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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from pregnancy and birth to sleeping, feeding, fitness and general well-being. If you have a question that needs answered, get in touch.

Q. What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

“Baby bottle tooth decay” can develop when children’s teeth and gums are exposed to milk, juice or food for long periods of time or frequently throughout the day. The most common way this happens is when children go to bed with formula, milk or juice. It can also occur when children carry a snack and a milk or juice drink around with them throughout the day. For optimal dental health, food and drink other than water should only be served at designated meal and snack times, allowing the teeth to rest from sugar in between feedings. Food and drinks other than water should never be served right before nap or bedtime without first properly brushing.

John P. Roth, DDS STARTING POINT PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONICS

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

Q. Is it safe to have caffeine during pregnancy?

Moderate caffeine intake is okay during pregnancy, but don’t consume more than 200mg of caffeine per day. That’s the amount in one 12-ounce cup of coffee. According to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), research suggests that moderate caffeine intake does not cause miscarriage or preterm birth. Don’t forget that caffeine is also found in tea, chocolate, energy drinks and soft drinks. While caffeine can interfere with your sleep and contribute to nausea and lightheadedness, it can help with fatigue and lack of focus (pregnancy brain, right?). If you’re still unsure, it is best that you consult your obstetrician.

Christine Khong, MD ADVENTHEALTH

Every day, the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center provides the compassionate, expert and exceptional care families expect from Johnson County’s leader in mother and baby care. AdventHealthKC.com/birthcenter

Q. What are some tips for getting a dog when we have a toddler?

I recommend having a conversation with children of all ages about your pet’s needs. Explain to them that their dog has feelings just like them and discuss what the dog will look like when it is happy, sad or scared. We must teach our young children to give animals the space they need and how to play with them in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable. That said, young children often forget how to behave around dogs, so it is an absolute must that young children and animals be supervised for their mutual safety.

Ashley Flores, CPDT-KC GREAT PLAINS SPCA

Great Plains SPCA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area, serving Johnson County, Kansas and the surrounding area. 913.831.7722, GreatPlainsSPCA.org

Q. What are some signs that my baby could have food allergies?

A food allergy is a reaction that will occur every time a certain food is ingested. The most common foods are milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and sesame. Symptoms of a reaction can include hives (welts), swelling, vomiting, cough, wheeze and trouble breathing. Symptoms typically occur within minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. Reactions occurring outside of this time or in absence of ingestion are unlikely to be allergic reactions. If you think your infant has a food allergy, speak to your PCP or allergist.

Jodi Shroba, MSN, APRN, CPNP 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

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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