What is Xylitol?

We are always looking for new ways to help our patient protect their teeth. And while brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing, and scheduling your bi-annual dental cleanings and exams are essential to staying on track, there are extra things that you can do to help prevent tooth decay at home. By eating the right foods, reducing the amount of sugar that you eat on a daily basis, and drinking plenty of water, you can keep your teeth bright, white, and healthy. But there is one surprising way to keep your smile healthy — xylitol!

What exactly is xylitol?

Xylitol’s name may sound complicated, but more simply put — it is a natural sweetener. It naturally occurs in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body!

How does it work?

Xylitol’s main benefit is that it interacts with bacteria. Since xylitol is non-fermentable, bacteria  are unable to thrive or produce acids when in its presence. Xylitol also has an anti-adhesive quality - this means that it makes it  more difficult for bacteria to adhere to your teeth.

What contains xylitol?

Look for gums that contain xylitol! This is a great way to safely chew gum throughout the day while protecting your teeth. There are also xylitol toothpastes, mints, and floss.

Do you have any questions about how to care for your child’s teeth? Is it time to schedule a dental cleaning? Give our office a call! We are here to keep your little one’s smiling year-round!

Fluoride Alternatives: Xylitol Toothpaste

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Many parents visit our office and wonder what they can be using as a toothpaste for their young child who doesn’t spit out yet.  The good news is that there are alternatives for your child that can still provide anti-cavity effects.  

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics we are very up to date on the latest products, technology and research.  We are a gluten free, latex free office, with digital x-rays (reduced radiation), and can offer fluoride alternatives.

 
Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants. It is a low glycemic sweetener and even safe for diabetics.  It does not break down like sugar and can help keep the saliva in your mouth a more neutral pH level. Xylitol also aids in preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth.  

For your convenience we have this toothpaste in our office, and it can also be found at some local stores.  Xylitol for dental use can be found in many children’s toothpastes mouthwashes and as a chewing gum.

 
Did you also know that the cavity causing bacteria can be transmitted from parent to child?  Studies show that regular use of xylitol gum by a parent or caregiver can reduce the transmission of cavity causing bacteria (strep mutans) to your child.

 
Xylitol has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.  Xylitol will help to reduce cavities, however, it is important to visit your dentist because this is just one part of the equation.  Establish a dental HOME for your child and review their personalized cavities risk assessment.  From this evaluation your dentist can come up with an individualized preventive plan that can start your child on a path to positive oral health.

 
Come visit us at any of our three locations and see how our pediatric dental care can positively impact your child’s life forever!

For more information about the benefits of Xylitol visit Xylitol.org or CDA.org

Fighting Bad Breath Naturally

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As adults, bad breath is something we are all aware of, but did you know children can have halitosis too? 

What is halitosis (bad breath)?
At least 90% of bad breath cases are due to poor dental hygiene. As we eat, food is broken down by the bacteria that naturally lives in our mouths. As the food and proteins are broken down they release a gas - this gas, hydrogen sulfide vapors, is smelly.

The most common cause of halitosis in children is due to plaque buildup and poor dental hygiene. It can be difficult to ensure your children are brushing, flossing, and rinsing thoroughly each time, and missed brushings leave the mouth primed for the bad breath bacteria to begin to multiply. So we have some tips to help fight bad breath naturally:

• Choose toothpaste with Xylitol - Nature’s secret weapon, xylitol can be found in many of the fruits and vegetables we eat everyday. Xylitol aids in preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth and works to keep saliva at a more neutral pH level. Xylitol for dental use can be found in many children’s toothpastes, mouthwashes, and as a chewing gum.
• Stick to water - Encourage your child to drink more water throughout the day to help remove particles stuck between teeth as well as boost saliva production.
• Clean between teeth daily - Many areas of the mouth are somewhat self-cleansing, however the greatest entrapment area is in between the teeth. Food debris and bacteria accumulating over time will not only cause bad breath odors but can also contribute to inflammation.
• Don’t forget about the tongue - Teach your children to brush their entire tongue each time they brush their teeth. Clinical studies have shown that brushing the tongue significantly reduces and removes oral bacteria.

If your child’s bad breath doesn’t respond to the above tactics, there could be a more serious condition at hand. Make sure you have it checked immediately. 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: Fluoride

At Adelberg Montalvan, we take great pride in our practice and in educating our patients. We understand that the topic of fluoride may confuse some parents. And with the internet at our finger tips, it’s easy to search and find articles from non-credible sources recommending to steer clear of fluoride use. 
 
But we assure you, as board certified pediatric dental specialists, we follow the strictest of guidelines established by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in our fluoride recommendations. 
 
To help shed some light on fluoride, we pulled together some common FAQs parents tend to ask:
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. It occurs naturally in varying water sources and certain foods and beverages but the levels vary widely. 
 
