Category: Oral Health

Keeping Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy During the Holidays: 4 Tips from an Olathe Family Dentist

Do things get a little crazy at your house during the holidays? Does your routine look less like a routine and more like a chaotic family mess? With the festive season upon us, the kids are out of school, staying up late, sleeping in, and often veering off their usual routine. This inconsistency can lead to kids becoming a bit too relaxed when it comes to brushing and taking care of their teeth, which is crucial for maintaining dental health.

The holidays always bring a huge influx of sweet treats, baking, and rich foods—indulgences that can be delightful but potentially harmful to your little ones’ teeth. An experienced Olathe family dentist at Waters Davidson can help you keep on track with maintaining a consistent dental routine despite the holiday hustle and bustle.

4 Tips from an Olathe Family Dentist

Here are a few pointers from a knowledgeable Olathe family dentist to keep in mind this holiday season to ensure your children’s teeth stay strong and healthy:

1. “Don’t Forget Your Child’s Regular Checkups”

With the kids out of school, this is an ideal time to check in with your dentist in Olathe to assess how their teeth are doing. Regular checkups are important as they allow for the removal of plaque and the early detection of cavities, preventing them from becoming a bigger issue. Starting your holiday season with clean and healthy teeth can make all the difference.

During your visit, take the opportunity to ask an Olathe family dentist any questions you might have about your child’s tooth and jaw development. Common concerns such as nighttime teeth grinding, thumb sucking, and cavities among small children can be addressed, providing peace of mind for parents.

2. Your Olathe Family Dentist Says, “Ration Your Sweet Treats!”

Candy, cookies, and sweet treats are synonymous with the holiday, and avoiding them completely is nearly impossible. As a top Olathe family dentist, our team at Waters Davidson understands this, and we know there are ways to enjoy these treats without major repercussions.

One of the best strategies is to offer a wide variety of healthy snacks as alternatives, so your child doesn’t reach for sugary treats every time. When offering a snack, encourage them to brush their teeth afterward or at least have some water nearby to help rinse away any sugars clinging to their teeth. This practice can significantly reduce the risk of cavity formation and maintain their oral health through the holiday season.

Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in keeping those smiles bright and healthy!

3. “Avoid Keeping Sweet Snacks Out on The Counter!”

Keeping sweet treats on the counter gives more opportunities for your kids to grab the wrong foods. Instead, over the holiday break, set out some healthier options on the counter to snack on. Put the sweet snacks away as a treat for later, and make sure they are not easily available for consumption.

4. “Keep Up with Your Regular Brushing and Flossing Routine!”

This isn’t easy to do when most families are off their regular schedule. However, this is the most important time to keep it up, especially knowing the kinds of foods and snacks people are eating during this time. Make sure your children are brushing two to three times a day and specifically after a sweet snack or piece of candy.

Your Olathe family dentist suggests that kids drink lots of water to try to wash off the sugars in-between their teeth. This prevents future problems, like loss of enamel.

At Waters Davidson Family Dentistry, we are a highly respected Olathe dentist office. We know that regular dental visits will help protect your smile and prevent disease so that you feel confident and healthy. Our dentist office in Olathe has been a source for quality dental care for years. Our cutting-edge technology and knowledgeable staff have allowed us to maintain the highest level of care and service.

We even have services associated with sleep disorders; in fact, we have many clients that consider us the best sleep dentist in Olathe. Come see why our patients never want to go anywhere else!

Call us at (913) 782-1330, visit our website to learn more about our services, or contact us online to get started today!

8 Common Family Dental Issues, According to a Dentist in Olathe

Often families aren’t aware that children’s teeth or “baby teeth” are just as important as adult teeth. Many parents simply can’t afford to take their children regularly for dental check-ups. Doctors Waters and Davidson want every child to have access to dental care, which is why we take all major insurance. Many families consider us the best family dentist in Olathe, as our dental professionals have addressed some common dental problems that kids and parents face and address them head-on.

