FAQ - Mouthguard Center of Long Island

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

As you know, we’ve recently announced the addition of the Mouthguard Center in each of our offices. Naturally, there’s been a few common questions that have come up. For our answers to these frequently asked questions, please see below: 

Do we need an appointment?
Yes, please call the office you plan to come in to let them know. These "appointments" are quickly accommodated and shorter than a regular dental visit!

Can we get the impression taken at my child’s hygiene visit?
Of course! If your child is not a regular patient of ours they are still able to receive an impression/mouthguard during their visit.

What’s the price range?
Mouthguard’s are $80+ (depending on specifics). Please keep in mind these mouthguards last longer than store bought and if your child had one made previously they will be less expensive if you have your mold.
Mouthguards should be an extension of your child’s uniform. Much like you purchase appropriate footwear to protect against injuries, mouth guards are necessary in preventing dental injuries AND concussions.

 

Do you offer team discounts?

We do! Please call our offices directly for more information.

 

Can we customize the mouthguard to fit our team’s colors?
Absolutely! Your child will have the opportunity to pick their own colors - whether for their school, intramural. or PAL leagues!

 

How many kinds of mouthguards are there?
There are three main types of mouthguards on the market: custom made, boil and bite/self fit, and stock mouthguards. It’s important to choose a mouthguard that is resilient, comfortable, fits properly, and does not restrict breathing or your child’s speech. Of the three kinds, having an individually designed custom mouthguard provides optimum protection and improved performance. Learn more in our blog post here »

 

What happens if my child loses their mouthguard? Can it be replaced?
You will be given your custom mold to keep. As long as this can be used to re-fabricate the mouthguard, the second one will be done at 50% off.

How do we clean the mouthguard?
When you come in to pick up your mouthguard we will be providing a set of care instructions, but some other tips include:

• Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water.
• Soak your mouthguard in mouthwash prior to storing.
• Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry.
• Don't leave your mouthguard in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile - heat can cause damage.
• Careful not to bend your mouthguard when storing.
• Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard.

Do you still have a question different from the above? Please let us know on our FACEBOOK page - we'll be sure to get back to you!

 

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

 

Your Comprehensive Guide to Athletic Mouthguards

You know what they say, “kids will be kids.” And with kids so full of energy, it’s no surprise they experience frequent bumps and bruises — especially when involved in athletics.

Chances are, at one point or another, you’ve had to comfort your little one over a bruised knee or scraped elbow. As such, you’ll invest in some extra protection, like elbow and knee pads, to keep them safe.

But there’s one piece of equipment that often gets overlooked, despite its importance. That’s right, you’ve guessed it — a mouthguard! Did you know, mouthguards can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries a year? Yet despite this statistic, mouthguards are often seen as an optional piece of a uniform!

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Everyone! Mouthguards aren’t just for professional boxers, they’re critical for all organized and unorganized sports, both at recreational and competitive levels.

Mouthguards are important for:

• Protecting against jaw joint and neck injuries
• Reducing risk and severity of a concussion
• Preventing chipped or broken teeth
• And more!

No matter your child’s age, gender, or skill level, there is a risk of sustaining a dental injury. While contact sports — like boxing, football, and lacrosse — seem most obvious, dental injuries are also prevalent in non-contact activities, like skating and gymnastics.

Are There Different Types of Athletic Mouthguards?

There are three types of mouthguards:

1. Stock guards — These are available for purchase in sporting goods stores as is. A low-cost option, stock guards offer the least protection since there is no fit adjustment.
2. Mouth-formed guards — One of the more popular solutions, these guards can be submerged in boiling water and formed to the mouth with biting pressure. Certainly more unique to the athlete’s mouth than the stock guard, it’s important to note that typically these often do not cover ALL of the back teeth.
3. Custom-made guards — Provided by your dentist (like AMPD!). These guards are made from exact molds of your child’s own teeth and created from resilient and tear resistant materials ensuring the best fit.

Each of the above guards varies in comfort and price but do all provide some degree of protection. And while any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard, we encourage you to choose the custom-fit solution. Why? They’re the most comfortable, as they’re fit uniquely to your athlete’s mouth. And being custom-made, you’ll find it does not restrict speech or breathing — which is so important!

How to Care for Your Mouthguard

"Everything that a microorganism needs to survive, including food and water, can be found in a mouthguard. While mouthguards appear solid, they are very porous, like a sponge, and with use, microorganisms invade these porosities." — Thomas Glass, DDS, PhD, lead author of a study from the Academy of General Dentistry.

