bad breath

Gum disease develops when disease-causing bacteria from tartar along the gum line infiltrate the gingiva and attack the soft tissue. Regular dental visits are one of the best defenses against this disease.

3. Track teeth and jaw development

During a dental check-up, dentists keep track of the child’s teeth and jaw development to ensure they are growing properly. If not, he may refer the child to an orthodontist. Sometimes, early intervention can reduce a child’s need for orthodontics in the future. This also gives insight into what type of oral health problems the child may have in the future.

4. Provide oral health advice for kids and parents

Dental care tips and oral health advice are especially important for new parents but helpful for all. Children require different types of dental care for every stage of development. A pediatric dentist can walk with parents and their little ones through each of these stages, ensuring all of the child’s oral health needs are met!

5. Encourage a healthy relationship between your child and dentists

We all know at least one person who is afraid of the dentist. Many of these people can trace their dental fear back to a bad experience they had as a child. By choosing an experienced and compassionate pediatric dentist, parents set their children up for oral health success and ensure their child’s relationship with the dentist is a positive one.

Dental Check-ups at Smiles Dentistry for Kids

During dental check-ups with Dr. Matt and our team, children receive high-quality, gentle dental care. We strive to be informative and punctual, so your time is never wasted!

For children under 24 months, the first visit is short, simple, and free. To learn more about our practice, or to schedule an initial consultation, call (913) 685-9990 today.

Smiles Dentistry For Kids

14700 Metcalf Ave, Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 685-9990
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday		8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

Get in Touch

"*" indicates required fields

Do you want to receive an email about promotions, news, etc?
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
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