Below is a guest post from Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry in Savannah 

Your baby was born with all 20 primary teeth below their gumline. They typically start to come through between 6 and 12 months. Children usually have their full set of baby teeth in place by age 3.

Teething Symptoms

What’s normal?

Fussiness
Trouble sleeping
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Drooling more than usual
What’s not normal?

High fever
Diarrhea
Rash

If your baby has any of these symptoms while teething and continues to be cranky and uncomfortable, call your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.

Are Numbing Gels or Teething Tablets Safe For My Baby?

The FDA recommends that parents and caregivers not use benzocaine products for children younger than 2. They are also warning that benzocaine oral drug products should only be used in adults and children 2 years and older if they contain certain warnings on the drug label. These products carry serious risks and provide little to no benefits for treating oral pain, including sore gums in infants due to teething.

Benzocaine is an over-the-counter anesthetic, which the FDA notes are usually under the product names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase. Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced.

The FDA also urges parents not to use – and dispose of homeopathic teething tablets – after lab testing found “inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance, in certain homeopathic teething tablets, sometimes far exceeding the amount claimed on the label.”

“The body’s response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that the dental home for a child should be established no later than 12 months of age to help children and their families institute a lifetime of good oral health.

Should you have any questions regarding your child and teething, please contact Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry  in Savannah  and they will be happy to help you: 912-298-KIDS.

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry
4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101
Savannah, GA 31405
912-298-KIDS (5437)

Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, www.dogwoodsmiles.com, 4849 Paulsen St., Suite 101, Savannah 31405, 912-298-KIDS (5437), email admin@dogwoodsmiles.com. Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

SouthCoast Health in Savannah showcases just how much growth has happened in a short period of time when it comes to women’s health.

See the timelime of some of the biggest advancements in women’s health to date here.

Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor, ob-gyn or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

If you have any additional questions or want to learn more, click here to schedule an appointment or call 912-691-3600.

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Planning to party for St. Patrick’s Day weekend? Do you know what steps to take to prevent alcohol poisoning or dehydration from drinking alcohol?

SouthCoast Health in Savannah offers safety tips for St. Patrick’s Day here. 

For example: The golden rule of drinking: For every alcoholic drink, drink a glass of water to match. This will maintain BAC (blood alcohol content) and keep you hydrated.

Of course, another way to stay safe and healthy is to not drink alcohol and be sober.

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Spring Break Means Time to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment.

Kids’ Dentistree in Richmond Hill is a fun, family-friendly dental practice just for kids. And now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s appointment over spring break!

Kid’s Dentistree patients, from toddlers to teens, love how Kid’s Dentistree takes the anxiety out of going to the dentist. In fact, they make it fun. Help your child start a lifetime of healthy smiles today.

Learn more about Kids Dentistree and their services, or make an appointment, here.

The Richmond Hill office is a kind, patient and experienced team. The goal: to establish a trusting relationship with the parent and child and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The office is located in the “Clock Tower” building, right next to The Suites at Station Exchange on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill.

Kid’s Dentistree
912-756-5437
1101 Gandy Dancer
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Kid’s Dentistree is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Here’s an opportunity for children with Type 1 Diabetes to build confidence & strengthen their relationship with food in a healthy way: the Camp Kudzu Food for Thought Program in Savannah on May 18 2019.

The day will include a hands-on, low-carb snack challenge where children will work in teams to “shop” for their ingredients, work together to make a tasty recipe and understand how to count carbs and calculate their respective insulin dose.

Kids will participate in a “mock” dining experience where they will work in teams to estimate carb content of foods that are served to them just like in a restaurant or at a friend’s house for a sleepover. Practicing the estimation of carb counts based on identifying ingredients will boost their confidence in real-world settings.

Participants will partake in a food demonstration with the Charlie Cart Project which integrates the educational program with a mobile kitchen to deliver hands-on nutrition education. Parent education sessions will be offered during child activity time. Plan to have one adult attend.

Learn more here. 

Savannah Culinary Program for kids @ Savannah Children’s Museum
655 Louisville Rd
Savannah, GA 31401
May 18, 2019
9AM-1PM
Cost: $10
For 6th-12th graders with type 1 diabetes
Registration required. Register online here. 

Contact Cyndi Satlow csatlow@campkudzu.org or (912) 244-4101 with any questions.

Camp Kudzu is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Summer enrollment is now open for Camp Kudzu, a nonprofit organization serving children and teens living with type 1 diabetes.

The life-altering diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be isolating and overwhelming- adding new and critical things to a child’s daily routine.