That being said, keeping your mouthguard clean is of utmost importance. Before and after each use, clean the guard using a toothbrush and toothpaste — you can also opt for washing with soapy water, rinsing thoroughly. In terms of storage and transportation, keep the mouthguard in a well ventilated, sturdy container (making sure not to leave it in the sun). Finally, examine the guard daily for wear and tear and replace immediately if it becomes loose or damaged.

Make an Appointment for Your Child at Our Mouthguard Center

We’re pleased to offer the Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental Mouthguard Center in each of our three locations! And you don’t have to be one of our regular patients to take advantage of this service! Contact us today to make an appointment; we’ll take an impression of your child’s teeth and create a guard with the highest level of comfort and protection. We can even use colors to coincide with their school, intramural, or PAL league’s uniform.

National Facial Protection Month

This month is National Facial Protection Month and we’re here to remind you just how important it is to wear a mouthguard during sports. 

 
Did you know an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth if they are not wearing a mouthguard? And that a mouthguard should be worn during all sports - not just those that are high collision or contact.

 

Help your children protect their teeth and faces from injury with these tips!
 

Wear a mouthguard. There are three types of mouthguards available: custom made, boil and bite, and stock guards. Of course any mouthguard is better than NO mouthguard, but we do recommend receiving a custom made one from us. These provide optimum protection as they are made uniquely for your child’s mouth.

Wear a helmet. Helmets are key in helping to prevent serious damage to the head. When choosing a helmet, it’s important to select one specific to the activity at hand. For example, football helmets are made to absorb multiple impacts, skate boarding helmets are designed to absorb high-speed impacts, etc.
 

Wear protective gear. This includes any necessary eyewear, face shields, and sport specific gear like shin guards for soccer, jockstrap, knee/elbow/shoulder pads, gloves, etc. Protective gear is important to help maintain the overall safety of an athlete participating in a certain sport. 

 
If you’re looking for a mouthguard for your child, look no further. At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we offer our very own mouthguard centers so your athlete can receive a custom fit mouth guard. Please come by any of our 3 locations before your child’s next game to be sure a mouthguard is included as part of their uniform!

The Importance of Mouthguards in Youth Sports

 

Youths in competitive sports are at an all time high, with roughly 25 million kids under 18 participating in some type of organized sports program annually. Through sports, kids learn the importance of teamwork, physical education, and good sportsmanship. But along with all the great opportunities sports bring, there remains one downfall -- the occasional injury. 

Unfortunately, injuries happen. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sports involvement accounts for nearly 36% of all unintentional injuries during childhood and adolescence. But don’t let that statistic scare you into keeping your child out of sports. Instead, learn the ways to best keep them safe! 

Thanks to mouthguards, dental injuries are among the easiest to prevent. Reports published by the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety show that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain an oral injury if not wearing a protective mouthguard, especially in high contact sports, such as football or wrestling. 

In addition to protecting the teeth, gums, and jaw, mouthguards also work to reduce the severity of a concussion. A study published in the May 2014 issue of General Dentistry found that athletes wearing store bought mouthguards were twice as likely to suffer a mild concussion or traumatic brain injury, than those who wore custom fitted mouthguards. Don't get us wrong, any mouthguard is better than NO mouthguard. As long as your child has one in during play, they help absorb energy from impact - reducing the chance of concussions. However, just like a football player needs a proper, snug fitting helmet, your child needs a custom mouthguard to truly protect their mouth and brain.
 

Your child's safety is of utmost importance to us, which is why we offer dedicated mouthguard centers at each of our Long Island locations. Whether you're our current patient or have just stumbled across our blog - we welcome all to ensure your athlete has a custom fit mouthguard in time for their next big game! Contact us for more information!

Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard [Infographic]

We encourage you to play it safe! Dental emergencies and other injuries can be prevented, with the use of a custom fit mouthguard.

Custom guards are more comfortable, don’t restrict breathing or speech, and provide the highest level of protection.

As you may know, certain sports require the use of mouthguard — like football, lacrosse, wrestling, ice hockey and field hockey. But while they’re not required for others, they should still be worn for sports or activities like basketball, skateboarding, karate, baseball or any sport that poses dangers to the mouth and teeth.

Before this upcoming sports season, be sure to make an appointment at our Mouthguard Center of Long Island! We will fit your child with a mouthguard specific to their mouth and they can choose their colors to coincide with their school, intramural, or PAL league’s uniform. Contact us at any of our three locations today for more information!

The Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental Mouthguard Center of L.I.

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Hope all of our patients enjoyed their first week back in school. But parents, before they run off to their first fall sports game, we have some important news to share. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental will now be offering a Mouthguard Center at each of our locations! The bonus, you don’t need to be a patient - so be sure to share with your child’s teammates!

Mouthguards are one of the most important pieces of sports equipment your child needs to stay safe. They are a simple solution that helps to dramatically reduce the risk of oral injuries and concussions. Our mouthguard center will fit your child with a custom mouthguard unique to their mouths. A custom fit mouthguard lasts longer, offers greater protection and is more comfortable to wear than store bought guards. Plus your child will have the opportunity to pick their own colors, whether for their school, intramural, or PAL league!

Please come by any of our 3 locations before your child’s next game to be sure a mouth guard is included as part of their uniform:

Nesconset Office
62 Lake Ave., Suite A
Nesconset, NY 11767
(631) 360-7337

Massapequa Park Office
1000 F. Park Blvd.
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
(516) 798-1111

West Islip Office
615 Montauk Highway, West Islip NY 11795
(631) 661-7337

Get Ready for Spring Sports | Custom Mouthguards

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

True or False - Youth football and hockey have the highest amount of sports-related dental injuries.
 

FALSE. Due to mandatory protective equipment - mouthguards - the number of dental and facial injuries have reduced significantly in these sports over the years. In actuality, baseball and basketball have been shown to have the highest incidence of sports-related dental injuries in this age group.

 

With spring sports - like baseball and softball- gearing up for the season, it’s important to make sure your child is well prepared. Prevent dental injuries in all spring sports or outdoor fun by including a mouthguard as a mandatory part of play.

And while any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard, our team at Adelberg Montalvan strongly recommends opting for a custom fit guard - and here’s why:

• Custom fabricated mouthguards are created off of a dental model of your child’s mouth. This makes the guard completely unique to your athlete.
• Custom made guards are superior in retention, protection, and comfort. Since they fit perfectly to your child’s mouth, they won’t interfere with speech or breathing.
• Custom made guards better cover all of your child’s teeth - even those with braces!
• Custom guards can also be created in any color your child prefers - to match their school or PAL team uniforms - right here in any of our three locations!

At all three of our locations you can find a Mouthguard Center that will fit your child with a custom mouthguard, and the bonus is you don’t need to be a patient - so be sure to share with your child’s teammates! For more information give us a call! And don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for AMPD updates and industry news.

#TuesdayTips - Pick Up Your Custom Mouthguard in Time for Spring Sports

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Spring sports are right around the corner! Make sure your child has all the necessary equipment to keep his or her mouth safe, give us a call or stop by our offices to obtain a custom fit mouthguard.

Mouthguards are one of the most important pieces of sports equipment your child needs to stay safe and are significantly less expensive than the cost to repair an injury. Custom fit guards in particular offer superior fit, comfort, and protection for your child’s teeth. Since they are made from the highest quality material molded from an impression specifically of your child’s teeth, your athlete will be more likely to wear the guard due to its comfort!

At all three of our locations you can find a Mouthguard Center that will fit your child with a custom mouthguard, and the bonus is you don’t need to be a patient - so be sure to share with your child’s teammates! Our custom mouthguards are available in all colors, so your child can choose colors to match their school, intramural, or PAL league.

For more tips on keeping your athlete’s teeth healthy, head to AAPD’s website here »

Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news.

 

Winter Fun Safety Tips

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Now that the weather has calmed down and the driveway has been shoveled, it’s time to have some fun! But before you do so, make sure you keep these winter fun safety tips in mind:

Dress warmly - Even if all that running around warms up your children, make sure they stay dressed appropriately for the outdoors. Several layers will keep them dry and warm - don’t forget boots, gloves, and hats! 

Know the signs of hypothermia - Hypothermia develops when a child’s temperature falls below normal due to the colder weather. This often occurs when a child is playing outside without proper clothing (as mentioned above) or when clothes get wet. When hypothermia sets in, your child may shiver, slur speech, and become lethargic. Call 911 at once and take your little one indoors to remove any wet clothing and wrap him/her in warm clothes and blankets.

Set reasonable time limits - To prevent something as severe as hypothermia, set reasonable time limits on play outdoors. You may also want to supervise them to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

Have them wear a mouthguard - If they’re going out to sled or play some hockey, a mouthguard should be worn. These are essential for protecting teeth should a fall or collision occur! 

