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.

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!

Is your local playground safe for your child?

Spring is here, and summer is fast approaching, and that means your child will be spending lots of time outside. Playgrounds are everywhere from your backyard to the neighborhood park. It's important to know what safety features to look for before your child hangs out at the local park.

Our staff at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry found some important safety tips on the American Academy of Pediatrics' website that we'd thought we'd share with you today. They include obvious tips, but also what to look for on a public playground and tips on ensuring your home swing set is functioning properly.

* Carefully supervise young children using playground equipment. Keep children from shoving, pushing, or fighting.

* The surface under playground equipment should be energy absorbent. Use safety - tested mats or loose fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches.

* Install the protective surface at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.

* Swing seats should be made of something soft, not wood or metal.

* Children should not twist swings, swing empty seats, or walk in front of moving swings.

* Put home playground equipment together correctly. It should sit on a level surface and be anchored firmly to the ground.

* Cap all screws and bolts. Check periodically for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.

* Install playground equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.

* Check for hot metal surfaces on equipment such as those on slides, which could cause burns.

* Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment because children can strangle on them.

We hope these tips help! Here's to a happy and safe spring and summer, from Dr. Higham and our entire team at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry!

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!

What puts you at ease at Just 4 kiDDS?

Our staff at Just 4 kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry understand not every child is always thrilled to see their dentist. But Dr. Higham and our dedicated team strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Just 4 kiDDS that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Higham himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call at 208-529-2199.

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!