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!

Ask Dr. Higham: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of parents in Idaho Falls have asked Dr. Higham about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs. If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75-to-95 percent of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything you should worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he or she has gotten their permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it can cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, please give us a call and our team at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Have a great weekend!

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!