For more winter safety tips, check out this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Don't forget to post a picture of your family or kids having fun in the snow to our Facebook page for a chance to win a $100 gift card!  We want to see what all of our patients are up to this weekend! (winner announced Tuesday).

If you have any questions about your child’s oral health or are in need of a new mouthguard, give any of our offices a call! Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. 

Spring Sports: The Importance of a Mouthguard

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Spring sports are upon us and while these sports are important for building your child’s confidence, team working skills, and physical endurance, there is also an inherent risk of injury. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, about 10-39% of childhood dental injuries are sports related.

Although we can never completely remove all risk of dental injury from playing sports, most of these injuries could have been easily prevented had the athlete been wearing a mouthguard:

Fractured Tooth
Enamel and dentin are both protectors of the inner living tooth tissue also known as the pulp. In the event of a serious tooth factor, both the dentin and the pulp tissue would be exposed, calling for an immediate visit to the dentist. To prevent the tooth from completely falling out, the dentist may splint the loose tooth by bonding it to adjacent teeth.

A minor fracture involves chipping of the enamel only. Your child may feel sharp or rough tooth edges irritating the cheek and tongue. Generally, the only thing that the tooth would need is a filling or a cap to protect the pulp from any exposure.

Lost Teeth
Commonly, the upper front adult teeth run the highest risk of being knocked out. In this case, retrieve the lost teeth, keep them moist, and replace them into their sockets as soon as possible. Time is precious, teeth re-implanted within an hour of the incident often reattach to their teeth sockets.

Teeth Displacement
Instead of a tooth being completely knocked out of its sockets, it’s simply displaced. The tooth may be pulled out a bit to appear longer or pushed in to appear shorter. A displaced tooth can be twisted, turned, but never leaves the mouth. The sooner your child sees a dentist the easier it will be to bring it back into proper alignment, whether through splitting or orthodontic brackets and wires.

There’s no need to risk it, any mouth guard is better than NO mouth guard. But when trying to choose which one to go with, how do you decide which is best for your child? Check out our blog “Mouth Guard or No Mouth Guard” to determine the best type of mouthguard for your child to keep their teeth safe from injury. Feel free to discuss your options with us today!

Start the School Year with a Smile

 

School supplies? Check. First day of school outfit? Check. Dentist appointment? Check!

School will be back in session in two weeks and as you finish up all of your back to school shopping, don’t forget to schedule that back to school dental appointment! We know that summer break can disrupt daily routines and as such its important to get back on track for a successful school year.
 
To make sure your child starts the school year off with a great smile, be sure to follow our tips below! 

• Schedule a check-up. Good health and academic success begin at home. It’s important as a parent, to make sure there are no obstacles in your child’s way that could hurt their ability to thrive. A twice yearly check up is your best defense to maximize your child’s oral health. Schedule a back to school appointment with us to make sure no dental problems will prevent them from having a happy and healthy year.
• Protect tiny teeth. Back to school = back to school sports. One important piece of your child’s uniform that shouldn’t be forgotten, a custom fit mouthguard. Mouthguards are the simplest solution to dramatically reducing the risk of oral injuries and concussions. At all three of our locations, we offer our very own mouthguard centers so your athlete can receive a custom fit guard in the colors of their choosing. Current patients and first timers welcome!
• Consistency is key. Make sure your child incorporates enough time in the morning and evening to brush and floss teeth. By making these actions routine, your child will develop consistent habits for the rest of their life!
• Pack healthy lunches. When packing lunches for your kids this year make sure to include some tooth friendly options such as string cheese, raw veggies, whole wheat bread for sandwiches, water, etc. Smart snacks and proper nutrition not only play a role in your child’s oral health but also in fueling them through their daily activities.

Let us help make sure nothing is standing in the way of a successful school year - give us a call to schedule your child’s back to school check-ups and/or mouthguard fitting today!

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever.  Our practice has been providing excellent pediatric dentistry to children of Long Island for over 14 years.

Sports Safety Tips: Stay Protected [Infographic]

Playing sports and enjoying recreational activities is a normal part of being a kid, but unfortunately, with these activities, injuries can and do occur. One way to help reduce injury risk? Make sure your athlete is wearing the right protective gear for their activity. Here’s how your child can keep their face and head protected this sports season!

Helmets

Designed to prevent skull fractures (not concussions) and worn for football, softball, baseball, hockey, and men’s lacrosse. Pro tip: Look for a helmet with the ‘Meets NOCSAE Standard’ label to ensure it meets performance and protection standards.

