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 child is much more likely to get early cavities (baby bottle tooth decay). 

Preventing Decay in Primary (Baby) Teeth

Never put a baby to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water. 

Switch from a bottle to a cup by one year of age.   

The ideal situation is to limit the use of a training cup (sippy cup).  The best approach is to switch to a regular cup as soon as possible. 

Finger & Thumb Sucking Habits

Finger and thumb sucking is a normal reflex of infants and young children to bring a sense of security and relaxation.  The frequency, duration, and intensity of sucking will determine the degree of possible dental problems.  The optimal time to stop any sucking habits is by three years of age. 

Helping a Child Stop Sucking

Focus on praising children when they are not sucking fingers or thumbs

Provide comfort to children to eliminate anxiety.  Anxiety may contribute to sucking habits

Reward children who refrain from sucking

Talk with your dentist regarding additional therapies or treatment that may benefit your child 

The next blog will discuss proper diets and cover toothbrushing techniques for children.  Please contact our office with any questions and for your free infant dental kit.  We are located in Bloomington near the College Mall, next to Goodwill. 

-Dr. Matt

Matthew L. Rasche  DDS, MSD

 Certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Southern Indiana Pediatric Dentistry

 www.SIPediatricDentistry.com

(812) 333-KIDS (5437)

First Dental Visit

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 for a young child.  After eruption of a child’s first tooth it is even more important to provide regular cleanings.  As soon as a child’s molar teeth erupt it is time to switch to a soft child sized toothbrush.  It’s important to consult with a dentist regarding when to start using fluoride toothpaste. Flossing is important when teeth start to touch.  Flossing helps prevent cavities from forming between teeth.  By establishing an oral hygiene routine early, kids will be on track to a lifetime of healthy teeth.

First Dental Visit.  When a child’s first tooth erupts, it’s time to take them to the dentist.  Having the first dental visit by the first birthday has been shown to decrease the likelihood of future cavities.  The first dental visit can be thought of as a well child visit at the pediatrician’s office. 

Components of the first dental visit include:

1)      Review of medical & dental histories

2)      Examination to determine if cavities are present & how to prevent future cavities

3)      Dental cleaning

4)      Review and demonstration of correct oral hygiene

5)      Evaluation of fluoride exposure & a diet analysis

6)      Assessment of oral growth and development

7)      Provide information on teething, pacifiers, tooth grinding & thumb sucking

8)      Provide information and guidance regarding future dental care

The next blog will discuss preventing decay for your child and how to help a child get through thumb sucking.  Please contact our office with any questions and for your free infant dental kit.  We are located in Bloomington near the College Mall, next to Goodwill. 

-Dr. Matt

Matthew L. Rasche, DDS, MSD, Southern Indiana Pediatric Dentistry, www.SiPediatricDentistry.com, (812) 333-KIDS

Eruption of Teeth

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 reasons:

1)       Chewing and eating to provide proper nutrition for growth     

2)       Provide space for the permanent teeth to erupt in correct positions

3)      Aid in the normal development of jaw bones and muscles

When teething some children may experience sore or tender gums.  Rubbing a washcloth or clean finger over the gums can be soothing for children.  Contrary to popular belief, fever is not associated with erupting teeth.  If a child would develop a high or persistent fever while teething it is important to follow-up with their pediatrician.

The next blog will discuss oral hygiene for your child and what to expect at the first dental visit.  Please contact our office with any questions and for your free infant dental kit.  We are located in Bloomington near the College Mall, next to Goodwill. 

-Dr. Matt

Matthew L. Rasche, DDS, MSD, Southern Indiana Pediatric Dentistry, www.SiPediatricDentistry.com, (812) 333-KIDS

What is a pediatric dentist?  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.

Healthy teeth & gums in mom lead to healthy teeth & gums in children.  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 snacking can contribute to the increased accumulation of dental plaque.  Bacteria in dental plaque produce acid that weakens the enamel of teeth.  Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day needs to receive increased emphasis during pregnancy to reduce the risk of cavities forming. 

Hormone fluctuations and plaque that is not removed can irritate the gums.  A condition called gingivitis may result and is characterized by red, tender gums that bleed easily.  Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis.  Poor periodontal health can contribute to premature delivery and low birth weight of children.  It is important for mothers to practice outstanding oral hygiene and to see a dentist regularly throughout pregnancy.

The importance of a mother’s nutrition before the baby is born.  An unborn child’s teeth begin to form by the second month of pregnancy and start to harden by the second trimester.  It is crucial for mom to have a balanced diet to promote the proper development of a child’s teeth.  A balanced diet consists of providing adequate amounts of vitamins A, C, D, protein, calcium and phosphorus to aid in the development of health teeth.  Inadequate nutrition of a pregnant mother can result in improperly formed tooth enamel.  Weak enamel may contribute to a child having an increased risk for cavities.  

Growing up Cavity Free

Imagine growing up without ever having a cavity.  It is now possible for children to reach adulthood cavity free with the early guidance of preventative dental care.   The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend a “Dental Home” for children by one year of age.  Children who have a dental home receive the timely and appropriate care needed to set the foundation for a lifetime of exceptional dental health.

Southern Indiana Pediatric Dentistry - Dr. Matt Rasche

Hi, my name is Dr. Matt Rasche and I'm excited to be practicing pediatric dentistry in Bloomington, IN!  I purchased the former practice of Dr. Keith Roberts in July 2011.

With this first post I'm going to include my bio from our practice website www.SiPediatricDentistry.com to tell you a bit about myself.  Future posts will cover many different aspects of dental care.  Please feel free to call our office anytime you may have specific questions: (812) 333 - KIDS

  Matthew L. Rasche, D.D.S., M.S.D.

Dr. Matt was born in Jasper, IN and has been a Hoosier all his life. While attending Jasper High School he competed in cross-country and track and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout his senior year. He later attended Indiana University – Bloomington and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Biology. Dr. Matt attended Indiana University School of Dentistry where he participated in multiple community outreach programs while maintaining his position on the Dean’s list and serving as Vice-president of his dental school class. His interest in children inspired him to continue his studies at Riley Hospital for Children where he received his Master’s Degree in Pediatric Dentistry. During his pediatric dentistry residency, Dr. Matt traveled to Mexico and Honduras providing dental care to the underprivileged population.

Dr. Matt is an avid runner and has participated in the Chicago and Boston Marathons. He also recently completed the Louisville Ironman Triathlon and is looking forward to the many outdoor activities of Southern Indiana. Dr. Matt and his wife Erin are currently living along the B-line trail in Bloomington. They love doing activities together such as cycling, Frisbee, tennis, and kayaking. Maybe you’ll see them around town on their tandem bicycle!

Memberships

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Indiana Society of Pediatric Dentistry
• Indiana University Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Association
• Indiana Dental Association
• Bloomington Dental Society
• South Central District Dental Society
• Indiana University Alumni Association