Archive for category: Dental

Basic Dental Care: Brushing, Flossing & Diet Tips

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Kurt EcholsBy Kurt Echols, DDS
Dental Director

Basic dental care consists of daily care at home and preventive care provided by dental professionals. The intention of basic dental care is to reduce the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease. The results, however, can be even farther-reaching.

By practicing good home care and utilizing preventive care with a dentist or hygienist, people experience less tooth loss and oral infection over a lifetime. This is due to earlier detection and correction of disease processes, coupled with home care review and instruction every six months.

Brushing

The first part of good home care is efficient and thorough toothbrushing. This should be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Brush both tooth and gum in a gentle, circular motion. Be sure to brush the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of all your teeth. This should be done twice a day for two minutes each time.

Flossing

Plaque, bacteria and food particles can still linger between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Use floss or a water flosser to clean these harder-to-reach areas. This should be done once a day.

Diet

Diet can also influence oral health. Limit sugary foods, snacks and drinks because oral bacteria convert sugar into enamel-damaging plaque. Drinking water after sugar intake helps to rinse food debris away and clear sugary residue. Additionally, chewing gum that contains xylitol has been shown to decrease tooth decay in studies by clearing food debris, disturbing bacterial activity and stimulating salivary production.

Oral health is important for everyone. Pathogens found in oral infections have been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia. A routine dental checkup can lead to fixing a smile, relieving a toothache or helping to control blood sugar levels. As time goes on, the list of conditions impacted by oral infection is likely to grow.

Take the first step toward a healthier mouth and better health in general. Reach out today to have your needs assessed. Call us at 913-276-7004 to schedule an appointment with our dental department.

Dental Partnership Helps HPC Patient

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Dental restoration process brings smiles all around

Dental Partnership Helps HPC PatientThanks to a collaboration between Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry (UMKC)—with an assist from Delta Dental of Kansas—a longtime HPC patient is confidently smiling anew.

And while many people dread dental appointments, Israel Marcos Vasquez welcomed the opportunity to affordably restore six upper front teeth worn down over many years with six crowns.

Read on for his happy-ending story:

The patient

Vasquez, a landscaper and 17-year United States resident, became an HPC dental patient in 2015 and was seen primarily by Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, who recently left HPC as dental director following 10 years of dedicated service. Though many annual office visits were routine, several of Vazquez’s front teeth deteriorated from involuntary grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism.

Israel Marcos“Bruxism can happen for a variety of reasons, but most commonly occurs due to stress and anxiety, underlying sleep disorders and certain medications or lifestyle habits,” says Dr. Alexis Rickel, DDS, of HPC and who succeeded Dr. Rastgoftar in this case.

More common than one might imagine, bruxism and other stress-related dental conditions were cited as occurring by more than 70 percent of dentists surveyed by the American Dental Association in 2021 and compounded by the pandemic. An online search also indicates that nearly 25 percent of Americans, some 30-40 million, routinely experience bruxism from different causes.

As Vasquez’s bruxism progressed to include pain and sensitivity issues, nightguards were fabricated by HPC in 2022. He began orthodontic treatment in 2025 as another short-term trial remedy. Along the way, he lost teeth, some by extraction.

The process

With braces beyond the scope of HPC’s dental services, Vasquez visited two local private practice orthodontia offices. Given the resulting high-cost estimates, the advanced extent of his condition and being without dental insurance at the time, Dr. Rastgoftar suggested he schedule a visit to UMKC, which could provide cost-effective orthodontic expertise and services within a supervised, student-in-training environment. Braces were installed at UMKC in February 2025 to repair Vasquez’s end-to-end overbite and as a precursor to crowns as a long-term solution.

Returning to HPC, Vasquez was quoted approximately $7,700 for six crowns, says Christina Cook, RDH, HPC’s dental operations manager.  As he considered deferring the procedure,  Vasquez enrolled in an insurance plan from Delta Dental of Kansas and United Way of The Plains that provided $3,000 of coverage for a nominal deductible and no waiting period.

With details settled, Vasquez visited Dr. Rickel twice for two-hour procedures to prepare three permanent and three temporary crowns. With all six teeth prepared, a final impression was taken and sent to the dental lab for fabrication of the crowns. A third visit to Dr. Rickel in May involved crown fitting, cementation and final x-rays. The patient returned to UMKC in early June where his orthodontist fabricated orthodontic retainers designed to prevent further grinding and to keep the new teeth straight.

