Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Moooooove over gum disease!

Dr. Higham wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Just 4 KiDDS celebrates Halloween!

Dr. Higham and our team would like to let everyone know that our Halloween Candy Buy Back was a huge success! A few radio stations attended the event, along with many of our patients. Overall, we were able to collect 291 pounds of candy that was donated to our troops overseas through Operation Gratitude. Thank you everyone for your participation and support!

Just 4 KiDDS also participated in "Boo at the Zoo" and "Trick or Treat Street." Both of these events offered kids a safe trick or treating environment.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page to view all of the photos from our Halloween events. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Replace Your Toothbrush - Cold and Flu Season is Here!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Higham will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Just 4 KiDDS if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A day to honor America’s veterans

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring our country’s military. In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Higham and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What do you enjoy most about fall in Idaho Falls?

It’s fall here at Just 4 KiDDS, a time when the leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Dr. Higham and our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within our Idaho Falls community. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!