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!