The result

Vasquez’s out-of-pocket expense was $2,136, a fraction of the quoted amount. He benefitted greatly from the dental insurance and HPC’s sliding fee discount program. He no longer has the former pain and stress, and more importantly, feels more comfortable and confident among peers and his family, who share his joy.

This husband and father of four can now smile easily and broadly and is grateful for the healthcare, insurance and community-minded professionals who have guided his dental correction journey.

To learn more about dental services at HPC, call 913-276-7004 or visit us at hpcks.org/our-services/dental.

We are dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve by providing high quality, affordable, accessible and appropriate care to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay. We are committed to serving as a vehicle for collaboration among community partners as a critical aspect of meeting our mission.

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month: More Than a Beautiful Smile

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By Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, Dental Director

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month: More Than a Beautiful SmileOctober is National Dental Hygiene Month, an opportunity to recognize the vital link between good oral health and overall well-being. It’s also a time to celebrate the dedicated dental hygienists who help keep our communities healthy and encourage us all to prioritize our dental care.

While many people associate oral hygiene with avoiding cavities and maintaining a bright smile, the impact of dental health reaches much further. Poor oral care can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, which is linked to systemic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. For pregnant individuals, gum disease has been associated with premature birth, low birth weight and, in rare cases, miscarriage. Often referred to as the “window to overall health,” the mouth can offer early signs of issues affecting the entire body. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine can help protect both oral and general health.

Throughout the month, we honor dental hygienists who deliver exceptional care and education to patients. Beyond routine cleanings, they provide preventive services such as sealants and fluoride treatments, conduct oral cancer screenings and offer personalized advice for at-home care. Most importantly, they teach proper brushing and flossing techniques and provide nutritional counseling related to oral health. Their guidance empowers patients to take charge of their dental health and aim for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Tips to Improve Your Oral Hygiene This Month:

  • Brush twice a day for two minutes, floss daily and rinse with mouthwash.
  • Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months to catch problems early and prevent more serious issues.
  • Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months — or sooner if you’ve recently been sick.
  • Talk to your family and friends about the importance of oral hygiene to help raise awareness.

By making a conscious effort to improve your dental care this October, you can build healthy habits that will benefit you for years to come.

We Celebrate the Superheroes Behind the Smiles in March!

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We Celebrate the Superheroes Behind the Smiles in March!

By Leilani Haywood, Marketing & Development Manager at Health Partnership Clinic

National Dentist Day, March 6

National Dentist Day was created as a day to say thank you and show your appreciation for your dentist. It is celebrated annually on March 6.
Do you know?
  •  As of 2023 there are approximately 202,300 dentists who are professionally active in the United States. There are approximately 2,090 active dentists in Kansas, of which approximately 286 are specialists.
  • The education and training of dentists typically includes four years of college, four years of dental school and two to three years of residency training if a specialty is chosen.
  • There are two different, but equivalent degrees dentists may earn: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
  • In the United States, 12 specialties are recognized by the American Dental Association.
  1. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  2. Pedodontics
  3. Periodontics
  4. Prosthodontics
  5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  6. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  7. Endodontics
  8. Public Health Dentistry
  9. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  10. Dental Anesthesiology
  11. Oral Medicine
  12. Orofacial Pain

Special thanks to our dentists, Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, and Alexis Rickel, DDS, for providing top notch patient care!

National Dental Assistant Week, March 2-8

“Dental Assistants –Superheroes Behind the Smiles” is the theme for 2025 and acknowledges the importance of dentistry’s role in health care and the contributions of dental assistants.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, there are more than 376,500 dental assistants in the United States. In Kansas, there are approximately 3,190 dental assistants.

Dental assistants wear many hats in a dental clinic! They greet patients, review medical histories, take X-rays, perform dental charting during the dentist exam, assist the dentist chairside during procedures, polish teeth, review post-operative instructions and schedule patients.

In Kansas, dental assistants are not required to be certified. However, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the nationally recognized certification organization for dental assistants. Certification is a source of pride for dental assistants and provides professional advantage and potentially greater earning power.

Thank you to our HPC dental assistants Stephanie Rojas, Enid Sierra and Rachell Perez! We also want to thank other dental staff, Christina Cook, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist; and Rowena ‘Row’ Arensman, RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist.

