Dental Hygiene After Cold or Flu

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, the dental health of your child is our utmost priority. Our diverse team of professionals is highly skilled and dedicated to offering the best services that can improve children's lives forever. We understand that cold or flu can adversely affect the dental health of a child. For instance, when a child is enduring a cold or the flu, he / she becomes vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia that can ultimately cause severe gum problems. In other instances, one is likely to have severe toothaches on the upper teeth when suffering from cold or flu.

Other conditions that might affect the dental health of your child include:

•    Weather - In particular, the cold winter air that usually causes cold or flu may cause tooth sensitivity because of various underlying dental problems like weak or thin enamel, cavities, gum recession, and more.

•    Allergies - These may cause pain and discomfort to the roots of the teeth as a result of sinus swelling.

•    Excessive consumption of sugar – Eating too many sweets result in weakening the enamel.

•    Nasal congestion and dry mouth - This provides a conducive environment for bacterial growth leading to tooth decay and gum diseases.

•    Toothbrushes - These also harbor bacteria and can remain contaminated long after a cold or flu infection. It can even cause another infection.

We provide various ways of dealing with the above concerns, and more to assist our patients to recover sooner and prevent re-infection. When a child sees a dentist soon after noticing cold symptoms, he / she stands a chance of protecting their teeth as well as the overall health.

We also have a wide range of tested and approved dental care products at our facilities to help your child reduce the chances of developing dental problems. Some of which are sugar-free syrups. You can locate us in Massapequa / Massapequa Park, West Islip, and Nesconset. Our services and experts are far-reaching and parents on Long Island can easily access our dental and orthodontic services.

Kindly remember that consulting our experts as soon as you notice these symptoms puts your child a step closer to his / her dental health recovery. The dental health of your child matters to us.

For more information and to book an appointment, contact us today!

Why It’s Important To Keep Your Gums Clean

Everyone is well versed in the importance of keeping your teeth brushed and flossed. However, it is equally important to clean the unsung hero of your mouth: the gums. 

The gums are often neglected, which leads to gum disease. Gum disease is infection that affects the tissue and bones which support your teeth. There are two basic types of gum disease. One type is gingivitis which solely affects the gums. Periodontitus affects the bone and supporting tissue around the teeth. Keeping your gums clean will help prevent gum disease.

Receding gums is another symptom of poor gum cleaning habits. This condition is created when gum recession occurs and pockets are formed between the teeth and the gum line. This causes the gum to pull back and expose more of the tooth, or even the tooth root. Also, the pockets formed create a pleasing environment for bacteria to build up. Left untreated, this can eventually lead to severe damage to the supporting tissue and bone. Once the supporting structure of the tooth is weakened, the result be loss of teeth. 

Another symptom of gum disease is swollen and bleeding gums. Most people have experienced this at one time or another, but even though there are many reasons for your gums to bleed, it is wise to examine how you are taking care of your teeth and gums to figure out the root of the problem. 

Gums play a very important roll in your dental health. For example, by keeping your gums healthy, you lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. Most people don't realize that bacteria in their mouth can make its way into the bloodstream. This increases your chances of a heart attack or stroke.

Taking care of your gums also prevents or minimizes diabetes. Glucose levels are affected by many variables, and gum disease is no exception. Diabetics are more susceptible to gum disease. When a diabetic suffers from gum disease, their glucose levels can be adversely affected. 

Gum health plays an important role in overall. Be sure to have regular check ups and brush your teeth and gums every day for a healthier mouth and body.

Contact Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental today!

What Makes Us Have Crooked Teeth?

At the offices of Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, your child can have a number of service types such as preventative and diagnostic, aesthetic, restorative, pain-free and sedation dentistry, interceptive orthodontics, as well as holistic dentistry.

