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7 Valentine’s Day Activities for the Whole Family to Enjoy

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
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It’s National Chocolate Cake Day! Here’s How to Make the Most of It

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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7 Fun Facts About Dentistry and Oral Health for Kids

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

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5 Dental Care Tips for New Parents

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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Is it inevitable that my child will have cavities?

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

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12 Christmas Dental Tips for a Healthy Mouth

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we want to ensure your new year begins just as wonderfully. As pediatric dental professionals, kids’ dental health is our top priority, especially during Christmastime.

In this blog, we’ll discuss 12 tips for a healthy mouth during the holidays and beyond! While these may be pointed toward your child, we encourage adults to abide by these guidelines as well.

1.    Brush more often

Although brushing in the morning and evening may be enough, brushing one more time in the afternoon couldn’t hurt! During Christmastime, sweets tend to be more readily available to children at home and at school, so try to encourage your little one to brush after lunch or as soon as he gets home. The longer sugar stays on teeth, the more damage it does!

2.    Brush the right way

Did you know there is a right way to brush your teeth? If you don’t, your child probably doesn’t either! While this probably isn’t something learned in school, a pediatric dentist is always happy to explain the rules. Here’s how you and your little one should be brushing your teeth:

  • Place a small, pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Using small, circular motions to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth
  • Do this for two minutes
  • Brush your tongue
  • Brush the roof of your mouth
  • Rinse and spit

3.    Floss every day

We cannot stress the importance of flossing enough. How else will the sides of the teeth get cleaned? Children should begin flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. We recommend flossing in the evening, after the last meal.

4.    Drink lots of water

Winter calls for holiday coffee drinks, apple cider, and hot chocolate, but don’t forget to drink water throughout the day as well! Water helps clean food and debris from the teeth and promotes saliva production, which is essential for a healthy, balanced mouth.

5.    Limit sweets

Sugar is one of the main causes of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Check out the next two tips for ideas on how to limit sweets during the holidays!

6.    Offer healthy snacks

When trying to think of healthy snacks for your little one, stick to these four categories: fruit, veggies, protein, and dairy. For specific ideas, check out this blog.

7.    Make healthier treats together!

Cooking together is a Christmas tradition in many families. Why not make healthier treats that you and your little one can enjoy without the guilt? Here are some of our favorite ideas:

  • Rudolph celery snacks using celery, peanut butter, pretzels, fresh cranberries, and candy eyes
  • Kiwi Christmas trees made from kiwi slices with the skin as the trunk (get creative with the star!)
  • Strawberry and banana “candy” canes
  • Banana snowmen with sliced bananas, raisins or dark chocolate chips for buttons and eyes, and a sliced strawberry for the hat

The internet is full of healthy Christmas treat ideas that are simple and fun!

8.    Reduce starches

Mashed potatoes, rolls, and pasta dishes often fill the dinner table at Christmas. Unfortunately, these can lead to cavities just as much as sugary foods do. We certainly don’t expect you to keep your little one completely away from these dishes but adding more veggies than starches to her plate is a small thing that could have a big impact.

9.    Upgrade teeth-cleaning tools

Christmas is the perfect time to gift your child with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash! He might not be so excited to unwrap these, but they make great stocking stuffers!

10. Pack all the supplies when traveling

If your family is traveling for Christmas, make sure to pack everything your little one needs to maintain a healthy mouth.

11. Be cautious around ice!

This time of year, ice is everywhere which means there’s more opportunity for a dental emergency. Make sure your little one is being cautious around ice and snow and always have your pediatric dentist’s number on hand!

12. Schedule a dental cleaning and exam

One of the best ways to start the new year is with a clean, beautiful smile. Children should begin visiting the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts and every six months after that.

To ensure your child maintains a healthy mouth year-round, don’t forget to schedule his or her dental cleaning and exam.

Contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids Today

Our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is happy to serve the families of Overland Park, KS. To schedule your child’s dental cleaning and exam with Dr. Matt, 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

Get in Touch

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Kid-Friendly, Pediatric-Dentist-Approved, Healthy Snacks for Your Child

One of the main ways we keep our mouths healthy is by eating nutritious, mouth-friendly foods. As adults, it’s our responsibility to choose our foods well. As parents, we also have the responsibility of choosing healthy snacks for our children. This isn’t always an easy task, especially when your child knows the deliciousness of chips and soda.

Healthy snacks don’t have to be unappealing. That’s why we’re writing this blog! Our hope is that we can help you discover new, convenient, and delicious snacks that your child will love just as much. But first, let’s talk about the dangers of sugary, processed snacks.

Consequences of Sugar-Filled Snacks

Processed foods (mostly foods that come in wrappers) are often filled with hidden sugars that pose a threat to our children’s oral health. These include granola bars, sports drinks, premade soup, low-fat yogurt, BBQ sauce, ketchup, and fruit juice.

It’s no wonder that so many children eat triple the amount of sugar they are supposed to have in a day! Consuming too much sugar doesn’t just affect your child’s teeth and gums, it can also lead to several overall health conditions, including:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Fatty liver
  • Low energy
  • Depression
  • Acne

Additionally, these children typically have a harder time focusing at school which can lead to poor academic performance.

To help reduce your little one’s sugar intake, check food labels for these ingredients:

  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Honey
  • Fruit juice concentrate
  • Sucrose
  • Rice syrup

A general rule is to look for anything that ends in “-ose” and “syrup”! Additionally, sticking to whole, unprocessed foods helps avoid sugar altogether.

Nutrients for a Healthy Mouth

Our mouths, like our bodies, require certain nutrients to function properly. For our mouths, these vitamins and minerals are particularly important:

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A

When we provide these nutrients to our children, we set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Healthy Snack Ideas

To get all the vitamins and minerals our mouths and bodies need, we should stick to four food categories: dairy and calcium, fruits and veggies, and proteins. Grains are also important for our overall wellness and should be included in meals.

Here are our favorite kid-and-dentist-approved healthy snacks:

Dairy and Calcium

  • Cottage cheese with fruit
  • A glass of milk
  • Apples with almond butter
  • Fortified orange juice
  • Almonds

Fruits and Veggies

  • Fresh-fruit smoothie with spinach or kale
  • Guacamole with peppers
  • Hummus with carrot, pepper, and celery
  • Kale or zucchini chips
  • Apples and celery dipped in all-natural peanut butter

Protein

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Scrambled eggs with cheese
  • Plain Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts
  • Pepperoni
  • Beef jerky

We know that when you offer these snacks to your little one, you’ll notice a difference in his oral and overall health. Of course, it’s always important to talk with your child’s pediatrician to learn about any allergies or specific dietary needs.

More Oral Hygiene Tips

Dr. Matt at Smiles Dentistry for Kids is passionate about making oral hygiene simple and practical for children and their parents. When you visit our office, your child will receive more than just a dental cleaning and exam; our dentist and hygienists provide helpful tips to ensure your child has a beautiful healthy smile for years to come.

To schedule an appointment with our friendly pediatric dentist, contact our 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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The Most Common Questions About Dental Exams and Cleanings for Kids

For children, oral hygiene begins as soon as their first tooth erupts, so usually around six months old. The thought of brushing one tiny tooth may seem silly, but taking care of that little tooth is just as important as if he or she had a whole mouth full of teeth!

All parents want their children to grow up to be healthy and happy. That’s why we take them to doctor’s visits, provide nutritious foods, and ensure they’re getting enough exercise. Taking your little one to dental exams and cleanings every six months is just one more way to ensure he is as healthy as can be.

Are baby teeth important?

Your little one’s teeth are just as important to her as yours are to you. Take a minute to think about what your life would be like without healthy, functioning teeth. Chewing and speaking would certainly be more difficult, and you’d probably struggle with insecurity. The same is true for your child! Without them, she can’t chew or speak properly, therefore, we do all we can to preserve them!

