5 Ways You Can Get Ready for National Children's Dental Health Month

T-minus two days until National Children’s Dental Health Month! 

What once began as a two city event in 1941 has developed into a nationwide annual program each February. This month long observance is meant to educate and promote the importance of oral health. 

By instilling good oral health habits early, your child will have a better chance at having a beautiful smile for years to come!

Here are five ways you can help get ready for National Children’s Dental Health Month:

1. Make oral health a routine - Brushing for two minutes twice daily and flossing regularly should be as much of a routine as making a bed or putting toys away. Be a positive role model for your children, if they see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
2. Incorporate oral health into reading - Whether your child needs to read a certain number of books for school assignments or you incorporate reading into your bedtime rituals, choose a book specific to oral health! From brushing teeth to rockin’ braces — check out our Pinterest board for some inspiration!
3. Offer healthy snacks regularly - If your kids are used to eating healthy snacks, they’ll be more likely to continue for years to come. Get even the pickiest of eaters used to healthy choices that naturally maintain and improve oral health. For example, dairy products (like cheese, milk, and yogurt) contain calcium and protein which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Veggies are high in vitamins and minerals that contain numerous health benefits while also stimulating saliva!
4. Don’t miss dental appointments! With so many activities going on, it’s easy to push dental visits to the side. But committing to a twice annual check up is crucial to maintaining oral health. These visits help us spot any problems early, when they’re more treatable. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child’s teeth are developing properly with a clean dental bill of health!
5. Contact us for a school visit or info session - What better way to teach the importance of oral health than by hearing it from us! We’d be more than happy to come to your local school for a dental health info session. We are also accepting meetings at all three of our locations for any local girl scout or cub scout troop! Scouts will be given a small presentation on good and bad snacks and how to keep teeth clean and health. 
   

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment!

4 Ways to Reduce Sugar at Breakfast

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day has also become known as the most sugary meal! Thanks to certain cereals, juices, and spreads — children are consuming half of their daily sugar intake first thing in the morning.

We all know the effect sugar has on teeth, so in an effort to help keep sugar in check for your family here are 4 ways you can reduce sugar during breakfast! 

1. Choose cereal carefully. Most cereals on the market that are aimed at kids are loaded with sugar, giving them an immediate sugar rush first thing in the morning! To help your children avoid a mid morning sugar crash, be sure to read nutrition labels carefully. Options like Cheerios (1g of sugar per serving) and Kellogg’s Unfrosted Mini Wheats Bite Size (1g of sugar per serving) are better than popular choices like Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (11g of sugar per serving) or Kellogg’s Fruit Loops (10g of sugar per serving).

2. Avoid juices. While fruit juice does have some vitamins and antioxidants, it contains no fiber and as much sugar as a soft drink! Instead, keep fruit juice consumption to a minimum and serve your family water or milk with their breakfast. Milk not only helps your bones but the calcium helps protect teeth against gum disease and keeps your mouth strong and healthy!

3. Beware of breakfast pastries! Donuts, muffins, crumb cakes, etc., are all easy grab and go options that can also be loaded with sugar. Instead, consider baking your own treats over the weekend for the week ahead! Try these Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Muffins (7 g of sugar) with no butter, refined flour, or refined sugar!

4. Choose savory breakfasts. Go savory instead of sweet! Savory breakfasts that provide a good mix of protein, veggies, and flavors are sure to keep your family full until lunchtime. Consider eggs with whole grain toast topped with avocado or these Mini Bacon and Cheese Frittatas that can be made in advance and frozen.

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!

How Does Sugar Affect Teeth?

You hear it time and time again, eating too much sugar can lead to a cavity filled mouth — but exactly how does that happen? The sugar itself isn’t what causes damage, rather it’s the process of what happens to the sugar once consumed that does.

Learn more about the effect sugar has on teeth below. 

How do you get cavities?

Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria, many of which are good for your oral health! Harmful bacteria comes into play when sugar is present. This bacteria feeds on the sugars in your mouth to create acids that destroy the protective outer layer of your teeth — known as tooth enamel. Cavities are created by these acids and without treatment can seriously hurt your tooth!

So, how can these acids be stopped?

