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Babies drool. A lot. Sometimes, parents feel like their baby drools a little too much. The truth is that saliva plays an important role in creating a healthy oral environment that also promotes good overall health. So, if your little one is going through five bibs a day because of drool, you shouldn’t be concerned. Her body is just doing what it needs to do to maintain optimal health.

What exactly is the saliva doing? Check out this blog to learn the benefits of saliva, why your little one drools so much, and what to do if you or your child isn’t producing enough of it!

The Benefits of Saliva Production

One fun fact about saliva is that without it, our foods and beverages wouldn’t taste the same. That’s pretty interesting and cool, but it isn’t close to all that saliva does for our mouths and bodies.

The benefits of proper saliva production include:

  • Helps break down food for proper digestion
  • Speeds up the healing process when the mouth is cut, burned, or wounded
  • Remineralizes teeth to protect against cavities
  • Rids the teeth and other surfaces of food particles
  • Aids in chewing and swallowing
  • Keeps mouth comfortable

As you can see, saliva is so necessary for our mouths. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to function properly, and life would be a little more difficult.

Is too much saliva a bad thing?

Constant drooling may seem concerning, but dental experts agree that an overly drooly baby is normal and even a positive thing! This usually means that the baby’s teeth are developing, and the saliva is actively cleaning the surfaces of his or her mouth. Saliva also helps your baby break down and digest food properly, so be thankful! Another thing to keep in mind is that babies have to learn how to get rid of the saliva by swallowing, so instead of it going down their throats, much of it comes out of their lips.

The only problem your little one may experience is skin irritation around her mouth. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the area, then rub Vaseline or another mild moisturizer to protect the skin.

What about too little saliva production?

Many adults have experienced dry mouth. Infants, adolescents, and teens experience it as well. In children, dehydration is the usual source. Be sure that your child is drinking enough water throughout the day and especially when he or she wakes up in the morning or from a nap.

Other remedies for dry mouth in children and adults include:

  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Eliminate caffeine
  • Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth
  • Use a humidifier
  • Eat a proper, mouth-friendly diet

Dry mouth is rare in children and is almost always due to dehydration, though certain medications may be the cause as well. Regular occurrences of dry mouth can lead to serious oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. If you are concerned about your little one’s saliva production, contact a pediatric dentist today to schedule an appointment.

Kid’s Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Have questions about your little one’s oral health and hygiene? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids has answers! If you’re concerned about your child’s mouth or if it’s time to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment, contact our office 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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Here’s a fun fact for you: Mickey Mouse was the first known character to appear on a lunchbox in 1935. Since then, thousands of tv and movie characters have traveled to school cafeterias, workplaces, and so many other places with people who pack their lunches. Are you one of those people? Do you pack lunches for your child? If not, maybe today is the day you start!

One of the greatest benefits of packing lunch for your child is that you have more control over his or her diet. Kids need proper nutrients and vitamins to gain and maintain a healthy mouth and body. Many times, school lunches don’t provide those, or your child just may not choose to eat the healthier options.

On this National Pack Your Lunch Day, we’re offering healthy and delicious lunch ideas that your little one will love.

Foods That Promote Good Oral Health

As dental professionals, our hope is to see every child achieve optimal oral health. Good oral health does more than just help us avoid cavities and gum disease; it promotes good overall health as well! When we feed our children mouth-friendly foods, we’re also feeding them foods that contribute to a healthy body and mind.

When packing your child’s lunch, stick to these food groups:

Vegetables

Eating enough vegetables can be difficult for adults, so, understandably, it is even more difficult for children! Cooking the vegetables in different ways may help your little one find a few that he really enjoys. Seasonings and dips make a huge difference as well!

Here are some of the best vegetables for oral health:

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Green and red peppers
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Broccoli

Fruit

Fruit makes packing lunches fast and simple. Every type of fruit offers several overall health benefits, but some benefit our mouths more than others. To promote a healthy, beautiful smile, pack these fruits at least twice a week:

  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
  • Pears
  • Watermelon
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries

Protein

Most protein-rich foods also contain phosphorous. These are doubly beneficial because they both help protect and regrow dental enamel. You can find both of these nutrients in chicken, red meat, fish, and eggs.

Other high-protein snacks for kids include:

  • Pepperoni
  • Beef jerky
  • Sliced turkey and ham
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Hummus
  • Roasted chickpeas

Dairy

Dairy products contain a large amount of calcium which promotes strong, healthy teeth. Milk also creates a protective layer that keeps disease-causing bacteria from attacking teeth and gums. If you’re able to keep it cold until lunch, milk is a beneficial and filling beverage to go with their meal!