Day-to-day diabetes management requires the entire family, from checking blood sugar, counting carbohydrates, dosing insulin and adjusting for physical activity. Camp Kudzu supports over 840 children, teens, and families by providing camping experiences and educational opportunities at various camps in Georgia.

Until there is a cure, Camp Kudzu will continue to educate, empower and inspire children living with type 1!

Children with juvenile diabetes can never take a vacation from the disease. But now Camp Kudzu provides a place for them to learn and grow with other children facing the same struggles.

Camp Kudzu
833-99-KUDZU
info@campkudzu.org

Learn more here.

Camp Kudzu is a SouthenrnMamas.com advertiser

High Blood Pressure affects 1 in 3 American adults.

If you or your loved one is one of those with this medical condition, check out this SouthCoast Health post in which SouthCoast Health Cardiologist Dr. Roy Flood explains high blood pressure & gives guidelines to reduce the effects of this disease.

Flood discusses the causes of high blood pressure & what you can do to prevent high blood pressure here.

SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There’s a donation-based postpartum support group in Savannah for moms seeking community and connection during baby’s first year. The group starts on March 29 2019 @ 10AM and will meet for 8 consecutive weeks:

This weekly support group welcomes moms who are seeking support, connection, and community during baby’s first year. Life with a new little one can be both wonderful and very, very challenging. Come together with like-minded women as we explore topics such as health and wellness, relationships, body image, sexuality, mood changes, bonding with your baby, and more.

Starting March 29, 2019
Friday mornings at 10AM
@ the Midwife Group + Birth Center
1692 Chatham Parkway, Savannah
Suggested donation of $20

You do not have to be a patient of the Birth Center to attend. Children younger than 2 are welcome.

Learn more here. 

Questions? Email bridget@bridgetcrossLCSW.com or call (912) 495-8549.

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FIND MORE SAVANNAH-AREA MOMS GROUPS HERE. 

Below is a guest post from Hyperformance Athletics in Savannah 

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you always did healthy things all the time without even thinking about it?

That’s the beauty of a habit. It just happens without a whole lot of resistance.

We’ll got habits – the routine things we do from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep (even the way we sleep is a routine).

Our kids have habits too. Some are great, and some we wish as parents we could break before it gets harder later in life.

Here are few tips for making some of those things we KNOW we should be doing more of a habit. (These are good for grownups and well as kids.)

One thing at time. Don’t try to pile on multiple new habits at once. That’s a recipe for failure.

Pair the habit with something you already do routinely. For instance, if you’ve decided that you should drink more water, connect it with something you already do. Perhaps when you turn the water on to take a shower in the morning, it triggers you to go snag a quick drink as you wait for the shower to warm up.

Chunk it down. Reduce resistance to getting started by setting a goal in the smallest increment possible. If getting more activity during the day is a goal, you’re not likely to stop your other habits to work in 30 minutes. But if you can work in 1 minute a couple of times a day you’ll find you are getting in much more than that one minute. Getting started is the hardest part.

Reward yourself (with something healthy of course, but enjoyable). My kids don’t love to read, but they like their time with me. So we read for a bit and then they get some bonus attention that is just theirs.

Take notice. You want your kids to pick up after themselves? Verbally applaud them for doing the task as soon as notice it getting even a tiny bit better.

Progress is better than perfection. Our habits are always a work in progress. Keep looking for news ways to make doing the good stuff easier.

Want more ideas? Check out the the Junior League of Savannah’s FREE Fit Kids Fest on Sat. March 2 2019, 1-4PM @ Savannah State University. There will all sorts of activities and local vendors that love to make Savannah families healthier. Stop by the Hyperformance Athletics Obstacle Course and say hello.

The above is a guest post from Hyperformance Athletics in Savannah 

Hyperformance Athletics, 904 E. 70th St.Savannah, 31405
email crossfithp@gmail.com, tel: 912-335-3615, CrossFit Hyperformance is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Heavenly Spa @ The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah offers discounted treatments on special Guest Spa Nights on the second Thursday of each month.

For your convenience, Heavenly Spa is open late and offers discounted treatments every second Thursday of the month for Spa Nights. These appointment times are highly sought-after; so it’s strongly recommend that you book in advance to be assured your desired time.

4-8PM on the second Thursday of each month (March 14, April 11, May 9,  June 13, July 11, Aug. 8)
$99 spa treatments
Complimentary use of amenities
Call to book (912) 201-2250

Learn more about spa services here. 

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to the FREE Savannah’s Fit Kids Fest on Sat. March 2, 1-4PM @ Savannah State University, 3219 College St.

