What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

As soon as that first tooth appears, taking steps towards proper dental care is necessary. After all, you want to be able to prevent your child from becoming exposed to dental problems such as cavities or tooth decay. 

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. 

So, what exactly is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay? We have some answers you may be searching for.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when your child is frequently exposed to liquids containing sugar. The sugars create bacteria that causes plaque and in turn leads to cavities or tooth decay.

Causes of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• Frequent exposure for long time periods can infect your baby’s mouth with bacteria. It can happen when they go to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier to calm fussy little ones.
• Parents and caregivers can pass harmful bacteria to babies. Be careful when sharing food and using your child’s spoons or cups. You risk the chance of sharing acid-producing bacteria. 
  

Signs of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Although hard to find, early tooth decay will appear as white spots at the gum line of your child's upper front teeth. Decay at the later stages will appear as brown or black spots on the teeth, bleeding or swollen gums, fever, and even bad breath. If any of these symptoms appear on your child, seek help with a professional - like us - as soon as you can.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
There are many precautionary steps you can take to prevent your child from developing tooth decay. Avoid filling your baby’s bottle with sugary liquids - only fill them with formula, milk, or water. Also, don’t allow bottles in the crib - teach your child to finish their bottle before going to sleep. 

Learn more tips on how you and your child can prevent tooth decay from the professionals at Adelberg.

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding your child’s oral care or if you need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at one of our three locations. At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever.

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!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental FAQs

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

You've probably heard that brushing and flossing twice a day is recommended, but what other pediatric dentistry facts are you sure of? Since we bet you'd like to be more familiar with what your child experiences during their early years, we put together the following FAQs to answer some of your most pressing questions:

When do the first teeth start to erupt?
At about 6 months, the two lower front teeth (central incisors) will erupt, followed shortly by the two upper central incisors. The remainder of the baby teeth appear during the next 18 to 24 months but not necessarily in an orderly sequence from front to back. At 2 to 3 years, all of these 20 primary teeth should be present.

How should I clean my baby's teeth?
A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.

How can I help my child through the teething stage?
Sore gums when teeth erupt are part of the normal eruption process. The discomfort is eased for some children by use of a teething biscuit, a piece of toast or a frozen teething ring. Your pharmacy should also have medications that can be rubbed on the gums to reduce the discomfort.

Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs.

When should my child start using toothpaste?
Do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 3. Earlier than that, clean your child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, parents should supervise brushing. Use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure children do not swallow excess toothpaste.

If my child gets a toothache, what should I do?
To comfort your child, rinse his/her mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth on your child's face if it is swollen. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area, but you may give the child acetaminophen for pain. See us as soon as possible.

For more of our frequently asked questions, please visit our website! Is there something we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page, perhaps the rest of the Adelberg Montalvan community is curious as well!

Why Should a Malocclusion Be Treated?

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What is malocclusion of the teeth? Since occlusion refers to the ideal alignment of your teeth, malocclusion refers to the misalignment. If the teeth are misaligned, they will not be able to perform the vital functions necessary, leading to health problems.

Even though malocclusion is mostly hereditary, poor oral habits such as thumb sucking, bad dental care, prolonged bottle feeding or pacifier use can contribute to the problem. Ignoring malocclusion and the health of your child’s teeth can cause a variety of problems, such as:

·      Discomfort when chewing or biting

·      Speech problems (ie: developing a lisp)

·      Alteration of the appearance of the face

·      Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose

·      More difficulty brushing and flossing, leading to tooth decay or gum disease

Malocclusion is the most common reason for referral to an orthodontist; very few people have perfect teeth alignment. However, most problems are minor and do not require treatment if spotted early. If you’re realizing this is effecting your child, please schedule an appointment with us!

Consult with one of our orthodontists here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics for your child’s first orthodontist appointment. Let us help you identify and reduce problems early on to make sure your child’s orthodontic experience is easier in the long run! Call us today!

