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!

Dr. Higham, protecting your child from cavities this Halloween

With Halloween only two weeks away, Dr. Higham knows that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of our Idaho Falls, ID young trick-or-treaters.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with trick-or-treaters, it is important to follow these simple tips to prevent cavities this Halloween:





• 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 your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

For more information on cavities and your oral health, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Higham at your next appointment.

Happy Baby Safety Month, from Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry

In honor of Baby Safety Month, Idaho Falls, ID pediatric dentist Dr. Higham would like to encourage all of our patients and their families to become educated on the importance of childproofing your home. Your child’s health and safety is of the utmost importance to our team at Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry, which is why we would like to remind all of our patients to be mindful of some of the common hazards that may be in your home.

Children are vulnerable, and it is important that you take the necessary precautions in your kitchen, bathroom, nursery, and around the home to minimize the risk to your baby. For example, never leave poisons or toxic materials under the sink where they can be easily reached by a child. In the bathroom, remember to remove soaps, razors, and shampoos from the edge of the tub and close the toilet lid. Children are naturally curious, so it is necessary that you cover all electrical outlets, keep all trash containers locked, and ensure that hanging cords from phones, lamps, and appliances are kept out of reach.

We hope that these baby safety tips help! You can visit this website to learn more about childproofing your home. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about baby safety or pediatric dentistry.

What do you love about Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry?

From your very first visit to Just 4 KiDDS our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Higham's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

The team at Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry

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

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.

Dr. Higham and the Just 4 kiDDS team, wishing you a safe and memorable Memorial Day weekend

Make no mistake about it: Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans everywhere stop and remember all those mean and women who have died in defense of our nation. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, which means it's almost time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends.

What about you? What are you and your family up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you're headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting the road or hanging out in your backyard this weekend, Dr. Higham and our team would like to hear all about it!

We wish you a enjoyable, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Dr. Higham and Just 4 kiDDS talkin' mouth guards

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime (and summer is not far behind)! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Higham for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Higham will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call at 208-529-2199 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Just 4 kiDDS.

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!

Ask Dr. Higham: Which toothbrush (and toothpaste) should my child use?

At Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Higham and our team will tell you that brushing your child's teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But the question remains: which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying or frayed - frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, avoid using fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call at 208-529-2199 and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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!