It is essential for children to have good dental care so that they can avoid having problems with their teeth later on. One of the most common issues that arise from inadequate dental care is that children grow up to have crooked teeth, the severity of which varies. The most severe cases are because of trauma, but the most common reasons are losing the baby teeth too late or not having a dentist assist in the process.  The new teeth grow crooked, because they had to struggle for space before the baby teeth fell out. Later, the teeth start to position themselves in a way that fills out any gaps along the jaw.

There are many things that can prevent the crooked teeth, and it all starts with seeing the dentist on a regular basis. At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, the dentists and orthodontists take time to explain to the child and the parent about the state of the teeth, the jaw, any concerns, and all corrective options.

The professionals at the offices Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental value good communication, and we ensure you will have a pleasant, informative visit.

For more information on crooked teeth and corrective procedures, contact us.

How Do I Know I Have A Cavity?

Cavities are technically decayed areas of the teeth. This is an extremely common dental health problem, and if a cavity is not treated it can cause pain, infection, or even loss of the tooth. There are various symptoms of a cavity, here are the most common to watch out for.

A Tooth Ache

If/when you have a cavity, pain in the tooth during chewing, biting, or other daily actions can occur. This usually arises when a cavity has been left untreated.

Discoloration

When examining your mouth, you might notice a darker spot on the tooth. If this is visible, this means the tooth has decayed through the enamel. You don’t want this to happen.

Bad Breath or A Bad Taste

If a cavity is infected, this can create a bad smell and taste in your mouth. As with any infection, there can be an unpleasant odor and it definitely needs to be examined.

Tooth Sensitivity

This doesn’t always mean you have a cavity, but in most cases when you eat or drink something cold or hot and a tooth is sensitive, it’s decaying. Come in and see us just in case!

If you notice these symptoms or anything worse, contact us immediately. Cavities are not something to mess around with and can become dangerous to your overall health. Contact us today for more information!

Our Favorite Dental Jokes!

Scheduling regular appointments with a dentist is extremely vital to keeping our teeth sparkling clean and in good working condition. That being said, it is not always a barrel of laughs having to lean back with a blinding light in our faces and a mouth wide open  saying, “ahhh!” However, there is still a lot to crack up about and make you smile your biggest with this collection of our favorite dental jokes for children.

Joke 1

Question: What did the justice of peace say to the dentist?

Answer: Do you swear to tell the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth?

Joke 2

Question: What do you call a dentist’s best council or advice?

Answer: His flossophy!

Joke 3

Question: What does a marching band player use to clean his teeth?

Answer: A tuba toothpaste!

Joke 4

A little girl was at her dentist appointment in the chair after an exam. It was revealed that she had a cavity that would require filling. The dentist replied, “Now young lady, what kind of filling would you rather have for that cavity?”

The little girl replied, “Strawberry, please.”

Joke 5

Question: What did the tooth say to the dentist that was leaving for the day?

Answer: Fill me in when you come back to work next please.

Joke 6

Question: What should a dentist do to prepare for a thrilling roller coaster ride at an amusement park?

Answer: He should always brace himself!

Joke 7

Question: What was a California dentist doing in New Jersey?

Answer: He was trying to find the Root Canal.

Joke 8

Question: What does the dentist of the year receive for a reward?

Answer: He receives a small plaque of appreciation.

We hope you got a laugh out of a few of our favorite jokes. Come and see us for more fun! Contact us today.

Electric Versus Regular Toothbrushes

Have you ever wondered why people use a regular toothbrush over an electric or vice versa? Electronic toothbrushes are nothing new but for some reason used less than regular brushes. Take a look at the pros and con to regular versus electric, and see which type of brush best fits you.

Manual Toothbrushes

Pros

• Many styles that can fit every size mouth

• Different bristle strength

• Does not require charging, batteries, or electricity

• Ease of traveling

Cons

• Cannot clean teeth as good as an electric toothbrush

• Fewer brushes per minute

Electric Toothbrushes

Pros

• Easy to use and do not miss difficult spots between teeth

• Shown to be more effective in preventing periodontal disease

• Remove more plaque than manual brushing

• The toothbrush heads can fit small mouths and make brushing easier for children

Cons

• Higher cost than manual toothbrushes

• Requires charging

• The brush heads will require replacing and can be costly

• They can break by a dead battery or malfunction

• More difficult for traveling since the unit will need to be brought along

The choice between manual and electronic toothbrushes comes down to a matter of preference, but in some cases, people use both. If you have more questions about manual versus electric toothbrushes, contact us!

