Pool safety tips from Dr. Jordan Higham

Summer is finally upon us here in Idaho Falls, Idaho at Just 4 KiDDs Dentistry. Dr. Jordan Higham and our staff know that, in some kid’s minds, the warmer weather means only one thing- it’s time for swimming! Whether your family plans to visit the neighbors, a community, or even your backyard pool this summer, it’s important to keep safety in mind. We found some helpful pool safety tips that we’d like to share with you, courtesy of our friends at the American Academy of Pediatrics.

* Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.

* Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

* Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

* Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.

* Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

* Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

Have more questions about your children and their safety this summer? Give us a call!

School programs at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry!

The school year may be over, but it's never too early to start thinking about fall classes. Dr. Jordan Higham and our team at Just 4 kiDDS offer two school programs for pre-school and grade school aged children. The programs are designed to educate children about the importance oral health. We try to make the programs fun and interactive for the children while at the same time teaching them about oral hygiene and nutrition. We will talk about teeth, “sugar bugs”, brushing and flossing, healthy snacking, and what to expect when visiting the dentist. At the end of the presentation, each child will be given a goody bag with a toothbrush and other dental supplies to take home.

Program 1: We will arrange for you to bring your school/class in to our office to meet Dr. Higham and take a tour of the office. We will talk to the children about the importance of taking care of their teeth. The office visit can be very beneficial for young children as it familiarizes them with the dental office setting and many times gets them excited to come back for their own visit to the dentist.

Program 2: We will arrange for someone from our staff to visit your school/class and give a short interactive presentation to the children about their teeth and oral health.

Please give us a call at 208-932-0467 to learn more!

Dr. Higham and Just 4 kiDDS want to know: what is your child reading this summer?

With summer only days away, we at Just 4 kiDDS have been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. Summer reading, specifically. Of course it’s easier for children to go play with their friends or sit back and watch TV, but Idaho Falls dentist Dr. Jordan Higham and team know that reading during the summer is a key step for kids to ensure they are prepared for school this fall.

So we thought we'd ask: is your child reading this summer? If so, what's on their reading list? Tell us about it!

If you happen to be out of ideas for great summer reads, we definitely encourage you to ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be more than happy to provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian for some suggestions or check out various summer reading ideas that we came across this morning.

Happy reading everyone! From Dr. Higham and the Just 4 kiDDS team

Patient question for Dr. Higham: who gets cavities and why?

Idaho Falls dentist Dr. Jordan Higham knows one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is "cavity." But what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Dr. Higham and team, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit Dr. Higham every six months for a check-up

Ask Dr. Higham: What should we do during an emergency?

When your child needs emergency dental treatment, Dr. Jordan Higham and team are always ready to help. Please keep our emergency number available and convenient. Here are some helpful answers to some recent patient questions. Enjoy you weekend everyone!

Q: What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?

A: Contact our office as soon as possible by calling 208-529-2199.

Q: What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?

A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to our office immediately. (Call the emergency number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

A: Contact Just 4 kiDDS immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you when you visit Dr. Higham.

Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?

A: Call us and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Q: Can dental injuries be prevented?

A: Of course! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits to our office.