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be a sign of tooth decay or other untreated teeth issues. One reason many consider us the best family dentist in Olathe, our team at Waters Davidson can diagnose your child’s reason for discomfort and develop a game plan to fix it. It could be as simple as changing out your child’s toothbrush or switching to a different toothpaste. Sometimes the dentist must apply a sealant to the teeth to fill in any grooves not being reached with the brush.

Bad Breath in Children

Most children with bad breath can solve this problem by brushing their teeth regularly. This problem is somewhat common in children as they struggle to take care to brush every tooth surface, tongue, and gums to ensure everything in the mouth has been scrubbed. It’s also important to use an antibacterial mouthwash to hit the surfaces a toothbrush cannot. Although most problems with bad breath are solved through taking these actions, some problems cannot be solved despite your best efforts, so it is best to consult the best dentist in Olathe if problems persist.

Floss like a boss! Listen to a family dentist in Olathe, we know teeth!

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers

All these behaviors help a baby self-soothe but can be hard on developing teeth and gums. Cutting these habits as soon as possible will be beneficial for the long-term dental health of a child. Pediatric dentists hear this concern all the time and have great ways to help children break the habit. Consult an experienced dentist in Olathe such as Waters Davidson, for ideas.

Tooth Decay & Cavities

Tooth decay seems to be one of the more common problems in family dentistry. Children and adults alike should be brushing at least twice a day to ensure that food particles do not get lodged and plaque does not begin to build up.

Teeth Grinding

It is pretty standard for kids to grind their teeth to cope with the pain of their baby teeth’ emerging for the first time. Most children will stop doing this on their own after the teeth grow in, but this habit can result in eroding enamel. To prevent this from occurring, your dentist may advise your child to wear a nightguard. Your child can be fitted for one with the best Olathe sleep dentist.

 

Tongue Thrusting

As babies transition from breast/bottle feeding to eating solids or food purees, they naturally change how their mouth and tongue works to feed and swallow. However, we occasionally see patients that continue to thrust the tongue forward as they grow. This can ultimately lead to improper tooth growth and interfere with speech development.

 

“Trips to the dentist – I like to postpone that kind of thing.”  -Johnny Depp

Johnny has never been to the best Olathe dentist or he would want to come all the time!

 

Canker Sores 

Canker sores usually cause pain between 10-14 days and can be very painful for your child to experience. When suffering from a painful canker sore, it’s important to brush normally but avoid acid drinks or foods so that the issue is not agitated.

Emergencies

Families with children are known to play rough, fall on the playground, or trip on the sidewalk. All these things can be the culprit of a dental emergency. Children often crack or break a tooth at least some point during their childhood, causing pain or soreness. As an experienced family dentist in Olathe, we are prepared for every dental emergency. Just give our Olathe dentist office a call if you find yourself experiencing an unexpected event.

A smile is one of the most memorable things about you. Receiving general dentistry services such as cleanings and X-rays on a bi-annual basis is one of the best ways to maintain an optimal smile, not to mention an important way to manage your health in our Olathe dental office.

We also offer cosmetic dentistry is any service designed to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums and/or bite. Cosmetic dentistry has the ability to correct anything from crooked teeth, to even minimizing a “gummy” smile, a caring dentist in Olathe is here to help you.

Additionally, Do you Snore? Do you grind your teeth? Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache? These can be signs of SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING or Sleep Apnea! If you’re looking for an evaluation or need an alternative to CPAP and want more information about an oral appliance, call our office for an appointment with a sleep dentist in Olathe. See why our patients never want to go anywhere else!

Call Waters Davidson at (913) 782-1330, visit our website to learn more about our services, or contact us online to get started today!