Fortunately, there is a natural process of demineralization and remineralization (think of it as a tug-of-war) that occurs in the mouth. As these acids attack the important minerals in your tooth enamel (demineralization), your saliva plays a key role in their restoration (remineralization). Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphates that help repair teeth! But limiting your sugar intake is key to giving your saliva a chance to fix any damage.

How else can I help remineralize tooth enamel?

Aside from limiting sugar, stimulating saliva flow! This can be done by chewing sugar free gum or gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Also, incorporating more fibrous veggies and fruits into your diet can help bathe your teeth in saliva and thus, important minerals.

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and phosphates as well. Finally, fluoride is another mineral that can repair weakened enamel so be sure to brush two minutes, twice a day with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.

Add regular dental visits with Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry into the mix and your family has the best chance of winning the battle against tooth decay! With three convenient Long Island locations, we specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Contact us to request an appointment today!

Does Your Child Have A Toothache?

 

Cuts and scrapes, nothing a little TLC and bandage can't fix! But what happens when your child experiences pain that you can't quite see? When it comes to toothaches, home remedies can help the pain go away, but you may need to seek professional help if you notice persistent aching - hey, even superheros have sidekicks!

What is a toothache?
A toothache occurs when there is pain caused to the nerves inside a tooth’s delicate pulp. Some minor toothaches may fade with time, but more frequently than not, toothaches present some kind of dental problem that requires a visit to our office.

What are the common causes of toothaches?
There are many reasons why your child may be experiencing a toothache:

• Tooth decay - the most common cause!
• Incoming teeth
• Cavities
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Sinus infection
• Trapped food that causes teeth to shift

How can you treat toothaches?
1. If nothing looks wrong, try gently flossing both sides of the tooth. This could relieve any pain or soreness if there is trapped food stuck in between their teeth.
TIP: Just because there doesn’t look like there's a problem, doesn’t mean there isn’t one - nerve damage, for example, has no symptoms besides pain. 

2. Treat pain with an appropriate dosage of ibuprofen. Base the dose on your child’s age, weight, and the instructions indicated on the medication. You can also apply an ice pack to the affected area - one minute on, one minute off.
TIP: Never rub aspirin, or any painkiller, directly on your child’s gums. This will cause burns and severe discomfort. 

3. If your child is experiencing pain throughout the day and into the night, seek professional help as soon as possible. It will help put your mind and your child’s mouth at ease if you have a dental expert take care of the problem.

If your child is experiencing a toothache or has any other oral pain or discomfort, contact the professionals Adelberg Montalvan. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment at any of our three locations.

Travel Tips for Oral Health

 

With the last month of summer fun underway, it’s time to grab the kids, pack up the car, and head out to enjoy your final family vacation of summer 2016.

But just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean your daily routines should be put on hold until your return. Make sure your kids keep up with their oral health even while on the go with these tips!

1. Book your check up with us! Before heading out, make sure to bring the family in for a thorough exam. This way, we can spot any problems early so you can have peace of mind while away.
2. Keep our contact information handy. Many dental emergencies can be resolved over the phone. If you’re worried and feel like you need to speak to one of our doctors give us a call – we’ll also be able to let you know if this is something that can wait until you get home or if it’s something more serious.
3. Forgot your toothbrush? For a quick fix we suggest vigorously rinsing your mouth with water to dislodge any debris from teeth. You can also add some toothpaste to a clean washcloth or your finger until you find a drugstore.
4. Make sure you transport your toothbrush properly. A plastic bag is great to keep it separated from other items in your medicine bag. Once you get to your destination, set your toothbrush out to air dry.
5. Get yourself back on track. If you weren't practicing the best oral health while away, don’t stress. Just be sure to get yourself back to brushing for two minutes twice daily and flossing regularly once home.

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!

Did You Know You Can Catch a Cavity?

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Believe it or not it is true! Dental cavities are the single most common chronic childhood disease. While the cause of dental decay is multi-factorial most parents blame Halloween candy, snacking, or sugary drinks such as juice or soda.  These certainty contribute to cavities, however, cavities are also caused by bacteria. The main culprit is a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria lives in plaque on your teeth and feed off the sugars in your mouth. The bacteria produce an acid that weakens your teeth and cause cavities.  

