Labor Day Weekend Events on Long Island

Labor Day weekend is just a few days away! Do you know how you’ll be spending the three day weekend? If you don’t have plans just yet, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of Labor Day weekend events you’ll want to check out with the whole family.

Labor Day Weekend Events on Long Island:

Go Whale Watching

(~2 hours from our Nesconset location)

Take a cruise out of Montauk to check out some humpback, fin, minke or right whales! You might even see a few dolphin species while you’re out there, too. Admission to the cruise is $75 for adults and $49 for children ages 5-12.

Enjoy Local Sports at a Ducks Game

(~15 minutes from our West Islip location)

The Long Island Ducks are planning a “Family Funday” with autographs and more! Admission ranges from $12-$15! Learn more about the event and buy your tickets directly on their website.

End of Summer Celebration and Fireworks Show

(~1 hour and 12 minutes from our Nesconset office)

Head out to Greenport for the 15th annual end of summer celebration! You will have the opportunity to enjoy live music and fireworks! This is the perfect way to send the summer off right.

Summer Family Festival & Raffle Auction

(~20 minutes from our Massapequa office)

Bring your kids to the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow’s Family Festival! There will be a bunch of Greek, Slavik and BBQ favorites to choose from. Kids can also enjoy games, prizes — and even a raffle auction. Admission is free.

How Can Braces Correct An Overbite

Overbites are an extremely common dental problem, but if they are not corrected, dental problems can occur. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children are evaluated for orthodontic treatment at the age of 7. At this age, we can determine the best course of treatment and fix overbites, or any other dental problems.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. There can be a range in the overlap, from covering ⅓ of the bottom row of teeth to completely reach the gum area.

What is an overjet?

What people commonly think of as an overbite is actually known as an overjet. This means that your upper front teeth sit forward on the lower front teeth. This projection may prevent you from comfortably closing your lips.

How do you correct an overbite?

The course of treatment for your overbite depends on your individual orthodontic  needs.

• Rubber Bands - Rubber bands are used to help correct overbites in the form of projections. The rubber bands work to bridge the gap of front teeth that are much further ahead of the lower teeth.
• Turbo Brackets - Turbo brackets are used to reduce deep overbites where the front teeth overlap the lower teeth. These appliances are placed on the back of the top two front teeth. They prevent the patient from biting down all the way so that the teeth have room to grow in.

Is it time to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation? Give us a call and schedule an appointment at one of our three Long Island locations to determine the orthodontic treatment that is best for your child’s needs.

Why Mouth Guards Are So Important

Did you know that just about one third of all dental injuries are sports related? As the kids get ready to head  back to school — parents also know that means Fall sports season is right around the corner. If your child is actively involved in any after school sports, you’ll want to make sure that they are protected with a mouth guard.

What is a mouth guard?

A mouth guard is designed to protect your teeth and prevent injuries to the teeth, cheeks, mouth, tongue and jaw. These dental devices can be custom fit to your child’s smile for maximum comfort and protection. Mouth guards are designed to protect dental injuries such as fractures, knocked out teeth, and other dental injuries. They are key to preventing serious dental injuries and keeping your smile healthy when playing contact sports.

What sports does my child need to wear a mouth guard for?

Mouth guards should be worn during any contact sport. Below are a few of the most common sports that children (and adults) should wear mouth guards during.

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Gymnastics
• Lacrosse
• Racquetball
• Rugby
• Volleyball
• Wrestling
• And other contact sports

If your child is enrolled in a contact sport, schedule a visit at our office to get them fitted for custom mouth guards. We can help keep teeth protected all season long. Visit one of our three Long Island offices to schedule a 6 month cleaning, exam and custom-made mouth guard.

Tooth Friendly Back to School Recipes

Back to school season is around the corner! If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably already started shopping for fall clothes and school supplies. But have you given any thought to what you’ll pack into your child’s lunch box? Consider the snacks and recipes below, which will give your kids enough energy to learn and play all day while also helping to fight plaque, gum disease, and cavities.

Make Your Own Trail Mix

Forget store-bought trail mix, which all too often includes added candies and chocolate. Instead, build your own dentist-approved snack using sunflower seeds, unsalted almonds, coconut flakes, and raisins. Mix and match with your child’s favorite munchies -- but be sure to avoid sugary ingredients that can lead to tooth decay.

Create the Perfect Sandwich

According to MouthHealthy.org, whole grains, vegetables, lean sources of protein, and low-fat dairy are all great for dental health. And those are the makings of a delicious sandwich! Start with 100 percent whole wheat bread, and pile on turkey, low-fat cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Your children leave lunch feeling satisfied, and their teeth will remain pearly-white and cavity free!

Pack Fresh Fruit, Not Dried

Dried fruits may have a longer shelf life, but their chewy consistency can wreak havoc on little ones’ teeth. Fresh fruit is naturally high in water and fiber, helping to neutralize the sugars they contain while also cleaning teeth. Choose a variety of fruits from your local grocery store to keep your children’s lunch boxes interesting. Pair it with nonfat yogurt dip for a boost of calcium!

Try Homemade Hummus

Chickpeas are great for teeth and gums because they help fight bacteria and inflammation. But that’s not all! We love this tooth-friendly hummus recipe because it’s low in fat and cholesterol and high in folic acid. Fill a baggy with vitamin-rich, crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, celery, and carrots for a snack pack that will leave your kids’ teeth clean and happy.