Why is My Tooth Gray? Important Info from the Best Dentist in Olathe

What is a dead tooth, and does that mean I need a root canal? The best dentist in Olathe says most likely yes. When a tooth dies, it often means the nerve inside the tooth is no longer living, and this can be due to injury or decay. Your treatment will most likely be extraction or a root canal. A root canal involves cleaning out the dead tissue inside the tooth and sealing it to prevent infection. You do not want an infection in your mouth to spread to the airway, bloodstream, or brain, as this could lead to severe health issues. Infections in the mouth, though rare, can become very dangerous and result in serious consequences. The best family dentist in Olathe advises never to ignore a gray tooth, as it could indicate a dying or dead tooth.

Why is my tooth discolored?

When someone has a discolored tooth, you should be more than concerned; you should immediately call the best dentist in Olathe. A discolored tooth could indicate a dental issue that needs treatment, even if it is not causing any pain. Color changes in teeth are pretty standard and are not always serious, so it is good to make sure if this is a relatively new change. For instance, staining from certain foods or drinks, like coffee or red wine, can cause discoloration over time. Ask yourself if the change is affecting all your teeth or just one?

 

When all the teeth have gone gray in color, it is unlikely that all of them have gone bad simultaneously. You could be suffering from external staining or the natural aging process, which can affect tooth color. However, if it is one tooth that is of particular concern, and if that tooth looks much grayer than the adjacent teeth, then you should suspect an underlying issue and promptly see the best family dentist in Olathe so they can evaluate the tooth. A thorough examination can help determine if there is a need for intervention to prevent further complications.

 Is my gray tooth an emergency?

If discoloration is your only symptom, do not worry about hurrying to see the best dentist in Olathe. However, if you have to swell in the gums around the gray tooth, pus drainage at all, or pain when you chew, call Waters Davidson Family Dentistry because your problem may require urgent care.

Swelling indicates an active spreading possible infection progression to your jawbone. The best family dentist in Olathe wants you to pay close attention to this if it is someone that is younger than 12 years old. These symptoms can turn acute reasonably quickly when you least expect it.

FAQ: Grey Tooth Pain and Discoloration

Q: What does it mean if my tooth is turning grey and hurts? A: If you notice your tooth turning grey and experience pain, it could indicate various underlying issues such as infection, trauma, decay, or even nerve damage. It is crucial to seek dental attention promptly.

 

Q: Does a grey tooth always mean there is pain associated with it? A: Not necessarily. While a grey tooth can sometimes be accompanied by pain, there are cases where a grey tooth may not cause discomfort. Regardless, it’s important to have any changes in tooth color evaluated by a dental professional.

 

Q: How is grey tooth pain treated at Waters Davidson Family Dentistry? A: At Waters Davidson Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive evaluations to determine the cause of grey tooth pain. Treatment options may include root canal therapy, restoration procedures, or other interventions based on the specific diagnosis.

 

Q: Can a grey tooth be a sign of a more serious dental issue? A: Yes, a grey tooth can signify significant dental problems that require attention. It’s essential to address any changes in tooth color promptly to prevent further complications and maintain oral health.

 

Q: What should I do if I have a grey tooth that hurts or shows signs of discoloration? A: If you have a grey tooth that hurts, is discolored, or shows any concerning changes, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our experienced team at Waters Davidson Family Dentistry for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help preserve the health and function of your teeth.

A smile is one of the most memorable things about you. Receiving general dentistry services such as cleanings and X-rays on a bi-annual basis is one of the best ways to maintain an optimal smile, not to mention an important way to manage your health.

At Waters Davidson Family Dentistry, we are a highly respected Olathe dentist office. We know that regular dental visits will help protect your smile and prevent disease so that you feel confident and healthy. Our dentist office in Olathe has been a source for quality dental care for years. Our cutting-edge technology and knowledgeable staff have allowed us to maintain the highest level of care and service.

We even have services associated with sleep disorders; in fact, we have many clients that consider us the best sleep dentist in Olathe. Come see why our patients never want to go anywhere else!

Call us at (913) 782-1330, visit our website to learn more about our services, or contact us online to get started today!