Don't forget to take advantage of our #SelfieOfSummer Contest! Enter your selfie for a chance to win a $200 AMEX Gift Card! Details here »

 

Recent Patient Reviews

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

"Mom, that was so much fun!” Can you believe that this is what my son said to me as we walked out of the door from his dental visit?  Although my son has been visiting the dentist for years, this was our first time at Adelberg and Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry.  From the moment we arrived, until the moment we left, everything was wonderful. - Macaroni Kid

We’re SO glad Luca enjoyed his visit with us and Dr. Bennet. We always strive to care for our patients as if they were our own children and love hearing that they enjoyed their dental experience with us!

Dr. Bennet and Luca discussing the equipment

Head over to Smithtown’s Macaroni Kid to read Luca’s full story!

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 our newest location in West Islip.  

Sports Drinks - Should Your Child Be Drinking Them?

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

When it comes to beverages for our kids, especially ones who are active in sports, there’s an enormous selection of sodas, juices, teas, and bottled waters to choose from - including the popular buzzword: sports drinks.

Sports and energy drinks include anything from vitamin waters to “high energy” supplement drinks, all with common ingredients to “do” something extra (ie: boosting nutrition, enhancing performance, increasing energy, etc). With spring sports in full swing and the warmer weather creeping up on us, kids are likely to reach for a sports drink to hydrate and quench their thirst after play, but are they even a good option for kids?

Not necessarily. Typically, the average young athlete can get all necessary nutrients and hydration simply from eating health foods and drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.  With sugar as a primary ingredient in these beverages, they can contribute to obesity, tooth decay, and enamel erosion if too much is consumed.

Studies have shown the erosive potential sports drinks have. This damage to tooth enamel cannot be fixed and will cause teeth to become sensitive to touch plus make them more susceptible to cavities and decay.

Avoid all of these problems by substituting these beverages with water to rehydrate and healthy snacks to help sustain your child’s performance on the field. If your child just can’t live without his/her favorite sports drink - just be mindful and monitor the amount they consume. Try to limit the consumption to a single serving and replace the other servings with water!

FAQs on Teeth Grinding

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

While teeth grinding may not be the nicest of sounds coming out of your little one’s mouth - there’s generally nothing to worry about (unless the problem persists that is).

Below are some frequently asked questions, courtesy of the AAPD, to help settle your nerves:

1. Is there a reason why children grind their teeth?
  Teeth grinding is very common in young children less than 7 years of age. It usually occurs due to the placement of their teeth. Most children will stop grinding once their 6 year permanent molars erupt.
2. Can stress be the cause of teeth grinding?
  In young children, not likely. It’s more common to find middle school age or high school aged children and teens grinding their teeth when major testing occurs. Toddlers may result to this if they are frustrated and can’t figure out the right vocabulary to use, but will grow out of it when they begin talking more.
3. Should you be worried?
  As long as your child is still young, with baby teeth present - there’s no need to worry. You don’t want to do anything to affect their growth since these teeth will fall out anyway. If the child is older with permanent teeth, intervention may be needed. We want to protect the permanent teeth - not damage or hurt their normal growth.


Many children grind their teeth throughout the day or while they are sleeping, and aren’t even aware they are doing it. If you are concerned the your child’s teeth grinding is serious, schedule an appointment with us. We’ll evaluate if their habit has caused any major problems and may discuss the option of a custom fit mouthguard to wear at night.

Participate in our Facebook Contest!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

No, this is no April Fool’s joke - we will be running Facebook contests for our patients! We want to get a little personal and give you the chance to “get to know” your favorite doctors.

For the month of April, Dr. Marc Adelberg will be in the spotlight. All you have to do is head to our Facebook page and answer the question below. Two winners will be randomly selected from the correct answers and will win either a $25 Gift Card to Tanger Outlets or a beach chair & umbrella package. Contest is only open to patients at our practice and their immediate family members, one vote allowed per family!

Winners will be announced  and contacted Thursday, May 1st with details on how to claim your prize. Good luck!
 

Celebrate World Oral Health Day!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Happy first day of spring AND World Oral Health Day! Celebrated every year on the 20th of March, this year’s theme is ‘celebrating healthy smiles,’ reflecting the major contribution oral health makes to our daily lives. We use this day to raise awareness across the globe about the importance having a good oral care routine is to reducing suffering and the burden of oral disease.

