Tag: kidsdentist

Some pediatric dentists believe that the tooth fairy is so honorable and impressive that she deserves recognition on February 28th and August 22nd. Since National Tooth Fairy Day is celebrated every six months, it serves as a clever reminder for parents to schedule their children’s twice-annual routine dental appointments. Until then, here are three ways to celebrate our favorite magical dental hygiene hero at home.

1. Learn about cultural practices related to lost baby teeth.

During the mid-1920s, American dentists and other oral health enthusiasts developed the idea of the tooth fairy to combat the anxiety and discomfort of losing teeth with the joy of accumulating cold hard cash. 

In a piece published in Salon, Michael Hingston stated that “Every recorded human culture has some kind of tradition surrounding the disposal of a child’s lost baby teeth.” So, here are a few tooth-related traditions from around the world:

Tales of Tooth-Collecting Creatures

While the tooth fairy is synonymous with bringing riches to sleeping children, countries around the world celebrate this milestone with creatures that “buy” children’s teeth from them with coins or gifts.

• Rodents: While this creature has many names, a tooth mouse visits children in many French and Spanish-speaking countries, some former and present British commonwealth countries, and some European countries.
• Tooth Troll: In Finland, opposite of the tooth fairy is the “Hammaspeikko,” which translates to “tooth troll.” Actually, this character serves as a metaphor for explaining cavities. According to folklore, the tooth troll is lured by candy and drills holes into the teeth. Thankfully, brushing scares him away!

Feeding Teeth to A Furry Friend

In Mongolia, children are encouraged to hide their lost baby teeth in meat fat and feed them to their dogs. Mongolian children participate in this practice hoping that their adult teeth with be as strong as the bone-eating dog’s teeth.

What do they do if they don’t have a dog? In this case, Mongolian children bury their teeth in the ground near a big tree so that their new teeth will have strong roots (like the tree).

2. Get creative with DIY tooth fairy projects.

For National Tooth Fairy Day, get festive with art projects the whole family can enjoy:

• Decorate a picture frame and show off a photo of your child’s toothless smile
• Draw or color a picture of the tooth fairy
• Write a letter to the tooth fairy
• Construct a pillow, pouch, or keepsake box (so that the tooth fairy can find missing teeth easily)
• Create a tooth fairy puppet and have your children direct a puppet show 

3. Encourage your kids to take care of their teeth.

Losing baby teeth is a normal part of childhood, but losing them too early can be a major health issue. Ideally, establishing healthy habits at a young age is intended to help children remain fit for the rest of their lives. Dr. Matt of Smiles for Kids Dentistry encourages parents to facilitate excellent oral health routines and habits, including:

• Brushing teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride (twice a day)
• Removing sneaky food particles and plaque between the teeth with floss
• Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
• Visiting the dentist at least every six months (for routine cleaning and a checkup)

If it’s been over six months since your child’s last dental appointment, don’t wait any longer. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment in Overland Park, KS. Call (913) 685-9990 or message us online today.

President’s Day (which falls on every third Monday in February) is a federal holiday observed by many Americans. This holiday aims to remember and honor the past and present American presidents. In reverence of President’s Day, here are five fun and fascinating facts about our previous presidents’ dental history.

1. George Washington didn’t have wooden teeth.

Did you know that America’s first president only had one natural tooth at the time of his inauguration? Extensive decay plagued George Washington and led to 24 teeth being pulled, and his troublesome teeth caused him to feel self-conscious and reluctant to engage in public speaking.

While there is no doubt that Washington wore dentures, they were never wooden. He had many pairs that were composed of various materials, including:

• Hippopotamus ivory
• Bone
• Gold Wire
• Copper Screws
• Lead
• Human teeth

2. Grover Cleveland had oral surgery on a yacht.

Even though yachts are usually associated with luxury and leisure, America’s 22nd and 24th president probably didn’t have too much time to relax while dentists performed oral surgery. For privacy, Cleveland’s oral surgery team removed five teeth and a cancerous tumor from his mouth on this particular boat trip.

Best of our knowledge, there are no secret yacht dentists still present today. However, this makes a great story and reminder to ask your dentist to check for an oral cancer screening.

3. JFK’s saved a fellow sailor’s life–with his teeth.

During World War II, Lieutenant John F. Kennedy’s PT boat was sunk by the Japanese. According to his shipmate’s obituary, JFK towed a fellow shipmate to safety by holding his life jacket between his teeth. After three miles and four hours of tugging with his teeth, he saved his fellow sailor’s life. 

While we recommend being more gentle with your teeth, we are amazed by what our teeth can do when we keep them strong and healthy!

4. Lydon B. Johnson gifted electric toothbrushes.

Although electric toothbrushes were first invented in 1939, they didn’t come to the US until 1960. Because electric toothbrushes were a relatively new technology during his reign, Lyndon B. Johson gave away electric toothbrush sets with the presidential seal on them. 

Rumor has it that when a White House intern asked about this extraordinary gift, LBJ responded, “I want people to think of me right away when they wake up and right before they go to bed.” (Encouraging Americans to brush their teeth twice a day? Now, that’s what we call presi-dental wisdom.)

5. There is a dental office in the White House basement.

How many of us have wished that our dentists could come to us? For the President of the United States, this dream of convenience is a reality. In a Jimmy Kimmel interview with Barack Obama, the former president admitted that he doesn’t have to go out to the dentist. Obama stated that “the dentist comes to me.”

Since Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression, the White House has had its own dental office prepped, equipped, and ready to tackle any oral health issue that the president may have to face.

Celebrate This President’s Day by Treating Your Kids with a Trip to the Dentist

Dr. Matt and his team cater to kids so that they can have a comfortable (and even fun!) trip to the dentist. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS. Call (913) 685-9990 or message us online today.

