kiddin’ ‘round

For a great time for you and your kiddos, Bend Park & Recreation District’s fitness and swim centers are the places to be.

• REC SWIM: All ages welcome.

• FAMILY SWIM: All ages with adult.

• PARENT-CHILD SWIM: Ages 6 & under with adult.

• SWIM SPECIAL: $6.00/adult with paid child.

• SWIM LESSONS: Ages 6 months & up.

• BABY & ME FITNESS CLASSES

• KIDS’ CORNER CHILDCARE AT JUNIPER: For ages 6 months to 6 years - offering childcare in sync with your workout.

Schedules, fees and details at bendparksandrec.org

Two great locations!

Juniper Swim & Fitness Center 800 NE 6th St., Bend • (541) 389-7665

Larkspur Community Center 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend • (541) 388-1133

QMy nine-year-old daughter complains of painful sores inside her mouth on her cheeks. What causes these? Is this something a dentist can address or is it a medical problem?

AAphthous ulcers, or “canker sores,” are small, oval-shaped sores that can develop in the mouth. There are several factors that can contribute to the cause of these ulcers, such as emotional stress, cheek bite, poor toothbrushing, braces, food sensitivities or vitamin deficiencies. Canker sores do heal on their own within 7-10 days. Kids that get frequent canker sores should be evaluated by their dentist to identify possible triggers and discuss methods to relieve discomfort.

QMy three children brush their teeth regularly every morning and evening. My oldest son, however, usually has a cavity when he visits the dentist. (My other two children have never had one). What is he doing wrong?

ACavities are caused by several factors, and these factors can be different even between siblings. Dietary habits and oral hygiene routine are the biggest components to evaluate; however, other factors that can contribute to a higher incidence of tooth decay are oral bacterial colonization, enamel defects, tooth anatomy, saliva flow and mouth breathing. If one child in the family is more prone to cavities, identifying individual risk factors would be essential for future cavity prevention.