Happy New Year!

Can you believe 2010 is almost over? Today, Dr. Matt & our team thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you or your child, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you or your child have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Overland Park, Olathe and surrounding communities in the Kansas City area.

See you all in 2011!

Safety first this winter! From Dr. Matt & Smiles Dentistry for Kids

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Matt Hillman and our staff at Smiles Dentistry for Kids thought we'd share a few winter safety tips from our friends at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

* Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
* Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
* A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
* It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
* Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
* When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
* The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your kiddos stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give our Overland Park office a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Smiles Dentistry for Kids.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Matt, helping ease your child's fear of the dentist

Dr. Matt knows some children fear going to the dentist, and this morning, we found a great article on how to help your child overcome fears of visiting our office, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Serving Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City and the surrounding areas of Kansas and Missouri, it is our goal to make your child's first dental experience a positive one. Whether it's a simple checkup or restorative care, Dr. Matt Hillman & our experienced team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids provide comprehensive gentle dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. In fact, most of our kiddos look forward to their next visit! Schedule an appointment by calling (913) 685-9990, and we'll see you soon!

Can germs really live on your child's toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from his or her cold, Dr. Matt Hillman our team will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid your child becoming reinfected is replacing his or her toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask Dr. Matt and team on Facebook. We hope you had a terrific weekend! Thank you to everyone for spending Saturday morning with us at our Holiday Movie and for your generous donations to Harvesters. It was another huge success!! Congratulations to the Quiz winners and the Golden Ticket winners! Be sure to check out the photo album we posted.

Ask Dr. Matt: Is tooth decay preventable?

Good question - yes, in fact, tooth decay is totally preventable! Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit Smiles Dentistry for Kids every six months (or as recommended) for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Dr. Matt and team recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.

Lastly, we encourage you to check out this helpful article about kids and tooth decay, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.

Let us know if you have any questions - we want to hear from you on Facebook as well!

Giving thanks this holiday season

Dr. Matt Hillman and all of us at Smiles Dentistry for Kids extend our best wishes to you, our patients and parents, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I am very thankful for all of you, my wonderful friends and families that give me so much to look forward to on a daily basis. Without you, I would just be some guy with toothbrush! ;) Thank you for allowing me to contribute to the health of your children.

Our entire staff appreciates the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your child's ideal smile. We'd like to know, what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What made you and your child choose Dr. Matt and Smiles Dentistry for Kids?

If you've spent one minute at At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, you probably know it is our goal to make your child's first dental experience a positive one. Whether it's a simple checkup or restorative care, Dr. Matt Hillman and our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids provide comprehensive gentle dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We treat your family like our family!

But we’re wondering: What made you choose Dr. Matt for your child's dental needs?

Whether you’ve just come in once or your family has been visiting our Overland Park office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Google listing!

Have a wonderful week!!

National Young Reader's Week!

Happy Monday! This week marks National Young Reader's Week, and during this time, Dr. Matt Hillman will tell you it’s more important than ever to remind your child to read on a regular basis. After all, reading helps kids develop the mind, expands a child’s knowledge base, activates his or her flow of ideas and boosts their confidence. Plus, reading is fun!

Tell us: is your child reading a book this fall? If so, what's on his or hers reading list?

If you're out of ideas for great fall reads, we encourage you to ask Dr. Matt or our staff for suggestions, and our staff will provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian here in Overland Park or Kansas City for some suggestions or check out various fall books for kids that we found today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading everybody!

Halloween safety tips from Dr. Matt Hillman & team

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of this weekend's sweet and spooky holiday, Dr. Matt Hillman and our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids would like to remind all of our patients in Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City and the surrounding areas of Kansas and Missouri to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. Here are a few tips all you trick-or-treaters could use for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines before you head out:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

We wish you all a safe, fun and happy Halloween weekend!

Donate your Halloween candy, and YOU could win NEW iPod NANO!

Dr. Matt Hillman and team are having a Halloween BuyBack this month - kids who wish to bring in their excess, unopened Halloween candy to our Overland Park office will be entered for a chance to win the NEW iPod NANO!! Of course they will also get a little extra prize no matter what for being SO generous!

The candy will be sent as a gift to our American soldiers serving our county overseas via Operation Gratitude. Here is your chance to show our brave service men and women how much you appreciate them. Join us as we "treat our troops" and support our children's health!

Watch the link above to get an idea of what Operation Gratitude is all about...THANK YOU :)

Connect with Dr. Matt and team on Facebook!

With Dr. Matt Hillman and Smiles Dentistry for Kids, a trip to the dentist can be fun! Our office is brightly colored with movies, cartoons and video games and a super friendly team that loves to work with children. Even if you visit our Overland Park office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?

By “Liking” us at Facebook.com/SmilesDentistry4Kids, you will receive regular updates and announcements from Dr. Matt and our office – all through your news feed!

See you on Facebook, and have a great week!

