#TuesdayTips - for Healthy Holiday Smiles While Traveling

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Holiday break is upon us and whether you are heading out of town to celebrate the holidays or off to a warmer destination for a winter vacation, here are some simple tooth travel tips to help keep your child’s smile intact!

Schedule your dental visits! It’s better to plan ahead and get all needed dental visits in before the flurry of excitement truly begins. With the holidays comes time off from school, visiting family or taking trips to ring in the New Year. Don’t wait for a dental emergency to happen to bring your child to the dentist, give us a call and schedule an appointment today!

Pack a travel dental kit! This is a fun for children to take their oral hygiene with them on the go! Pack travel sized toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and a toothbrush. Consider some disposable toothbrushes for in-between brushing on the go.

Protect your brush! Extra handling, coming in and out of luggage, and hotel bathrooms can provide bacteria the extra opportunity to find its way onto the bristles, and in turn - the mouth. Be sure to choose an anti-bacterial cover to keep the brush safe and clean from any dirt or germs it could come in contact with.

For more tips on keeping a healthy smile through the holidays, visit our previous blog post here » 

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

How to Prevent Cavities in Your Children

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Dental decay, for the most part, is a preventable disease. In fact, many children grow up cavity free - and it’s not due to luck or good genes! By learning about cavity prevention early on, parents are able to implement certain behaviors in their young children - starting them on the path to a lifetime of good oral health.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Bottles do not cause cavities, it’s the liquid inside that can promote tooth decay. Milk, juice, formula - just about everything your child drinks contains sugar. When sugar is left in the mouth, bacteria starts to break it down and turn it into acid which starts eating away at tooth enamel. Putting your child to bed with a bottle of juice or milk over night is the ideal way to start the above process. Work to limit your child’s time with a bottle, fill it with water, and as soon as possible - teach him or her how to drink from a cup.
• A child with past caries experience is at risk for future cavities. The best chance of avoiding any problems in the future is to not develop them as an infant or toddler. Limit the amount of candy and sugary snacks that can get stuck to teeth. Also, look at the ingredients on the packages of the groceries you are buying - many times sugar and high fructose corn syrup are at the top of the list.
• Using fluoridated water and the use of a fluoridated toothpaste increases the chance of stopping cavities from developing. In a recent paper in the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene, Robert Compton, DDS, the executive director of the DentaQuest Institute, reported: “The result of behavior modification and goal setting along with frequent application of fluoride varnish and home fluoride toothpaste was a reduction of 65% in new cavitation.”

It’s also important to be a good role model for your children. If you make brushing and flossing a daily part of your routine, you have a greater chance of having kids who brush and floss regularly.

If you have any questions in preventing early childhood caries - contact any of our three offices today!

 

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Adelberg Montalvan Patient Testimonials

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Time for some testimonials from a bunch of our great young patients about their experiences here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry!

Serving Long Island for more than 15 years, our offices are not only “kid-friendly”, but they actually look more like a theme park than a dental office! We provide a warm, friendly environment, and treat your children the same way we treat our own children. With 3 convenient locations that feature 5 dentists and 2 orthodontists, you’ll see why Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry is one of Long Island’s top dental practices. 

 
For more information, please visit us on the web, LIKE us on Facebook, and Follow us on Twitter!

Kids Friendly Hanukkah Crafts

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Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah! And in honor of this year’s holiday - we’ve gathered some easy Hanukkah crafts for kids to help in celebration:

Felt Dreidel Banner - With assorted colors of felt, craft glue, scissors and some string - you’ll have a banner to string up in no time. Just draw a dreidel shape onto a piece of felt, cut it out and use as a template for the other dreidels for your banner. Then just cut out some shapes (circles, triangles, squares) from the assorted colors, and add them to your dreidels. View the full tutorial here »

Handprint Menorah - Make your own simple, unique menorah with some card stock and paint. Dip your child’s hands in the blue paint, then make a handprint on the card stock being sure to overlap the thumbs. Be sure to wash hands before adding the yellow thumbprint as the flame! View the full tutorial here »

Hanukkah Tissue Paper Suncatchers - Use craft sticks to form a Dreidel or Star of David shape, then cover it in tissue paper to make a beautiful sun catcher for the windows! View the full tutorial here »

Milk Carton Dreidel - One of the best parts of the Hanukkah celebration - playing the dreidel game and eating lots of gelt. Make a homemade dreidel for this year’s games out of a small milk carton, pencil, paintbrush and marker. View the full tutorial here »

 

Check out our Pinterest page for more crafts and share your creations with us on our Facebook page! 

