Baby teeth – and gums – need special care!

One question our staff at Just 4 KiDDS hear all the time is, “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in, switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry.

Did you attend the Free Family Film Festival this summer?

Thanks to everyone who attended the Free Family Film Festival this summer! Dr. Higham and our team sponsored the film festival, which included showings of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Monsters VS. Aliens, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. The summer movie series was a huge success! To check out event photos, be sure to "like" the Just 4 KiDDS Facebook page. If you did attend one of the movies, let us know what you thought!

Thank you,

-Dr. Higham and team

Stargazing with Just 4 KiDDS, outdoor learning for the whole family!

When was the last time that your family enjoyed the Idaho Falls, ID great outdoors? If you’ve been looking for a great educational activity for your preschooler or kindergartener, search no further! Dr. Higham recently came across a great article in Nickelodeon Parents Connect, which we would like to share with you today. We know how important it is for your child to discover the magic of science for themselves. That’s why we invite you to let your imagination run wild and take your children on a summer stargazing expedition!

When planning your stargazing trip, whether it is in the backyard, at a local park, or while camping, be sure to choose a warm, clear night. A few constellations to look for: the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, North Star, and Cassiopeia. Don’t forget to pack a flashlight, snacks, water, sleeping bags, paper and crayons, and-of course-your star map!

Have fun & be safe!

-The team at Just 4 KiDDS

Fluoride and your child, from Dr. Higham

Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong. However, it is important to be aware of your child’s potential sources of fluoride to prevent excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children. This can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a discoloration of a child's permanent teeth.

Where is fluoride found?

Fluoride used in Dr. Higham's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash. Two and three year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out) fluoride when brushing, so it is important to monitor their toothpaste ingestion. Infants younger than six months of age should not be given fluoride fortified vitamins or fluoride supplements. Be sure to check the labels on powdered concentrate infant formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach, and infant chicken products, because these foods do often contain high levels of fluoride.

How do I reduce my child’s risk of fluorosis?

- Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush of the very young child
- Place only a pea sized drop of children’s toothpaste on the brush when brushing
- Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride
- Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until they are at least 6 months old
- Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water

Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

-Dr. Higham and team

Join the team at Just 4 KiDDS this Saturday for Kung Fu Panda!

Dr. Higham and our team are sponsoring a Movies Under the Stars movie night this Saturday, that is being held at Melaleuca Field. The gates for Kung Fu Panda open at 7:30pm on Saturday, August 6th. The cost is $1.00 to get in. However, we were given several hundred free tickets as sponsors that any of our patients are welcome to if they stop by our office!

Stop by Just 4 KiDDS today to pick up your free ticket to Kung Fu Panda! Feel free to give us a call, or connect with us on our Facebook page if you have any questions regarding the movie showing. We look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday!

Join Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry for a FREE movie this summer!

At Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry, our mission is to help provide the very best for your child. The best neighborhood, the best schools, and the best opportunities. That's why our office is sponsoring the Free Family Film Festival this summer!

Here are the details:

Who: You're invited!

What: Free Family Film Festival

Where: Edward's Theater in Idaho Falls

When: This event will be happening every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. until August 19th.

Why: To watch some great movies, for FREE! Movies include Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Monsters VS. Aliens and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Kid’s meals are available and seating is limited!

We hope to see you at the next summer movie! Have a great week everyone!

-Your friends at Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry

Celebrate Baby Week with Just 4 KiDDS!

Happy Baby Week! For those of you who didn't know, July 12 through the 16 is celebrated across the nation as Baby Week. This week is a time when Discovery Health caters to you- the new or expecting to be moms and dads- featuring stories and information that is relevant to babies. Visit the Baby Week website for information, quizzes, videos, and of course, the cutest baby face-off!

At Just 4 KiDDS, our team knows how important it is for the moms and dads of newborns to correctly stimulate the senses of their infant. This interaction is vital to the physical and psychological growth and development of your baby. That’s why, in celebration of Baby Week, we would like to highlight a few ways that you can help your infant embrace the world around them, courtesy of Discovery Health.

Our office hopes that this information on a newborn’s five senses is helpful! Remember, babies’ teeth begin emerging at eight to ten months. Happy Baby Week!

-The team at Just 4 KiDDS

Mr. Bean goes to the dentist!

How about something funny to help you ease into this lovely Wednesday afternoon? Here's some classic dental humor for you and your children to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. We loved it, and know you'll get a laugh as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know! You can post any comments or videos here, or on our Facebook page.

Have a great Wednesday!
-Your friends at Just 4 KiDDs

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

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.

Is your local playground safe for your child?

Spring is here, and summer is fast approaching, and that means your child will be spending lots of time outside. Playgrounds are everywhere from your backyard to the neighborhood park. It's important to know what safety features to look for before your child hangs out at the local park.

Our staff at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry found some important safety tips on the American Academy of Pediatrics' website that we'd thought we'd share with you today. They include obvious tips, but also what to look for on a public playground and tips on ensuring your home swing set is functioning properly.

* Carefully supervise young children using playground equipment. Keep children from shoving, pushing, or fighting.

* The surface under playground equipment should be energy absorbent. Use safety - tested mats or loose fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches.

* Install the protective surface at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.

* Swing seats should be made of something soft, not wood or metal.

* Children should not twist swings, swing empty seats, or walk in front of moving swings.

* Put home playground equipment together correctly. It should sit on a level surface and be anchored firmly to the ground.

* Cap all screws and bolts. Check periodically for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.

* Install playground equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.

* Check for hot metal surfaces on equipment such as those on slides, which could cause burns.

* Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment because children can strangle on them.

We hope these tips help! Here's to a happy and safe spring and summer, from Dr. Higham and our entire team at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry!

Your child and regular checkups, from Dr. Higham

Is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s terrific! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day.

If your child will be visiting Dr. Higham for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. After all, regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. During the appointment, Dr. Higham can:


• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam, Dr. Higham will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not visited Just 4 kiDDS in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment by calling 208-529-2199!

What puts you at ease at Just 4 kiDDS?

Our staff at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry understand not every child is always thrilled to see their dentist. But Dr. Higham and our dedicated team strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Just 4 kiDDS that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Higham himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call at 208-529-2199.

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!