Jody Wrathall, DDS, MS

3020 Old Centre Rd Portage, MI 49024

Phone: 269.323.8016

Blog

Understanding Cavities

September 19, 2019

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Getting a cavity seems like delayed punishment for eating that special dessert every weekend or for the few days you forgot to floss. When you are doing everything right with minimal exception and a cavity is diagnosed, it is discouraging. Knowing how cavities form and what causes them is valuable in knowing how to prevent…
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Why should I have my child’s wisdom teeth removed?

August 29, 2019

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The wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent molars to emerge from the gums. This can occur as early as age 17 or as late as 21. Though some teens and young adults experience a completely normal tooth eruption with ideally aligned molars that pose no health threat, this is not the case for…
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Kids and Teeth Grinding

August 12, 2019

pedo kids teeth grinding - Kids and Teeth Grinding

Grind, grind, grind… if your little one happens to be a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Teeth grinding, or what our team also calls bruxism, is common in children. In fact, three out of ten kids grind or clench their teeth, usually in response to stress, jaw growth, malocclusion, losing…
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5 Food Swaps for Healthy Teeth

July 25, 2019

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When it comes to taking care of our teeth, striving for perfection is unrealistic. Rather than completely cutting out foods that may harm your smile, try swapping them for less damaging alternatives.  Below are 5 easy food swaps you can make for clean, shiny teeth!   Swap sticky candies or dried fruit for the fresh…
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Children and Halitosis

July 2, 2019

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Many parents are unaware that children can also suffer from symptoms of halitosis, better known as chronic bad breath. This common oral problem affects a majority of the population, including both adults and children. During treatment for this condition, it’s worthwhile to focus on the cause of the problem. Take a look at the most…
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Summer Sports and Mouthguards

June 17, 2019

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School’s out and you’ve emptied your gym locker until next fall. But while you’re stowing away the football gear, the basketball warm-ups, the field hockey sticks, and all the other equipment you’ve collected over the school year (that’s where that other shoe went!), be sure to keep one item handy: your mouthguard. Team and contact…
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Are My Child’s Baby Teeth on Schedule?

May 31, 2019

  Your darling three-month old is crying and fussy—can she be teething already? Or, your happy baby boy has just celebrated his first birthday—with only one tooth in that beautiful, gummy smile. Is this normal? Probably! While baby teeth do typically erupt (come in) in the same order for all babies, and around the same…
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Pediatric Dentistry Q&A

May 16, 2019

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Today, our team thought we would answer some of the most frequent questions about pediatric dentistry and oral health we hear from parents. What constitutes a “healthy, balanced diet” for my child? A healthy, balanced diet contains all the nutrients your child needs to grow, including one serving each of fruits and vegetables, breads and…
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A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Best Toothpaste

April 25, 2019

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Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, with more than 16 million children suffering from it each year. Oral disease also leads to just over 51 million school hours lost every school year. You can help prevent your child from getting cavities by getting them toothpaste that works for their smile. Here’s what to look for when buying…
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Which Sports Guard is Right for My Child?

April 11, 2019

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Dental injuries account for nearly 20% of all sports related injuries. Did you know that your child is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when they aren’t wearing a mouth guard? Here’s what you need to know about mouth guards, and how to select the one that is best for your child….
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