This means reducing the risk of cavities, baby bottle tooth decay, and tooth loss (until the proper time). When a baby tooth falls out too soon, there may not be room for the permanent tooth to emerge which could lead to dental misalignment and crowding. One of the best ways to interfere with these dental issues is to bring your child to the dentist two times a year.

What happens during kids’ dental exams and cleanings?

For children three and under, these appointments look much different than regular cleanings and exams. The pediatric dentist will examine your little one’s mouth and may do a fluoride treatment. During the exam, the dentist will make sure all of his baby teeth are developing properly and that the teeth and gums are healthy.

For older children, the pediatric dentist or dental hygienist will perform a regular dental cleaning when necessary.

One of the most important parts of these visits is that you (the parent) will learn about proper oral hygiene for your child. This includes:

  • Proper brushing and flossing techniques
  • How to clean the gums after feeding
  • Types of toothpaste
  • Thumb and pacifier habits
  • Baby bottle tooth decay
  • Cavity prevention
  • Nutrition

These topics are ones that most parents never really think about until it’s too late. Our goal as pediatric dental professionals is to set your little one up for a life of good oral health!

What are the benefits of bringing my child to the dentist regularly?

Aside from being a steppingstone to optimal oral health, regular visits to the dentist offer these benefits to children:

  1. A positive perception of dentists: Many children grow up hearing about how horrible dental appointments are. When they have first-hand experience, they are much less likely to believe that. Our pediatric dentist works hard to ensure every little patient of ours loves his or her time at our dental practice.
  2. Promotes good habits: When you prioritize oral health for your child, she will likely do the same when she’s older!
  3. Provides oral health records: In an emergency, it is so important to have health records on hand. This way, the experts can spend their time on the issue at hand, not trying to catch up on the patient’s history.

Dental Cleanings and Exams for Kids in Overland Park

It’s never too late to bring your child to the dentist for the first time. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we’re happy to provide fun, compassionate, and personalized dental care for kids of all ages. To schedule a first visit with Dr. Matt, call us 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

Get in Touch

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How Kids Can Maintain a Healthy Smile During Thanksgiving

A house full of family, playing games, and eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal are some of our favorite things about the Thanksgiving holiday. While this year may look a little different, we hope that it is just as special!

The Thanksgiving meal is full of old family recipes, favorite family dishes, and foods your little one has probably been requesting year-round. Helping your little one maintain a healthy mouth is just as important as making his favorite Thanksgiving dish. That doesn’t mean he has to skip out on anything. In fact, many Thanksgiving staples have oral health benefits.

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and practical tips for helping your family maintain good oral health during the holiday.

The Benefits of Thanksgiving Foods

Most foods have some sort of nutritional value. Here’s how popular Thanksgiving foods benefit oral and overall health:

  • Turkey: This beloved main course is often the star of the show. It is also packed full of protein and low on fat. Turkey contains vitamin b3 which helps support healthy teeth and gums. 
  • Sweet potatoes: For those of us with a sweet tooth, sweet potatoes, also called yams, are a Thanksgiving favorite. They are also full of nutrients that help keep your body and mouth healthy. Of course, yams typically contain loads of butter and brown sugar that may reduce these benefits.
  • Green bean casserole: Green beans, mushrooms, and onions make this dish one of the most nutritious options at a Thanksgiving feast. Green beans, in particular, are full of vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin, bones, and hair.
  • Mac and cheese: We all know that calcium helps build strong bones, and there aren’t many more delicious ways to get calcium than macaroni and cheese! This is a favorite among children, so just make sure your child is getting nutrients from other sources as well!
  • Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are full of nutrients that help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.
  • Pumpkin pie: The most popular Thanksgiving dessert is pumpkin pie. Apart from the added sugar and whipped cream on top, the pumpkin itself is full of vitamin A which strengthens dental enamel and helps maintain healthy gums.