What Nail Biting Does To Your Teeth

Nail biting is one of the most common habits people have. Most know it can mess up your fingers and nails, but what they don't realize is that it can also damage your teeth. This article is about what actually happens to the teeth and gums when someone bites their nails over a long period of time and the potential damages it can cause.

Nail Biters

Your teeth can become chipped, cracked, or worn down from dulling the enamel. Enamel is the protective covering over your teeth that keeps the nerve unexposed. The more worn your enamel gets, you could have pain and sensitivity or potentially need more extensive procedures such as fillings, crowns, or dental surgery.

Nail Biters With Braces

For someone who wears braces, biting your nails can damage and shorten the roots of your teeth worse than someone who doesn't wear them. Braces already put a lot of strain on the roots and nail biting will add even more strain to what’s already there. There are many things that could happen as a result of shortened roots, including: loose teeth, decay, headaches, pain in the face, and receding gums.

Sore or damaged gums means nail biting went farther than the teeth. This could happen from jagged or sharp nails slicing the gums and unwanted bacteria from underneath the nails getting into your bloodstream through the minor injury. Very serious damage or medical problems can arise, and you might have a lot more to worry about besides just biting your nails.

Here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, we strive to bring you the best in dental medicine, and we can help you learn different techniques to stop biting your nails. If you want to set up an appointment or learn more, give us a call!

Make Teeth Brushing Fun

When children are young and you want them to develop good brushing habits, it's a good idea to mix a little fun in with it! All too often children look at teeth brushing as one of those annoying things they have to do, and simply demanding they do it to avoid cavities isn't usually the answer. There's a few things you can do that can make them eager to brush their teeth.

Finding Toothbrushes And Toothpaste Made For Them

Instead of those plain toothbrushes that adults use, you can find toothbrushes for children that have different themes on the handle. For example, maybe your child likes superheroes, or sports, or maybe even animals. Choosing toothpaste made for children can also make a difference because let's be honest, when you were young you probably weren't too fond of the aftertaste of regular toothpaste. Children's toothpaste often comes with more attractive flavors such as sparkling bubblegum, different fruits, and even other candies. Just make sure your child understands not to eat the toothpaste or mistake it for food.

Making A Game Out Of Brushing Their Teeth

Help your children look at fighting cavities as a fun game. For example, you could have visuals of cavity monsters and show your child how they can beat that monster by brushing their teeth the right way and doing it thoroughly. Other children might like hearing music made for brushing teeth or a fake toothbrush and using it on stuffed animals. Other things that might get them excited are TV shows or videos that encourage them to brush teeth or portray it in a fun light.

Bringing Your Child To Our Office

Helping your child learn good brushing habits is something we do regularly here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental in the Massapequa, Massapequa Park, West Islip and Nesconset areas of New York. We know young children can feel nervous or scared about their first dental visit, so we make sure they enjoy their visit and are treated well. Our hygienists and dentists have years of experience treating young children, as well as teens and adults. 

If you'd like to know more about our clinic locations or schedule an appointment, visit www.adelbergpediatricdental.com and look for a location most convenient for you, or you can either call us or fill in an appointment request online.

What To Do About Teething

Every baby goes through the process of teething in different way. This can be an especially difficult time for new parents as you might not be sure of what to expect, what’s normal, and how to deal with the discomfort. Here are some teething tips to keep your know what’s going on and to keep your baby happy!