Mark your calendar! Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes National Children’s Dental Health Month. All month long, thousands of American dental professionals promote the benefits of excellent oral health and raise awareness about children’s dental disease.

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt motivates children and their families in Overland Park, KS,  and surrounding communities, by committing to child-centric patient education and high-quality pediatric dental care. Continue reading to find out how you can best support your child’s oral health right now.

Why is National Children’s Dental Health Month significant?

Which common chronic childhood disease is five times more common than asthma? If you answered, “tooth decay,” then you’re exactly right. 

National Children’s Dental Health Month measures to inform children of the importance of consistent, satisfactory dental health habits early to assure a lifetime of healthy smiles. Aside from promoting anti-cavity prevention, dental professionals also dive into children’s dentistry specific topics, including:

• Promoting healthy gums
• Preventing misaligned teeth
• Easing dental anxiety and phobia

What can parents do to advocate for their child’s dental health?

1. Invest in a New Toothbrush

When was the last time your child changed their toothbrush? Every 3 to 4 months, toothbrushes should be replaced.  With extended use, the bristles begin to fray and toothbrushes lose their effectiveness. Encourage your child to get excited for bushing by letting them pick their toothbrush. With a wide range of colors and characters, odds are they will find one that they will like! As a bonus, don’t forget a kid-friendly flavor of toothpaste too.

2. Monitor Your Child’s Brushing and Flossing Technique

Keeping up with daily oral care is essential. Do your children brush in a rush or floss like a boss? If you’re unsure, take time this month to check in on their daily at-home oral hygiene habits. As general principles, we encourage children to:

• Gently brush for at least two minutes with a soft brush and toothpaste with fluoride.
• Brushing after waking up and right before bed.
• Floss removes bacteria and food particles between the teeth and along the gumline.

3. Help Your Child Conquer Dental Anxiety and Fear

Dental anxiety and fear can affect people of any age. While there are many causes of dental fear, the consequences of avoiding the dentist are even scarier than the fear itself. For children, it may mean fewer regular visits to the dentist, which could lead to untreated oral health issues, improper development, and unexpected tooth loss. 

Being a bit uneasy about the dentist is a relatively normal part of childhood, but it doesn’t have to be. Creating familiarity and positivity with dentistry can help young patients feel more calm and confident: 

• Roleplay that you are the dentist (and vice versa)
• Use positive language and reinforcement
• Establish dental hygiene habits as part of a routine
• Don’t wait too long between visits

4. Schedule a Children’s Dental Appointment

In most cases, we recommend regular dental visits at least twice a year for an oral examination and professional cleaning. If you haven’t booked your child’s twice-annual dentistry appointments, there’s no time like the present. Also, if you make an appointment right now, your child’s next annual appointment should fall just in time for the back-to-school season. Call (913) 685-9990 or request an appointment conveniently online to schedule your child’s next dental appointment with Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

We could all use some good fortune in 2022, and every culture has its ways to ring in the new year. Some New Year’s traditions center around starting on the right foot, while others indicate what will come your way. No matter how you choose to celebrate the coming of the new year, some traditions from around the world can help your family achieve a healthier smile.

United States: Greens and Black-Eyed Peas

With origins in the American South, many families enjoy greens and black-eyed peas for good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Leafy green vegetables resemble paper money, while round black-eyed peas represent coins. Besides being American New Years staples, greens and black-eyed peas are superfoods packed with nutrients that keep our bodies healthy:

• Greens: Whether they’re collard, mustard, or turnip, greens are packed with vitamin A and C. Leafy green vegetables help keep the immune system healthy (which attacks invading bacteria and viruses).
• Black-eyed peas: Black-eyed peas are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and antioxidants. A serving of black-eyed peas contains 8% of the daily recommended calcium intake, a mineral famous for strengthening bones.

Spain and Latin America: Grapes

At the stroke of midnight, people across Spain and some Latin American countries eat twelve grapes. Each grape symbolizes good luck for each month in the upcoming year. While this may seem like a lot to chew, grapes are full of flavonoids, antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. 

Furthermore, scientists have discovered that certain grape products can improve oral health:

• Grape seed extract: Proanthocyanidin (PA) is found in grape seed extract, which helps increase collagen synthesis and may potentially be used as an adjunct or alternative to fluoride in the future.
• Raisins: Despite being about 60% sugar by weight, raisins contain antimicrobial compounds that combat oral pathogens and plaque.

Turkey: Pomegranates

In Turkey, the pomegranate is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The Turkish traditionally give pomegranates as a gift or smash them against their homes on New Year’s Eve to make way for good fortune in the coming year.

Instead of crying over spilled pomegranate kernels, eat them! Pomegranates contain antibacterial qualities that may help:

• Curb inflammation of soft tissues
• Impede the development of dental plaque

China: Fish

This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 1st. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger by eating lots of fish. In Mandarin, the word for “surplus” (余, yú) sounds like the word “fish” (鱼, yú), so enjoying fish in Chinese culture is thought to welcome wealth for the entire year.

While we can’t guarantee that you get rich from eating fish, we can confirm that fish is rich in:

• Omega 3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA have anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance gum health.
• Vitamin D: This crucial vitamin helps the body absorb calcium, which keeps dental enamel strong.

Make a New Year’s Resolution to Visit the Dentist at Least Twice This Year

The concept of New Year’s resolutions is not new and goes back to 2,000 B.C. in Babylon. While people promise to accomplish a wide range of dreams in the New Year, commit to a goal that can help your child establish a healthy smile for life: visiting the dentist every six months. Schedule your child’s dental appointments for 2022 without hesitation with Dr. Matt by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online.