Like most bacteria it can be transmitted from one person to another! This is especially true between caregivers and children and also happens between couples or even people living closely. Research has shown that children usually get the cavity causing bacteria from mom.

The better a parent or caregiver takes care of their teeth the less likely that they transmit the bacteria. Parents can lower the bacteria in their mouth with basic oral hygiene and visits to the dentist. Treating cavities in a parents mouth helps both the parent and child. Just like sharing other germs caregivers should avoid tasting children food, kissing children on the lips, and other actions that would cause the spread of this bacteria.

You can control the bacteria in your child's mouth by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist at least two times a year. In fact starting early helps a lot. The Academy for Pediatric dentistry advises that the first dental visit is within six months of eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. Of course, limiting the sugar also helps so if you want to finally get rid of some of the candy we wont tell! 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. 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.

Wellness Wednesday: Toothache Woes

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While toothaches are common in adults and children, it doesn't make them any less of a nuisance. Kids don't understand why their teeth are causing them pain and as a parent - seeing them in distress can be frustrating. But there are ways you can help! 

First - find the root of the toothache
There are many reasons your child may experience a toothache - whether due to an incoming tooth, lost fillings, eroded enamel, or simply having food stuck between teeth. Try to source where the pain is coming from, look for swelling and redness on the gums and cheek, any discolorations on the tooth, or broken teeth.

Next - try some home remedies for treatment
If you suspect food particles are trapped between teeth, help your child floss the area causing them pain. Use a warm salt-water solution and have your child swish it around the painful area to rinse. You can also try using a cold compress to relieve any pain or swelling. If the pain is more severe, give your child the proper dosage of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (as instructed based on your child's age).

Finally - schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist
While some toothaches are minor and can fade quickly, those that persist can be a sign of something more serious. Schedule an appointment with us to determine if the gum or tooth is damaged or if the pain simply cannot be relieved. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the easier it is to deal with dental concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. 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.

Common Questions About Going to the Dentist

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Regardless of your age, your oral health is important. As we recently pointed out, last year alone roughly 31% of parents said their kids missed school due to dental issues. Not to mention the some 100 million Americans in general who skip on their dental visits.

Regular examinations and good oral hygiene are key in preventing most dental diseases. Still wondering why regular visits matter? See below for the answer to that, plus some other frequently asked questions:

Why do regular dental visits matter? Dental appointments can help spot problems early on, when treatment is likely to be easier and more affordable. Not only that, but they will help problems from developing in the first place.

What are some signs one should see the dentist? Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold; Your gums are puffy, irritated, or bleed when you brush or floss; your mouth is often dry; you have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.; you have difficulty swallowing or chewing. (more »)

I’m not having any symptoms, do I still need to visit the dentist? In short - yes. As mentioned above, dental appointments help diagnose problems that only the dentist can see early on. It’s also important to keep your dentist informed of any changes to your health as certain medical conditions can play a role in your dental health as well.

How do I find a dentist? Feel free to ask your friends, family, or co-workers for recommendations. Your family physician may also have someone in mind. The American Dental Association also offers a ‘Find-a-Dentist’ tool for dentists available in your area for even more help! 

 

For more frequently asked questions surrounding going to the dentist, visit Mouth Healthy's full article »

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.

Tuesday Tips for Ending the Pacifier Habit

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For years, pacifiers have been key in helping to calm and soothe fussy babies. However due to the risk of orthodontic problems, the AAPD recommends weaning a child from pacifier use by age 3. Frequent use beyond this age can affect the way a child’s teeth bite together as well as affect the growth of their jaw.

While some parents swear by cold turkey, others have gradually weaned their children off their pacifiers. If cold turkey doesn’t work in your household, take a look at some of the below tips and tricks to help your little one give up the Binky for good:

Offer an alternative. Try and identify which situations set off the need for the pacifier. Once any triggers have been identified (tired, anxious, bored, etc), be ready to replace it with comfort and reassurance. It may be helpful to replace the Binky with a stuffed toy or blanket.

