Start the School Year with a Smile

 

School supplies? Check. First day of school outfit? Check. Dentist appointment? Check!

School will be back in session in two weeks and as you finish up all of your back to school shopping, don’t forget to schedule that back to school dental appointment! We know that summer break can disrupt daily routines and as such its important to get back on track for a successful school year.
 
To make sure your child starts the school year off with a great smile, be sure to follow our tips below! 

• Schedule a check-up. 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. A twice yearly check up is your best defense to maximize your child’s oral health. Schedule a back to school appointment with us to make sure no dental problems will prevent them from having a happy and healthy year.
• Protect tiny teeth. Back to school = back to school sports. One important piece of your child’s uniform that shouldn’t be forgotten, a custom fit mouthguard. Mouthguards are the simplest solution to dramatically reducing the risk of oral injuries and concussions. At all three of our locations, we offer our very own mouthguard centers so your athlete can receive a custom fit guard in the colors of their choosing. Current patients and first timers welcome!
• Consistency is key. Make sure your child incorporates enough time in the morning and evening to brush and floss teeth. By making these actions routine, your child will develop consistent habits for the rest of their life!
• Pack healthy lunches. When packing lunches for your kids this year make sure to include some tooth friendly options such as string cheese, raw veggies, whole wheat bread for sandwiches, water, etc. Smart snacks and proper nutrition not only play a role in your child’s oral health but also in fueling them through their daily activities.

Let us help make sure nothing is standing in the way of a successful school year - give us a call to schedule your child’s back to school check-ups and/or mouthguard fitting today!

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.

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!

5 Tips for Preventing Cavities

No one LIKES dealing with cavities - they’re annoying and painful. But ignoring cavities in baby teeth assuming they’ll fall out anyway is a dangerous misconception. 

To help prevent cavities in your family, use these five recommendations from an expert pediatric dental practice (aka - us!):

1. Teach your children the importance of dental health.
First and foremost, it’s important to teach your children the importance of routine dental care. Help your children understand the importance of brushing for two minutes twice daily and once daily flossing.

2. Up the intake of crisp fruits and veggies.
Crisp, water dense fruits and veggies are not only a great way to keep your child’s mouth hydrated - but they also help stimulate the production of saliva. The proteins and minerals found in saliva help protect tooth enamel which prevents tooth decay!

3. Avoid excess sugar.
We’re not saying to avoid ALL sugar - remember, moderation is key. When you can, limit your child’s sugar intake. Instead of a glass of juice with lunch and soda with dinner, substitute one meal with water and encourage water consumption throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is an effortless habit for preventing cavities!
 

4. Make routine dental visits.
Bring your kids into their regularly scheduled dental appointments with us! This way, we have the opportunity to spot any irregularities and catch problems fast. We know it’s easy to skip appointments, but committing to visiting us twice a year will allow us to address problems early when things are typically more treatable.
 

5. Ask us about sealants.
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Tooth sealants help prevent this! 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. It lasts for several years and just needs to be checked during your child’s regular appointments.

For more tips on how to prevent cavities in your children - give us a call! 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 West Islip.

#BedtimeBattle Twitter Chat Recap

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Hosted by Kids’ Healthy Mouths, Momfluential Media, Have Sippy Will Travel, and Teeth Fairies.

Were you involved in last night’s #BedtimeBattle twitter chat about healthy nighttime routines? If not - don’t worry, we’re here to fill you in.

There were a ton of great tweets featuring advice from moms and industry experts - here’s a few of our favorites:

Q1: Do you currently have a bedtime routine with your kids? What does it consist of? #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A1: Routines are important for kids - they let them know what to expect & provide sense of security. https://t.co/XiLrWzPa0k #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A1: 3 Bs are Brush + Book + Bed. It's a healthy & calming routine for kids + parent-child bonding. https://t.co/PwFJglV2b1 #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

Q2: What's the hardest part of the nightly #BedtimeBattle with your kids?

