Replace Your Toothbrush - Cold and Flu Season is Here!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Higham will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Just 4 KiDDS if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

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.

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!

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!