Get creative. Come up with other games or methods to ditch the pacifier. Take your child to a store and have them bring their Binky so they can choose a new toy to ‘trade’ it in for. Or similar to the tooth fairy, introduce a Binky fairy to your household.

Consider the timing. It’s important to make sure the timing is right. Try not to remove the pacifier during any major life changes or transitions that could put further stress on the process. Once you’ve decided the time is right, make sure everyone in your child’s life is on board.

Ask your pediatric dentist. The dentists here at Adelberg Montalvan are fully equipped to handle your little one’s needs - including assisting in encouraging children to stop a sucking habit.

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. 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.

 

Tips to Help Your Child Overcome the Fear of the Dentist

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Fear of the dentist is all to common in young children - but not to worry, it’s nothing that can’t be overcome! At the end of the day, kids (and adults too) fear the unknown. By demystifying their experience and creating a sense of peace and safety surrounding their visits, they’ll lose their uncertainties in no time. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start early - It’s important to establish a dental home early for your child. This way your child becomes comfortable with their environment and knows what to expect early on.
2. Explain in terms they understand - Let your child know what they can expect upon their visit - and keep it simple. Don’t use words that can scare them (pain, hurt, shot). Let the dental staff introduce their own vocabulary to help get your child through any difficult situation.
3. Schedule a meet and greet - Give us a call to come by and visit our office. Your child will be able to get acquainted with the staff, take a tour, and try out the chair before any procedures are done.
4. Avoid sharing your own fears - Kids aren’t the only ones who have fears of the dentist. Avoid sharing your own personal experiences or uneasy feelings.
5. Stress the importance of good oral hygiene - Remind your child that a trip to the dentist is a necessity to maintain strong, healthy teeth. As important as it is to brush and floss at home, the dentist’s job is to make sure everything is ok!

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental, our purpose is to provide exceptional mental and dental care that can impact your child’s life forever.  If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. 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. 

Explaining Tooth Decay to Kids

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We know how crucial oral hygiene is to our health, at this point it’s been ingrained in our brains. We know the importance of brushing and flossing, how to prevent cavities, and what happens when cavities are spotted - but do kids fully understand? What does the word “cavity” even mean to your child?

We make every effort to provide our patients with information regarding cavities in a language that they can understand. Here are some additional ways you can help explain it too!

Simplify the basics - For many people, regardless of their age, learning a complicated concept is best done with a relatable example. Simplify the idea of a cavity/tooth decay, explaining that when you eat sugar it sticks to teeth allowing tiny sugar bugs or “mouth monsters” to form and start eating away, leaving tiny holes.

Use visuals - Not all layers of the tooth is seen by the naked eye! Find a diagram that examines all parts of the tooth so your child can visually understand its anatomy. There are also plenty of video resources and apps available that can explain to process as well!

Switch roles - Now that you’ve done the teaching, try becoming the student! Let your child teach you about tooth decay to make sure they’ve got it. Pretend they are the dentist and you are a new patient eager to understand how to keep your teeth healthy!

 

It’s also important to reiterate that regular professional cleanings are a normal part of the process and that the dentist plays a big role in preventing tooth decay - and that's where we come in! 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.

5 Bad Habits for Your Teeth

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Brushing and flossing your teeth daily are important habits to maintain for good dental health. But what about those daily habits that can be damaging to your teeth? Keep your child’s tiny teeth healthy and make sure they avoid these harmful habits:  

1. Chewing on ice: While perhaps refreshing, the cold temperature and hardness of the cubes can cause some serious damage to your teeth. Chomping on ice can weaken tooth enamel, leading you to crack or chip a tooth! 
2. Drinking soda: The acidity of soda is corrosive to tooth enamel and sipping on it for long periods of time is like giving your teeth an acid bath! Work on eliminating soda from daily consumption. 
3. Popcorn: A delicious movie time snack that is notorious for getting stuck in the crevices of your teeth, encouraging the growth of bacteria. Not only that, but biting on kernels can lead to tooth fractures.  
4. Using them as a tool: Opening a bag of chips, unscrewing bottle tops that get stuck, even holding objects in your mouth (like a pen) are bad habits for your teeth! Your teeth are not a tool, they are there to help chew food and speak properly.  
5. Nail biting: It’s not only bad for your hands but it can wreak havoc on teeth as well! Regularly biting your nails can cause your teeth to move out of place and potentially cause tooth enamel to splinter.

