Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Preventive Care

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. 

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.  

 

Preventing Sports Injuries in Children

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Engaging in sports offers children and teens a chance to stay active, build confidence, and foster friendships. Sports also bring a sense of excitement and accomplishment while helping young athletes develop essential skills. However, it’s important to also understand the risks of injury, especially if kids push their limits. There are many things families can do to protect their kids from getting injured so that they can enjoy sports safely.  

Common injuries from sports in kids include sprains, strains, growth plate irritation, and stress fractures (which are small bone fractures caused by repeated stress and impact). While all sports can cause injuries, sports with the most contact pose a greater risk of a traumatic injury. We recommend that young athletes avoid specializing in one sport too early. Playing a variety of sports not only provides opportunities to develop a broader range of skills, but it also reduces the risk of repetitive stress injuries. As a parent, you have a key role in guiding children toward age-appropriate sports that match their development and physical abilities. Your pediatrician can also help you assess this. 

To prevent injuries and ensure that sports remain safe and fun for kids, encourage your child to take time off. It’s best for children to take at least one day off each week and one month off per year from training for a specific sport. This allows the body to recover. Additionally, your child should have the appropriate protective gear that fits correctly, such as pads, helmets, mouth guards, and eyewear. It is also important for children to strengthen their muscles and flexibility.  Conditioning exercises that focus on the muscles used in sports can help build stability.  Stretching after practices or games improves flexibility – all of which helps prevent muscle strains.  

Another way to prevent injury is to ensure that proper techniques in sports are being used and that safety rules are followed. This includes avoiding head first sliding in baseball and spearing in football. If your child ever feels pain, they should stop playing at once. Playing through pain can turn a minor injury into something serious. Taking breaks during practices and games is also crucial. This is especially the case when the weather is hot so that your child doesn’t get a heat-related illness or fatigue-based injuries. Make sure your child stays hydrated and wears appropriate clothing for the weather as well.

Physical injuries aren’t the only concerns when it comes to sports. Emotional stress can also take a toll on young athletes. Although winning is exciting, it’s important to keep the focus on effort, improvement, and teamwork. Kids should feel encouraged to enjoy sports for the fun, health benefits, and learning opportunities rather than feeling pressured to win.

While sports injuries can’t always be avoided, these steps can minimize the risks. If you have any questions or concerns about sports injuries, call our office. We advise that your child gets evaluated if they experience any point tenderness over a bone, regardless if the swelling is only minimal. Even mild pain should be addressed as it can lead to greater problems.