Where is fluoride found?
Fluoride can be found naturally in some foods and water and has known to be added to the water supply of certain areas. On Long Island - the water supply is not fluoridated however in New York City and the boroughs, it is. Fluoride is also added to some dental products like toothpaste to help prevent cavities. 
 
How does fluoride protect teeth?
Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease a person's chances of getting cavities by making teeth stronger. It also helps stop early stage tooth decay. The fluoride consumed naturally from foods and water, plus fluoridated toothpaste, helps provide topical benefit. The tiny amounts of fluoride becomes part of saliva and helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel. 
 
Why should I use fluoride toothpaste?
Brushing for two minutes, twice daily, helps remove plaque and debris from teeth. But only using fluoride toothpaste will do all that plus strengthen tooth enamel!
 
Should my child use fluoride toothpaste? 
For children younger than 3 years of age, when the first few teeth erupt, begin brushing with a smear (size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste. For children ages 3 to 6, dispense no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise your children and teach them how to spit out the toothpaste vs. swallowing it. Over the age of 6, ensure the appropriate amount of toothpaste is being used and that they are brushing thoroughly in the morning and at night.
 
I’m nervous to brush my infant’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste - is there another option?
Sure is! Many parents visit our office and wonder what they can be using as a toothpaste for their young child who doesn’t spit out yet.  The good news is there is an alternative for your child that can still provide anti-cavity effects: Xylitol Toothpaste. Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants. It is a low glycemic sweetener and even safe for diabetics. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep the saliva in your mouth a more neutral pH level. Xylitol also aids in preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth.  

If you have additional questions or concerns surrounding fluoride use, we encourage you to give any of our three offices a call. We'd be happy to answer any and all of your questions!

Toothy Tuesday - Stocking Stuffers for Healthy Smiles

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If we had to guess, dental products probably are not at the top of your child’s wish list, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be included. Let Santa handle all the big stuff! Consider tucking some tooth friendly goodies inside your child’s stockings to insure healthy smiles throughout the new year:

Xylitol Gum - Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants. In gum form, it works to prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth as well as keeping saliva at a more neutral pH level. Making sure your kids chew this when they have a gum craving will help stimulate saliva while keeping teeth clean and healthy.

Flavored Toothpaste & Floss - Get your kids excited about brushing and flossing again! Treat them to a fun flavored toothpaste or floss to add variety to their normally minty routine. From cupcake to bacon flavored, you’re sure to find something on the market for your child. This Vanilla Ice Creme flavored toothpaste even has a 15% xylitol solution - win win! 

Fun Toothbrush - Singing toothbrushes, uniquely shaped toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, smart toothbrushes, you name it - it probably exists. If your child is due for a new toothbrush, add one to their stocking this year!

Mouth Guard - Do you have an athlete in the family? Give the gift of a custom mouth guard. We have a mouth guard center in each of our locations - and you don’t need to be a patient to take advantage! We’ll fit your child for a guard unique to them and in the colors they prefer. Surprise them with a new mouth guard in time for spring sports! 

Timer - It’s important to brush for two minutes, twice daily - but making sure your children brush the full length of time can be tough. Look into the different two minute timers available on the web! Some offer LED lighting to signify when to start and when to stop, others sound a bell, while others you have to watch the time tick out. 

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth throughout the holidays, give one of our offices a call! We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment, in three different Long Island locations. 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!

Newsflash: Chocolate is Good For Your Teeth!

Okay.. we admit it. That’s not entirely true, but there are some benefits to chowing down on chocolate over other sweet treats. In fact, it may surprise you that dark chocolate has actually been deemed beneficial for your health in more areas than one.

What makes dark chocolate a good dental decision?

As compared to other types of candy — the sticky, icky, chewy, gooey kind — chocolate washes away easier, leaving less residue that can potentially cause decay. The dark variety specifically, contains a flavonoid called epicatechin. This flavonoid helps to slow tooth decay, while also lowering cholesterol and preventing blood clots and clogged arteries. So, what we’re saying is… enjoy as much dark chocolate with your children as you please — in moderation!!

What other sweet treats are good for my teeth?

Truthfully, we wouldn’t really say any sweets are particularly good for your teeth, but more that some are better options than others. Like sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol for example. The xylitol acts as a sweetening agent so that kids are still intrigued by the flavor, without all the decay-causing sugar. The gum helps promote saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth. Moral of the story? Go sugar-free! Your kids won’t even notice the difference.

At the end of the day, no matter what treats your children like to enjoy, the most important thing is remembering to floss and brush regularly. Sure dark chocolate and sugar-free gum can help, but they certainly won’t be able to battle tooth decay and halitosis on their own!