Here are a few more calcium-rich foods we think your child will love:

  • Almonds
  • String cheese
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Almond butter

Lunch Box Ideas

Here are some mouth-healthy lunches we think your little one will love:

  • Meat and cheese roll-ups, strawberry-yogurt parfait, and roasted carrots
  • Spinach and cheese quesadilla, an orange, and a hard-boiled egg
  • Chicken salad over spinach, string cheese, and watermelon
  • Pepperonis, cubed cheese, blueberries, and celery with almond butter
  • Beef jerky, string cheese, pears, and broccoli with ranch dip

The possibilities are endless!

More Oral Health Tips from Our Pediatric Dentist

Looking for an experienced and caring pediatric dentist in Overland Park? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is that and so much more! 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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According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll, one in six parents believed that dental visits for children aren’t necessary until age four or older. Contrary to that belief, dental professionals and the American Dental Association stress the importance of dental visits as early as 12 months or six months after a baby’s first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.

If your child has passed both of those milestones, don’t worry! There is still time to offer your little one the oral health care he or she needs to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Not convinced that pediatric dentistry is necessary? Continue reading to learn three important reasons children should visit the dentist by their first birthdays.

1. Prevention

Pediatric dentistry mainly focuses on preventive treatments that reduce serious and not-so-serious oral health problems in infants and children. Except for some possible genetic oral health problems, most children begin with a clean slate when it comes to their mouths. The goal is to help children maintain that good oral health throughout their childhood and the rest of their lives.

Regular dental cleanings and exams are two of the most important parts of preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Beginning at age one, children should be attending these appointments at least every six months. During the appointment, the dentist may recommend other forms of prevention, such as fluoride treatments and sealants.

Dental exams are especially important for predicting and avoiding or preparing for future oral or dental health problems like malocclusion.

2. Education

Another main focus of pediatric dentistry is education. Caring for another person’s mouth can be difficult, but parents do it every day! The guidance and advice from a pediatric dentist make this process much easier.

Pediatric dentists help parents understand their child’s mouth by using everyday language, props, and helpful resources. Kids’ dentists often answer questions concerning:

  • Brushing techniques
  • Flossing techniques
  • How to get your child to brush and floss consistently
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Tips for weaning a child off of a pacifier
  • Breaking thumb-sucking habits
  • What to do during a dental emergency

When you have a question about your little one’s oral health or development, a pediatric dentist should be your first call!

3. Relationship

Building relationships with children and their families is so important for establishing good oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dentists prioritize creating an environment where children feel at home. This could include having bright colors on the walls, using fun props while talking to your child, and having toys in the waiting room.

While the first visit can be overwhelming, children usually grow accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental practice pretty quickly. Choosing a skilled and passionate pediatric dentist, a good experience is almost guaranteed even for children as young as one year old.

Our Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids offers parents and children a unique, comfortable, and informative dental experience. We strive to create an environment where people of all ages feel at home, but especially the little ones!

Dr. Matt has a passion for children’s dentistry that is hard to come by. So, if you’re searching for a dentist who will care about your child’s mouth health as much as you do, look no further! We’d love to make your family a part of ours. 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
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
8:00am - 4:30pm

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From the first moment we hold our babies, we make a promise to ourselves to do all we can to ensure they are loved and protected. It’s the reason we put locks on our cabinets, set curfews, and over-do it with gifts on their birthdays. Another way we, as dental professionals, encourage parents to protect their children is to start taking care of their child’s mouth from the day he or she is born.

Good oral hygiene practices like wiping a baby’s gums after feedings, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and breaking thumb-sucking and pacifier habits protect infants and adolescents from all kinds of oral health problems.

When parents don’t abide by their pediatric dentist’s guidelines, children may suffer from the following oral health issues:

1. Cavities

Cavities, or caries, occur when sugar and other food particles remain on the chewing, front, or back surfaces of the teeth. These particles turn into plaque, then tartar, and eat away at the enamel. This creates a cavity, or hole. If left untreated, the cavity continues to form, affecting the softer, inner layer of the tooth.

Dental caries can be extremely painful for children and should be avoided at all costs! Be sure to talk to your child’s pediatric dentist about good oral hygiene practices to put in place at home.

2. Gingivitis

Like cavities, gingivitis begins with plaque that transforms into tartar. The difference is that this plaque is built up along the gum line. The longer it sits there, the more damage it does.