Eight Tips for Parents to Calm Their Child Before Going to the Dentist

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Christina CookBy Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist at Health Partnership Clinic

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month – the perfect time to emphasize the importance of dental care for kids. However, for many parents, ensuring their children maintain good oral hygiene is a challenge. Especially if the child suffers from dental anxiety. Dental fear is common in young children and results in a reluctance to brush their teeth or attend regular dental check-ups. If your child is one of the many who are anxious about visiting the dentist, there are several things you can do to make the experience more manageable and even enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips for parents of anxious pediatric patients to ensure that their child develops healthy dental habits while overcoming their fear.

1. Start Early

The earlier your child is introduced to dental care, the better! Begin brushing their teeth as soon as they have their first tooth, even if it’s just a gentle wipe with a soft cloth. Introducing dental hygiene as a regular part of their daily routine can help make it a normal and non-threatening activity. Avoid waiting until there’s a dental problem or a fear to address it. By creating a positive association with dental care from the beginning, you can help set the stage for a more comfortable experience when it’s time for their first dental visit.

2. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key. Praise your child for their effort in brushing, flossing, and caring for their teeth. Use reward systems, such as stickers or small rewards, when they follow through with their dental habits to make this a fun routine. This helps children feel accomplished and motivated to take care of their oral health, which helps reduce their anxiety over time.

3. Play Pretend Dentist at Home

Children often develop fear of the dentist because they don’t understand what will happen during the visit. To reduce their fear, play pretend dentist at home. You can use a toothbrush, a doll or stuffed animal, and a disposable dental mirror to demonstrate what will happen during the actual appointment. Let your child be the “dentist” and practice brushing the teeth of a toy or let them pretend to be the patient in the dental chair.

4. Reading Books

Eight Tips for Parents to Calm Their Child Before Going to the DentistReading books about going to the dentist can also be a great way to help them understand the process. There are several children’s books available that are designed to reduce dental anxiety and make the experience more relatable and fun.

5. Be Honest, but Keep It Positive

It’s important to be honest with your child about what will happen during their dental visit but try to frame it in a way that is positive and reassuring. Avoid using negative or fear-inducing language like “hurt” or “pain.” Instead, focus on the positive aspects of dental care, such as keeping their teeth clean and healthy to avoid cavities or helping them maintain a bright, shiny smile.

You can also emphasize that dentists are friendly professionals who help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Let them know that many kids go to the dentist without feeling scared, and it’s a normal, good experience that everyone should have.

6. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

During the dental visit itself, it’s important for parents to remain calm and supportive. Your own anxiety may transfer to your child, so try to stay positive and offer comforting words. Reassure them that you’ll be right there with them and that everything will be okay. You can also bring a comfort item, such as their favorite toy, blanket, or even a stuffed animal, to the appointment to help them feel more secure.

7. Reward Their Bravery

After the dental visit, whether it was a success or just a step in the right direction, celebrate your child’s bravery. Praise them for being a “dental hero” and offer a reward, such as a sticker or a small treat. This positive reinforcement helps to create a more positive association with dental visits and encourages them to keep up with their oral care.

8. Gradually Increase Exposure

If your child is very anxious, you may need to take a gradual approach to ease them into dental visits. Start by simply visiting the dentist’s office for a short tour or even sitting in the waiting area. This helps your child get used to the environment without the pressure of a full appointment. Over time, you can build up to a check-up or cleaning, and eventually, they may feel more comfortable with the entire process.

Final Thoughts

As Oral Health Month reminds us, taking care of our children’s teeth is crucial for their overall well-being. For children who experience dental anxiety, being patient, empathetic, and proactive is key. By starting early, providing a calm, and supportive environment, you help your child overcome their fear of the dentist and ensure they develop healthy oral care habits for life. With these tips, you’ll not only ease their anxiety but also set them on a path to lifelong good oral health.

Health Partnership offers dental services at our Olathe clinic from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To schedule an appointment or get more details, please call 913-648-2266 or visit hpcks.org/our-services/dental.

Facts and Myths about Fluoride

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Christina CookBy Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and the perfect time to debunk common myths about Fluoride.

