SALINE COUNTY KID’S DENTISTRY 

As the days get longer and families start tackling closets, garages, and cluttered cabinets, spring is also the perfect time to refresh something even more important—your child’s smile. Saline County Children’s Dentistry talks about what “spring cleaning” looks like for growing teeth.

The local, family-owned practice has been serving the community since 2007, with Dr. Derek and Kathleen Marks’ desiring to serve Derek’s hometown and provide premium dental care to the youth of Saline County. Dr. Sarah Farmer joined in 2012, and Dr. Jenkins joined the practice in 2019.

From brushing habits and food’s hidden sugar to professional cleanings and cavity prevention, their expert advice helps parents sweep away old routines and start the season with bright, healthy smiles.

For Dr. Sarah Farmer and the team, a proper refresh starts with a thorough dental check-up and professional cleaning. These visits remove plaque and hardened tartar, ensure oral health is on track, and catch small issues before they become bigger problems.

While brushing at home is essential, professional cleanings reach areas that regular brushing at home often misses. Tartar removal, X-rays to detect things not visible and early issues, fluoride treatments, and personalized oral hygiene and dietary guidance are all part of the visit.

Most children should be seen every six months, though that schedule can be adjusted based on individual needs.

According to Dr. Farmer, the most common habits that need “cleaning up” include:

• Poor brushing technique
• Infrequent flossing
• Skipping dental visits
• Frequent sugary snacks and drinks

One simple change that can dramatically improve oral health is to encourage drinking water, she says.

Brushing basics include replacing toothbrushes every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful, especially for kids who struggle with manual brushing, but technique matters most, Dr. Farmer shares. Many children miss brushing along the gumline, where plaque tends to collect. A helpful rule of thumb is that children usually need help brushing and flossing until they can tie their own shoes, she says.

For toddlers who resist brushing, Dr. Farmer suggests using a small toothbrush, making it fun with songs or games, and having them lie back so parents can see better. Consistency is key.

Parents may be surprised to learn that sticky and starchy snacks such as crackers, pretzels, chips, dried fruit, and especially gummies can significantly increase cavity risk when eaten frequently. These foods cling to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria.

Protection can also be key in saving children’s teeth from decay. Fluoride strengthens enamel, making teeth more resistant to breakdown and decay. Sealants are thin protective coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back molars. They seal deep grooves where food and plaque commonly get trapped, helping prevent cavities before they start.

In addition to decay from everyday wear and tear, there are other outside forces that can pose a threat to your child’s teeth and smile. With spring sports underway, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect young teeth.

When it comes to orthodontics, Dr. Farmer follows the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7 if issues are noticed at a checkup. Early signs a child may need braces include crowded or crooked teeth, bite issues, jaw clicking, mouth breathing, or facial imbalance.

A common misconception is that baby teeth don’t matter. “They’ll fall out anyway,” is what some might tell themselves and others. Primary teeth play a vital role in chewing, speech development, and holding space for permanent teeth, Dr. Farmer explains. While front baby teeth often fall out between ages 6–8, back molars can remain until ages 10–12. This means they have years of important work to do. Early treatment of problems can prevent pain, infection, and complications.

“If I could tell every parent one thing,” Dr. Farmer shares, “it would be that early dental care and good habits set the foundation for lifelong oral health.”

She also hopes to dispel the common myth that going to the dentist is unpleasant. At Saline County Children’s Dentistry, movies play during visits, procedures are explained in kid-friendly ways, and maybe the best part—there’s a huge treasure box waiting for children at the end of their visit.

Everyone here loves building relationships with local families and seeing our patients out in the community. “It so fun to see kids outside our office and to know that we get to be a small part of their lives,” she says.

The practice participates in school and daycare presentations and supports organizations like the Cooper Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center and Second Chance Ranch.

The combined experience of the dentists and staff create positive, comfortable experiences for children and their families, fostering the groundwork for lifelong dental health. Services include same-day appointments and emergency care. The staff also handles insurance paperwork and offers flexible financing options to ensure every child gets timely care.

Using modern techniques and kid-friendly equipment, the goal is to make every treatment gentle and effective. Education is emphasized, teaching children and their families alike how to maintain habits at home for long-term oral health. In the end, spring cleaning isn’t just about sparkling teeth, it’s about setting children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.