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. 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.

School’s Out - Summer Planning Checklist!

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School’s out for summer! Time to get ready for a big change in your normal routine. Start the summer off on a good foot simply by planning ahead. Take a look at the below summer planning checklist to ensure this summer is one you and your family enjoys to its fullest:

Fill in your summer calendar - Jot down all sporting activities, summer camps, vacations, and family gatherings you have planned this summer. This way everything is laid out at a glance for quick reference.

Pack an outing bag - Save time by having a pre-packed bag ready to go for all of your summer outings. No more worrying about where the sunscreen or pool passes ran off to, toss anything of frequent need in one bag to ease your daily routine.

Prepare activities for rainy days - Whether a storm has rolled in or your child just doesn’t want to be out in the sun, it’s good to have activities prepared for days at home. Create an arts and crafts box, increase your board game inventory, or be a little more creative and invent the Boredom Jar. Come up with a lengthy list of activities (freeze tag, home movie night, dance session, scavenger hunts, etc) and write them on individual slips of paper. Toss them all into a jar and have your kids choose one if they are looking for something to do!

Prepare important documents - Make sure all important forms are handled now, before you get lost in the flurry of excitement. If your child is attending a camp or traveling on vacation (with or without you) make sure any medical documents and emergency contact sheets are taken care of.

Schedule your dental checkups - Start the season off with a bright smile! Dental checkups are an important part in keeping tiny teeth strong and healthy. Now that school’s out, be sure to get your kid’s dental cleanings and exams in prior to their summer fun. Give us a call at any of our three locations to set a date today!

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. 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.

Thumb Sucking: Helping Your Child Break the Habit

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Thumb sucking is a natural instinct - often seen in ultrasounds before birth! But if it continues after permanent teeth come in, serious dental problems can occur. If you’re looking to break the habit, we’ve seen success with the below tips and tricks - which if any have worked for you?

Photo via Flickr

Reward for Positive Behavior
Avoid nagging or shaming your child and instead focus on the positive! Perhaps they go a full car ride without thumb sucking, reward them with something small for their good behavior.

Figure Out the Trigger
Try and identify which situations set off your child’s thumb sucking - are they anxious? tired? bored? Eliminate as many triggers as possible to ward off the thumb sucking habit.

Keeping Thumbs Busy
The moment you see your child’s hands venturing to their mouth, distract them with a hands-on activity or give them something to hold in both hands.

Talk with Your Child
Try talking to your child about why it’s important to stop thumb sucking(not just because you say so) and even ask what can help them. Maybe a new stuffed animal or blanket at bedtime could occupy their hands and make them feel comfortable.

If you have any tips and tricks of your own, share them with us on our Facebook page!

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. 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.

3 Ways Spring Allergies Affect Oral Health

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Blooming flowers, budding trees, and itchy watery eyes - hooray spring is here. For those of us with allergies, spring is prime time for those pesky seasonal allergy flare ups.

But aside from just having a runny nose or itchy eyes - did you know that spring allergies can create toothache symptoms? See below for 3 ways allergies can affect your oral health:

Tooth Pain: Sinus pressure, possibly one of the worst symptoms of seasonal allergies. Our bodies respond to pollen and other allergens by producing mucus which leads to congestion and pressure. Since your sinus cavities are located at the very top of the roof of the mouth, when the sinuses swell from congestion, inflammation, or infection, they tend to press on the roof of the mouth and cause pain in the nerves of the teeth. Antihistamines commonly relieve congestion, which in turn rids the tooth pain - but if it doesn’t, give us a call!

Sore Throat: Another common complaint of allergy sufferers is a sore throat, which is more often than not caused by postnasal drip. Once mucus increases in the sinuses, the overflow starts to ‘drip’ down the back of the throat leading to throat irritation, and a sore or swollen feeling.

