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!

 

CELEBRATE YOUR RIGHT TO BE LEFT

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 
Happy International Left-Handers Day! 

Here’s a fun fact: August 13th is International Left-Handers Day, an event celebrated worldwide. The holiday was started on August 13th 1992 when the Left-Handers Club decided to create an annual event when left-handers everywhere could celebrate their sinistrality and enlighten the public of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.

Who are some famous left handed people? Ask no more:

• President Barrack Obama
• Bill Clinton
• Prince William
• Marilyn Monroe
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Jimi Hendrix
• Tom Cruise
• Robert DeNiro
• Steve Young
• Larry Bird

Want to see more famous left-handers? CLICK HERE

Do we have any left-handers out there? Encourage your right-handed friends to try doing everyday activities using their left hand to see how awkward it can feel using the wrong equipment!

 Share with us your International Left-Handers Day experiences on our Facebook page!

8 Amazing Dental Facts

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Even the most conscientious brushers don’t know everything there is to know about keeping their teeth as healthy as possible. Here are 8 dental facts that will surprise even the most thorough oral care experts!

Let us know what you think about this information on our Facebook page! Stay fresh!

 

What To Do In Case of a Tardy Tooth Fairy

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy; many roles parents have to fill at all times of the year. Christmas and Easter have a day on the calendar to help you out, but there aren’t dates set for when your child loses their teeth!

Children lose about 20 baby teeth between age 5 and 12.  Sometimes the Tooth Fairy gets caught up on when they have to arrive over those 8 or so years. Never fear, here are some tips from Better Homes and Gardens on how to handle when your child notices a missing date with the Tooth Fairy:

1. Having older siblings who have all their permanent teeth can help you out by visiting their younger sibling with some cash and say, “I think this is for you, it must have been delivered to the wrong room.”
2. When your child addresses you, concerned about not getting a visit, go into their room and pretend to look around the bed with the dough in your hand. Sneakily drop it someplace in the bed and tell them they must have moved it in their sleep and that the fairy must not have had room in his sack for the tooth.
3. Tell your child there must have been a “molar emergency” and leave a note from the Tooth Fairy explaining what happened on the following night. Come up with an exciting story and reward your child for their good dental care.
4. When your child presents you with their fallen out tooth, tie a piece of string (or dental floss) to your toothbrush so you remember to pay their pillow a visit before you hit the hay.

Have there been tardy Tooth Fairy moments in your household? Let us know how you handled them on our Facebook Page!

Tongue Tidbits

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

"She sells seashells by the seashore.
The shells she sells are surely seashells.
So if she sells shells on the seashore,
I'm sure she sells seashore shells."  

How much do we really use our tongue?  Let's see; we talk with it, eat ice cream with it, tease our siblings with it, and say tongue twisters with it! Overall, it is a VERY important part of our mouth that may not get the most attention from us on our blog. So we decided to highlight some interesting Tongue Tidbits you may not have known about your tongue:

 

Which tongue fact did you find most interesting? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Plans this weekend? Come see us at the Massapequa Park Street Fair!

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Plans this weekend? Come see us at the Massapequa Park Street Fair!

Rain or shine we’ll be at the Massapequa Park Street Fair this Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th from 11am – 6pm! We’ll be at our own booth with giveaways and a FACE PAINTER! So bring your kids and come say hi!

Located right off Sunrise Highway on Park Blvd & Front Street – the Massapequa Park Street Fair has been a tradition for over 20 years. The fair features arts and crafts, children’s amusements, music and more - making it a fun filled weekend for the entire family!

The fair is free to attend and has free parking. We’ll see you there!

Children's Books to Overcome the Fear of the Dentist

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

As we know, some children are fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist for the first time. If your little one is one of them, don’t worry, there are quite a few tips on how to keep your child calm; one of them is as simple as bedtime reading.

We’ve recommended some of our favorite children’s books to help you get started:

Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist

It's time for Dora's checkup at the dentist. Dora explores the dentist's office, gets her teeth cleaned, and more! She even gets a special treat for being such a good patient!

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Sister Bear watches Dr. Bearson fill Brother Bear's small cavity. Then it's her turn in the chair to have a dangling baby tooth removed. An entertaining story for preschoolers of a cheerful and informative visit to a dentist.

Just Going to the Dentist
Mercer Mayer's very popular Little Critter is on his way to the dentist. It's a thorough check-up, complete with dental x-rays. When Dr. Ghum insists on filling a cavity, Little Critter goes through it bravely.

Remember, parents can play a vital role in helping your child not be afraid of the dentist. Has you child experienced first time fears? What did you do to help calm the nerves? Share with us on our Facebook page!