Is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

Keep Tiny Teeth Top of Mind this Halloween

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When it comes to Halloween candies - not all treats are created equal. Some can even have a scary effect on tiny teeth! Keep your child’s teeth top of mind this Halloween, see below for which candies are the most frightening and which ones will make for a healthy Halloween holiday!

Items to avoid:
Gummies, caramel, sour candies or any chewy/sticky candy can easily get stuck in all the nooks and crannies of the mouth, making it hard for saliva to wash particles away - leading to tooth decay.

Better choices:
Treats like milk chocolate and snack sized packs of pretzels or crackers are better options for teeth when consumed in moderation. Since these are less sticky than the above and also are not high in acidity - they are less harmful to tiny teeth.

Best choices:
Dark chocolate - due to its antioxidant properties of preventing infections and bacteria from sticking to teeth - and sugar-free gum with xylitol are the best treat choices. Research shows that xylitol can help promote the presence of healthy bacteria that protect the teeth and fight the buildup of plaque. 

With all the treats your kids are bound to bring home, we want to remind you to allow them to snack in moderation and to always brush and rinse after consumption.

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. 

#TravelThursday - Tooth Care While Traveling

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With your child’s spring break around the corner, you may have some travel plans secured (hopefully to a warmer, less rainy location). As such, we wanted to make sure you were prepared with some tooth care tips while traveling:

Pack properly - Make sure all toothbrushes are covered with a travel container large enough to provide air circulation and holes for drainage and ventilation. Be sure to clean the case thoroughly before and after the trip to rid any dirt or bacteria.

Purchase travel sized items - If you are only bringing a carry on, remember to comply with TSA rules. Travel sized toothpaste (3oz) can easily be stashed in your carry on bags. It may also be a good idea to bring a travel sized toothbrush in your purse for on the go cleaning. Remember, if staying at a hotel,

Bring some sugar free xylitol chewing gum - When traveling, it’s easy to fall out of normal dental care routines. With nature’s secret weapon in gum form on hand, you can still take preventative oral health measures. Xylitol aids in preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth as well as keeping saliva at a more neutral pH level. Chewing this gum will help to stimulate saliva and keep teeth clean and healthy.

Avoid dental emergencies - If possible, schedule your routine checkup with us prior to leaving. To prepare for emergencies while away, pack a “Dental Emergency Kit” including mouth guards for sporting activities, pain relievers, orthodontic wax for those with braces, cotton/gauze, and floss.

For any questions, concerns, or emergencies - we’re here for you and your child. Please feel free to contact us at any of our 3 locations. 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.

Dental Health New Year's Resolution Check In!

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As we head into February, now is a great time to assess the changes you’ve promised to make this New Year. Whether big or small, keeping your resolutions not only serves as a morale booster, but it can in many ways improve your overall well being! 

Remember, consistency is key to any resolution you make. If achieving great oral health is something you and your family are dedicated to, here are a few tips to help you ensure that you stay on track:

Improve Your Diet - While sugar isn’t the worst thing to consume, it’s not smart to let it sit in your mouth after a snack! Sugar filled treats (including fizzy drinks and carbohydrate-rich foods) can accelerate tooth decay, leading to cavities and other mouth related issues. To help remedy this, try to limit the amount of sugar consumed and chew some xylitol infused gum to help reduce cavity causing bacteria!

Try New Flossing Options - While traditional flossing is very effective, switching things up can make the “chore” fun again! Try incorporating a Waterpik into your kids flossing routine. Floss first to loosen the plaque, then Waterpik to flush it away! Waterpiks are also great for those with braces since it can get behind the metal wires to rid any trapped food particles. 

Keep Dental Visit Promises - A typical dental check-up takes usually no more than an hour. We know it’s easy to skip appointments, but it’s just as easy to commit to going twice per year! By keeping these visits, we can make sure problems are addressed early - when they’re more treatable. 

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth throughout the New Year, give one of our offices a call! We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment, in three different Long Island locations. 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! 

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.

How Does Sugar Affect Teeth?

You hear it time and time again, eating too much sugar can lead to a cavity filled mouth — but exactly how does that happen? The sugar itself isn’t what causes damage, rather it’s the process of what happens to the sugar once consumed that does.

Learn more about the effect sugar has on teeth below. 

How do you get cavities?

Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria, many of which are good for your oral health! Harmful bacteria comes into play when sugar is present. This bacteria feeds on the sugars in your mouth to create acids that destroy the protective outer layer of your teeth — known as tooth enamel. Cavities are created by these acids and without treatment can seriously hurt your tooth!

So, how can these acids be stopped?

Fortunately, there is a natural process of demineralization and remineralization (think of it as a tug-of-war) that occurs in the mouth. As these acids attack the important minerals in your tooth enamel (demineralization), your saliva plays a key role in their restoration (remineralization). Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphates that help repair teeth! But limiting your sugar intake is key to giving your saliva a chance to fix any damage.

