Tips for the Perfect Family Christmas Card

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 
Avoid capturing any awkward family photos for your Christmas card this year by using some of the below tips to take a picture you want to show off to your recipient list:

 

Tips for the Perfect Family Christmas Card

Source: The BMC Report

1. Incorporate a visible message! Pick up some letters from the craft store and spell out your message.

Source: Wild Wandering

2. Pick a palette. No need to match exactly, but pick a palette to choose wardrobe from.

Source: The Kavanaugh Report

3. Create a DIY backdrop. Tired of another Christmas tree photo? Get creative and make your own background.

Source: Snapfish

4. Use online tools for cool formatting. Sites like Snapfish and Shutterfly have templates sure to bump up your presentation points.

Source: Oh Happy Day

5. Get some photo booth essentials. If you'd rather a silly approach, make some DIY props with the kids and ad them into the frame.

Once you've mastered the perfect Christmas card, send them to us to enter to win a $250 gift card! Can't wait to see everyone's cards! Happy Holidays!

 

Thumb Sucking and Pacifiers: Ages 3 - 6 Years Old

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

By now, most children have all 20 baby teeth come in. During this time, some kids are still reliant on their pacifiers or sucking their thumbs, a habit that can be hard to break.

Sucking thumbs, pacifiers, other objects, are all natural for babies. Even young children may still turn to this habit when trying to soothe themselves. Usually thumb sucking stops between 2 - 4 years of age, or by the time the adult front teeth are ready to break through the gums. If it does not, the children run the risk of seriously altering their teeth alignment.

So how can you help your child break this habit? Check out these 3 tips, courtesy of 2min2x.org:

• Positive reinforcement - praise your kids for not sucking their thumbs, don't scold them for sucking
• Comfort your child - children often suck their thumbs when they feel insecure or need comfort. Work to find out what is making your child anxious and comfort them
• Involve your child - for the older kids, have them involved in the process of choosing how to stop. Your pediatric dentist can also offer encouragement to your kids and can explain what will happen if they don't stop sucking their thumbs

If the above tips don't work, remind your child of their habit by covering their thumb over night (try bandaging or placing a sock on their hand). You can also talk to your pediatric dentist for additional advice, perhaps a bitter tasting medicine to coat the thumb or the use of a night mouth guard.

Do you have any helpful tips for other parents looking to stop their child's thumb sucking? Share with us on our Facebook page!

How to Ease Your Child Into Going to the Dentist

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

We all know how scary it could be for children to take a trip to the dentist. For that reason, it is important to ease your child into dental visits. After all, there are unknown noises and objects, a stranger poking around inside their mouths, cold metal instruments and more.

Looking for tips on how to keep your child calm? See below for 8 tips from Parents Magazine to help your child overcome their fear of the dentist:

1. Start Young - Baby's first dental visit should happen by their 1st birthday (or when the first tooth is visible). This will provide your child with a 'dental home' where they can be comfortable
2. Keep It Simple - Try not to include too many details when preparing for a visit. You may want to avoid saying 'everything will be fine' in case a treatment is needed. Then the child might lose trust in both the dentist and you
3. Watch Your Words - Avoid using words that can scare children (hurt, pain, shot). The dental staff will introduce their own vocabulary to children to help get them through difficult situations
4. Consider a Pretend Visit - Have a pretend visit in your own home, where you are the dentist. Get your child familiar with the routine before you go. Picture books with detailed illustrations and easy language is a huge help too
5. Do Not Try To Relate - Avoid taking children to an adult office, it can give the wrong impression. Pediatric dental offices are kid friendly, with games, fun photos, and movies kids can enjoy
6. Prepare For Some Fussing - It's normal for little ones to be fussy. Pediatric dentists are well versed in these situations. Let the dentist and their staff guide you
7. Avoid Bribery - You don't want to promise your child a lollipop for not fussing or crying. That may make your child think something bad will happen if they should be worried about fussing or crying. Not to mention it sends the wrong message after the dentist talks about healthy teeth and avoiding sweets. Encouragement for good behavior is a better way to go
8. Emphasize The Importance Of Good Oral Hygiene - Teach your child that dentist visits are a necessity, not a choice, and that the dentist will take care of their teeth so they stay strong and healthy

In addition to the above, make sure you find the right pediatric dentist for your child. At Adelberg and Montalvan we are well prepared for a child's first dental visit. For more information, check us out on the web or our Facebook page. We hope to see you soon!