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

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 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!