Five great snacks for kids

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we know getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other school- and social-related activities. At the school cafeteria, it's just too easy for kids to nosh on french fries, chicken nuggets and other fried foods and unhealthy snacks, so Dr. Matt and our team thought we’d pass along five delicious and nutritious snacks we know your child will love.

1. Cheese – Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheese stimulates the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

2. Blueberries These tiny nutritional powerhouses are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help prevent cancer and diabetes. Kids love them sprinkled with a bit of sugar, topped with whipped cream, added to muffins and pancakes.

3. Whole wheat bread or cereal With bread, kids get their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. With vitamins, calcium, and fiber, a bowl of enriched whole grain cereal with milk—and even fruit—is a power-packed snack or healthy start to the day.

4. Almonds They’re rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals and Vitamin E, and also have good amounts of fiber, iron, and calcium. Let your kids eat them raw. (Note: Whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.)

5. Yogurt Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, especially when whipped up in a parfait with berries and granola. Homemade fruity yogurt pop sure beats sugary store-bought frozen treats!

We encourage you to check out the other 15 healthy snacks your child can enjoy at any time of the day! For more information about which foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please post your question here on our blog, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we know that gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize if you’re not a trained dentist. Many people don’t recognize the warning signs – bleeding and swollen gums – as a precursor to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. While many folks in the dental field believe periodontal disease is an adult problem, studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly a universal problem among children and adolescents.

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 and our team will tell you early recognition and taking 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 child’s heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your child’s gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Our staff knows 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 office by calling us as soon as possible. Dr. Matt and our team can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you and your child how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Don't throw your insurance benefits away! From Dr. Matt

Dr. Matt Hillman and our entire team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it’s about that time to schedule your child’s dental visits so you can optimize your benefits!

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get VERY busy around the holidays, so don’t wait to give us a call at (913) 685-9990! We hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

- From Dr. Matt & the entire team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids

Connect with Dr. Matt 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

Who’s afraid of the dentist? From Dr. Matt

Does the sound of a drill make your kiddo flinch or cringe? Does he or she worry about their twice-yearly dental checkup? Trust Dr. Matt and our team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids when we say they’re not alone! In fact, the Journal of the American Dental Association has estimated that 30 to 40 million people have a fear of visiting the dentist.

To eliminate some of that fear, we’ve put together six steps to help your child overcome their dental anxiety before visiting our Overland Park office.

1. What is your child most afraid of? Is it the sound of the drill? Does he or she have needle phobia? Have they been traumatized by previous dental visits? Have them write down their fears, one by one.

2. Don’t wait. The more frequently your child visits our office, the less work needs to be done at any one visit. Simply having their teeth cleaned professionally by Dr. Matt twice a year prevents many, if not most, problems.

3. Bring a distraction to your child’s appointment. Bringing along an iPod is a great idea. Just plug in those earphones, have them close their eyes, and get lost in the music. Listening to music can also be a pain killer.

4. Remind your child to relax. Inhaling slowly, and counting to five can definitely help. Have them hold their breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly to the count of eight. Repeat. It’s easier if they’re not totally focused on the work going on inside their mouth.

5. Ask. Before any procedure, ask Dr. Matt or one of our assistants why we’re using the tools we’re using. Ask us what we’re doing, what the tool is used for, and how it will benefit your child during their visit. Also, please ask about anti-anxiety medications that we may prescribe to help your child relax during your appointment.

6. We are here to help you. Remember, we are health care professionals who want to improve your child’s oral health, and will never judge your child or the state of your child’s mouth. Dr. Matt and team will do all we can to ensure a trauma-free and pain-free experience!

We hope this helps! For more on dental anxieties, ask us during your next visit to our office! Or, ask us on Facebook!

All about baby teeth, from Dr. Matt

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we know teething patterns vary greatly from child to child—some don’t have any teeth by their first birthday, while others have a mouthful by then. Experts, however, including our friends at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, do recommend that children have their teeth checked by their first birthdays.

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, which will later be replaced by permanent teeth. A baby's first tooth can come in as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year of age, however primary teeth usually begin to break through the gums when a child is about 6 months old. Most kids have all of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old.

The most important thing is not to worry if your toddler’s pearly whites don’t look perfect as they come in—baby teeth come in all shapes, sizes, and slants. Teeth generally appear one at a time over a period of months, and often—but not always—in this order: First the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back. (They may not all come in straight, but don't worry—they usually straighten out over time.) Besides crooked teeth, your child may experience crowded or spaced-out teeth, missing teeth, supernumerary (too many) teeth and even discolored teeth.

If you have any questions about your toddler’s teeth, or if your child is experiencing issues that concern you, please give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Matt Hillman. Or, we invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Gum disease can sneak up on your child, from Dr. Matt

At Smiles Dentistry for Kids, we’ll tell you it’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your child’s mouth without you even knowing. In fact, your child can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• 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 your child is having these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away by calling Dr. Matt Hillman and our team. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give your child back a healthy mouth!
We look forward to seeing you!

- Dr. Matt & team