Holiday Gift Guide: Books About Teeth

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Inspire a life-long love of reading, while promoting oral health this holiday season. See below for some of Barnes and Noble’s Best Selling children’s books about teeth:

You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?
by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt, David Slonim (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
“All over America, kids are losing their teeth. And who is there to gather them up, leaving coins in their places? The Tooth Fairy, of course! A self-described "action kind of gal" with plenty of attitude, she reveals her secrets at last. Learn about her amazing Tooth-o-Finder. Marvel at her ingenious flying machine. Watch her in action, dodging dogs and cats and gerbils. You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy? is the essential guide for every kid about to lose a tooth.”

Loose Tooth (My First I can Read Series)
by Lola M. Schaefer, Sylvie Wickstrom (Illustrator), Sylvie Kantorovitz Wickstrom (Illustrator)
Ages 3-5
“A young boy wakes up one morning to find that he has his very first loose tooth. But no matter how much he pushes, pulls, and wiggles it, it just won't come out!” Lola Schaefer’s energetic text provides a very simple story for the youngest beginning readers. Your kids will recognize and respond to the familiar situation of his or her very first loose tooth. Learn more »

George Washington's Teeth
by Deborah Chandra, Madeleine Comora, Brock Cole (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
If you’re looking for a way to make history fun, while teaching about teeth - this book is for you. “Starting at the age of twenty-four, George Washington lost on average a tooth a year, and by the time he was elected president, he had only two left! In this reverentially funny tale written in verse and based on Washington’s letters, diaries, and other historical records, readers will find out what really happened as they follow the trail of lost teeth to complete tooflessness." Learn more » 

 

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

VOTE FOR US - Best Pediatric Dental Practice on Long Island

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Voting ends in ONE WEEK! Please help us win the title of Best Pediatric Dental Practice on Long Island in Bethpage's Best of Long Island 2015 Competition!

Just click the link below and scroll down to our category (Pediatric Dental Practice), select our name, and submit your vote. You can vote once a day, each day until 12/15! Thanks for all of your support!

http://vote.longislandpress.com/engine/YourSubmission.aspx?contestid=143688

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Family Friendly Holiday Events on Long Island

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From our favorite festive performances, to gingerbread house workshops, light shows and more - one thing is certain, there is no shortage of family friendly holiday events here on Long Island:

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Belmont Lake State Park - Saturday December 6th
Head over to Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting by Santa, carolers, displays, ice sculptures, and a Grand Finale Fireworks Display! Please bring canned food to donate to Long Island Families in need. Learn More »

Jones Beach Holiday Lights Spectacular
Get in the holiday spirit with one of Long Island’s holiday favorites - the Jones Beach Holiday Lights Spectacular! Take a 2.5 mile drive through the park to see over 150 holiday themed light displays, all synchronized to holiday music. Stop in the Holiday Village for photos with Santa, holiday refreshments, music, and a maze! Learn More »

Gingerbread House Workshops
Children’s Museum of the East End Bridgehampton - Saturday December 6th
Decorate a personal gingerbread house with an assortment of treats! Can’t make it this weekend? No worries, this event repeats every weekly. Call the Children’s Museum at      631-537-8250 for more information.

A Christmas Carol
Theatre Three, Port Jefferson
Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas—past, present and future—in almost twice daily performances of the Charles Dickens classic. Learn More »

Trans Siberian Orchestra
 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Uniondale - Thursday December 18th
The rock orchestra wills out their live debut of The Christmas Attic, a holiday tradition for a new generation. Learn More »

For a full roster of events, visit Long Island Press' full article here »

#TuesdayTips - For Keeping Your Kids Smiling Through the New Year!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

We know the holiday season is a busy time for everyone. With holiday recess from school around the corner and a plethora of holiday happenings - it's not hard for daily routines to fall by the wayside. Don’t let your kids oral health take a back seat as well!

Holiday breaks are a great time to help your little ones establish and maintain healthy dental habits - and their diet is an important part:

Moderate Sugar Intake - Sugary candy, drinks, and food are part of the holidays and with this comes the increase risk of cavities. Look for sugar-free options and avoid carbonated drinks (which can actually erode teeth more than sweetened drinks).

Keep an Eye on Cooked Starches - Cooked starches like breads, pasta, pretzels, and chips can lead to cavities as much as sugars can since they often take longer to clear the mouth than sugars.

