Cavities and your child, from Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry

Our staff at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry read an interesting article this week pertaining to cavities and how bacteria spreads from parents to children, and thought we'd share the piece with you, our valued patients (and their parents).

According to the MSNBC article, Streptococcus mutans, or MS, is a bacterium that can pass from person to person through the transfer of saliva, and is the main culprit. Bacteria has been known to spread through blowing on babies' foods, sharing household utensils and even kissing your little one. In fact, a pediatric dentistry study conducted in 2008 showed “strong evidence demonstrated that mothers are a primary source of MS colonization of their children; a few investigations showed other potential sources … notably fathers.”

Dr. Jordan Higham and our staff knows tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors, including the transfer of infectious saliva, genetics, oral hygiene, and feeding practices, such as letting your baby constantly suck on a sippy cup full of juice or milk or other sugar-laden liquids.

Please take a minute and read the article to learn a bit more about the transmission of bacteria and how it might impact you and your child. If you have any questions about bacteria or your treatment here at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, please feel free to give us a call at (208) 529-2199.

Have a great rest of the week!

Ask Dr. Higham: When should my child visit for a check-up?

At Just 4 KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we think a child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. At Just 4 KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jordan Higham and our dedicated staff make a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you and your little one to feel at ease from the moment you walk through the door.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. Your child's first tooth erupts between ages 6-12 months and the remainder of their 20 primary or "baby" teeth typically erupt by age 3.

If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry, or about your treatment with Dr. Higham, please feel free to give us a call at (208) 529-2199 today!

What's been happening at Just 4 Kidds?

Dr. Higham and our team at Just 4 Kidds had a busy February! February was National Children’s Dental Health Month, and in efforts to increase awareness, Dr. Higham and our staff visited preschools in Idaho Falls and surrounding areas. The preschool presentations instructed children to keep their teeth clean and healthy. We talked about good foods versus bad foods, the importance of brushing and flossing, as well as the power of fluoride. We also stressed the importance of regular visits to the dentist.

In addition, Just 4 kiDDS hosted its first annual National Children’s Dental Health Month coloring contest. First place winners were awarded a $50 gift card to Toys ‘R’ Us and a children’s Sonicare toothbrush. We appreciate the participation of all of our young artists. Keep up the great work!

Meet Dr. Higham

“What I enjoy most about pediatric dentistry is creating long-term relationships with the kids; whether it’s helping a fearful child feel comfortable in the office, or having children run up to me on the playground excited to show me that they lost another tooth. I enjoy getting to know the kids and watching them grow.”

Dr. Higham was born and raised in the Idaho Falls area, graduating from Shelley High School in 1996. He received his bachelor’s degree from Idaho State in 2003. He and his wife then moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2007. After graduation from dental school, he moved his family across the country to Rochester, New York, to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester/Eastman Institute for Oral Health. After two years in New York, Dr. Higham completed his specialty training and moved back to Idaho Falls. He is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

Dr. Higham has been married for 8 years and loves spending time with his wife and children. When he is not in the office, Dr. Higham enjoys golfing, attending sporting events, traveling, and spending time with his family. He and his wife are excited to be back in Idaho Falls and look forward to raising their children in the same friendly environment they experienced growing up.