Dry Mouth: While antihistamines help to relieve congestion, they also come with some side effects - like dry mouth! Problem is, saliva is what protects the mouth and teeth from bacteria and the lack of it can lead to future cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. So be sure to keep hydrated this season!

Should your children experience any of the above this allergy season and are unsure if its allergies or actually an infected tooth, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

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

Common Tooth Care Mistakes

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Healthy diet, check. Routine dental visits, check. Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, check. While these are some of the best ways to prevent cavities, some parents may still be falling short when it comes to their child’s oral hygiene.

Are you making any of these easily correctable mistakes?

Letting your kids brush unsupervised. If you have small children in the house, don’t let them brush alone. It’s not that they don’t want to do a good job, they just physically may not have the proper motor skills to brush effectively yet.

Letting your child go to bed with a bottle. This is the quickest and easiest way to cause tooth decay? Giving your child a bottle or sippy cup all day long filled with milk or juice keeps sugar and bacteria levels in the mouth elevated at all times. Stick to water as often as possible.

Waiting to make the first dentist appointment. Your child’s first trip to the dentist should happen when the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Scheduling regular dental visits from the get go will also help establish your child’s dental home and get them comfortable - and even excited - to go each time.

Thinking cavities are no big deal. If a cavity becomes infected, it can affect the development of the adult teeth. If cavities at an early age go untreated they can lead to problems with speech articulation, trouble sleeping, even low self esteem and school performance.

Not using fluoride. Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride in addition to brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. If you have any questions regarding fluoride and your child, we encourage you to give us a call.

For more information, check out Fox News’ original article here »

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. 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.

 

DOs and DONTs This Valentine’s Day

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We know that expecting your kids (or yourself) to avoid sweet treats this Valentine’s Day isn’t realistic - but the good news is there are plenty of healthier and tooth friendlier choices you can make without sacrificing the holiday.

Show your teeth some love this Valentine’s Day by keeping these DOs and DONTs in mind!

DO eat dark chocolate: The cocoa bean in chocolate has tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids - all of which are antioxidants that can benefit your mouth and teeth! The darker the chocolate, the least processed and closed to the cocoa bean it is.

DONT choose hard or sticky sweets: Caramels, taffy, and others like it can all easily adhere to the tooth’s surface, allowing the mouth monsters to come out to play.

DO limit the amount of candies: Allow sweets in moderation. Set aside a few pieces to have as an after meal treat, don’t ravage the chocolate box in one sitting!

DONT forget to brush! Regardless of what you are consuming this weekend, brushing for 2 minutes, twice a day is the best way to promote good oral health.

DO try some non-candy alternatives: Halve some strawberries to display their natural heart shape, stick some chocolate chips in raspberries, or slice some cheese into heart shapes(with a cookie cutter) and serve with whole grain crackers. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. 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.

The 5 Worst Foods for Teeth

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Brushing and flossing isn’t the only way your kids can achieve healthy smiles, paying attention to the foods and beverages they consume also has a huge impact. In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we have some of the most damaging foods for teeth:

Processed Carbohydrates (ie: White Bread) - As you may know, carbs are actually sugars. When the digestion process begins in the mouth, the saliva works to break these carbs down into sugar. Snacking on crackers all day will simply keep the sugar in the mouth longer, thus creating dental decay.

Ice - Yes, ice is natural, sugar free, and refreshing - but chomping on cubes should not be your number 1 choice. Biting down on hard, frozen cubes can weaken enamel, leading you to crack or even chip a tooth.

Dried fruit - Dried fruit has the same amount of sugar as regular fruit - but this time it’s sticky and easily adheres to teeth. If eating this throughout the day, make sure to always brush after - otherwise you could see some serious decay.

Sour candy - Similarly to the above, not only does sticky, sour candy stick to your teeth - there’s also added citric acid, the worst acid for teeth! This acid causes tooth enamel to dissolve which can cause serious problems down the line.

Sports and energy drinks - These beverages do more acid damage on teeth than soda! Additionally, they have a high amount of sugar. Stick to water as often as possible.

This month, encourage more water consumption in your household - not only to replace sports drinks, sodas, or sugary juices, but also to increase rinsing after eating sticky or sugary foods.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. 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.