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!

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!

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, helping ease kids' fear of the dentist

Let's face it, many children fear the dentist. Our team at Just 4 kiDDS found a great article on how to help children overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Making your child feel comfortable when they visit Dr. Higham is a huge reason to take your child to a pediatric dentist instead of a regular dentist.

Our staff at Just 4 kiDDS excels at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist, and Dr. Higham specializes in pediatric dentistry, making him uniquely able to work with children from one-year-old to 18-years-old. In fact, most of our patients look forward to their next visit!

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!