New Year, New You: Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

With New Year's quickly approaching you may have already started to consider what your 2014 resolutions will be. Maybe saving money, eating better, learning something new, etc. While these goals are great, why not add a resolution to improve your dental health?

 
See below for some great oral health resolutions that you and your family can practice this coming year:

1. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables - eating well is important for your oral health. Adding more fruits and veggies to your family's diet can improve the body's ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, clean plaque from teeth, and freshen breath.
2. Brush and floss regularly - brush, 2 minutes 2 times a day and floss at least once daily. Decay-causing bacteria still lingers between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach.
3. Visit your dentist regularly - seeing your dentist for regular checkups can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment.

For the new year, resolve to treat your mouth right by improving your diet and oral hygiene habits for the whole family. Schedule a check up appointment with us for your kids at any of our offices - we look forward to ringing in the new year with you!

Christmas Cookie Recipes

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Making Christmas cookies is a tradition for many families. Whether they are made to be gifted to neighbors and friends or just for Santa's arrival - having a simple and delicious Christmas cookie you can make with your kids is sure to be a crowd pleaser. 

Looking for some Christmas cookie inspiration? See some of our picks below, courtesy of Pinterest!

Red Nose Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies: Simple enough your kids can really take control of this one. Recipe here

Rice Krispie Wreaths: Looking to add color and variety to your cookie platters? Try this festive treat. Recipe here

Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees: Coat the whole cookie in icing and use sprinkles to decorate! Recipe here

Gingerbread People: Let your kids have fun decorating Gingerbread people, feel free to mix in candy or sprinkles for color accents. Recipe here

Do you have a favorite cookie recipe that is too good not to share? Post a link or photo on our Facebook page!

Holiday Events This Weekend

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Adelberg Pediatic Dental wants to make sure you and your family stay in the holiday spirit this year! There’s plenty of celebrating to do this weekend. Be sure to look in to the family friendly events listed below: 

 
Holiday Candlelight Evenings
Date: December 20 - 22, 2013
Time: 5:00pm - 9:30pm
Old Bethpage Village Restoration Reception Center
Old Bethpage, NY

Magic Santa
Date: December 21, 2013
Time: 2:00 pm
BACCA Arts Center
Lindenhurst, NY

Brunch With Santa
Presented by Watermill Caterers
Date: December 22, 2013
Time: Seating times: 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm & 1:45pm
Watermill Caterers
Smithtown, NY

Holiday Sing-A-Long, An Afternoon of Music
Sponsored by Coe Hall
Date: 12/22/2013
Time: 2-4pm
Planting Fields Arboretum
Oyster Bay, NY

Holiday Light Show
Presented by Girl Scouts 
Date: December 2 - December 30, 2013
(Closed December 24 & 25)

Time: 5 - 9pm
Lakeview Avenue
Bayport, NY
Know of other fun events happening in our area? Share with the Adelberg community on our Facebook page!

Image Source: CardsForCauses

 

Dental Themed Christmas Gifts

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

In need of some last minute Christmas gifts for your kids? There’s no better way to freshen them up for the holidays than with a few of these fun and fast dental gift ideas!

• Brush Buddies Monkey Flossers (Find it here)
• The Braces Cookbook  (Find it here)
• Tooth Fairy Keepsake Box (Find it here)
• Leapin Louie Toothbrush (Find it here)
• Musical Toothbrushes (Find it here)
• Tom’s of Maine Children’s Toothpaste (Find it here)

Christmas success? Let us know if your kids love these little extras on our Facebook Page.

Tips for the Perfect Family Christmas Card

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Avoid capturing any awkward family photos for your Christmas card this year by using some of the below tips to take a picture you want to show off to your recipient list:

 

Tips for the Perfect Family Christmas Card

Source: The BMC Report

1. Incorporate a visible message! Pick up some letters from the craft store and spell out your message.

Source: Wild Wandering

2. Pick a palette. No need to match exactly, but pick a palette to choose wardrobe from.

Source: The Kavanaugh Report

3. Create a DIY backdrop. Tired of another Christmas tree photo? Get creative and make your own background.

Source: Snapfish

4. Use online tools for cool formatting. Sites like Snapfish and Shutterfly have templates sure to bump up your presentation points.