How else can I help remineralize tooth enamel?

Aside from limiting sugar, stimulating saliva flow! This can be done by chewing sugar free gum or gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Also, incorporating more fibrous veggies and fruits into your diet can help bathe your teeth in saliva and thus, important minerals.

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and phosphates as well. Finally, fluoride is another mineral that can repair weakened enamel so be sure to brush two minutes, twice a day with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.

Add regular dental visits with Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry into the mix and your family has the best chance of winning the battle against tooth decay! With three convenient Long Island locations, we specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Contact us to request an appointment today!

3 Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

 

 

While brushing for two minutes, twice daily, and flossing regularly is still the best defense in the fight against tooth decay - you may find it surprising that one "bad habit" is also good for your teeth.

While chewing gum helps freshen breath - choosing a sugar-free gum actually yields some major tooth benefits! 

1. Prevents Cavities. Did you know that clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating can help prevent tooth decay? That’s because chewing gum increases the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva not only helps wash away food and debris caught between teeth, but it also helps to neutralize plaque acid.

2. Strengthens Tooth Enamel. Saliva also contains additional calcium and phosphate which helps to strengthen tooth enamel! And if you choose a sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol - an all natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants - you’ll keep your mouth a more neutral pH, which keeps tooth enamel healthy. 

3. Reduces Dry Mouth. While more common in adults, dry mouth does affect men and women of all ages. And even though there are a variety of treatments for this problem, the goal in all is almost always to increase salivary flow. One of the simplest ways to do this - as you may guess from above, is to chew sugar-free gum.  Chewing sugar-free gum causes your mouth to increase the production of saliva by 10 times the normal rate! 

Next time you purchase sugar-free gum from the store, look for those with the ADA seal on the package to guarantee it’s sugarless. 

For more tips on how to keep teeth healthy - give us a call! 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. We have three locations: Nesconset, Massapequa Park, and West Islip.

5 Last Minutes Stocking Stuffers

Attention Santa’s Elves! If you’re still looking for some last minute stocking stuffers for your family - look no further. We’ve got five suggestions that will make sure your family stays on the nice list - at least where their oral health is concerned - for 2017!

1. New Toothbrush. Toothbrushes should be swapped out every three months or earlier if the bristles are frayed. If you can't remember the last time your changed out your family's toothbrushes, use this holiday season as your reset button. Now, come March or during your Spring Cleaning - you'll remember to change them again!

2. Travel Oral Care. You may have the perfect dental routine at home, but when on the go, not so much. From sleepovers to long days at the office – having travel sized and/or disposable oral products can help for on the go freshening.

3. Gum. But not just any gum! Be sure to choose a sugar-free option OR one sweetened with Xylitol (a natural sweetener found in plants). Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after snacking increases saliva which helps to neutralize plaque acid thus preventing tooth decay! 

4. Small Toys. One of the best dental health gifts you can give, actually doesn’t have to do with teeth. Instead of filling stockings with sugary treats, choose small toys and gifts! From craft supplies to hair accessories, curb temptation of sweets with some sugar-free surprises!

5. Water Bottle. Encourage your family to increase their water consumption and decrease their soda or juice consumption. From bottles with built in water filters to stainless steel double-wall vacuum insulated for the most refreshing sips, you’re bound to find the perfect one for each member of the family.

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth throughout the holidays, give one of our offices a call! We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment, in three different Long Island locations. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

5 Tooth Safety Tips For Halloween

Happy Halloween! As pediatric dentists, we’re not necessarily fans of the treats, but we would certainly prefer them over tricks! Unless of course, those tricks would help you and your little one keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape this Halloween!

1. Save the sweets for after dinner. Not only will this keep your children from spoiling their appetite, but it can help keep their teeth safe from decay as well. Saliva production increases after eating a full meal, which means their little mouths will be better equipped to wash away cavity-causing food particles.
   
2. Stick to sugar-free. Gum sweetened with xylitol, instead of sugar, makes snacking sweet less dangerous for your little one’s teeth. They’ll get all the goodness of sweet, without the cavity-causing additives.
   
3. Say no to sticky sweets. Gummy, gooey, chewy candy is a no-no! These sweet are more likely to get stuck in your child's teeth and lead to decay. They can also dislodge filings and wear down bonding or sealants.
   
4. Incorporate more water. Your kids will surely be running around all evening, scurrying from door to door to collect their treats. Make sure they’re drinking enough water to keep them hydrated, but also to help wash away any residual sugar and food particles snack refuels.
   
5. Be careful about costumes. Speaking of running around… does your little one’s costume fit right? Make sure there are no loose fabrics that can cause your tiny monster to trip or fall while he’s out running with other ghouls and ghosts. The last thing we need is a broken tooth — talk about a scary Halloween!

Is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.