Thanksgiving Oral Hygiene Tips

The holidays are a time for enjoying and indulging in the good things in life. We won’t ask you or your child to give any of those things up! However, we will offer these tips to help your family maintain healthy mouths.

  1. Encourage your little one to brush and floss her teeth more often during the holidays. Brushing after meals is a great habit to keep
  2. The Thanksgiving meal is full of sugar and calories already, so try to drink only water throughout the day. Water helps clean the mouth of food particles, sugar, and other debris that may lead to cavities and gum disease. Your child won’t have as much of an after-dinner crash, and you’ll feel less bloated!
  3. Portion sizes matter, even on Thanksgiving. Try to fill up your plate with the healthiest options, then when you aren’t as hungry, go back for smaller portions of the not-so-healthy dishes.
  4. If possible, spread the leftovers out among family members. This way, you and your family don’t have three days of Thanksgiving meals instead of just one!
  5. There’s no better way to begin the new year than with a clean and healthy smile. Call to schedule regular dental cleaning appointment for your little one with his or her pediatric dentist. Be sure to do the same for yourself!

Learn More from Dr. Matt

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt’s goal is to help your child gain and maintain a healthy smile year-round. For more oral hygiene tips, or to schedule a dental cleaning for your little one, contact our friendly 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
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5 Tips to Maintain Good Oral Health During COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed our daily lives and will continue to do so. Unfortunately, forgoing dental appointments, or not having access to your dentist, could have negative impacts on oral health, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

While working from home, you may be more tempted to snack all day, eating foods that aren’t so great for your oral or overall health. Although that certainly is okay sometimes, making it a habit could have negative consequences. Some of us may even forget to brush our teeth or to remind our children to brush theirs! Yikes!

To avoid developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems during COVID-19, here are five helpful tips:

1. Set a reminder to brush your teeth

We know this may sound silly, but we also know how hard it can be to remember to brush your teeth once the day gets started. This is especially necessary for people who work from home or whose kids are doing school at home. Children may be especially forgetful!

Many of us wake up in the morning and hit the ground running. If you aren’t leaving the house, brushing and flossing your teeth may be forgotten. Add “brush your teeth” to your morning alarm or set a separate reminder for the same time every day. If the whole family is at home, make sure to get your kids involved, too.

2. Drink lots of water

Always have a glass of water within reach while you’re working. The same goes for kids. Even if you’re drinking another beverage like coffee or tea, keep the water close by. Make sure your children are drinking more water than they are juice or other sugar-filled drinks.

Water is one of the best ways to keep our mouths clean throughout the day. It also helps with saliva production, so dry mouth never becomes an issue.

3. Buy mouth-friendly snacks

Snacks that are full of carbs and sugar tend to be our favorites. However, if you want to keep your mouth and body healthy, look for these alternatives at the grocery store:

  • Hummus with carrots, celery, and/or peppers
  • Cheese cubes
  • Apples and natural peanut butter
  • Assorted nuts
  • Sugar-free yogurt with fruit

Your little one will enjoy these as well!

4. Kick bad habits

Nail biting, chewing ice, and using teeth as tools are a few of the worst things a person can do with their teeth. These habits increase the risk for dental chips and cracks as well as cuts on the gums that can lead to disease and infection.

If you need help with keeping your child from biting his or her fingernails, reach out to your local pediatric dentist for advice.

5. Don’t be afraid to visit the dentist

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, regular dental cleanings and exams are still essential for maintaining good oral health for children and adults. As long as the patient is healthy and wears a mask, he or she should continue to attend their six-month cleanings.

We completely understand being overly cautious during the ongoing pandemic. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we’ve taken every precaution to keep our patients and their families safe which is why you shouldn’t be afraid to visit the dentist when it’s necessary.

If your child is experiencing dental pain, needs a teeth cleaning, or something just doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our dental office. The same goes for you, mom and dad (we can recommend a local dentist, if necessary)!

Call our friendly team today at (913) 685-9990 to schedule an appointment for your little one 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

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