If you’re unsure about whether or not your child’s favorite lunch or snack is tooth-friendly, give Adelberg & Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics a call today. Our friendly dentists are happy to help! Ask about scheduling a back to school dental checkup as well.

Tips to Help Kids Learn How to Floss

You know that you should be brushing for two minutes, two times a day, but do you also remember to floss? Flossing is one of the most important steps in your oral hygiene routine — and it’s an important habit to instill in your children, too. By teaching them how to floss, and the importance of flossing, at a young age, you can help set them up for a life with beautiful, healthy teeth.

Tips to Help Kids Learn to Floss:

• Teach Them By Showing - One of the best ways to teach kids how to do something is to show them. Lead by example and show your kids how you floss your teeth — and then help them floss theirs! They’ll want to be just like
• Make It a Game - Turn Play-Doh and LEGOs into a learning tool! Take some Play-Doh (acting as food particles) and put it on top of a LEGO block. Be sure to put it inbetween the “teeth” of the LEGO. Then, have your child take a string and “floss” the Play-Doh out of the lego.
• Remind Them & Reward Them - Don’t forget to remind your kids to floss after brushing, and reward them at the end of each week that they successfully check each oral hygiene item off their to-do list.

If you have any questions at all about how to care for your child’s teeth, give our office a call! We are here to keep tiny teeth beautiful and healthy.

5 Ways to Make Braces More Comfortable

Braces require an adjustment period. The brackets may feel strange against your lips and tongue, and your bite will feel different as your teeth straighten into position. As a result of these changes, we also know that whether you just received braces or you recently have them tightened, you may feel some soreness and sensitivity. Don’t worry, this is common (and it will go away)! In the meantime, here are a few ways to ease discomfort and make your braces a little bit more comfortable.

How to Ease Braces Discomfort:

1. Drink Plenty of Water - Staying hydrated is essential for good oral health. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water — adding a few ice cubes will help numb your mouth and reduce inflammation.
2. Eat Cold Foods - Just as cold water can ease your pain, so can cold foods. Try drinking a chilled smoothie or having a bowl of ice cream. Just be sure not to bite into anything frozen, as you can hurt your teeth and break off your brackets.
3. Rinse with Salt Water  - Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help ease discomfort and reduce inflammation in your mouth. Mix about half a teaspoon into a glass of warm water and rinse for about thirty seconds.
4. Stick to Soft Foods - After your braces have been tightened, your teeth may feel sore. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup and smoothies if you are feeling discomfort when chewing.
5. Use Orthodontic Wax - This is one of the most common and easy ways to protect your lips and tongue against the sharp edges of your braces. Just break off a piece and rub it onto the area that is sore. The wax will serve as a protective barrier between your lips and your braces. Just remember to take the wax off before you brush your teeth.

At Adelberg & Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics, our doctors are excellent in treating and recognizing early or interceptive orthodontics. If you think that your child may benefit from braces, or you have any questions about how to care for their teeth with braces, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to help keep your child’s teeth beautiful and healthy!

3 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Tooth Fairy

Losing a tooth can be an exciting (and sometimes scary) time for little ones. But what makes these childhood milestones even better is knowing that they can expect a visit from the mysterious Tooth Fairy. Here are a few Tooth Fairy fun facts that you might not know.

Tooth Fairy Fun Facts:

1. No one knows what the tooth fairy really looks like. There are so many different versions or the tooth fairy that exist. From a small, delicately winged fairy to a rough hockey player, there is no one single version of the tooth fairy.
2. The tooth fairy is a great way to promote good oral hygiene! Struggling to get the kids excited about caring for their dental health? There are a number of tooth fairy books that can help get kids interested in caring for the tiny teeth that they will one day out underneath their pillow.
3. Every culture has it's own unique tooth fairy tradition. In Japan, some children throw their bottom teeth into the air and their lower teeth into the ground so that they will grow in straight. In some Spanish cultures, children will put a tooth under their pillow for a tooth mouse to come. Every culture celebrates the loss of baby teeth in their own way.

If your little one has lost a tooth, you’re not sure when to expect a lost tooth or you have any questions about their dental health, do not hesitate to reach out to our office! We are here to help keep your child’s baby AND adult teeth healthy.

How to Protect Your Toothbrush On-the-Go

Planning a getaway with the family? No matter where you are traveling this year, we know how difficult it can be to keep track of all of your travel essentials, especially with young kids. However, while we know you’ll remember to protect your teeth by brushing every night — will you remember to protect your toothbrush, too? Here are a few tips to help you protect your toothbrush while you’re traveling.

Tips to Protect Your Toothbrush:

DON’T store your toothbrush for long periods of time.

Moist places can turn into breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Make sure that your toothbrush and holder are completely dry before packing them away back inside of your bag. And although you may only use your toothbrush when traveling, you’ll still want to make sure that it is replaced every three months.

DO keep your toothbrush separate from the rest of your travel belongings.

Keep your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes and your travel belongings. You want to make sure that your brush has plenty of time to air dry before getting packed away.

DON’T forget to clean your travel containers.

You clean your teeth — but don’t forget to clean your travel container, too! Give your container a rinse and let it dry out completely.

Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning before you go! Visit our website to learn more about our pediatric dental services or give us a call directly to schedule a cleaning and exam at one of our three Long Island offices!