Toothbrush Trivia, from Dr. Jordan Higham

It isn’t any big news to dentist Dr. Jordan Higham that toothbrushing dates back thousands of years. In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced, and people began practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• If you don’t floss, you are only cleaning 65% of your tooth surfaces
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Replace your toothbrush every two months, when bristles appear worn, or after recovering from a cold or flu
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

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!

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!

Tackling kids' sport safety with Dr. Higham

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Just 4 KiDDS is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Higham will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Higham is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Just 4 KiDDS.

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.

Artificial sweeteners and your child’s health, from Just 4 KiDDS

Dr. Higham knows that there is always a lot of debate in the health community about the health effects of artificial sweeteners, and aspartame is most surely one of the most controversial food additives to ever be approved by the FDA. Here at Just 4 KiDDS, we try to provide you with the most up to date information on topics relating to the health of our patients and their loved ones. That is why we want to share with you a few facts that we recently learned in a Huffington Post article.

Did you know that aspartame is now sold under many commercial names, including NutraSweet, Canderel, and AminoSweet? Yes, that’s right. When checking nutrition facts, it is important to keep an eye out for all of these ingredients! This sweetener can be found in diabetic foods, jams, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, soda, and even prescriptions and vitamins.

What’s so harmful about aspartame?
With over 10,000 official complaints, aspartame reactions are more commonly reported than that of all other food additives combined. Of these reports, two-thirds consist primarily of headaches, mood alterations, and hallucinations. Determining your nutritional type and the foods that your body craves is key to satisfying sugar cravings. The recommended fructose level is below 25 grams per day, which includes both natural and artificial sweeteners.

Next time you're in for an appointment with Dr. Higham, let us know if you have any questions about aspartame or this article. As always, please remember to use a straw if you choose to sip soda, coffee, or other dark colored beverages to take care of that beautiful smile!

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.

Ask Dr. Higham: Is sedation dentistry right for my child?

While Dr. Higham strives to offer a comfortable experience for all our patients, we realize that fear or anxiety while visiting the dentist can affect a lot of kids anyway. For patients who need extra comfort and relaxation during their dental visit, we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

Do you feel nervous or stressed about your upcoming dental treatment? Well you’re not alone; in fact, almost 30 percent of the population experiences "dental phobia" when faced with visiting the dentist!

The reasons for patients' fear of the dentist can be numerous, but are usually due to a traumatic experience during their childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene and possible mouth-related issues such as gum disease.

Your child can benefit from sedation dentistry if he or she experiences one or more of the following:

* High fear of dental care
* Complex dental problems
* Traumatic dental experiences
* Fear of needles and shots
* Trouble getting numb
* Sensitive teeth

If your child suffers from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer. Please give us a call for more info about sedation dentistry, and we'll be more than happy to answer your questions.

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

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!

Have you seen the Just 4 KiDDS car?

We have a new car! When you're cruising around Idaho Falls, Idaho, keep an eye out for the new Just 4 KiDDS Honda Element. You can't miss it! Be sure to say hi to Dr. Higham and our team if you see us driving around town!

Have a great week,

-Just 4 KiDDS Dentistry

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

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

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