Source: Oh Happy Day

5. Get some photo booth essentials. If you'd rather a silly approach, make some DIY props with the kids and ad them into the frame.

Once you've mastered the perfect Christmas card, send them to us to enter to win a $250 gift card! Can't wait to see everyone's cards! Happy Holidays!

 

Christmas Crafts for Kids!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Christmas is 13 days away and whether you're a family who decorates the day after Thanksgiving or throughout December, we found some fun holiday crafts for you and the kids to do this snowy weekend:

1. Clothes Pin Wreath Card Holder: tutorial
2. Reindeer Thumbprint Ornaments: tutorial
3. Santa Countdown: tutorial
4. No Chimney Stocking Holder: tutorial
5. Snowman Fridge: tutorial
6. Snowman Milk Jugs: tutorial
7. Winter Wonderland: tutorial
8. Perler Bead Ornaments: tutorial

Share your creations with us on our Facebook page!

Get Crafty with Gifting This Season!

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Craft fairs have always been popular on Long Island and you're in luck - there are quite a few this month just in time for the holiday season. So before thinking about going to a store to buy gifts or holiday decor, we not try stopping at one of these fairs for a homemade and handcrafted item:

December 7th:

    Islip's Merry on Main - Islip
    Greenery Boutique - Setauket
    Sachem North Festival of Trees & Lights - Ronkonkoma
    Wooden Wonderland - Riverhead
    Art & Craft Show - Northport (Through December 8th)
    Holiday Fair at Christ Lutheran Church in Freeport - Freeport
    Alli's 50th Holiday Fine Arts & Craft Fair - Dix Hills
    Christmas Fair @ The Episcopal Church of St. John - Center Moriches
    Christmas Fair @ St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Islip - Islip
    The Northport Craft Fair - Northport (Through December 8th)

December 8th:

    Annual Craft & Gift Fair - Hicksville
    Christmas at Hallockville - Riverhead
    Holiday Festival - Stony Brook
    Holiday Bazaar - Old Westbury
    Holiday Craft Fair - Our Lady of Grace Church - West Babylon
    Tree Lighting Festival - Old Westbury

December 14th:

    Holiday Craft and Artisan Market - Farmingdale
    Smithtown Art & Craft Fair - Smithtown (Through December 15th)
    "Shop for a Cause - Cheer for Charity" Holiday Fair - Massapequa (Through December 15th)

December 21st:

    Selden Craft & Gift Fair - Selden (Through December 22nd)
    25th Annual Craft Fair - Setauket (Through December 22nd)

Check out LongIsland.com's entire list of craft fairs here!

Long Island's Largest Holiday Light Show

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Image Source: LongIsland.com

Kick off the holiday season by visiting Long Island's largest holiday light show! Celebrating its 10th year, the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show is officially open. Bring the family along a mile-long trail filled with beautiful holiday vignettes and displays in the picturesque woodlands of Camp Edey in Bayport.

Don't miss the Holiday Village where you can take photos with Santa, sip on some hot cocoa, and explore the Hall of Trees - consisting of trees that are donated and decorated by Girl Scout Troops and are later given to transitional housing facilities, and adults and veterans homes.

An ideal after school treat, visit the light show daily from 5 pm - 9pm through December 30th (closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas). It costs $12 per car Monday - Thursday and $15 per car Friday - Sunday.

Click here for more information!

Black Friday Tips and Tricks

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Black Friday is almost here and in fact, it's starting even earlier. If you are one of those with a black belt in Black Friday shopping, listen up: some retailers will be opening as early as 6pm Thanksgiving Day!

