Tag: leawoodks

As children enter their teenage years, it’s natural for them to want to express themselves. But if your teen’s desired form of self-expression is an oral piercing, it may fill you with dismay. First, be aware that minors may not get an oral piercing without parental consent. But if you feel that you should support your child, it’s important for both of you to be aware of the complications of oral piercings as discussed by your pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we offer great dental care for youth of all ages. We understand that each stage of childhood brings new challenges, and we want to help parents face these challenges with our knowledge and expertise. Whether your child already faces dental complications as a result of an oral piercing, or you are simply trying to discourage them from making this decision, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

What are oral piercings?

There are several types of oral piercings, but tongue piercings are by far the most common. Most frequently, the tongue is pierced in the middle. But the tip can also be pierced. Some people opt to have two piercings on either side of the tongue.

Other locations for oral piercings can include the lip, cheek, uvula, or frenum (the tissue that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.)

Oral Piercings and Dental Health

Oral piercings can cause tooth erosion, as the mouth jewelry comes in frequent contact with the teeth. This is especially common with tongue tip piercings. This type of piercing can also lead to diastema, or a gap between the two front teeth, particularly if a person continuously manipulates his or her tongue piercing. 

Oral Piercings and Gum Health

Periodontal complications are even more common following an oral piercing. In fact, 50% of those with lip piercings and 44% of those with tongue piercings have reported gum erosion. In turn, receding gums can dramatically affect a person’s appearance, giving their teeth an elongated look. Even more alarming, gum recession can lead to exposed tooth roots, severe dental sensitivity, and tooth loss. 

Further, without vigilant hygiene and cleanings, oral piercings often trap and harbor bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

Oral Piercings and Overall Health Complications 

Aside from dental complications, oral piercings can be dangerous for systemic health. For one, the tongue is a highly vascular area, so if the piercing is not performed properly, it can lead to prolonged bleeding. The tongue could also swell, which could block the airway and cause difficulty breathing. 

Though rare, mouth jewelry could become embedded in other soft tissues, necessitating surgical removal. And some people have experienced life threatening complications because of their oral piercings. For all of these reasons, the American Dental Association (and your pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS) advise against this practice. 

Book an Appointment for Your Teen with a Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS

Think your teen might be more receptive to advice coming from someone else? Feel free to book an appointment with us!

Contact us online or give us a call at (913) 685-9990. 

Dental care seems straightforward. And certainly there are some established guidelines; brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are standard protocol. But if you want to give your child the best possible oral health, there are a few unexpected tips that you should know. Of course, along with dental care at home, it is important to find a great pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS. 

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven are passionate about giving children a solid foundation for lifelong oral health. Preventive care is our focus, including exams and cleanings, as well as patient and parent education. But when problems do arise, we are ready to address them with low-stress, kid-friendly treatments. 

For more tips about dental care to to schedule your appointment with a pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, contact our office today.

1. Oral Care Should Begin Even Before Your Child Has Teeth!

Even before your child has teeth, oral bacteria can still build up in the mouth, feeding off of the starches in breast milk or formula. Since you won’t always know that a tooth is erupting, it’s a good idea to start cleaning your baby’s gums at a very young age. This will also acclimate your child to oral care and may make tooth brushing easier in the long run.

To clean your infant’s gums, simply wipe them down with a soft cloth or piece of gauze.

2. Start Dental Visits Early On

Just as oral care should begin much earlier than you might expect, so should dental visits. The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visits soon after their first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthdays. Even if your child hasn’t started teething by twelve months, you should schedule an appointment. 

Your pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, believes so firmly in the importance of early dental visits that we offer free exams and cleanings for children under age 2.

3. Have Your Child Brush Before Breakfast

Brushing first thing in the morning will remove the bacteria that build up overnight. It may also help to protect teeth against acid in breakfast foods, and it can promote saliva production. 

If your after-breakfast brushing routine is set, wait at least 30 minutes after eating to keep from rubbing food particles into your child’s tooth enamel. 

4. Use Fluoride Toothpaste from a Young Age

Many children’s toothpastes carry labels proudly proclaiming, “Fluoride Free!” But in reality, it’s better to use fluoride toothpaste from the outset. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Just be sure to use the right amount for your child’s age, and there is no reason to worry.

5. Beware of “Healthy” Drinks

A lot of drinks marketed as healthy products are actually full of sugar, either added or naturally occurring. Even no-sugar-added juice can be harmful to children’s teeth. The best choices are water and milk. If your child insists on having juice, limit it appropriately and dilute it with water, if possible. 

Contact a Pediatric Dentist in Overland Park, KS, Today

For more tips for a healthy smile, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today. 

Reach us online or call us at (913) 685-9990.