To mark World Oral Health Day, the FDI World Dental Federation has come out with ‘The Tooth Thief.’ This illustrated children’s book aims to install good oral habits for children at a young age:

“Follows the story of Mascarpone, a mouse detective, as he travels around the world trying to solve the mystery of the missing teeth. In his quest he meets different characters such as the Tooth Fairy, la Petite Souris from France, and the tooth spirits in Africa, who will teach him about many traditions in different regions of the globe.”

You can download a FREE copy for your Kindle or Apple device here »»

Won’t They Fall Out Anyway?

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Many people neglect to realize that a child’s oral health can affect their overall health. There is a large misconception that cavities in primary (baby) teeth don’t need to be treated since they eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent (adult) teeth. But did you know, when a child has cavities they are actually more susceptible to infections in other parts of their bodies?

It has been noted that kids with cavities are prone to infections of the ears and sinuses as well. Overall, having unhealthy primary teeth unleashes a whole slew of possible problems for your child:

• Due to dental discomfort children have reported trouble sleeping and poor school performance due to the inability to concentrate.
• Tooth decay can cause difficulty chewing and in turn can lead to a decreased appetite.  Being that children are constantly growing they need a good appetite for both physical and mental growth.
• If the cavity becomes large and the tooth is deemed un-restorable, it may need to be extracted or removed, thus increasing the chance of speech articulation difficulties. Missing teeth can also lead to low self-esteem or social ostracism.
• When a baby tooth has a significant infection it is possible that the permanent tooth erupts out of proper position.  When this occurs there is an increased risk of gum disease and an increase chance that the child will need orthodontics (braces).

One of the reasons we are seeing an increase in dental decay is that children are not seeing the dentist early enough.  Baby teeth can develop decay from the very moment they erupt into the mouth at about 6 months old.  That is why the first exam is recommended by 12 months of age.  We hope you now realize just how important infant oral health is, and how crucial the age 1 dental visit is. 

Help your child start positive oral health from their very first tooth.  Call us to schedule your appointment 631-360-PEDS (7337)!

 

Please Welcome Our Latest Addition - Dr. Adam Postel!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our staff, Dr. Adam Postel! Rest assured! He will not be replacing anyone; the same wonderful staff will remain at all locations and your children can be seen by whomever you choose - and eventually at any location you choose (more details to come!).

Now a bit about Dr. Postel: 

Dr. Adam Postel grew up in New Jersey and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University.  He went on to receive his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  He then pursued a specialty in Pediatric Dentistry at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.  There, he was selected by his colleagues and attending doctors as Chief Resident.  Dr. Postel is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Postel is excited to join the team at Adelberg-Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry and continue to keep children smiling with his compassion and sense of humor. 

Some Fun Facts:

• If Dr. Postel wasn't a dentist he would.... "most likely be a teacher.  The great part about pediatric dentistry is that I can combine both dentistry and teaching on a daily basis."
• One of the best parts of pediatric dentistry is... "being able to make a great first impression of the dentist for children and a positive experience that will keep them smiling every time they come back."
• When he's not in the office, you can find him..." exploring New York City usually trying a new restaurant, working on my golf game, rooting for various NY sports teams, and spending time with family and friends."
• Something he is looking forward to, (other than coming to work with us)... "I'm looking forward to my wedding this fall on Long Island."

Dr. Postel will begin seeing patients in Nesconset as soon as his necessary paperwork transfers through NY State. He will be visiting during the summer to meet patients so be sure to say hi! 

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist? Come Visit Our Practice!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 
Are you considering choosing Adelberg and Montalvan for your children? We hope so!

Our purpose at Adelberg and Montalvan Pediatric Dental is to provide outstanding mental and dental dentistry that will positively impact your child’s life forever. We are delighted to provide you with tools to help your child maintain optimal oral health. We want your child’s smile to be the brightest!
 

See below for some photos of our offices. We'd love for you to come by and visit our office in person. For more information, check us out on the web or our Facebook page. We hope to see you soon!
 

Nesconset Office
62 Lake Ave., Suite A
Nesconset, NY 11767
631.360.7337

Massapequa Park Office
1000 F. Park Blvd.
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
516.798.1111