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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

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Q. My son lost a permanent tooth. What are some options to get it repaired?

If an accident has caused an adult tooth to be knocked out, there are some key factors to consider. The best place for the tooth is back in the mouth where it was originally located. Putting the tooth back provides the best chance of having fewer longterm problems with the tooth. Parents will need to rinse the tooth as best they can, reinsert the tooth, and immediately see a dental professional. If there are reasons that the tooth cannot be replaced, the most readily available option is to put the tooth in some milk. Milk can preserve the tooth as you get immediately to a dentist.

Dr. Jeremy Fry FRY ORTHODONTICS

At Fry Orthodontics, we have been providing superior service to patients of all ages for more than 40 years while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. 913.469.9191, FryOrthodontics.com

Q. What are some signs of anxiety in kids?

Anxiety in children can be difficult to distinguish from other behaviors, and kids may not be able to tell us what is bothering them. Signs of anxiety may include irritability, tearfulness, fear/distress, withdrawal, need to be close to caregivers, reassurance seeking, bellyaches or headaches, sleep problems, change in appetite, shallow breathing, racing heart and sometimes noncompliance. When trying to tease apart what might be going on, think about when symptoms started, whether they have changed in intensity and what stressors may be present. If your child is distressed by symptoms or is experiencing disruptions in school, social or family functioning, it is time to seek help.

Christina Low Kapalu, PhD CHILDREN’S MERCY

Children’s Mercy is one of the nation’s top pediatric medical centers. With hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas, we provide the highest level of care for children. 816.234.3000, ChildrensMercy.org

Q. My son has terrible spring allergies. How can I help ease his symptoms?

There are many treatments for seasonal allergies, both non-medicinal and medicinal. When the allergen counts are high, avoid leaving windows open. Showering after outside play helps rid the skin and hair of allergens that could transfer to bedsheets. Using a nasal rinse can help remove allergens from the nasal membranes. If medication is needed for more persistent symptoms, an over-the-counter antihistamine can relieve congestion, sneezing and itching. For bothersome eye symptoms, allergy eye drops are available. If the child is comfortable using a nasal steroid spray, this may help improve nasal congestion significantly. Parents should speak to their doctor about the best options and dosing for their child.

Jennifer L. Schultz ADVENTHEALTH

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

J Robert Schraeder

Q. What age children have the highest need for foster care?

We have the greatest need to find foster families for children ages 8 and up and groups of siblings. Many families request to foster younger children; however, a majority of children in care are school age, and it can be challenging to find placement. Sometimes foster parents can be reluctant to parent older children, however KVC is committed to providing support to parent any age child by providing training opportunities, a Family Support Worker and access to community supports. There is an especially high need to provide foster homes for teens, and oftentimes foster parents can mentor these teens as they transition back into their birth parents’ care, or as they move out of the foster care system.

Megan Maciel KVC KANSAS

KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral healthcare and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

Are you an expert in your field with advice for our readers, contact editor@kcparent.com and we may consider adding you to our panel.

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