Fluoride has been vital in preventing tooth decay and strengthening teeth since the 1950’s but with the massive amount of misleading information on the internet you might be thinking otherwise. Most scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals support the use of fluoride but with all the myths out there, what should you believe? The American Dental Association’s position on fluoride is that it is a safe, effective means of preventing tooth decay in children and adults. If this isn’t enough for you to breathe a sigh of relief, we’ll go over some more facts and myths about fluoride.

Myth: Fluoride is not natural.

Fact: Fluoride is the 13th most common element found in the world. Fluoride is a mineral. It can be found naturally in rocks, soil, water, and air. When combined with calcium and phosphate in the teeth, it not only prevents cavities from forming, but it makes the surface of your teeth stronger and less prone to cavities.

October is National Dental Hygiene MonthMyth: Fluoride is harmful to your health. While fluoride can be harmful in large amounts, it is perfectly safe if used at the recommended levels. It’s easy to rile people up by labeling things toxic, but even water is toxic if you drink too much of it.

Fact: Fluoride is known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel. It promotes remineralization. Think of remineralization like patching the cracks in a wall to keep it strong. That is how fluoride increases the teeth’s resistance to acids attacks from dietary sugars and bacteria.

Fact: Water fluoridation was the best public health decision of the 20th century. It decreased the incidence of cavities in children and adults by up to 25 percent. Its continued ability to prevent cavities makes it a valuable tool for maintaining good oral health. 

Myth: Fluoride has been linked to cancer, chronic diseases, and autism in children.

Fact: Numerous studies and research have been conducted on this topic over the past decades, and none have shown that the addition of fluoride increases the risk of cancer, autism or other serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems. It is endorsed as being safe by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) and they support the use of fluoride in dental care.

I hope that debunking some of the most common myths about fluoride and exposing the facts will help you to make an informed decision about fluoride use for yourself and your family.

Health Partnership Clinic focuses our dental services for everyone two to 18. We’re able to treat a limited number of adults who are established dental patients. For more information or to make an appointment, call 913-648-2266.

March is a great time to show our appreciation for our Dental staff!

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Celebrate

We Have Much to Celebrate at HPC in March!

National Dentist Day, March 6

National Dentist Day was created as a day to say thank you and show your appreciation for your dentist. It is celebrated annually on March 6.

Do you know?

  •  As of 2023 there are approximately 202,300 dentists who are professionally active in the United States. There are approximately 2,100 active dentists in Kansas, of which approximately 280 are specialists.
  • The education and training of dentists typically includes four years of college, four years of dental school and two to three years of residency training if a specialty is chosen.
  • There are two different, but equivalent degrees dentists may earn: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
  • In the United States, 12 specialties are recognized by the American Dental Association.
  1. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  2. Pedodontics
  3. Periodontics
  4. Prosthodontics
  5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  6. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  7. Endodontics
  8. Public Health Dentistry
  9. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  10. Dental Anesthesiology
  11. Oral Medicine
  12. Orofacial Pain

Special thanks to our dentist, Nader Rastgoftar, DDS, for providing top notch patient care!

Staff Recognition March 2024

National Dental Assistant Week, March 3-9

“Dental Assistants –100 Years of Supporting Oral Health” is the theme for 2024 and acknowledges the importance of dentistry’s role in health care and the contributions of dental assistants.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, there are more than 371,000 dental assistants in the United States. In Kansas, there are approximately 3,000 dental assistants.

Dental assistants wear many hats in a dental clinic! They greet patients, review medical histories, take X-rays, perform dental charting during the dentist exam, assist the dentist chairside during procedures, polish teeth, review post-operative instructions and schedule patients.

In Kansas, dental assistants are not required to be certified. However, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the nationally recognized certification organization for dental assistants. Certification is a source of pride for dental assistants and provides professional advantage and potentially greater earning power.

Thank you to our HPC dental assistants Stephanie Rojas, Enid Sierra and Rachell Perez!

How to Swap Your Child’s Favorite Sugary Treats for Healthier Alternatives

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By Christina Cook, RDH, ECP II, Dental Hygienist and Outreach Coordinator at Health Partnership Clinic

We all know that children and many adults have a natural love for sweets! But because childhood cavities affect over 50 percent of children, it is important to protect their oral health while satisfying their sweet tooth. In this article we are going to embark on a journey into the sweet world of healthy snack alternatives.