Serve Cheese as Snacks - Cheeses like aged cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterrey jack are great snack or post meal options because they clear the mouth of food and neutralize the acids that attack teeth.

For more healthy holiday habit tips, please visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s  article here. If you have additional questions about your child’s teeth, feel free to give us 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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Last Minute Turkey Day Crafts for Kids

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Get your little ones ready for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving feast with some decorative crafts we’ve rounded up on Pinterest! Perfect for today’s wintery weather mix:

DIY Holiday Napkin Rings
Let your kids help set the table this year in style with these DIY holiday napkin rings. All you need is paint, wooden beads, paintbrush, some yarn, scissors, and painters tape (for fun designs).

Keepsake Plate
Make a keepsake Thanksgiving Day plate with a white ceramic plate (can find at a Dollar Tree) and acrylic paint.

Turkey Finger Puppets
Turn “This Little Piggy” into “This Little Turkey” and leave them at the kid’s table for a treat. Grab some felt, thread, glue, scissors, and turkey puppet templates available on Frog Prince Papery here »

Thanksgiving Day Placemats
A woven placemat is easy and fun to make out of foam to add some color to your table setting. Cut strips of foam sheets (found at any craft store), cut slits in brown foam sheets and weave the strips through. 

 

Check out our Pinterest page for more crafts and share your creations with us on our Facebook page! From everyone at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental - we hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

#TuesdayTips - For Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

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While yes, your child’s primary (baby) teeth are only temporary, they are still susceptible to the same decay and disease as adult teeth. If your child’s baby teeth aren’t properly cared for, bacteria and decay can easily be passed down to the tooth waiting to come in behind it. It’s important to start your little ones off with good oral care early to help protect their teeth for decades to come.

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is commonly referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to the cause of decay, one common cause is frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks high in sugar. Such as, putting the child to bed with a bottle or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

The good news is, this baby bottle tooth decay IS preventable! As suggested by MouthHealthy.org:

• Place only formula, milk or breastmilk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Children should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles prior to going to bed.
• When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste until the age of 3.
• Avoid cleaning off baby feeding spoons or pacifiers with your mouth as cavity-causing bacteria are spread through saliva. After each feeding, gently wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.

If you have additional questions about your child’s teeth, feel free to give us a call. We can also schedule your child’s first dental visit to ensure their teeth are erupting properly and that there are no dental abnormalities.

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Let’s Give Thanks for Healthy Teeth!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Thanksgiving is less than a week away! As you prepare for the influx of guests and start readying your shopping lists, it’s also important to remember oral health. 

Proper nutrition is essential in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure this year’s meal is something your teeth will be thankful for, be sure your little ones eat up these tooth-friendly items :

• Meats - Turkey is rich in phosphorus and helps keep your teeth healthy and strong
• Fruits and Veggies - Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables (including sweet potatoes and natural cranberries) act like detergent in your mouth and stimulate saliva!
• Dairy - Milk goes great in mashed potatoes or as your beverage for the meal. Calcium in dairy products works to strengthen teeth

We hope everyone enjoys the bountiful harvest this year! Remember to brush and floss to keep your smile healthy and bright! 

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Establish Your Child’s Dental Home EARLY!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Start your child on the path for a lifetime of good dental health by having them practice proper dental habits before their teeth begin to surface! 

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental - we provide a warm, friendly environment, and treat your children the same way we treat our own. See what Dr. Marc Adelberg himself has to say about infant oral exams and early intervention services:

We recommend your child’s first dental visit happen by their first birthday to ensure their teeth are erupting properly and that there are no dental abnormalities. Bringing in your child early also helps to establish a dental home, so that they have a familiar place to turn to in the event of a dental emergency. 

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Holiday Toy Drive

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Help us make the holidays brighter for a child in need! Drop off a new, unwrapped toy next time you are in the office, and we will be sure it gets to a local child in need for the holidays. Thank 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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Meet Hermey the Elf

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

If you’ve seen Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, then it’s no surprise to you that Hermey the Elf grew up not wanting to build toys, but instead become a dentist! Now, Hermey continues to do his part in increasing oral health literacy by teaming up with the ADA to promote proper dental hygiene, maintaining the right nutrition, and dental visits as key factors in preventing cavities.

