5 Tips for Fighting Cavities

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Tooth decay is the most common, chronic childhood disease. The good news? It’s preventable! By following the below tips, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring your kids have a lifetime of good dental health!

1. Start Prevention Early - Even though you may not see teeth erupting in your child’s mouth, early oral care should still begin. Wipe your child’s gums with gauze or a soft, damp cloth after each feeding. Getting your little one used to having their mouth cleaned can help when it’s time for the toothbrush to come into play!

2. Avoid Giving Baby Juice or Formula at Bed Time - It’s common to put your child to bed with a sippy cup or bottle, but do be careful of what liquid you put in there. Milk, formula, and juice all contain sugar. Giving your child any of these liquids overnight gives bacteria its chance to eat away at tooth enamel, contributing to tooth decay.

3. Teach Your Kids How to Floss - In addition to brushing teeth two minutes, twice a day, its also important to ensure flossing is in their oral health routine as well. Brushing doesn’t reach all the crevices in the mouth and that’s where floss comes in. Flossing is the most effective way to remove any food and plaque that gets trapped between the teeth.

4. Limit Sports Drinks and Sodas - Both are huge sources of sugar and if not cleaned off the teeth well, the bacteria in the mouth can feed on it producing acids. Over time, this acid wears away at the teeth and the process of decay begins. Stick with water whenever possible!

5. Talk to a Dentist About Sealants - Sealants are just a thin, plastic coating painted on teeth. When applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, sealants act as a barrier between the tooth and harmful bacteria. This helps protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6-14. 

Finally, another tried and true method of cavity prevention is bringing your children in for their regularly schedule dental appointments. This way we have the opportunity to spot an irregularities and catch any problems fast. 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.

Want to Learn More About Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental?

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 
Have you stumbled across our page while looking for a pediatric dentist for your child? Welcome! Here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental we provide a warm, friendly environment, and treat your children the same way we treat our own children. Our "under the sea" theme in both the waiting and patient rooms, provides a friendly, fun atmosphere, that makes your child’s trips to the dentist an enjoyable time.

By accident or on purpose we’ve adapted some holistic practices in our office, like digital x-rays, white composite fillings, non-latex materials, gluten-free products, and are one of the leading experts in laser dentistry for children.

If you’re interested in learning more about our practice, please visit our YouTube channel. 

 
To schedule an appointment, give us a call at any of our below locations! And stay in the loop by LIKING our Facebook page:

• Nesconset Office - 631.360.7337
• Massapequa Park Office - 516.798.1111
• West Islip Office - 631.661.7337

New Year's Resolution Check In - Healthy Eating

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

More often than not, one of the most common New Year's Resolutions is to get in shape / eat healthy. Not only is this good for your overall health, but eating certain foods are also beneficial for your teeth. Getting into a healthy eating habit is something you and your entire family can do to kick start the year.

As you move forward with your commitment to your family's healthy eating habits, we wanted to share some tips for success - inspired by Mommy blogger, Charity, of Foodlets:

1. Everyone (over the age of 2) Eats the Same Meal - Add a few different options to the meal and make note of each person's favorite ingredients so there's always something for everyone.
2. Add Spinach to Everything - Charity states the reason her kids eat it is because she tells them its going to be included in the meal rather than sneaking it in. Look for different ways to incorporate the good stuff into those tiny bodies. And as an added bonus, since spinach is rich in zinc and iron it makes for healthy and strong teeth.
3. Make it Fun - Make mealtimes enjoyable, offer pretty plates and bowls, special spoons, or tableware with your child's favorite characters. Try a game, make your children the critics. Have them try a small bite and let them vote thumbs up, middle, or down. If there's a thumbs down verdict just assure them it's ok and perhaps another time they can try it and see if they change their minds; planting the seed.  The more enjoyable meal time is, the better your kids will associate eating real food with pleasure.
4. Homemade is Better Than Processed - Especially when it comes to snack foods! Offer healthier options, sliced cucumbers, hummus and veggies, cheese slices. Check out our Pinterest board for some healthy snack ideas. Making something homemade is fresher, purer, and almost always healthier - and better for the teeth.
5. Offer Milk or Water With the Meal - Soda and juices are acidic and full of sugar which aids in tooth decay. Offering these two options for the whole family will make it easier for the kids once they see you drinking the same.

Encouraging healthy eating habits now can go a long way, not only for you but for your children as well. Has this been one of your resolution's for the New Year? Share your tips with us on our Facebook page!

New Year, New You: Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

With New Year's quickly approaching you may have already started to consider what your 2014 resolutions will be. Maybe saving money, eating better, learning something new, etc. While these goals are great, why not add a resolution to improve your dental health?

 
See below for some great oral health resolutions that you and your family can practice this coming year:

1. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables - eating well is important for your oral health. Adding more fruits and veggies to your family's diet can improve the body's ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, clean plaque from teeth, and freshen breath.
2. Brush and floss regularly - brush, 2 minutes 2 times a day and floss at least once daily. Decay-causing bacteria still lingers between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach.
3. Visit your dentist regularly - seeing your dentist for regular checkups can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment.

For the new year, resolve to treat your mouth right by improving your diet and oral hygiene habits for the whole family. Schedule a check up appointment with us for your kids at any of our offices - we look forward to ringing in the new year with you!

Back to School Checklist

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

The time is nearly here for those three words your kids dread... Back to School. So while they finish up their summer reading and prepare for homework and art projects – it’s about time you, parents, do some homework of your own.

Whether it’s your child’s first time at school or they’re returning to the high school’s hallways, 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 academically and socially.

So in preparation, here is a checklist for kicking off the school year on the right foot:

• Sleep: No more summer late nights, it’s time for your kids to adjust back into a normal sleeping routine. 
• Healthy Lunches: Though it may be easier to opt for prepackaged lunches, you can always make a few swaps for tasty and tooth friendly options. Whole wheat vs. white bread, water or flavored water vs. sodas, fruits and vegetables vs. sugary snacks.  
• Exercise: Make exercising a habit! Exercise is important for any age to keep fit and prevent chronic diseases. It is also proven to improve sleep, reduce stress, and improve concentration – all of which your child needs to succeed in school.
• Backpacks: Backpack weight is an increasing problem every year. A backpack should weigh no more than 10% of his or her body weight. Make sure the backpack doesn’t hang more than 4 inches below the waistline and encourage your child the wear both shoulder straps vs. one. 
• Stress: Stress is a normal part of life, but too much stress or stress that lasts too long can lead to problems (headaches, nauseous, trouble sleeping, etc.) Make sure your child knows they can talk to you, teach them time management techniques and help them unwind with a hobby.

Lastly, make sure your child’s dental health is on the right track and schedule a Back to School appointment with us! Dental problems are not as easy to spot in kids from parents and teachers. This is why it’s important for your child to have their regular checkups. 

Contact us at any of our locations to schedule your child’s Back to School appointment today!