What To Expect

Some babies might have no problems with teething while others will get the worst of it. If your baby is experiencing the latter, some symptoms can include:

Coughing

Eating less

Lack of sleep

Biting

Sore Gums

You may also notice that your baby is starting to drool more than usual and biting at his or her hand. This is a soothing action for your baby as it causes pressure on the gums where the teeth are breaking through.

Dealing With These Symptoms

Dealing with the symptoms of a teething baby is never easy and often requires a lot of patients. The most effective thing you can do is try and ease the discomfort as much as possible using teething toys, a cold washcloth, or medication recommended by your baby’s doctor. These can help numb the gums and ease the pressure caused by the growing teeth.

If you any any other questions about teething, please contact us!

Ways To Make Flossing Fun

Emphasizing the importance of flossing and gum health to kids is more difficult than it seems. Are you a parent of a child that isn’t the biggest fan of his/her nightly dental routine? You’re not alone! There are more than enough ways to make flossing fun, so here are a few of our favorites!

Use a Reward System

A reward doesn’t have to be tangible such as a new toy or book, but it can be some extra time playing outside, a story before bed, or going to a friend’s house after school.

Let Them Choose

We all enjoy picking out our own things or the stuff we like, so why not do the same with oral hygiene products? Let your child choose his/her mouthwash, the color of their toothbrush or floss! This can help bring excitement to the sink with their personal preference.

Make Up a Song

Put together rhythms and rhymes, make it silly or serious, but try to have fun with it!

Floss as a Family

Children tend to mimic those they look up to. As a parent, they see you doing things every single day, and this is where great habits can form. Floss together and show them how!

For additional information and flossing tips, contact us today!

Thanksgiving Foods That Harm Your Teeth

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s kicking off with the most anticipated meal of the year — Thanksgiving! As you and your little ones mill about the kitchen this week in preparation for the festivities, it’s important to keep dental health top of mind. It may surprise you to hear that some of your favorite Thanksgiving staples can actually cause harm to your family’s pearly whites.

What Thanksgiving foods should we avoid?

Cranberry Sauce: You guessed it… this Thanksgiving staple is loaded with sugar to combat the tart berries, so for sure, it can be harmful to your teeth. Not only that, but its acidity and vibrant red color can strain or damage your teeth as well.

Candied Yams: This one is a catch twenty-two! While yams themselves are loaded with Vitamins A and C, which help keep gums healthy, candying them also adds excess sugar to the mix. Our recommendation? Prepare this sans-marshmallow!

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: What’s Thanksgiving without a side of mashed potatoes smothered in juicy gravy? We know this one is hard to swallow, but all that starchy goodness can attract cavity-causing bacteria, too. The gravy, being liquid, can coat your teeth with a layer of plaque-attracting sugar, as well — yuck!

What can we do to keep Thanksgiving tooth-friendly?

• Drink plenty of water to wash away residual food particles.
• Eat sugary, sticky or stringy foods in moderation.
• Pair sticky foods with non-sticky foods to reduce the risk of sticking!
• Don’t forget to floss away leftover debris after eating.
• Brush, brush, brush!!

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.

Thanksgiving Family Fun on Long Island

One week left until it’s time to carve the turkey and present your great aunt's famous green bean casserole at the Thanksgiving dinner table! If you’re anything like us, you and your family can’t wait to dig in… and maybe you don’t have to. There are plenty of pre-Thanksgiving festivities taking place on Long Island this weekend to help you and your little ones get in the giving spirit. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Massapequa Park Turkey Trot

Saturday, November 18, at 7 a.m.

It’s not too late to strap on some festive fitness gear and gobble your way to the finish line in one of our hometowns! Funds from this year’s run will benefit YES Community Counseling and the fight against drug use to promote healthy families and a safe community. There’s even a youth fun run for the little ones!

1863 Thanksgiving at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Saturday, November 18-Sunday, November 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Take a step back in time, or several, to 1863! Enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of an old-fashioned Thanksgiving with friends, family and the historical reenactors of Old Bethpage Village Restoration. There’ll be turkeys roasting over an open fire, pumpkin pies baking in a beehive oven, and more!

