Ask Dr. Matt: When should my child visit your office?

Thanks for the question. Oral health is a crucial part of your child's overall health, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and our staff at Smiles Dentistry for Kids recommend that your child visits the pediatric dentist by his or her 1st birthday.

If you have any concerns about your child's dental health, please inform Dr. Matt and our team of these concerns. Our team is focused at making you and your child feel welcomed at our Overland Park office.



Your child's first visit with Dr. Matt includes:

* A review of your complete dental and medical history forms.
* Complete X-rays of your teeth and mouth.
* An oral exam - Dr. Hillman will clean and polish your teeth, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, and check for any cavities or early signs of tooth decay.

Regular recare (checkup) appointments typically take 20 to 40 minutes. Patients are seen by appointment only.

We are excited and look forward to meeting you and your child at their initial appointment. Dr. Matt's goal is to build a relationship with you and your child in a comfortable environment that promotes good oral health care.

Give us a call at (913) 871-1170, and our friendly office staff will be ready to help you schedule an appointment.

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!