1. Encourage fruits and vegetables.

What better way to satisfy your child’s sweet tooth than with nature’s candy? Strawberries, apples, watermelons, bell peppers, carrots and cucumbers are all great alternatives. Here are some tips from MyPlate to make snacking on fruits and veggies more fun.

Healthy Eating Tips

Pro tip: Keep fruits and veggies rinsed, chopped and easily accessible for children to encourage healthy snacking.

2. Try a yogurt parfait.

If your child is in the mood for something more filling, a yogurt parfait is a great treat. You can try topping yogurt with their favorite fruit and crushed nuts. This is a wonderful way to incorporate vitamins, fiber and protein into your kiddo’s diet. Plus, they might enjoy creating their own unique snack by layering and adding different toppings.

Pro tip: Slice up fruits and use vanilla yogurt as a dipping treat.

How to Swap Your Child's Favorite Sugary Treats for Healthier Alternatives

3. Go nuts!

Grab a container of mixed nuts, raisins and dark chocolate chips and you have yourself a snack that will satisfy their sweet tooth and is loaded with healthy fats, nutrients and antioxidants.

4. On sizzling summer days, you can cool off with frozen treats.

Blend up their favorite fruits and pour it into popsicle molds for a delicious frozen treat to enjoy later. Other great frozen alternatives are smoothies or nice cream. If you are not familiar with nice cream, the healthier ice cream alternative, here is a link for simple recipes to try. https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/nice-cream/

It is also important to encourage proper brushing, flossing and routine dental exams in addition to reducing their high sugar consumption to help prevent cavities.

If you still have questions about healthy snack alternatives, any of our dental professionals at Health Partnership Clinic would be happy to answer your questions. Make any appointment for your child by calling 913-276-7004.

Below is a quick reference guide with additional tips.

Tooth Snack Guide

Holiday Tips for Oral Health

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By: Krista Lancaster, RHD, BSDH, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

During the holidays you may find yourself attending more parties, partaking in richer foods and/or sweets and drinking more alcohol than usual. This is not the time to neglect your oral health routine!

There are a few steps that you can take, such as eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water, coupled with brushing and flossing your teeth, to maintain good oral health throughout the year.

For tips to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright, watch our newst YouTube video!

 

 

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

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Krista LancasterBy Krista Lancaster, RDH, BSDH, Dental Operations Manager and Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and a great time to talk about the importance of flossing your teeth. This single aspect of oral hygiene is likely one that dental hygienists teach more than any other.

History of Flossing

Flossing, a term used for interdental cleaning, includes not only dental floss but dental picks, oral irrigators, and small brushes. Flossing has officially been around since 1812 when it was introduced to the world by Dr. Levi Spear, in his book titled “A Practical Guide to the Management of the Teeth.” It was not until 1874 that the first patient was given dental floss. Floss was originally made from silk making it cost prohibitive for most people. Eventually, it was recreated with nylon making it more affordable.

Flossing is a simple concept, but studies show that it is the daily practice of very few Americans. A recent study looked at information from more than 9,000 American adults ages 30 and over. Approximately one third (32.4 percent) of participants say they never floss, 30 percent say they floss daily, and 37 percent say they floss, but not regularly.

The author of the study, Dr. Duong Nguyen, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, believes that increasing education on the importance of flossing is key to increasing the number of people who floss daily.

The Benefits of Flossing

Oral HygieneFlossing disrupts and removes dental plaque bacteria that can lead to unhealthy periodontal tissue and interproximal caries or cavities. Plaque bacteria can lead to oral health problems such as gum disease and other health complications.

Research shows that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

Some of these diseases include:

  • Diabetes
  • Leukemia
  • Oral cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease

Regular Flossing Extends Your Life

Oral HygieneResearch shows that flossing can add 6.4 years to your life. Flossing does two things; it prevents gum disease, and it prevents heart disease. Preventing these two diseases together is what adds years to your life.

When you floss you help prevent inflammation in your gums. When your gums are inflamed you have a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. This is harmful to your arteries in two ways, the bacteria find their way into your arteries causing plaques and your body mounts an immune response to the bacteria in your mouth, causing inflammation which can cause your arteries to narrow. This makes it difficult for your heart to do its job and can lead to heart disease.

All of this data emphasizes the need for a clean and healthy mouth. If you are not currently among the 30 percent of Americans who floss daily, Dental Hygiene Awareness Month is the perfect time to make a change.