Signs of gingivitis include bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, swollen gums, or irritated gums. If you notice these symptoms in your child’s mouth, be sure to schedule a dental cleaning with his pediatric dentist as soon as possible. 

3. Baby bottle tooth decay

Bottle- and breast-fed babies are at risk for something called “baby bottle tooth decay.” Essentially, this is the same as cavities, but in infants and toddlers. Dental professionals have given it this name because these cavities are usually caused by frequent, long-lasting feedings, especially right before bedtime or naptime.

Breast milk and formula contain sugar that sticks to teeth immediately after a feeding. When babies eat right before sleeping, less saliva production allows the sugar to turn into acid and eat away at the enamel.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, clean his or her teeth after every feeding and try not to allow bottles to put her to sleep.

4. Bad breath

Persistent bad breath in children (and adults) can have a few different causes, such as:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Cavities
  • Gingivitis
  • Dehydration
  • Sinus or upper respiratory infection
  • ENT problems

Our first recommendation is to ensure your little one is brushing and flossing properly and consistently. If this doesn’t help, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist or physician, based on his other symptoms.

5. Early tooth loss

Ultimately, all of these oral health issues could lead to tooth loss if they aren’t treated in time. While this may not seem like a big deal because “baby teeth fall out anyway,” early tooth loss comes with serious consequences, like:

  • Poor nutrition
  • Digestive issues
  • Inability to pronounce certain letters
  • Low self-esteem
  • Improper development of permanent teeth

As pediatric dental professionals, we strive to give parents the knowledge and tools help their children avoid these consequences through education and preventive care.

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is always prepared to educate parents on the proper oral hygiene practices for their children. We also provide necessary and preventive treatments that reduce oral health problems in kids of all ages.

Contact our friendly team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule your 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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This year, Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday, which means we have an entire day to celebrate! It can be difficult to find ways to incorporate children into Valentine’s Day since it’s usually a day just for mom and dad. While we do hope the two of you have some alone time together, the holiday can be just as fun, if not even more fun, with little ones around.

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate love than to share it with the ones we love the most. Here are seven ideas to make Valentine’s Day fun a celebration for your whole family:

1. Make a love-themed breakfast together

Start the day off right with heart-shaped pancakes, strawberries, or raspberry-glazed cinnamon rolls. We also love this “Love Toast” recipe! Have some fun in the kitchen by making breakfast together and enjoy the delicious meal around the table.

Children and adults should remember to brush their teeth before breakfast to protect the enamel. If your meal consists of lots of sugar and carbs, be sure to drink plenty of water while eating and consider brushing again 30 minutes after.

2. Share a love story

Valentine’s Day is a great day to share your own love story with your children. What kid doesn’t want to know how their parents met and fell in love? If for some reason you aren’t comfortable with that, share someone else’s love story!

3. Dance to your favorite love songs

Family dance parties are the best. This holiday is a great time to teach your child about your favorite songs and dance moves, including how to properly slow dance, two-step, or waltz. If you don’t know these dances, pull up a YouTube video and learn as a family.

4. Make Valentine’s Day cards for St. Jude patients, the elderly in nursing homes, or veterans

In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, consider making cards for those who need them most. This provides the opportunity to talk about how to love others who are going through a difficult time.

Several organizations deliver cards to St. Jude, nursing homes, and veterans. Your family may also be able to drive to a nursing home or veterans’ home and deliver the cards yourselves! Be sure to call ahead of time to learn about any COVID restrictions.

Regardless of how the cards get there, the feeling of making someone else’s day better will be so rewarding.

5. Make chocolate-covered strawberries

Did you know that both chocolate and strawberries are beneficial to teeth? When eaten in moderation, dark chocolate helps limit oral bacteria that cause bad breath. It can also stop bacteria from turning sugar and starches into acid.

The malic acid in strawberries is a natural whitener, so eating strawberries can actually brighten your smile! Additionally, they also contain Vitamin C which aids in the fight against gum disease.

Remember to eat these in moderation; too many strawberries can break down dental enamel and lead to decay.

6. Get crafty

Kids love crafts. We know that the idea of doing crafts at home can be overwhelming, but it’s a great way to make new memories and new decorations for next year! Check out this blog for easy and fun Valentine’s Day crafts for kids.

7. Dress up and go on a special date

For a more traditional holiday, get everyone dressed in their best outfits and head to your favorite restaurant or order food and have a restaurant-style dinner at home. During the family date, share things you love about one another as well as your favorite parts of the day.