Sports Goggles

According to The Vision Council, more than 600,000 eye injuries related to sports occur each year. Eye gear should be worn for any sport that has flying objects (balls, sticks, rackets) or involves close contact with other players (like basketball) to prevent risk of eye injury.

Throat Guards

Throat guards are worn by hockey & lacrosse goalies and baseball & softball catchers, but aren’t required for field players. Injuries to the structures of the throat can be severe or life-threatening, so consider adding this to your child’s uniform.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries a year! They’re designed to cushion a blow to the face, minimizing risk of broken or knocked out teeth, or other injuries. They also help reduce the risk and severity of a concussion. Mouthguards should be worn in all sports that pose dangers to the mouth and teeth.

If your child is in need of a custom mouthguard, make an appointment at AMPD’s Mouthguard Center of Long Island! We will fit your child with a mouthguard specific to their mouth and they can choose their colors to coincide with their school, intramural, or PAL league’s uniform. Contact us today for more information!

What Type of Mouthguard Should You Use?

Mouth guards are flexible devices worn over the teeth and gums to prevent damage, braces damage, to protect bridgework, and the shape of your mouth and teeth. An ideal guard does not restrict breathing or speech and should comfortably fit over upper teeth while staying in place during athletic activities.

When Do You Need A Mouth Guard?

Not all sports require the use of mouth guards. The U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association does not require their use in all sports. Those participating in ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and football must wear a guard to play. Use with all other sports is optional. It’s wise to know your own body regardless of association rules. If you have dental issues, weakened teeth, braces and bridges use of a mouth piece is undoubtedly a good idea.

What Kind Of Damage Can Occur?

Keep in mind that guards not only protect against damaged teeth but injuries to the jaw, and bones as well. While sports are rewarding, we run the risk of more serious injuries, especially when not wearing a guard. Some of these include concussions, cerebral hemorrhage, and neck injuries from jaw fractures. This occurs when the lower jaw quickly slams into the upper jaw during sports. Mouth guards help prevent these injuries.

Types Of Mouth Guards

Now that you know the type of injuries that can occur when not wearing a mouthguard you may be wondering what kind of guard to get.

Stock mouth guards

Stock are performed and ready to wear.

Mouth-formed mouth guards

Mouth-formed are shell liner or boil-and-bite.

Custom-fitted mouth guards

Custom-fitted are cast to the teeth, are more expensive and provide the greatest degree of protection, as they cover all the teeth.

Visiting an orthodontist or orthopedic dentist to discuss yours or your child's individual needs and what is best for your situation is best in determining the appropriate mouth guard. This may largely depend on what type of sports you or your child are involved in, and the potential for injury.

For more information on selecting mouthguards, contact us today!

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Any time a child gets hurt, it can be a scary moment for parents and caregivers. From a scraped knee to a chipped tooth, this is never something you want to see! But kids will be kids, so where dental emergencies are concerned, we’ve got you covered:

How to Handle a Knocked out Baby Tooth

1. Contact Us: If your child knocks out their baby tooth, contact us as soon as you can. We can give simple solutions to provide comfort and prevent infection. 
2. At-Home Remedies: To provide comfort at home, start by rinsing the mouth out. After rinsing, use a cold cloth and apply pressure to the gum to reduce the swelling. 
3. Talk to Your Child: Losing a tooth can be a scary moment for a child. Explain to them how teeth fall out, and new ones grow!

How to Handle a Knocked out Permanent Tooth

1. Find the Tooth: Often times, a tooth can be saved and even replanted into the mouth. Start by rinsing it in cold water. Do not brush or scrub it.
2. Come See Us Immediately: Come in for your appointment as soon as you can. If the wait is longer than 2-3 hours, set the tooth back in the socket, and hold it in place with a clean cloth. This way, the area won’t start to heal. If this isn’t possible, keep the tooth in a safe place until you get here.

How to Handle a Chipped or Broken Tooth

1. Give Us a Call: The quicker you take action, the better chance we have to save the tooth, keep it from getting infected and reduce further complications.
2. Take Care of the Mouth: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and flush the mouth out with warm water to prevent infectious growth.

Accidents can’t always be prevented, but there are some precautions you can take to reduce the chances of one of these emergencies happening in the first place. Our best recommendation is wearing a mouthguard! Not sure which mouthguard is best for your child? Check out our recent blog!

And for more dental emergency information, contact us today!