- Dr. Matt and team

Ask Dr. Matt: My daughter is turning one - when should I bring her in for a visit?

Excellent question! The short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Matt Hillman and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to our office at age one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we believe that a child's first visit with Dr. Matt should be enjoyable and positive. We take our time with each patient and never rush through visits. If your child needs extra attention or time to adjust to a new atmosphere, he or she will get it.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child to visit with Dr. Matt at our convenient office in Overland Park? We hope to see you soon!

More updates from Smiles Dentistry for Kids!

Our staff recently joined a six-week weight loss/healthy living competition called the ‘Biggest Winner Ultimate Thinner.’ We are required to complete four workouts per week minimally (24 total workouts) during this time. This includes a combination of strength training and cardiovascular work!

In September, we also started our Cavity Free Kids Club - all kids who are cavity-free get their picture taken and are recognized at the end of every month. Has your child visited Dr. Matt Hillman for a checkup lately? Happy Monday!

Smiles Dentistry for Kids at the "Strut with your Mutt" dog walk!

This weekend, a few of our staff members attended "Strut with your Mutt" fun run/walk that benefits a local animal shelter here in Kansas City. Events included a 5K Fun Run, 1st Annual Cat Walk, 1 Mile Kids Run, Pancake Breakfast and Dog Pack Fundraising!

The money we helped raise will dramatically improve the lives of thousands of homeless, abandoned and abused animals.

Dr. Matt supports the Shadow Buddies Foundation!

Tonight, Dr. Matt Hillman and our staff will attend the 15th annual "A Kid at Heart" gala at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. Shadow Buddies Foundation, a local charity that provides comfort and companionship to children who are battling illness, disability or chronic disease, is hosting the event.

Dr. Matt makes a donation to this worthwhile charity every year.

Dr. Matt Hillman, helping your child understand cavities

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we are fully aware one word no child wants to hear when they visit the dentist is "Cavity!" That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected by Dr. Matt Hillman so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Dr. Matt, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit our Overland Park office every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope that helps you and your child understand cavities a little better! Have a great week!

Dr. Matt Hillman, reminding you September is National Gum Care Month!

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we just can't believe it's already Labor Day weekend! But we can believe that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Matt Hillman will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your and your child's gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Dr. Matt and our staff at Smiles Dentistry for Kids know these can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs with your child, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Overland Park office by calling (913) 871-1170 as soon as possible. Dr. Matt and our staff can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease in your child, while showing you how to improve gum care in your child's daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you're having a relaxing and wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Ask Dr. Matt Hillman: Why are regular checkups so important for kids?

Great question. No matter what your age, visiting Dr. Matt and our experienced team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids on a regular basis will help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy, and their smile bright!

Our friends at the American Dental Association recommend that you and your child visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings. Dr. Matt and our staff would love to see your child here every six months to make sure that his or her smile is staying healthy!

We understand that you have a busy schedule (especially during the fall), so while we like to make sure your appointments are informative, we also like to make sure they don't stop you from doing the things you love! When preparing to visit our convenient Overland Park office, please know that your appointment can last anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.

When it's time for your next dental appointment with Dr. Matt, please call (913) 685-9990, and our friendly office staff will be ready to help you schedule a time for a visit! Have a great rest of the weekend! :)

What helps you relax at Smiles Dentistry for Kids?

Dr. Matt Hillman and our staff are well-aware that not every child is always thrilled to visit the dentist. But at Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we strive to bring your child the best and most comforting experience at each of his or her visits.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our convenient Overland Park office that makes your child comfortable or puts him or her at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly professional staff? Perhaps it's something about Dr. Matt?

Let us know by posting on our Facebook or Google page!

August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

With the hot and sultry Dog summer season slowly winding down, it's time for you and your child to start thinking about school. August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month for the two million kids who will be entering kindergarten come September.

Dr. Hillman and our staff at Smiles Dentistry for Kids suggest getting involved in storytime by reading your child books about kindergarten, such as The Night Before Kindergarten or First Day Jitters.

Parenting Magazine also suggests that moms and dads take their child for a walk by their or perhaps taking him or her inside for a quick tour to get them familiarized with the concept of kindergarten. Take a walk around the classroom or peek in the windows and talk about what will be going on once school starts. Also, think about adjusting your child's sleep schedule gradually to the school’s schedule.

At home, make learning fun for your child by teach him or her the names of colors, or shapes and taking them on interesting trips around Overland Park, Olathe or Kansas City—to the library or grocery store, or to a museum or park—and talk with him or her about what he or she sees and what they think.

Finally, make sure your little one visits Dr. Matt before the first day of school. No one wants for your child to have to leave school because of a toothache! Please give us a call at (913) 871-1170 to schedule an appointment!

Happy Monday!

Has your child visited Smiles Dentistry for Kids lately?

