Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: General Pediatrics

Fluoride for Your Children’s Oral Health

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There has been conflicting information in the media about fluoride posing health risks, such as reduced intelligence in children and cancer. This will hopefully help clear this up!  You may be concerned about your children drinking regular tap water that contains fluoride. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), when fluoride is used at recommended levels, it is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay, and it does not pose a detectable risk of cancer or other serious issues, nor is it linked to lower IQ. The recommended amounts of fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste have been extensively studied and are supported by the AAP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Benefits of Fluoride for Children

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and many foods, and it plays a key role in strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth. It also helps reverse early signs of tooth decay by rebuilding weakened areas of enamel before cavities form. Children who receive the right amount of fluoride are far less likely to develop cavities and may avoid more invasive and costly dental procedures down the road.

Children can get fluoride from drinking from community water systems that add the mineral to the water supply or by using prescribed supplements if fluoridated water is not accessible. Fluoride can also be applied directly to the teeth through toothpaste, mouth rinses, or treatments given at the dentist’s office. The AAP recommends that parents start brushing their baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. If your child is under the age of 3, use only a tiny smear of toothpaste that is the size of a grain of rice. Between the ages of 3 and 6, kids can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. 

Fluoride Varnish Treatments for Children

Your child’s pediatrician or dentist may recommend fluoride varnish treatments based on your child’s risk of tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is safe and effective, as only a small amount is used. It is quick to apply and harden, and can be brushed off after 4-12 hours. Children do not swallow these treatments, nor would they be able to lick the varnish off their teeth. After the fluoride varnish is applied, your child will be able to eat and drink afterwards. But, it’s best to stick to soft foods that are at a moderate temperature or liquids. Avoid brushing or flossing for at least 4-6 hours. 

Routine Dental Check-Ups 

It’s important to keep up with your child’s routine dental check-ups for potential cavities and oral health problems that should be addressed as early as possible. The AAP recommends that all infants have oral health risk assessments by 6 months of age. Babies with a greater risk of early cavities should be referred to a dentist as early as 6 months old and no later than 6 months after the first tooth erupts. If you have any questions about fluoride or concerns about your child’s oral health, please call our office. 

Helping Your Teen Decide on College

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Hearing back from college applications can cause a great deal of anxiety for adolescents and families. Kids might be worried that they won’t get accepted into the college of their dreams or feel uncertain about which college to choose when they receive acceptance from a few. After all, choosing the right college is a big step and can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, break down the different factors to help your child determine which path to take. 

One aspect to start with is your child’s academic, career, and life goals. Universities tend to have strong reputations in certain fields or have programs that are tailored to specific career endeavors. For example, some schools might be known for their science or business programs, while others might be known for art disciplines or sports. Consider your child’s specific goals and interests and decide on a college that is best aligned with them. It’s helpful to speak to a university’s program advisor and read through their course catalog to get a better sense of the school’s offerings and if they provide the learning value and experiences your child is looking for. 

The school environment is also an important factor to consider. Some kids might prefer large campuses, while others prefer smaller ones. Whether the school is in a metropolitan city or a small town can also matter. Talk to your kid about the type of environment that they would be most comfortable in and discuss the different lifestyles associated with each so that they have an idea of what to expect and can decide accordingly. 

For children with learning disabilities or special needs, finding a college that has the right accommodations and support systems is essential. Take a look at what the university offers in terms of academic resources and counseling, and make sure that they provide what your child needs.  

In addition to programs, location, environment, and resources, the cost of the university can also be a determining factor. While tuition is a major part of the cost, you’ll also want to keep in mind the other expenses, including housing, transportation, and supplies. You may find the tuition of a local school to be higher than a school that’s far away, but if your child does not need to pay for housing, the overall cost can even out, or the local school with the higher tuition may end up being less expensive. We recommend taking a look through financial aid options as well as scholarship opportunities available that can help with covering expenses. Whenever possible, it’s beneficial to have your teen visit college campuses and attend tours. They’ll get the opportunity to talk to other students and get a sense of the environment before deciding.

Keep in mind that while it’s helpful to guide your teen in their decision-making, let them take the lead. Ultimately, your child needs to decide what school is best for them and the life journey they wish to embark on. But let them know that if they are uncertain about what major they wish to study or have concerns that they won’t end up liking the university they select, they can transfer to another school later, change their major, or start as undeclared.

Lastly, sometimes hearing back from college applications can bring disappointing news when your child gets a rejection letter, especially if it’s from a university they were hoping to get accepted to. This is an opportunity to remind your child that setbacks are part of life, but don’t dismiss their feelings. Instead, you can help them reframe this experience by letting them know that this one decision won’t hinder achieving their dreams but rather present a different route. Acknowledge their accomplishments, skills, and potential, and encourage them to focus on these as they move forward. 

Finishing up the final year of high school and dealing with college applications can be both exciting and stressful and bring up a variety of emotions. We recommend checking in with your child often and making sure that they’re eating well and getting enough sleep. If your child is struggling, please don’t hesitate to call our office.




Cold and Flu Season

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The sick season is here, and we’ve seen an increase in the number of patients with the common cold and flu. These respiratory infections often spread through close contact with sick individuals or by touching your face after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Fortunately, there are steps to take to protect your family and reduce the risk of illness this season. 

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we highly encourage families to vaccinate their children against the flu. Babies and younger children are particularly at risk of developing severe complications from the flu, which may require hospitalization. Since a baby’s immune system is still developing, it is more challenging for their body to fight infections. The flu vaccine strengthens your child’s immune system and helps protect them from the virus. Children should receive their first flu vaccine at six months of age. If your child is under eight years old and receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or has only received one dose previously, they will need two doses four weeks apart for full protection.

In addition to the flu vaccine, there are several preventive measures you can follow to keep your kids safe from getting sick. Remind your children to practice good hygiene such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching their face. It’s also important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Make sure to wipe down toys, tables, doorknobs, and other areas your kids come into regular contact with. Keep your kids away from anyone who is ill, including other family members in the household. Extra care should be taken when visiting crowded public spaces, such as airports, where germs are more likely to spread.

Even though there is no cure for the common cold or the flu, there are ways to help ease your child’s symptoms and make them feel more comfortable if they do become sick. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids is essential. For congestion, you can use a nasal spray to loosen and help get rid of mucus. A cool mist humidifier or a warm bath can also be effective for relieving congestion. If your child has a sore throat, you can provide them with herbal tea mixed with honey. However, this should be only for children over one year of age. Honey is NOT safe for babies under the age of one. The recommended amount of honey for children between one and five is half a teaspoon. Kids ages six to eleven can have one teaspoon, and for children over twelve, they can have two. If this isn’t sufficient in soothing their throat, you can give your older child a cough drop, but make sure to follow the product instructions. 

If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But it’s important to follow the correct dosage based on your child’s age. We recommend following these guides for the right dosage: acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If your child’s fever is above 104°F or you have an infant under 3 months with a fever, seek medical care. 

In most cases, the cold and the flu will improve with home care. If your child’s symptoms persist or get worse, please call our office. We also advise calling the pediatrician if your child is under 3 months or if they have chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, that put them at a higher risk of complications.