Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

Q. My son just got braces and I’m worried about cavities. What are some of the best ways to clean his teeth while he has braces?

There are two keys to keeping teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. 1) Time spent brushing teeth. The optimum time is 2 full minutes brushing at least two times per day. A cell phone timer is a great resource for patients to properly brush for 2 minutes. 2) Brushing ALL the tooth surfaces around the braces. Some patients miss brushing above the braces on the top teeth and below the braces on the lower teeth. Angling the toothbrush to clean under the gums is also important. Other tips: Sonicare toothbrush and a Waterpic are great additions to aid in cleaning teeth.

Dr.  Jeremy Fry, Fry Orthodontics

At Fry Orthodontics, we have been providing superior service to patients of all ages for more than 40 years while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. 913.469.9191, FryOrthodontics.com

Q. What are some effective ways I can help my daughter with her homework?

Dreaded homework! Learning is not one-size fits all. Your daughter’s learning style should guide her homework routine. Sylvan recommends creating a simple, well-lit, distraction-free area because children can become distracted; scheduling breaks to rest to improve focus and retention since school can be exhausting; providing healthy meals and snacks to strengthen body and mind; designating an easily accessible supply caddy, so when it’s time to work, everything’s ready; and just being present to provide support and encouragement, showing your child you’re there to help and her work’s important. Even with preparation, homework challenges may persist. You can contact Sylvan to help your daughter achieve academic success.

Barbara Nickless, Center Director, Sylvan of Kansas City North

Sylvan offers a wide range of tutoring for every age and grade from pre-K through college, to meet your child’s individual needs and goals. 816.468.7900, https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/kansascity-mo

Q. What are two pro tips you have for taking photos with your phone?

My #1 tip for phone photography is to CLEAN your lens. Phones are notoriously filthy with finger smudges and film, but you can get a clear shot simply by making sure your camera lens is clean. Next is to pay attention to your light source. It is very hard to get a crisp, clear image with a phone if the light is directly behind the subjects, so try to keep the light to the side or in front of the subjects. Place your subjects close together and raise the camera just slightly above the eye line...click...perfect!

Melissa Rieke Melissa Rieke Photography

Hello! I’m Melissa Rieke…wife, mom, Kansas City newborn photographer, blogger and influencer. MRP is a custom photography studio with a focus on newborns, children and family. 913.488.5125, MelissaRiekePhotography.com

Q. My son is 5 and still wets the bed about once a week. Is that normal?

While development of kidney/bladder control takes several years, most children have full bladder control for night by age 7. A healthy 5-year-old child makes about 5-6 oz. of urine over a period of eight hours and has a bladder volume of 7 oz. The amount of fluid before bedtime can influence the ability to hold urine. You can help by making sure your child has a regular potty schedule during the day, limiting fluid before bedtime and by making sure he/she has normal bowel movements. If your child continues to have bedwetting, it is a good idea to see a specialist.

Judith Sebestyen VanSickle Children’s Mercy Hospital

CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL Children’s Mercy is one of the nation’s top pediatric medical centers. With hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas, we provide the highest level of care for children. 816.234.3000, ChildrensMercy.org

Are you an expert in your field with advice for our readers, contact editor@kcparent.com and we may consider adding you to our panel.

• Children's Mercy Hospital

  Every moment with your child is one to cherish. At Children’s Mercy, we fight to give families more of them.

• Melissa Rieke Photography

  Modern. Heirloom. Newborn Portraiture. Posing Newborns has been my love for 10 years now. Let me capture in pictures your little one during those first two weeks after birth when life is a blur.

• Fry Orthodontic Specialists

  Fry Orthodontic Specialists is a unique group of people that consistently follow a core ideology to better the lives of those around us. We create a warm, family environment while providing exceptional service and a commitment to caring.