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

I think it is harder to get older kids to stick to a routine and brush regularly #BedtimeBattle

— Teresa F. (@MakeItAllWork) February 24, 2016

@brush2min2x @AdCouncil #BedtimeBattle a2 when they claim homework was forgotten! Any excuse

— CorreyHope Travel (@CorreyHope) February 24, 2016

Q3. Tell the tooth. Are your kids brushing their teeth for 2 full minutes before bed? #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A3: I also recommend buying a toothbrush that has a built-in timer or flashing light. My kids like @fireflytb #BedtimeBattle

— Debbie Bookstaber (@buzzmommy) February 24, 2016

A3:Yes 2min2x! Kids will spend 22 minutes watching vids. How about two minutes to brush their teeth? https://t.co/sl3k9DIx3c #BedtimeBattle

— HappyHealthyTeeth (@HppyHlthyTweets) February 24, 2016

Q4: What tricks do you have for getting your kids to brush #2min2x? #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A4: We're not above bribing! Track progress w/ a sticker chart for a reward at the end of the week: https://t.co/m9yPPcXbSs #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A4: Remind them their #ToothFairy is watching! Trying a variety of new products-toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwash, floss #BedtimeBattle

— Teeth Fairies (@teeth_fairies) February 24, 2016

Q5: What are your kids' favorite books to read at bedtime? #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A5: The @teeth_fairies book is great and they can hold the doll while they hear the story! @brush2min2x #BedtimeBattle

— Ad Council (@AdCouncil) February 24, 2016

@brush2min2x A5 My daughter loves the Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and The Good Dinosaur #BedtimeBattle

— Stephanie (@stephan94848598) February 24, 2016

Q6: What is your one best piece of advice for getting little ones off to healthy, happy sleep (so YOU can relax!)? #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A6: We recommend using the 3 Bs to promote literacy & make sure kids go to bed mouth-healthy! It's also great bonding time! #BedtimeBattle

— Kids' Healthy Mouths (@brush2min2x) February 24, 2016

A6: Consistency with routines and giving them things to look forward to are key to a happy and healthy sleep! #BedtimeBattle

— Teeth Fairies (@teeth_fairies) February 24, 2016

Head over to Twitter for more advice, just search the hashtag #BedtimeBattle and see what other tips and tricks were shared!

Thanks for a great chat everyone!

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.
 

5 Holiday Dental Tips

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Even though sugar plums may be dancing in your head, don’t loose sight of your dental health this Christmas! Keep your family’s smiles healthy and bright through the New Year with the below holiday dental tips »

1. Be picky if it’s sticky - Hard and sticky candies are your teeth’s worst nightmare. With candy canes readily available over the Christmas season, be cautious when eating. Avoid chomping down to protect teeth.

2. Fill up on turkey - Is turkey on the menu for Christmas dinner? Good! This meal is a great source of phosphorus, protein, calcium, and vitamin D - all essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy.

3. Don’t use teeth as tools - With all the presents and packages you have to open, don’t be tempted to use your teeth to help. Avoid damage and leave your teeth for chewing food.

4. Carol while you clean -  Make sure you don’t cut corners! Teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes, twice daily. This holiday, hum the tune of your favorite Christmas carol while brushing to make sure you’ve cleaned them thoroughly.

5. Schedule a checkup - 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!

 

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth throughout the holidays, give one of our offices a call! We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment, in three different Long Island locations. 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 a Tooth Healthy Thanksgiving

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

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!

Keep Tiny Teeth Top of Mind this Halloween

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When it comes to Halloween candies - not all treats are created equal. Some can even have a scary effect on tiny teeth! Keep your child’s teeth top of mind this Halloween, see below for which candies are the most frightening and which ones will make for a healthy Halloween holiday!

Items to avoid:
Gummies, caramel, sour candies or any chewy/sticky candy can easily get stuck in all the nooks and crannies of the mouth, making it hard for saliva to wash particles away - leading to tooth decay.