2017 Native American Feast

Saturday, November 18-Sunday, November 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Prefer to find out what Thanksgiving with the Native Americans was like instead? Head on down to Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove. You and your family will get to experience Northeastern Native American culture with ancient pottery making methods, primitive fire building, on-site open fire cooking, and more!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental provides all-encompassing pediatric dental care that will positively impact your child’s life forever. If you haven’t already scheduled your appointment, please give us a call today at one of our three locations — Massapequa Park, Nesconset or West Islip.

When Should My Child Have His First Dental Visit?

If you’re thinking you’ll wait to visit the pediatric dentist until your little one’s first full set of chompers has arrived, you’d be surprised to hear you’re terribly wrong! Studies have shown that most children don’t visit the dentist until they’re over two-years-old, but experts suggest you make that first appointment sooner rather than later.

So, when is the best time to take your wee one to the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child goes to the dentist by age one or within six months after the first tooth erupts.

What keeps parents from making a pediatric dental appointment?

Well, for starters, many people don’t realize the impact that early intervention has on a child’s overall oral hygiene — both mentally and physically. How your child’s baby teeth are cared for has a direct correlation on the formation of their adult teeth, and how they will learn to care for them. But that’s not all!

Why do primary teeth matter so much?

They’re going to fall out regardless, right? Sure, but having healthy primary teeth helps children learn to chew and speak properly. They also pave the way for sparkling permanent teeth and promote a healthy smile.

So, what are you waiting for? If your little one is ready for their first dental cleaning and exam at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

3 Things Your Pediatric Dentist Wants You to Know

We get it, life as a parent can be stressful. Fortunately, we can help take your parental dental duties out of that stress-ridden equation altogether. Remember these five pediatric dental do’s and you’ll be in better shape to cross “visit the dentist with Little Johnny” off your never-ending to-do list!

1. Don’t procrastinate that first dental exam. It may surprise you to hear it’s recommended you schedule your child’s first dental exam as early as six months after their first tooth has erupted. For most children, that timeframe lands around the age of one. Remember, the earlier you get your child in the habit of taking care of his or her teeth, the better.
   
2. General v. pediatric — the decision matters! In case you missed it, we recently explained the general v. pediatric dentist debate, and explained why you should choose a pediatric dentist all the way! In short, we’re extensively trained to treat children specifically.
   
3. Say no to soda altogether. Did you know that sugary liquid is even worse for your child’s teeth and gums than sugary solids? That’s right! So while you’re pushing candy out the door, take the soda and sugar-filled juices along with it!

Here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, our main focus is the children! We work hard to make sure your child’s primary teeth are in tip-top shape in order to make way for even healthier permanent teeth. 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.

How Do Pediatric Dentists Differ From Family Dentists?

You may be asking yourself, “what’s the benefit of choosing a pediatric dentist for my child over a family dentist?” The answer, in short — a lot! Allow us to break down some of the main differences that make pediatric dentists the obvious choice for parents worldwide.

Pediatric dentists receive specialized training.

All pediatric dentists are required to complete a minimum of two years as a full-time resident, receiving additional training specific to children’s oral health. During this specialized training period, each dentist gains experience evaluating and treating developmental and growth issues related to the mouth, jaw, face, and head for children of all ages — including treatments requiring sedation or anesthesia.

Pediatric dentists are 100% kid-friendly.

From the kid-friendly tactics they learn and implement from their residencies to the fun and inviting atmosphere of their office, pediatric dentists are all about kids! Let’s face it, dealing with wee ones can be difficult, especially when it comes to dental health. We know how frightening the dentist can be for children, but as pediatric dentists, we’ve been trained how to put your children at ease and get them on the road to better dental hygiene in no time.

Here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, our main focus is the children! We work hard to make sure your child’s primary teeth are in tip-top shape in order to make way for even healthier permanent teeth. 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.