Introduce your kids to Hermey by heading over to MouthHealthyKids.org for free downloadable educational coloring book pages, a fun dental health quiz, and a separate sweepstakes drawing to receive a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer prize package!

In the meantime, here is a Healthy Teeth Checklist that Hermey uses so he can remember how to keep his mouth healthy - share these tips with your kids to help them remember to take care of their teeth too:

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Vote For Us for the Best Pediatric Dental Practice on Long Island!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

As you know, we’ve been nominated AGAIN for the Bethpage’s Best of LI 2015 competition - but we need YOUR help to win!

Please help us win 1st place in the Best Pediatric Dental Practice category - you can vote once a day, every day, until December 15th. All you have to do is click on THIS link, scroll down to our category (Pediatric Dental Practice), select us - “Adelberg & Montalvan Pediatric Dental – Multiple Locations,” and submit your vote.

If you have any questions, let us know. Again, we want to thank you all for your continuous support.

 

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. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

Candy Buy Back Program!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Not all Halloween candies are created equal. When it comes to healthy teeth, some choices are better than others.

Even though Halloween is over, there’s plenty of candy around. If you’re still sorting out your kids treat’s this year, we wanted to provide a guide to make sure you separate the good treats from those mouth monster favorites:

We know most kids don’t look forward to Halloween for the dark chocolate and sugar-free gum, and that’s okay! If your kids are indulging in any kind of candy, make sure they also drink plenty of water to dislodge particles around their teeth, then finish up with brushing and flossing. 

For any unwanted candies, feel free to bring them into our offices to participate in our Candy Buy Back program! Now through November 14th, if you bring in your candy you will be entered into our contest to win a $25 gift card to the movies! All donated candy will be shipped over to our troops. 

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.  

Teal Pumpkin Project

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Did you know - the pumpkins are painted this color because TEAL is the color of food allergy awareness!

From all of us here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics, we want to wish you and your family a Happy and SAFE Halloween. Halloween safety isn't only about walking in groups or looking both ways prior to crossing a street - it’s also about making sure to inspect all ‘treats’ your children receive this year.

When it comes to food allergies, even the smallest bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction. Allergy experts say that smaller, bite sized versions of normally safe candy are sometimes manufactured differently - which makes them potentially dangerous for children with food allergies.

So to prevent any mishaps - this Halloween, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) is encouraging communities to start a new tradition sure to make the Halloween season less scary for those with food allergies: the Teal Pumpkin Project.

This campaign encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies by providing non-food treats for trick-or-treaters (coloring pages and crayons, glow sticks, vampire teeth, etc) and painting a pumpkin teal and placing it in front of their house with a sign from FARE to indicate they have non-food treats available!

Learn more about the campaign here and keep your eyes out for teal pumpkins near you. Have a child with food allergies? This Google Map provides an update of teal pumpkins in your area!

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. 

Celebrate National Brush Day!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Saturday, November 1st - the day after Halloween, is National Brush Day! A day created to recognize and reiterate the importance of brushing for two minutes, twice a day. 

See below for some videos from 2min2x.org that you can show your children to get them into the habit of brushing their teeth for the full two minutes:

Have your children brush to Finn and Jake from Adventure Time:

 Clarence from Cartoon Network:

Sportacus and Stephanie from Lazy Town:

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.

#WellnessWednesday - Healthy Alternatives to Halloween Candy

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Halloween is around the corner and while you may have already stocked up on candy to distribute this year perhaps you are still in the market for some other, healthy alternatives. See some of our recommendations below sure to make this year’s visitors leave not feeling tricked - but treated:

• Individually Wrapped Snacks - From Goldfish, to pretzel sticks, to crackers and cheese packs - there are an assortment of lunch box snacks that can double as Halloween handouts! Granola bars, trail mix, pudding cups - whichever you decide just be sure to choose foods that are individual wrapped.
• Coloring Page and Crayons - Purchase a Halloween coloring book and a box of crayons. Tear out the pages of the book and package each page with two crayons by folding around the paper and adding a ribbon to secure!
• Dollar Store Trinkets - Plastic spider rings, glow sticks, temporary tattoos, plastic vampire teeth, spooky stickers - the list is endless. Round up a bunch for trick or treaters to choose from!
• Boxed Juices or Water - Mini bottles of water and natural juice boxes can always be appreciated. Consider how thirsty kids can get while running around trick or treating, these are sure to be a welcomed treat.

Have any healthy alternatives you hand out each year? Share with us on our Facebook page!

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.