Healthy Back to School Habits

 

Readjusting to back to school routines can be a bit chaotic and sometimes healthy living can fall by the wayside. But with some simple changes, this can be avoided!

From healthy eats to family physical activities, check out these tips for keeping your kids on the right track this school year:

Eat healthy.
Hey parents - don’t forget your ABCs: Always check the circulars for discounts on healthy foods, Buy produce in season to cut costs, and Compare brands and package sizes to find the best buy. Check over the Nutrition Facts label to make sure you are choosing foods low in calories, saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugars to help keep mouth monsters at bay. Pro tip: bring the kids food shopping with you so you can start teaching them how to make healthy choices (and also have extra hands to help pack up the car!).

Reduce screen time.
Kids spend a large part of their day sitting in a classroom, some of which incorporate technology already (iPads and computers). When they get home, help minimize time spent in front of a screen by encouraging more time spent as a family. How? For starters, be a good role model! Practice what you preach and be sure to reduce your own screen time for some motivation. Otherwise, enforce some simple house rules - like promising to eat dinner as a family without the TV on in the background.

Get active.
Another way to help reduce screen time is to encourage more outdoor fun! Whether it’s playing a sport, going for a bike ride, or walking the kids to school - get the whole family involved. Keep track of how your family spends time for a week and then look for 30 minute time slots where everyone can be active together. Take your dog on a walk as a family each weekend, play a game of basketball before dinner, or rake leaves together once fall sets in. 

For more information on the above, visit The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and check out their We Can! initiative.

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

Tips for Getting Toddlers to Eat Tooth Friendly Foods

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Have a picky eater on your hands? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, toddlers often aren’t immediately drawn to snacks that aid in oral health.

If you’re struggling to get your child to try some tooth friendly foods, give some of the below tips a try- courtesy of Colgate»

• Don’t take no for an answer. Often times, toddlers will reject new food when it is first offered. Instead of giving up, introduce healthy foods in a variety of ways to see if your fussy eater will approve. For example, some toddlers prefer raw veggies to cooked, or frozen options to canned.
• Watch the seasonings. Not everyone likes certain spices and what you like may not be your child’s preference. Introduce new foods both plain and seasoned to see what your little one enjoys most. You may find you’ll have to cook things plain only to allow each family member to season as desired.
• Supervise difficult foods. While we know crunchy vegetables and fruits are good for tiny teeth, you’ll want to make sure your toddler can handle them. Supervise them with any tough foods to prevent choking accidents and don’t be afraid to hold off on some snacks until more teeth are in place.
• Don’t forget the milk. Studies have shown that when milk is consumed alongside cavity-causing foods (sweets), it can actually help prevent bacteria from attacking teeth. Do still stick with water at bed time however as milk, formula, and juice can actually cause damage if left lingering on teeth.

These tips plus scheduled dental visits can help pave the way to a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you’re looking to schedule your child’s next dental visit, give us a call! We have offices in Nesconset, Massapequa Park, and West Islip and are always available to talk with you and address any concerns.

#TuesdayTips for a Tooth Healthy Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is just about here! While you prepare your homes (and bellies) for the feast, don’t leave oral health out of the equation. 

Make sure this year’s celebration is something your teeth will be thankful for, keep these Thanksgiving tips in mind:

1. Curb Sugar - Sugar and the holidays tend to go hand in hand. Just make sure not to overindulge. Encourage water with dinner instead of sugary, carbonated beverages.
2. Limit Snacking - You have a whole feast planned! Don’t spoil any appetites with excessive snacking.
3. Choose Healthy Options - If your kids or guests are hungry throughout the day, allow some snacking by offering up some tooth healthy options. Consider a cheese plate, vegetable platter, or fresh fruit!
4. Don’t Forget to Brush - Remember, cooked starches take longer to leave the mouth than sugar and can lead to cavities. So if there’s any bread, pasta, pretzels, or potato chips around on Turkey Day, don’t skip brushing and flossing afterwards!

Remember to contact us with any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health this holiday season.  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!

Tips for Flawless Flossing

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While your household may have brushing two minutes twice a day down pat - that’s not the only thing important for dental health. Daily flossing plays a major role in plaque removal and yet it’s still part of the oral health routine both children and adults often skip!

This Friday is #WorldSmileDay - get your smile ready with these flawless flossing steps from the American Dental Association:

Flossing is specifically designed to reach all those nooks and crannies of the mouth that the toothbrush can’t always reach. Make sure you and your family floss properly using the above step-by-step guide!

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.

Back to School Dental Care Tips

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With only a few weeks of summer break left, now is the time to ease your kids into their back to school routine - including brushing up on dental health practices. Help them start the school year off with a smile with the below tips:

Schedule a dental visit. Adolescence is a time of great change in the mouth (losing baby teeth and gaining permanent teeth). Additionally, tooth decay is still the most common chronic childhood disease. As such, it’s important to keep up with preventative dental visits every six months to ensure your child is taking the necessary steps to ward off decay as well as protect their teeth throughout the year.

Be consistent. Both with flossing and brushing! Make sure your child incorporates enough time into their morning and evening schedule to brush and floss. By making these actions routine, your child will develop consistent habits for the rest of their life!