One Final Tip for Valentine’s Day

In all the fun and excitement, don’t forget to take care of your teeth and encourage your little one to do the same. An easy way to do this is to start and end the day by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

If your child hasn’t had a regular dental cleaning or exam this year, now is a great time to schedule it! Contact our Overland Park pediatric dental team today at (913) 685-9990 to make an appointment with Dr. Matt

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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In our opinion, oral health care isn’t talked about enough especially when it comes to infants and children. This leaves parents with dozens of questions about how to care for their little ones’ teeth and gums. Proper and effective oral care is so important at these ages because it lays the foundation for good oral development and hygiene practices.

The importance of children’s dentistry cannot be stressed enough. From the time a baby develops her first tooth, she should be visiting the dentist every six months (this applies to you, too, mom and dad!). The bi-annual appointments ensure your child is developing appropriately and not suffering from any oral health problems.

Want to learn more? Here are our answers to the five most common questions about children’s dentistry:

1. Why are baby teeth important?

Most people understand that adult teeth are important, but since baby teeth (aka milk teeth) fall out, they seem much less necessary. This simply isn’t true. Milk teeth provide infants, toddlers, and children with the ability to chew foods (which aids in digestion) and speak with proper pronunciation.

Can you imagine what life would be like for a child of school-age who didn’t have teeth? Much, much more difficult! This is why we take oral hygiene so seriously. Without proper care, children can experience early tooth loss because of cavities.

2. What’s the difference between a children’s dentist and a regular dentist?

A children’s dentist, also known as a pediatric dentist, specializes in oral health care and development in infants, toddlers, children, and teens. To practice children’s dentistry, the dentist must complete two more years of school than general dentists.

Children are our specialty! Our training and experience equip us to appropriately treat children with oral health problems and answer questions about the best oral hygiene practices for kids.

3. What if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Dental fear is common for children, especially during their first visit. As parents, you can do several things to help your child overcome dental fear, such as:

  • Speak positively about your past experiences with the dentist
  • Watch TV shows that portray dental visits as happy
  • Read books about visiting the dentist
  • Play “dentist and patient” at home

Unfortunately, these won’t help every child. In cases where a child has severe anxiety or fear, the pediatric dentist may recommend IV sedation.

4. How do thumb sucking and pacifier habits affect oral health?

Before age three, there aren’t any consequences to thumb sucking and pacifier habits. These are natural reflexes that become a habit for most children. However, after age three, these habits may cause problems with the growth of the mouth and position of the teeth.

Talk to your child’s pediatric dentist for tips on how to wean him or her off the pacifier or thumb sucking.

5. What qualities should I look for in a pediatric dentist?

Finding a great pediatric dentist should be as simple as searching for the closest one to your home. Unfortunately, not all dentists provide high-quality care. When researching “children’s dentistry near me” or “pediatric dentist near me,” look for these qualities:

  • A kid-friendly environment
  • Good patient reviews
  • A dentist who is passionate about children and dentistry
  • Consistency
  • Individualized care

Have more questions? Live in the Overland Park, KS area? Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is prepared to answer all your questions and help you help your child achieve optimal oral health. Contact our team 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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Yes, you read that right. Your kid’s pediatric dentist is encouraging you to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day. Why? We think this is a great excuse to make a special memory with your child while enjoying one of the most delicious desserts!

Plus, good oral health doesn’t mean we can never indulge. It’s important to teach our children about balance which includes having a sweet treat once in a while. This can also be an opportunity to teach him or her about how to care for our mouths after eating dessert.

How to Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day

The answer is obvious: eat some chocolate cake! We recommend making a classic recipe, like this one, or a family recipe. If you want to stay away from sugar, try this recipe!

Baking with your little one can be such a fun experience for you both. Don’t worry about making a mess—that’s part of it! Instead, focus on having conversations about the family member whose recipe your using, your other favorite desserts, how school is going, or the history of chocolate cake! Here are a few fun facts:

  • The first chocolate cake recipe was published in 1847 by Eliza Leslie (you can find it here)
  • Before this, chocolate was only consumed as a beverage
  • The first boxed cake mix was released in the 1920s
  • Dr. James Baker discovered how to make chocolate in 1764 by grinding cocoa beans

If you don’t have time to bake a cake yourselves, stop by your favorite bakery to pick up a cake or a few slices to eat together.

Oral Health Tips for After Eating Sweets from Our Pediatric Dentist

Once the baking, eating, and cleaning have commenced, the oral hygiene process should begin! We can’t say it will be quite as fun, but it is certainly necessary for helping you and your little one avoid cavities.