Tooth Tips Through the Years

Keeping teeth and gums healthy is an important lifetime commitment – and no, it’s not just for having a nice smile in photos. While that’s part of it, maintaining your oral health through the years helps prevent toothaches, discomforts and more serious illnesses (from tooth decay or gum disease to cardiovascular disease).

Fortunately, there are many simple ways to keep teeth health at any age. See below for some important tooth tips to follow through the years!

Baby - Toddler:

• Just because baby teeth fall out doesn’t mean they don’t need to be cared for! Baby teeth are very important for your child’s health and development — like helping them chew or speak! That’s why it’s important to clean your baby’s mouth and gums even if no teeth are visible. Once teeth come in and through age three, brush with no more than a smear of toothpaste (grain of rice).
• Avoid putting baby to bed with anything but water. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when teeth are exposed to sugar for long periods of time (drinks like milk and juice). 
• Establish a dental home early! This helps eliminate fear of the dentist and allows us to monitor their development and spot any dental abnormalities. This visit should occur at the sight of their first tooth or by your child’s first birthday!
• Avoid sharing utensils with your child and while it may be tempting to clean off a pacifier that fell with your mouth, this should be avoided as well. Why? Because cavity causing bacteria can be passed through saliva! 

Children - Teens:

• For children ages three to six, you should supervise brushing and only give them a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Start teaching them not to swallow the paste and to brush for two full minutes!
• Once your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to begin flossing daily. Getting them into this habit early will help them continue this routine later in life.
• Don’t skip on fluoride treatment! Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay! We include this with every pediatric dental treatment.
• Make sure a mouthguard is part of your athlete’s uniform! A custom fit mouthguard designed by Adelberg Montalvan is the most comfortable fitting, providing optimum protection and improved performance. 

All Ages:

• Keep your nutrition in check! The first signs of poor nutrition often show up in your oral health. Choose smile saving snacks often, no matter the age.
• It’s important to maintain dental routines – from keeping up with brushing and flossing to making sure you visit the dentist every six months. Being on top of dental health should become second nature, like showering or changing clothes!

Here’s to a lifetime of healthy smiles! For more tooth tips, explore our blog or give us a call!

To continue keeping your family’s smiles bright, schedule your next appointment with us today! We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, in three different Long Island locations. 

Tips for Parents With School-Aged Children

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National Children’s Dental Health Month is wrapping up but that doesn’t mean you should stop encouraging good dental habits at home. Talk with your children about the importance of consistent brushing and flossing and avoiding sticky and sugary treats to keep Mouth Monsters at bay.

Below are some important tips from the AAPD for all school aged children:

• Parents should supervise the brushing for all school-aged children until they are 7 or 8 years old.
• As soon as teeth are touching, it’s time to start flossing!
• In addition to a consistent brushing and flossing routine, chewing gum with xylitol (a non-sugar naturally occurring substance) can help stimulate saliva flow to help clean the mouth!
• If your child is participating in physical activities, protect their teeth with a mouthguard.
• Avoid carbonated beverages as they can erode enamel on teeth and sports drinks/juices as they keep acid levels high - which is what Mouth Monsters like.

For more tips and information for newborns - 5 years old - download AAPD’s tip sheet here »

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news.

FAQs on Teeth Grinding

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

While teeth grinding may not be the nicest of sounds coming out of your little one’s mouth - there’s generally nothing to worry about (unless the problem persists that is).

Below are some frequently asked questions, courtesy of the AAPD, to help settle your nerves:

1. Is there a reason why children grind their teeth?
  Teeth grinding is very common in young children less than 7 years of age. It usually occurs due to the placement of their teeth. Most children will stop grinding once their 6 year permanent molars erupt.
2. Can stress be the cause of teeth grinding?
  In young children, not likely. It’s more common to find middle school age or high school aged children and teens grinding their teeth when major testing occurs. Toddlers may result to this if they are frustrated and can’t figure out the right vocabulary to use, but will grow out of it when they begin talking more.
3. Should you be worried?
  As long as your child is still young, with baby teeth present - there’s no need to worry. You don’t want to do anything to affect their growth since these teeth will fall out anyway. If the child is older with permanent teeth, intervention may be needed. We want to protect the permanent teeth - not damage or hurt their normal growth.


Many children grind their teeth throughout the day or while they are sleeping, and aren’t even aware they are doing it. If you are concerned the your child’s teeth grinding is serious, schedule an appointment with us. We’ll evaluate if their habit has caused any major problems and may discuss the option of a custom fit mouthguard to wear at night.