Cracked or broken teeth are among the most common injuries sustained by young children and teens. Fortunately, with parental diligence and supervision, these injuries are often preventable. And when they do occur, they can often be treated with conservative methods. With the right pediatric dentist on call, there is no reason to worry about your child’s long-term appearance or dental health. 

Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven of Smiles Dentistry for Kids are the doctors you want on speed dial if accidents happen. We know the best and most effective ways to care for little teeth. Our entire Overland Park, KS, team can put even very scared children at ease. And we are happy to provide guidance in the prevention of pediatric dental injuries. 

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids today.

What are the different types of cracks? 

Cracks can vary in appearance and severity. 

• Craze lines appear on the outer surface only and do not affect the softer interior of a tooth. They do not usually require treatment. 
• A chipped tooth also affects only the dental enamel. It does not require treatment, although many choose it to improve their appearance. 
• A fractured cusp occurs when a piece of the chewing surface breaks off. It may or may not expose the inner pulp, but will require treatment either way.
• A cracked tooth is one in which a crack begins on the chewing surface and travels down towards the gums. 
• If a crack travels all the way down to the dental root, this is characterized as a split tooth.
• With a vertical root fracture, the crack begins at the bottom of the dental root and travels upwards towards the chewing surface.

Oral Hygiene and Cracked Teeth 

Decay below the surface can weaken the entire tooth, making it more prone to injury. This is why daily brushing and flossing, along with biannual dental visits, are so important – even for the youngest children.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can also weaken teeth, making structural damage more likely. If your child chronically grinds their teeth, we can provide a custom-made mouthguard to be worn at night.

Accidents, Injuries, and Dental Damage

Toddlers often break teeth because of their still-developing motor skills and the likelihood of falls. To reduce the risk of damage, childproof your home, covering the sharp edges and corners of furniture and removing trip hazards. Closely supervise young children when they first become mobile, and do not allow them to walk around the house with a cup or bottle. 

Approximately 25% of school-age children will eventually damage a tooth, and most of this damage is the result of accident or injury. For older kids, sports injuries are often to blame. If your child plays a contact sport, be sure to ask us about a sports mouthguard. Our custom appliances are much more comfortable than over-the-counter versions and are less likely to impact breathing and athletic performance. 

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids 

Treatment for a cracked tooth will depend on the type and severity of the damage. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your child. 

Reach us online or call (913) 685-9990.

When your child is in high school or early college, they are likely exploring professional interests and career opportunities. If they have expressed an interest in dentistry, you may be feeling excited by their desire to enter the medical field. Or you may be a bit apprehensive, wondering exactly what it takes to become a dentist. In this post, your pediatric dentist outlines the major steps involved in pursuing a dental career. 

Dr. Matt and Dr. Craven can heartily recommend dentistry as a vocation! We love our jobs, and we love our patients at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS. Whether your child pursues general dentistry, or they become a specialist like a pediatric dentist, they have a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in their patients’ lives. 

If you want to learn more about a career in dentistry, or you simply need to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, contact our office today.

Undergraduate Education 

To become a dentist, your teen will first need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A degree in biology or another science can be helpful, but it is not essential. However, dental schools do require a certain number of science credits. If your child does not earn a degree in the sciences, they may need to take some additional classes before applying to graduate school.

A few colleges offer a pre-dentistry track. Pre-med tracks are much more common and can give your child an extra edge in dental school acceptance. If your child is still in high school, encourage them to take AP science. AP classes may allow them to opt out of basic science and jump into higher-level college courses.

Graduate School 

Before applying to dental school, an applicant must first take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT is a 4.5 hour test that includes 180 questions. Dental schools have individual admission score requirements, so it’s important to check the schools in which your child is interested. 

Once accepted, a dental student will typically earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in four years. The two degrees are essentially the same and differ only in name. The first two years of dental school are spent in the classroom, and the second two years consist mostly of clinical work. 

Areas of Specialization 

After earning their degree, if dentists wish to pursue a specialization, they must typically complete a two to three-year residency, focused on their particular area of interest. 

Among others, specializations can include: 

• Pediatric dentistry
• Endodontics
• Orthodontics
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery 
• Periodontics 
• Prosthodontics
• Dental anesthesiology 

Certifications and Accreditations 

After completing their training, students must pass their licensure exams. From there, dentists can apply for positions or start their own practices. However, even after they are established, they need to take a certain amount of continuing education credits each year. Each state has their own required number of hours. 

Though not required, certifications and accreditations often allow dentists to provide a higher level of care. Recognition by outside organizations can also open up career opportunities that might not otherwise be available. 

Contact a Pediatric Dentist Today 

Learn more about how to become a general or pediatric dentist. Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids online or call us at (913) 685-9990.