There will be online deals and in store door-buster sales, so whether you choose to brave the crowds or shop online - we wanted to make sure you knew these tips and tricks for surviving Black Friday:

• Plan Ahead - Research is key! Check store circulars and websites for who's offering what deals.
• Park Far Away From The Store - Sure a spot up front is convenient, but also more likely to get damaged in all the frenzy. Pick a spot further a way, it'll be worth the extra walk.
• Make a Budget - Know what you can afford and make note of what things typically cost - that way if you're shopping in store or online and the price drops, you'll know you are getting a good deal.
• Leave Small Children at Home - With all the crowds it can be easy to lose a small child in a store. Avoid that panic, plan for a babysitter or family member to watch your kids.
• Be Kind - Sales associates will be overwhelmed in store, show some patience and consideration. Rushing could mean a mistake on your purchase and a headache later.
• Check Your Receipt - Before leaving the register, review your receipt to make sure everything was priced as advertised. This will save you the trouble of having to return to the store and wait on line for a refund.
• Consider Not Going Out - Many stores are featuring online deals that are the same or better than in stores. And with Cyber Monday around the corner, more online deals will be popping up.
• Remember to Shop Small - Small Business Saturday will be happening on the 30th! Save some shopping for Saturday and shop at your local businesses.

Have you mastered the art of Black Friday shopping? Share your tips with us on our Facebook page!

For more information about surviving Black Friday, please read LongIsland.com's article.

Adelberg Montalvan Featured in NYMetroParents

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

We've been featured in an article on NYMetroParents! Our new, West Islip, location is highlighted in addition to services we offer. See below for an excerpt and a link following to read the full article!

Thanks for the great write up NYMetroParents:

With offices located in Massapequa Park and Nesconset, Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental recently opened its West Islip location. The pediatric dental practice makes visiting the dentist a fun experience for kids, offering the highest quality dental care in a fun and enjoyable environment. All three offices are decorated in a under the sea theme to create a positive experience for children.

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental offers early dental care to help children develop good oral health habits, general dental treatment to keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy, sedation dentistry for fearful or anxious patients, laser dentistry, and dental care for children with special needs. The practice also offers orthodontic care, such as Invisalign Teen, braces, and retainers.

Full article here!

Thanksgiving Fun on Long Island

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 
From crafts to Turkey Tots - there's no shortage of Thanksgiving themed events on Long Island. Check out some of these events happening nearby:
 

Massapequa Turkey Trot: Saturday, November 23rd
Brady Park, Massapequa Park
Proceeds to benefit YES Community Counseling Center. The Youth Fun Run starts at 8:30am and the 5k Run/Walk starts at 9am. Be part of the excitement! Click here for more info.

 
Thanksgiving Celebration: Saturday, November 23rd
Long Island Science Center, Riverhead
Have a family science day at the LI Science Center - learn about the turkey, a native bird of America. 

 
Native American Day: Sunday, November 24th
Huntington Historical Society Museums
Children will learn about the daily life of the Native Americans - their traditions, skills, food, and clothing. Register now!

 
Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's 2013 Thanksgiving Day 5k & Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 28
This run is held on Thanksgiving Day, from 8am - 10am at the Park Administration Building in Kings Park. Click here for registration information.

Do you have any events you'll be attending? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Food Allergies and Thanksgiving Dinner

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Thanksgiving is quickly sneaking up on us. As exciting as it may be to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy a home cooked feast, parents of children with food allergies can start getting anxious.

We don't want this holiday to cause you stress. Check out these great tips (for parents AND hosts) to ensure a safe and happy Turkey Day meal for all, courtesy of SheKnows.com:

If one of your guests has a food allergy:

• Call ahead and ask how you can work with them to ensure a safe dinner
• Always be mindful of cross-contamination (washing hands, separating utensils)
• Save packages of prepared food so you can check the ingredient list - or have the home cooked recipes readily available

If your child has a food allergy:

• If eating Thanksgiving away from home, call ahead and see what the host's menu plans are
• Don't be afraid to pack safe food alternatives
• If bringing an allergen-free food option, also bring separate serving utensils

These tips are great to keep in mind during any holiday meal. Does your child have a food allergy? Share some of your tips in handling the situation with us on our Facebook page!

Flashback Friday!

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Flashback Friday - to this summer, with one of our patients singing a cute little brush your teeth song. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Questions, Answered: What is Sedation Dentistry?

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If you bring your child for a dental visit and they end up needing to be sedated, you may be quite nervous or skeptical of the process. We don’t blame you! That’s why we want to explain the services we offer to ease your minds.

Sedation dentistry is available to facilitate dental treatment to fearful and anxious patients or those who are unable to cooperate due to lack of psychological or emotional maturity and/or a disability.