This annual event hosted by the The Junior League of Savannah promotes wellness for K-12 students, teaches the importance of growing a fit body and mind through a fun and interactive day designed for children of all ages and their parents. The goal is to improve health awareness and encourage children to lead a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Activities include tips on making healthy meals and snacks, hands on activities, potato sack races, live fitness demonstrations, stage performance, face painting, soccer drills, exercises and other fun ways to get moving, as well as exploring resources for strengthening the mind.

Learn more here. 

Below is a guest post from Kids’ Dentistree , a pediatric dentist office in Richmond Hill.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. At Kids’ Dentistree in Richmond Hill , our work revolves around educating parents and their children on good dental habits. This month, we are sharing some tips and advice on how to promote these habits at home for a lifetime of healthy smiles for your children.

The American Dental Association (ADA) established National Children’s Dental Health Month over thirty years ago to promote the benefits starting young to achieve good oral health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the country. Tooth decay affects more children than asthma or hay fever. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 40% of children will have some tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten. The good news for parents is that tooth decay is preventable!

The following recommendations will get your child off to a great start with good dental health.

Brush and floss twice each day

The best weapons available to a parent are a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The ADA recommends that parents teach their children to brush for two minutes two times a day—morning and evening at bedtime. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach your child to avoid swallowing toothpaste. Parents should provide help and supervision until a child is about seven or eight years old.

Limit sugary treats and drinks

This includes avoiding juice between meals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends limiting juice to four to six ounces per day. Parents can also replace sugary treats with healthy snacks such as cheese, yogurt, and fruit.

Schedule a dental checkup

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule their child’s first visit to the dentist when the child turns one year of age. First birthday equals first checkup. However, if a parent detects discoloration or staining, they should schedule an appointment right away.

Make sure your water has fluoride

Fluoride helps teeth resist acid attacks by strengthening tooth enamel. If your local water supply does not have fluoride, talk to your dentist about fluoride drops or tablets.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is a good reminder that it’s never too early to start your child on the path of good dental health. Habits developed early tend to become lifelong habits.

From toddlers to teens, Kid’s Dentistree makes going to the dentist a fun and seamless experience by building trusting relationships with parents and children at our 1101 Gandy Dancer office in Richmond Hill. For more information, visit KidsDentistree.com or schedule an appointment today by calling the office at 912-756-5437.

Kid’s Dentistree
912-756-5437
1101 Gandy Dancer
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Kid’s Dentistree is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Coastal Pediatrics Pooler office will now be open all day Monday through Friday.

The hours for the Savannah and Pooler offices will be the same: 9AM-Noon, 1:15PM-5PM. The practices are closed from Noon-1:15PM for lunch.

Stay connected with Coastal Pediatrics & informed about children’s health news, by ‘liking’ Coastal Pediatrics on Facebook here. 

Call Coastal Pediatrics @ 912-353-7744 to learn more about how they can help your family with the highest quality pediatric care.

__________________________________________

The above is a review of Coastal Pediatrics. Learn more about Coastal Pediatrics here.

Coastal Pediatrics- Savannah
2 Wheeler Street
Savannah, GA 31405

Coastal Pediatrics- Pooler
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Building 1000B
Pooler, GA 31322

Coastal Pediatrics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Pediatric Associates of Savannah offers newborn care and education classes to expectant families.

Join Pediatric Associates for a fun class that will teach you all about what to expect after the birth of your child and provide you with information to help you care for your new baby.

Dr. Brandy Gheesling, or one of Pediatric Associates other 10 board certified pediatricians, lead these monthly sessions.

Refreshments and a complimentary copy of “Baby Care Anywhere,” which was written by the practice’s own Dr. Ben Spitalnick, will be provided.

Topics include:
Before baby comes
What to expect in the hospital
Office visits with your pediatrician
Feeding your baby
Sleep guidelines
Infant behavior
Immunizations & medications
Common concerns

Classes are free to expectant couples, but registration is required as space is limited.

Classes are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 6PM @ the practice’s main office (4600 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA).

To register, please call (912) 355-2462 or email babybasics@pedsav.com.

Upcoming Baby Basics classes:

Thurs. March 7 2019, 6-7PM
Thurs. April 4, 6-7PM
Thurs. May 2, 6-7PM
Thurs. June 6 2019, 6-7PM

______________________________________________

About Pediatric Associates of Savannah

New to the area & in need of a pediatrician? Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler. Learn more here.

Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Below is a guest post “Get Ready for a Healthy Pregnancy” by Dr. Stephanie Tootle, an OB/GYN who sees patients at Memorial Health University Physicians | Women’s Care Islands.

To book an appointment with her or any of Memorial Health OB/GYNs, visit MemorialHealthDoctors.com.

When you’re trying to conceive, much of the focus is understandably on tracking when you’re ovulating and when to have sex. While these things are important for a successful pregnancy, there are other factors that can optimize fertility while also preparing you and your partner for growing a family.

Before conceiving, commit to improving your health in these areas:

1. Quit smoking

Both partners – but especially mom – should quit smoking. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to all sorts of problems for your child, like low birthweight, preterm delivery, lung conditions, asthma, learning disabilities, physical development issues and even death. And still, 12 to 20 percent of pregnant women smoke, according to the American Pregnancy Association, and more than 1,000 babies die every year in the US because their mothers smoked during pregnancy.

Smoking can also cause problems for fertility. Women who smoke are more likely to be infertile, and some studies show that men who smoke have poorer sperm quality than men who don’t.

2. Cut back on alcohol

Drinking during pregnancy can cause many issues, like miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome and physical, intellectual, behavioral or learning disabilities. It’s smart to cut back even when you’re trying to conceive.

The first few weeks of pregnancy (yes, even those four to six weeks you may not know you’re pregnant) are crucial for a baby’s development. With so much of the development happening, it’s no surprise that alcohol can interfere.

3. Reduce your caffeine intake

Some caffeine during pregnancy is OK, but if you’re a three-cups-of-coffee kind of person, you’ll want to cut back. Experts recommend consuming less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, which is about one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

A small study published in the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Fertility and Sterility journal studied 344 couples and concluded that women who had more than two caffeinated drinks per day while pregnant had a 74-percent higher risk of miscarriage than those who drank less caffeine. And, when their significant others had more than two caffeinated drinks per day, there was also an increased risk of miscarriage.

4. Maintain a healthy weight and evaluate your exercise plan

Keeping your weight and exercise regimen in check is great for your overall health, but it’s especially important if you want to start a family.

While it’s important to find a workout routine that works for you, don’t work out too hard. That’s because there may be a relationship between strenuous exercise and ovulation issues. On the flip side, too little exercise may be associated with obesity, which may cause anovulation (a menstrual cycle without ovulation) and, according to one study, may double the time it takes to conceive.

The bottom line? Exercise and weight recommendations vary from person to person. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you and your partner.

5. Start taking a prenatal supplement

Taking prenatal vitamins is a must during pregnancy, but you’ll want to consider getting a head start. Taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily, a main ingredient in all prenatal vitamins, can help lower the risk of neural tube defects in babies when women take them before conception. It’s best to start taking them at least one month before trying to conceive.

6. Ensure you’re up to date with all of your screenings and vaccinations

You and your significant other should be up to date on health screenings and checkups. You should also schedule a preconception exam with your OB/GYN, who can evaluate test results and answer any questions you might have about conception.

Also, it’s important that your doctors check to see if you’ve had tuberculosis or if you’re a carrier for some genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease. These conditions can contribute to pregnancy complications and may even prevent you from getting pregnant.

Remember that the road to conception may be long and sometimes rocky, but starting a family can be exciting and extremely rewarding. While easier said than done, try to be patient and savor the time with your significant other.

Dr. Stephanie Tootle is an OB/GYN who sees patients at Memorial Health University Physicians | Women’s Care Islands.

To book an appointment with her or any of our OB/GYNs, go to MemorialHealthDoctors.com.

Memorial Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

FREE in-person, enrollment and renewal assistance for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Pregnancy Medicaid and other public benefits (SNAP &CAPS) will be available at the Bull Street Public Library, 2002 Bull St. Tues. Feb. 12 2019, 4-7PM (Please arrive by 6:30PM).

Health Coverage through Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids is no cost or low cost coverage for children 0-19 years old. Children in a family of four earning up to $62,004 may qualify. Coverage includes regular check ups, immunizations, doctor and dentist visits, hospital stays, mental health services, prescriptions and more.

If you are unable to come to the event, contact Coastal Campaign Team Enrollment Assistors, Tamara Solomon at 912-661-1272 or LaToya Brannen at 912-356-2887.

Bring a government-issued ID and all necessary documentation including proof of income and Social Security #s for the entire household.

This event is free and open to the public.

Tues. Feb. 12, 2019
4-6:30PM
Bull Street Public Library
2002 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Hosted by Campaign for Healthy Kids and Families and Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council