Dr. Matt Hillman and our staff at Smiles Dentistry for Kids want to know: is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day? If the answer is yes, that’s fantastic! But, it’s also important for your child to visit Dr, Matt every six months (or as recommended) in addition to brushing his or her teeth and flossing. Regular dental checkups, after all, are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Matt can:

• Check for problems in your child's mouth that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss his or her teeth

During an oral exam, we will also check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not visited Smiles Dentistry for Kids in the past six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matt by calling (913) 685-9990. Summer is a great time to visit our office!

Welcome to our blog!

We haven't had a chance to do this yet, but WELCOME to the official Smiles Dentistry for Kids blog! We've recently installed new ways to stay connected to our patients, including our interactive Facebook page, YouTube channel and our very own blog, which we’ll be updating every week! You may us by clicking on any of the social network icons located on the left side of this page.

We look forward to seeing you soon! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Dr. Matt Hillman, helping you save face this summer

With the heat wave sweeping through the Midwest lately, Dr. Matt Hillman and our staff want you to think more and more about sun safety when you’re out and about. There are many ways kids can protect themselves, and our friends at Parents Magazine have kindly provided five tips to help you and your kids get started with sun protection:

1. Limit outdoor playtime between 10a.m. and 4p.m.

2. Apply sunscreen properly. (Choose a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 or higher. Apply to nose, ears, hands, feet, shoulders and behind the neck; lips can also burn, so apply a lip balm with SPF protection.

3. Wear protective clothing. This includes a hat with a brim, sunglasses and a large umbrella.

4. Watch your medications. Some medications increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to ask your doctor whether your child may be at risk.

5. Set a good example. If your child sees you following sun-safety rules, he or she will follow suit.

Dr. Matt and our staff encourage you to have a bottle of water handy when heading out! Stay safe out there, and we hope you're all having a fantastic summer so far!

What are happy patients saying about Smiles Dentistry for Kids?

Last week, Dr. Matt Hillman and team asked you, our amazing patients and parents, what you most liked about your experience at Smiles Dentistry for Kids. Well, we received some pretty generous reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! We love getting patient testimonials!

"I recently had the pleasure of taking my two daughters to see Dr. Matt. WOW! The new office was fantastic. My daughters had fun with Apple computers while I filled out the paperwork. Without any delay we got to meet Dr. Matt. He was amazing with the girls. He spent soo much time talking to them and explaining all of the things he was going to do. After the cleaning and exam, he sat down with me to discuss his findings and answer all of my questions. From start to finish our experience was top notch. My girls are already asking when they will get to go back to have their "Smiles Shined" by Dr. Matt again. I will recommend Dr. Matt and Smiles Dentistry for Kids over and over." ~ Cindy M.

"WOW is about all I can say! From the gals at the front desk, the hygenist & Dr. Matt - it was wonderful! My son is 4 years old and this was his first visit to the denist and he was talking about it for a few hours after we left. The hygeniest, Taren I think her name was, was so patient, quiet & calm and just wonderful in explaining what everything was to my son. They were all very friendly and took a lot of time with us to get to know us and to let us ask any questions that we may have. They have playstations with kid friendly games, a tv, books, Dr. Matt's dog behind the reception desk) and lots of bright fun colors! The most fun part for my son - getting that gold coin at the end to choose a prize out front on our way out!‎" ~ Holly

"I was simply amazed by how extremely caring and knowelegable the whole staff is. I have been treated like I was being herded in and out of visits before and that was what I was expecting here. I am very happy to report that there are still medical professionals that do it because they care, not because of the money. My little girl was so scared to go, but she had a cavity that I could see and we needed to be seen immediately. They got us an appt and by the time we were finished my little one could not stop asking me when she gets to "Visit Dr Matt and her new friend the tooth lady" again." ~ Happy Mom

What do you love about Smiles Dentistry for Kids?

From your very first visit to Smiles Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Matt Hillman and our attentive and dedicated team strive to provide superior dental treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Matthew Hillman's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Serving Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City and the surrounding areas of Kansas and Missouri, Dr. Hillman and team's goal is to make your child's first dental experience a positive one. Whether it's a simple checkup or restorative care, Smiles Dentistry for Kids provides comprehensive gentle dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We treat your family like our family!

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our interactive Facebook page!

Meet Dr. Matt

I love pediatric dentistry. Not everybody gets to do exactly what they want for a career. I'm so lucky to have had the opportunities I have and to be where I am. I want to share my knowledge and skills with families in hopes that we can reduce the occurrence of dental decay in kids. Working with such diverse personalities requires a lot of flexibility and a lot of energy, but it pays off at the end of the day. I truly feel that working with children is what I was meant to do.

I grew up as a military brat, living in many different places around the country and world. I now live in Overland Park with my wife, Emily, our cats, Tigger and Leon, and our dog, Knusper. I love to play soccer and exercise. I dabble in graphic design and have just recently started into photography. I’m not afraid to pop the hood of a car and get my hands dirty and I look forward to rebuilding a classic sometime in the future. We love to go to the movies and we love to travel!