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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.

Q. What’s the best way to help treat my 8-year-old daughter’s seasonal allergies?

First, clean the inside of your child’s nose and get rid of residual pollen by rinsing the nose with salt water; you can buy saline over-the-counter. Steroid nose sprays like Flonase or Nasonex are the single best treatment for nose symptoms. Spray one to two sprays in each nostril daily. Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin help stop itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but can sometimes cause sleepiness. They can be given regularly or as needed(ideally 2-5 hours before an exposure for Zyrtec, while Claritin peaks 8 hours after taking it). Prevent symptoms by starting medicine a week or two before the time of year that is most bothersome.

Anna Nicek, MD Pediatrician & Internist - AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Shawnee Mission

AdventHealth

Find answers to more than 150 behavior, health, or school struggles at the only parenting-coaching-advice resources-education resource hub wherever you live in the greater KC area at AdventHealth Parent Care. 913.632.4206, SHAW.Parent.Care@adventhealth.com

Q. Help! My child has bad breath. What can I do?

This is a fairly common concern. In fact, a study published in Pediatric Dentistry showed that a 23percent of young children have halitosis (bad breath). The most common things that cause bad breath are tongue coating, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and tooth decay. Bad breath is simply the result of bacteria in the mouth breaking down sugars. Cavities are caused by these same bacteria. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste can protect your children from cavities and will alleviate their bad breath. Make sure your kids brush their teeth and their tongues thoroughly. A good habit to get into is to brush for two minutes twice a day.

John P. Roth - Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics specializes in giving kids the care and special consideration they need for successful dental care.913.553.2492, StartingPointDental.com

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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