Here are four tips for taking care of teeth after eating a sweet treat:

1. Drink water or milk

Skip out on the sugary beverages like juice and soda, and drink either water or milk with your cake. Continue to drink it afterward as well.

Water and milk can rid the teeth and gums of any stray food particles in the mouth that may lead to cavities. Encourage your little one to swish some of his beverage around to ensure no cake is stuck to his teeth.

Milk is especially beneficial because it forms a protective film on the teeth, helps repair damage, neutralizes acid and sugar, and encourages saliva production.

2. Wait 30 minutes

Don’t send your child to brush his or her teeth immediately after eating. Doing so could actually lead to more damage! Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing or flossing.

3. Brush

After the 30 minutes is up, you and your little one should brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.

4. Floss

Toothbrushes can’t get between the teeth, so flossing is extremely important! Make sure your child cleans between all of her teeth to remove any cake that could lead to cavities.

Need help teaching your child how to brush and floss? Check out these tips from our pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt.

To learn more about our practice or for more tips on how to care for your child’s mouth, 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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It’s probably pretty rare that you have a conversation with anyone about oral health. Unfortunately, it’s not a hot topic except for those who work in the dental field. Since it is our profession, we find it very interesting, and we’ve discovered quite a few fun facts that you and your child will be interested to learn about!

Whether you’re trying to teach your little one how to take good care of his or her teeth or are trying to hype him up for his first dental appointment, these fun facts about dentistry and oral health should certainly make that process easier.

1. Dental enamel is the strongest substance in the human body.

It’s true! Although dental enamel is also one of the smallest substances in the body, it can withstand an immense amount of pressure and regular wear and tear.

Enamel is made up of two essential proteins: dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). These play two different roles but together create a strong and healthy surface. Click here to learn more about these proteins.

2. Chewing sugarless gum helps prevent cavities.

Many children grow up believing that gum is bad for your teeth. Although some types of gum are, many are actually good for oral health! Sugarless gum helps remove food from between the teeth and clean the surfaces of the teeth. It also contains xylitol which inhibits the growth of bacteria that leads to cavities.

Another fun fact: Santa Anna helped introduce gum to America!

Why this is, we don’t know! But if you or your child have a blue toothbrush, you’re a part of the minority of people who prefer blue over other toothbrush colors. Can you come up with any ideas about why this is true?

4. No mouth is exactly the same.

Forensic dentists use dental records to identify people all the time. Teeth can tell us how old a person is, their ethnicity, and information about a person’s lifestyle and diet. Additionally, the shape, size, and placement of a person’s teeth are unique, like fingerprints.

5. Ida Gray was the first African-American woman to earn a dental degree.

Ida Gray was orphaned as a teenager and faced many challenges growing up. Despite her difficult life, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1890 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, becoming the first African- American woman dentist in the United States.

6. “Bacon” is a toothpaste flavor.

We don’t recommend using bacon toothpaste, but it is available to try! Other bizarre toothpaste flavors include:

  • Mint chocolate
  • Cupcake
  • Wasabi
  • Pumpkin pudding
  • Curry
  • Octopus
  • Eggplant

For the sake of your family and friends, we suggest sticking to mint and cinnamon.

7. Brushing is only 70% effective at cleaning teeth.

Brushing only cleaning the chewing surfaces, fronts, and backs of the teeth. To effectively reduce the risk of cavities, flossing is essential! Be sure your little one is flossing at least once a day to remove the food and bacteria from between the teeth.

Visiting the dentist every six months is another essential part of oral health care. These visits ensure that your child isn’t suffering from tooth decay that could lead to pain, discomfort, and early tooth loss.

To schedule an appointment with our experienced and highly recommended pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt, 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

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Whether your little one is one month or one year, dental and oral care are important. Baby teeth, also referred to as milk teeth, enable toddlers to speak more clearly and chew solid foods. Just like with permanent teeth, if these aren’t cared for, pain, irritation, infection, and the need for costly dental care can occur.

Our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids wants to help your little one avoid those problems! Through education, we believe that all children can grow up with healthy, functional smiles. Here are five dental care tips for new parents from our experienced pediatric dentist, Dr. Matt:

1. Clean your child’s mouth at least once a day.

Teeth aren’t the only part of the mouth that requires cleaning. Parents should clean their infants’ gums daily to combat disease-causing bacteria that could affect the teeth below the gums. To clean the gums, wipe them gently with a wet gauze or cloth. Your little one may not like it at first, but he will get accustomed to the routine!

