National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted on February 15, 2014February 28, 2018 by Matt Rasche

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA). Each February, the ADA helps to raise awareness about the importance of oral health by focusing on important information every parent and caregiver should know. This year’s slogan, “Join...

Mouth Guards

Posted on December 12, 2013March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

A mouth guard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and sometimes the gums. Mouth guards are often used to protect the teeth from injury during sports, and from teeth grinding. When a child participates in a sporting or recreational activity, injuries can occur. A mouth guard...

Dental Sealants

Posted on November 13, 2013March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

Dental sealants are placed to prevent tooth decay. A dental sealant is a thin material that is painted on the chewing surfaces of the permanent molars and premolars (back teeth), where decay occurs most often. The sealant quickly bonds into the pits and fissures (depressions and grooves) of the...

Flossing & Fluoride in Children

Posted on June 4, 2013March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

Why Floss? Flossing removes plaque between teeth in areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing once a day is an important part of overall oral hygiene. As soon as a child’s teeth start to touch, it’s time to start flossing. Due to the skill required, parents often need to assist o...

Diets & Toothbrushing for Children

Posted on January 22, 2013March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

Optimal Diets for Infants Healthy nutrition for kids starts early. In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life has been shown to have many beneficial effects for children. The AAP recommendation is for contin...

Baby Teeth Decay & Thumb Sucking Habits

Posted on December 3, 2012March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

Decay in Primary (Baby) Teeth Tooth decay can occur as soon as teeth appear in the mouth. Frequent and prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to fruit juices, milk, and formula can contribute to kids getting early cavities. When a baby is put to sleep with a bottle containing juice or milk the...

First Dental Visit

Posted on October 8, 2012March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

Oral Hygiene for an infant. Oral hygiene for kids starts early. It’s best to begin the process as soon as a few days after birth. In the beginning a wet washcloth or moist gauze can be used. It’s important to wipe a baby’s gums to help remove plaque and residual food. Oral hygiene f...

Eruption of Teeth

Posted on September 7, 2012March 24, 2018 by Matt Rasche

The eruption of a child’s first teeth. At birth a child already has their first 20 teeth in their jawbones. The teeth normally begin to erupt around 6 months of age and all 20 primary teeth are often fully erupted by the age of three. Primary (Baby) teeth are important for three main reas...

What is a pediatric dentist?

Posted on August 29, 2012November 11, 2014 by Matt Rasche

A pediatric dentist has an extra two or three years of specialized training after dental school working with infants, children, teenagers, and patients with special health care needs. A pediatric dentist is best qualified to assist with guiding children into adulthood with optimal dental health.

Healthy teeth and gums in mom lead to health teeth and gums in children.

Posted on May 31, 2012February 8, 2022 by Matt Rasche

Bacteria that cause tooth decay can be transmitted from a mother to her child. It is important to have mom’s teeth decay free before birth of her child. During pregnancy there will likely be hormone fluctuations that may contribute to the desire for mom to snack more frequently. Frequent ...