Sedation can range from using Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) to General Anesthesia, here we’ll explain the differences should your child ever need either of the two:

Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide has a calming effect on patients, especially those who are anxious, phobic, or tend to gag during their dental treatment. It is a mild sedation, administered through a small, scented mask, where patients are still conscious and can talk. The effects of the ‘laughing gas’ do not linger and rarely ever has side effects.

IV Sedation

IV Sedation provides a way for completing all of a child’s dental needs while he or she is comfortable, pain-free, and sound asleep. This type of sedation is utilized in our office with an experienced and qualified dental anesthesiologist, Dr. Boorin. Dr. Boorin uses medications and monitors equal to those currently used in hospitals. Children are awoken soon after the dental treatment is completed and free from any memory of the treatment itself, the IV, and our monitors.

Feel free to discuss both options with any of our doctors. For additional information, visit our website!

Easy Alternatives for Teething Rings

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Some teething kids want to chomp on anything EXCEPT the teething rings you bring home from the store. So now what? Luckily there are quite a few alternatives, many of which you may already have in your home:

• Frozen Mini Bagel - The spongy circle will help absorb excess drool and is much tastier than a plastic ring. Make sure to keep your child to be sure a piece of the bagel doesn't break off causing a choking hazard.
• Frozen Waffle - Similar to a frozen mini bagel -the frozen waffle is a soothing treat for older kids cutting new pearly whites. Bonus, it thaws and turns to mush in your child's mouth to minimize the risk of choking hazards.
• Wooden Spoon - If you notice your child gnawing on their crib or side tables, perhaps a wooden spoon will do the trick. Make sure this kitchen utensil is natural, smooth, with rounded edges.
• Wet Washcloth - If your child is already sucking on fabric, try offering a cold / wet washcloth. Just stick a wet washcloth in the fridge for a bit before giving to your child.
• Gum Massage - If no teeth have come in yet, try washing your hands and giving your child a little gum massage. Simply rub the gums with a clean finger to offer some relief.

There are many alternatives to plastic teething rings - the important thing is to find something that works for you and your child. Always be aware of the objects your child is putting into their mouths to avoid potential choking hazards.

Have other alternative teething ring suggestions? Share with us on our Facebook page!

The Importance of Flossing

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Flossing is ESSENTIAL to anyone's oral health routine, children especially. Sometimes flossing isnt the easiest thing for children to do - but don't worry, we have some tips to help them with solid oral care habits:

1. Hand held 'floss sticks' are a very useful tool in helping kids learn how to floss on their own and is much easier for small hands to hold. Use a similar flossing technique with the same zig-zag motion as you would with standard floss. Make sure not to pop or snap the floss, slide the floss around each tooth gently.
2. Schedule a dental check up and have your child show the dentist their flossing technique. This way the hygienist can instruct your child the correct flossing method and help them fix their technique.
3. Have your child watch you floss your own teeth! What better way to set an example. Have your child brush and floss along side of you to reinforce good habits.
4. Chart their progress and reinforce their efforts! Good habits take time to develop. Have a flossing chart in the bathroom is a great reminder for kids to floss everyday. Gentle reminders also help as well as praise when your child does floss on their own.

Feel free to contact us for a dental check up and we can go through the importance of flossing with your child. Do you have helpful tips to get kids into a flossing habit? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Halloween Candy Safety Tips

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Halloween is just about here and with that we want to talk about some Candy Safety Tips that everyone should follow.

• Instruct your children not to open their candy until they return home
• Inspect all candy for visible signs of tampering before you let your child eat any
• Accept only wrapped and packaged candy
• Do not eat any candy that has been or looks unwrapped or opened
• Avoid chocking hazards such as gum, hard candies, or small toys to young children

And of course, when in doubt.. throw it out!

You may also want to limit the amount of candy your children consume on Halloween night. A good idea is to make sure they eat a filling meal before or after trick or treating depending on the time. Moderation is key in keeping children, and their mouths, healthy for the Halloween holiday.

For more information on how to enjoy a healthy Halloween, see the AAPD's tips for keeping your children's teeth front of mind.