Better choices:
Treats like milk chocolate and snack sized packs of pretzels or crackers are better options for teeth when consumed in moderation. Since these are less sticky than the above and also are not high in acidity - they are less harmful to tiny teeth.

Best choices:
Dark chocolate - due to its antioxidant properties of preventing infections and bacteria from sticking to teeth - and sugar-free gum with xylitol are the best treat choices. Research shows that xylitol can help promote the presence of healthy bacteria that protect the teeth and fight the buildup of plaque. 

With all the treats your kids are bound to bring home, we want to remind you to allow them to snack in moderation and to always brush and rinse after consumption.

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. 

Explaining Tooth Decay to Kids

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

 

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.

Happy World Oral Health Day!

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Every year on March 20th, the World Dental Federation brings us World Oral Health Day and this year’s global tagline is “Smille for Life.” Today (like everyday!) we celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of looking after oral hygiene to everyone young and old.

Below we have some oral care musts for maintaining a happy, healthy mouth:

1. Cut down on sugar consumption - Sugar is a major culprit in tooth decay as it causes plaque to form and eat away at your enamel and gums. Try to eliminate the amount of sugar snacks you consume and remember to brush and floss after each meal/snack.
2. Choose the right toothbrush - Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and with the right technique - it should last you 2 - 3 months. If you notice bent or frayed bristles, you’re certainly overdo for a new brush. 
3. Practice proper technique - In addition to brushing twice a day, it’s also important to brush at a 45 degree angle, pointed towards the gum line using gentle, short, circular motions. Brush for two minutes and avoid aggressive brushing as to not damage teeth or gums! 
4. Flossing matters! - Flossing fosters healthier teeth and gums, plain and simple. Wrap about a foot of floss around your index fingers keeping about two inches out to work with. Unroll a fresh section for each tooth and keep the floss tight against the tooth to break up any plaque while leaving your gums in tip top shape.

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.

#WellnessWednesday - Finding a Dental Home

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

We’ve just about made it through January and hopefully your new year’s resolutions are in full force, such as developing new habits to improve the health and happiness of you and your family! If this is at the top of your list, remember that dental health is a vital part of your well being and establishing a dental home for your kids ensures the best care for little teeth.

“The concept of the Dental Home reflects AAPD and ADA policies and best principles for the proper delivery of oral health care to all, with an emphasis on initiating preventive strategies during infancy. An infant oral health exam is simple, easy and effective.” - via AAPD

At Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental - we provide a warm, friendly environment, and treat your children the same way we treat our own. We recommend your child’s first dental visit happen by their first birthday to ensure there are no abnormalities and teeth are erupting properly. Also, in the event of a dental emergency, you and your child have a familiar place to turn to which helps put the patient at ease.

If you have yet to found a dental home for your child, come visit any of our three locations.  Serving Long Island for more than 15 years, our offices are not only “kid-friendly”, but they actually look more like a theme park than a dental office!  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 Keeping Your Kids Smiling Through the New Year!

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

We know the holiday season is a busy time for everyone. With holiday recess from school around the corner and a plethora of holiday happenings - it's not hard for daily routines to fall by the wayside. Don’t let your kids oral health take a back seat as well!

Holiday breaks are a great time to help your little ones establish and maintain healthy dental habits - and their diet is an important part:

Moderate Sugar Intake - Sugary candy, drinks, and food are part of the holidays and with this comes the increase risk of cavities. Look for sugar-free options and avoid carbonated drinks (which can actually erode teeth more than sweetened drinks).

Keep an Eye on Cooked Starches - Cooked starches like breads, pasta, pretzels, and chips can lead to cavities as much as sugars can since they often take longer to clear the mouth than sugars.

Serve Cheese as Snacks - Cheeses like aged cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterrey jack are great snack or post meal options because they clear the mouth of food and neutralize the acids that attack teeth.

For more healthy holiday habit tips, please visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s  article here. If you have additional questions about your child’s teeth, feel free to give us a call. 

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!