Pediatrician Follow-Up

Our last speaker, Whitney Dee - a fellow MOPS mom and pediatrician, has taken the time to put together her notes and add some great informational links to what she shared at our last meeting. Thanks Whitney!

Dental Care

http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-care-for-your-babys-gums-and-emerging-teeth_126.bc

*teething: 

-saliva production starts at 2-4 months; 

-average age to start is 6mo; 

-most complete by age 3 (20 teeth including “2 year old molars”), then 6 year old molars, 12 year old molars

-symptoms include increased drooling, chewing, gum swelling/irritation, sleep problems, fussiness....and nothing!

-cold washcloths, teething toys, gum massage; caution re: numbing gels (can impair safe swallowing), teething tablets (some have ingredients that can alter the baby's electrolytes)

-why more colds, etc? one theory distract immune system and increased rates of illness

*losing primary teeth starts around 6 years old

*taking care of teeth:

-first visit depends on dentist: some say at first tooth, others say when there is a problem or when they can cooperate with the exam - check with your dentist

-brush starting at first tooth, floss when there are multiple teeth (just to get in the habit)

-brush after last milk - leaving milk sugar during a full night of sleep can lead to “bottle rot” 

-brushing “position” (sit on the floor with the child's head between the "V" of your legs, can use your legs to pin their shoulders down too if needed)

-help until age 8 years: kids do not have the fine motor skills to adequately brush their teeth until then

Extras

Safe sleep (blanket in crib) Blankets are safe after 12 months (as are pillows), but technically *nothing* else is supposed to be in the crib.  We've loved the blanket sleepers even into the toddler years:

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=538549&cmSource=Search

http://www.babycenter.com/baby-sleep-safety

http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-Expands-Guidelines-for-Infant-Sleep-Safety-and-SIDS-Risk-Reduction.aspx

What is your professional opinion on immunizations? Too long for a blog!!  Bottom line, I support the current schedule of immunizations.  Here are some websites for more info:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-2012-Childhood-and-Adolescent-Immunization-Schedule.aspx

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Common-Myths-about-Immunizations.aspx

Causes for younger kids to need glasses: are genetics a big part or too much tv/video games?

-genetics are a big part, otherwise the causes are mostly acquired like lazy eye, etc.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_eye-examinations-for-toddlers_1437479.bc

Child's feet often peely or cracked under her toes. The internet said athlete's foot is stinky and hers aren't...should I treat with something? Worry?

-juvenile plantar dermatitis “sweaty sock syndrome”; wet/dry, treat with emollients (heavy lotions like aquaphor), frequent sock changes; could try OTC steroids; athlete's foot involves toe webs and you would treat with OTC antifungals for 4-6 weeks (!)

Child has a red “freckle” like spot on her cheek that's been there for months. It's not a scab or a bump – feels smooth to touch

 -This is hard to diagnose without seeing it in person, so I would get it checked by your doctor.  Common possibilities include an hemangioma or cherry angioma