For infants and toddlers with teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste.

2. Limit juice and other sugary beverages.

While apple juice, orange juice, and other fruit juices have some benefits, they are also packed with sugar that leads to bad breath and tooth decay. Water is a much healthier substitute for juice and other sugar-laden beverages.

Limit your little one to only one sweet beverage a day. Or dilute the juice by doing a fourth of a cup of juice and three-fourths of water. This may be an adjustment for your child, but the benefits are worth it!  

3. Beware of baby bottle tooth decay.

Baby bottle tooth decay usually affects a toddler’s upper front teeth and first molars. Naptime and bedtime feedings, not cleaning the gums and teeth daily, and more frequent feedings can lead to baby bottle tooth decay.

4. Learn about healthy thumb-sucking and pacifier habits.

Sucking is a natural and healthy reflex, but one that should be pacified by age four. Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use could lead to problems with the shape of their mouth or how the teeth develop. If your child is between two and four, talk to your pediatric dentist about how to encourage your child to stop his pacifier use or thumb-sucking habit.

5. Find an experienced pediatric dentist.

One of the best things you can do for your child is to find him or her a great pediatric dentist. This dentist should make you and your little one feel comfortable and welcomed. Kid’s dentists work hard to create an environment that children love and want to come back to! Additionally, you should feel comfortable enough to ask all the questions and know that the answers you receive will be accurate. There’s no better source for oral health information for your child than a pediatric dentist!

When you and your little one meet with Dr. Matt, you’ll know you are right where you are supposed to be! Dr. Matt loves dentistry and children, so pediatric dental care is his dream job! He loves working alongside parents to set their children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

To schedule a first appointment for your child, call (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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Did you know that water was first fluoridated in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945? This began the study of how fluoride protects children’s teeth. After 11 years, the NIDR found that the cavities rate among children in Grand Rapids dropped more than 60 percent!

Because of this research, almost all community water sources, toothpastes, and mouthwashes today contain fluoride. Dental professionals continue to find ways to prevent cavities and other oral health problems among children and adults.

Although cavities for children may have been inevitable at one point in history, they don’t have to be part of your little one’s childhood! Continue reading to learn the most common reasons for cavities in children as well as tips to prevent them.

Causes of Cavities

Ultimately, cavities develop when sugars and starches cling to the teeth and aren’t removed by brushing, flossing, or rinsing. Bacteria turn these particles from food to acids that contribute to the formation of plaque that eats away at the dental enamel.

The following factors raise a child’s risk of tooth decay:

  1. High consumption of sugar and starches
  2. Low consumption of water
  3. Not drinking fluoridated water (tap water)
  4. Failing to brush and floss daily
  5. Dry mouth caused by medications

Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

Along with encouraging your little one to drink more water, it’s entirely possible to prevent cavities. Check out these tips from our Overland Park pediatric dentist!

Encourage good oral hygiene

Children (and adults) should brush two times a day and floss once daily. These two practices fight against disease-causing bacteria that lead to cavities by ridding the mouth of sugars and starches that they feed off.

We know that teaching your little one to brush and floss properly and consistently can be challenging, but it is possible!

Start with taking your child to the store to pick out is oral hygiene tools like a cartoon-themed toothbrush and yummy-flavored toothpaste. Then, watch this kid-friendly video together to learn about the importance of oral hygiene and how to brush and floss properly.

Talk with your kid’s pediatric dentist for more helpful tips and tricks.

Offer healthy snacks

What your child eats affects her oral, physical, and mental health. Therefore, it is so important to offer healthy, mouth-friendly snacks for her to eat throughout the day! Protein, dairy, fruits, and veggies are the best food groups to stick to.

Check out this blog to learn about some of our favorite healthy snacks for kids!

Visit the dentist regularly

Dental cleanings and exams aren’t just for adults; children need them too! Children should begin visiting the dentist when their first tooth erupts and every six months after that. A dental cleaning is performed when appropriate, but an exam is completed every single time.

This way, the dentist can track your child’s oral development, check for cavities, and offer personalized tips for a healthy mouth. These appointments are also important because you (the parent) get access to an expert in kids’ oral health. Any and all questions are welcome!

Start Preventing Cavities Today

One of the best ways to put your little one’s oral health on track is to schedule a regular dental cleaning and exam appointment as soon as possible. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, our goal is to help all children live cavity-free lives!

Call (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt.

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.