Pay attention to nutrition. When packing lunches, make sure you are choosing tooth friendly options. Also, be sure to include all necessary food groups, missing the daily servings of fruits and vegetables can increase cavity risk. Don’t forget about after school snacks - especially if your child is going from classes to after school activities.

Good health and academic success begin at home. It’s important as a parent, to make sure there are no obstacles in your child’s way that could hurt their ability to thrive. Schedule a back to school appointment with us to make sure no dental problems will prevent them from having a happy and healthy year! Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

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. 

Tips for Picture Perfect Prom Teeth

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So you’ve had your promposal and found the perfect dress (or tux), seems like you’re just about ready for prom night, right? Well before you start snapping photos and piling into the limo, make sure you’re flashing the perfect prom smile.

With proms on the horizon across Long Island, we wanted to offer some pre-prom maintenance tips to ensure you have a picture perfect smile for the big night out:

• Brushing: Maintain the basics: brushing twice a day for two minutes! Pair this with toothpaste containing fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Flossing: Floss at least once a day and don’t skip the back teeth. Flossing is essential for removing plaque build up between teeth where your toothbrush can’t always reach.
• Rinsing: Choose a mouthwash that does more than just freshen breath, fluoride is essential for combating bacteria and decreasing the likelihood of cavities.

To really be sure your smile is up to par, schedule an appointment with us for a teeth cleaning before prom. This cleaning will help eliminate bad breath and make your teeth appear whiter by removing the surface stains! Bonus - if you’re a new patient to our practice, as a courtesy you will receive $100 OFF a new patient exam, cleaning, and fluoride with our coupon found on our website.

Give any of our 3 locations a call to schedule your appointment today! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news.

#TuesdayTips - for Healthy Holiday Smiles While Traveling

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Holiday break is upon us and whether you are heading out of town to celebrate the holidays or off to a warmer destination for a winter vacation, here are some simple tooth travel tips to help keep your child’s smile intact!

Schedule your dental visits! It’s better to plan ahead and get all needed dental visits in before the flurry of excitement truly begins. With the holidays comes time off from school, visiting family or taking trips to ring in the New Year. Don’t wait for a dental emergency to happen to bring your child to the dentist, give us a call and schedule an appointment today!

Pack a travel dental kit! This is a fun for children to take their oral hygiene with them on the go! Pack travel sized toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and a toothbrush. Consider some disposable toothbrushes for in-between brushing on the go.

Protect your brush! Extra handling, coming in and out of luggage, and hotel bathrooms can provide bacteria the extra opportunity to find its way onto the bristles, and in turn - the mouth. Be sure to choose an anti-bacterial cover to keep the brush safe and clean from any dirt or germs it could come in contact with.

For more tips on keeping a healthy smile through the holidays, visit our previous blog post here » 

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!

#TuesdayTips - For Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

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While yes, your child’s primary (baby) teeth are only temporary, they are still susceptible to the same decay and disease as adult teeth. If your child’s baby teeth aren’t properly cared for, bacteria and decay can easily be passed down to the tooth waiting to come in behind it. It’s important to start your little ones off with good oral care early to help protect their teeth for decades to come.

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is commonly referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to the cause of decay, one common cause is frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks high in sugar. Such as, putting the child to bed with a bottle or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

The good news is, this baby bottle tooth decay IS preventable! As suggested by MouthHealthy.org:

• Place only formula, milk or breastmilk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Children should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles prior to going to bed.
• When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste until the age of 3.
• Avoid cleaning off baby feeding spoons or pacifiers with your mouth as cavity-causing bacteria are spread through saliva. After each feeding, gently wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.

If you have additional questions about your child’s teeth, feel free to give us a call. We can also schedule your child’s first dental visit to ensure their teeth are erupting properly and that there are no dental abnormalities.

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!

#TuesdayTips – Helping Children Break Oral Habits

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Oral habits, like non-nutritive sucking and teeth grinding, are common in young children, and unfortunately can cause more harm than good if they aren’t stopped at the proper time.

Non-nutritive sucking (includes sucking on a thumb, hand pacifier, toys, blankets, or other non food items) helps comfort children when they are feeling tired, upset, or nervous. Children often end non-nutritive sucking between the ages of 2 and 4, those who use pacifiers stop earlier than those who suck on their thumbs. Should the sucking continue, it may change the shape of the child’s mouth and teeth which opens the door to potential speech and bite problems.

It’s important to help your child break the sucking habit, some ways include using reminders like putting a bandage on your child’s thumb or have them wear a mitten or sock at night. You may also choose to give your child something to track small successes; add a gold star to the calendar each day the child doesn’t suck. After a certain amount of time, the child gets a reward. If you still find yourself having problems, you can always discuss with any of our staff during your next dental visit for other strategies to help break this tricky habit.

Why children grind their teeth on the other hand isn’t always clear. Sometimes it’s due to stress, teething pain, or just because the top and bottom teeth don’t line up properly. And while we know teeth grinding typically ends by 7 years of age once the permanent molars erupt, sometimes it doesn’t always stop over time.  If you are concerned that 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 mouth guard to wear at night.

If you have more questions or concerns with your child's oral habits - schedule an appointment at any of our 3 locations. We'll evaluate the situation and discuss solutions to ensure your child is paving the way towards excellent oral health!