Thanksgiving Fun on Long Island

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From crafts to Turkey Tots - there's no shortage of Thanksgiving themed events on Long Island. Check out some of these events happening nearby:
 

Massapequa Turkey Trot: Saturday, November 23rd
Brady Park, Massapequa Park
Proceeds to benefit YES Community Counseling Center. The Youth Fun Run starts at 8:30am and the 5k Run/Walk starts at 9am. Be part of the excitement! Click here for more info.

 
Thanksgiving Celebration: Saturday, November 23rd
Long Island Science Center, Riverhead
Have a family science day at the LI Science Center - learn about the turkey, a native bird of America. 

 
Native American Day: Sunday, November 24th
Huntington Historical Society Museums
Children will learn about the daily life of the Native Americans - their traditions, skills, food, and clothing. Register now!

 
Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's 2013 Thanksgiving Day 5k & Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 28
This run is held on Thanksgiving Day, from 8am - 10am at the Park Administration Building in Kings Park. Click here for registration information.

Do you have any events you'll be attending? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Food Allergies and Thanksgiving Dinner

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Thanksgiving is quickly sneaking up on us. As exciting as it may be to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy a home cooked feast, parents of children with food allergies can start getting anxious.

We don't want this holiday to cause you stress. Check out these great tips (for parents AND hosts) to ensure a safe and happy Turkey Day meal for all, courtesy of SheKnows.com:

If one of your guests has a food allergy:

• Call ahead and ask how you can work with them to ensure a safe dinner
• Always be mindful of cross-contamination (washing hands, separating utensils)
• Save packages of prepared food so you can check the ingredient list - or have the home cooked recipes readily available

If your child has a food allergy:

• If eating Thanksgiving away from home, call ahead and see what the host's menu plans are
• Don't be afraid to pack safe food alternatives
• If bringing an allergen-free food option, also bring separate serving utensils

These tips are great to keep in mind during any holiday meal. Does your child have a food allergy? Share some of your tips in handling the situation with us on our Facebook page!

Flashback Friday!

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Flashback Friday - to this summer, with one of our patients singing a cute little brush your teeth song. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!

Questions, Answered: What is Sedation Dentistry?

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If you bring your child for a dental visit and they end up needing to be sedated, you may be quite nervous or skeptical of the process. We don’t blame you! That’s why we want to explain the services we offer to ease your minds.

Sedation dentistry is available to facilitate dental treatment to fearful and anxious patients or those who are unable to cooperate due to lack of psychological or emotional maturity and/or a disability.

Sedation can range from using Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) to General Anesthesia, here we’ll explain the differences should your child ever need either of the two:

Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide has a calming effect on patients, especially those who are anxious, phobic, or tend to gag during their dental treatment. It is a mild sedation, administered through a small, scented mask, where patients are still conscious and can talk. The effects of the ‘laughing gas’ do not linger and rarely ever has side effects.

IV Sedation

IV Sedation provides a way for completing all of a child’s dental needs while he or she is comfortable, pain-free, and sound asleep. This type of sedation is utilized in our office with an experienced and qualified dental anesthesiologist, Dr. Boorin. Dr. Boorin uses medications and monitors equal to those currently used in hospitals. Children are awoken soon after the dental treatment is completed and free from any memory of the treatment itself, the IV, and our monitors.

Feel free to discuss both options with any of our doctors. For additional information, visit our website!

Easy Alternatives for Teething Rings

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Some teething kids want to chomp on anything EXCEPT the teething rings you bring home from the store. So now what? Luckily there are quite a few alternatives, many of which you may already have in your home:

• Frozen Mini Bagel - The spongy circle will help absorb excess drool and is much tastier than a plastic ring. Make sure to keep your child to be sure a piece of the bagel doesn't break off causing a choking hazard.
• Frozen Waffle - Similar to a frozen mini bagel -the frozen waffle is a soothing treat for older kids cutting new pearly whites. Bonus, it thaws and turns to mush in your child's mouth to minimize the risk of choking hazards.
• Wooden Spoon - If you notice your child gnawing on their crib or side tables, perhaps a wooden spoon will do the trick. Make sure this kitchen utensil is natural, smooth, with rounded edges.
• Wet Washcloth - If your child is already sucking on fabric, try offering a cold / wet washcloth. Just stick a wet washcloth in the fridge for a bit before giving to your child.
• Gum Massage - If no teeth have come in yet, try washing your hands and giving your child a little gum massage. Simply rub the gums with a clean finger to offer some relief.

There are many alternatives to plastic teething rings - the important thing is to find something that works for you and your child. Always be aware of the objects your child is putting into their mouths to avoid potential choking hazards.

Have other alternative teething ring suggestions? Share with us on our Facebook page!

The Importance of Flossing

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Flossing is ESSENTIAL to anyone's oral health routine, children especially. Sometimes flossing isnt the easiest thing for children to do - but don't worry, we have some tips to help them with solid oral care habits:

1. Hand held 'floss sticks' are a very useful tool in helping kids learn how to floss on their own and is much easier for small hands to hold. Use a similar flossing technique with the same zig-zag motion as you would with standard floss. Make sure not to pop or snap the floss, slide the floss around each tooth gently.
2. Schedule a dental check up and have your child show the dentist their flossing technique. This way the hygienist can instruct your child the correct flossing method and help them fix their technique.
3. Have your child watch you floss your own teeth! What better way to set an example. Have your child brush and floss along side of you to reinforce good habits.
4. Chart their progress and reinforce their efforts! Good habits take time to develop. Have a flossing chart in the bathroom is a great reminder for kids to floss everyday. Gentle reminders also help as well as praise when your child does floss on their own.

Feel free to contact us for a dental check up and we can go through the importance of flossing with your child. Do you have helpful tips to get kids into a flossing habit? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Halloween Candy Safety Tips

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Halloween is just about here and with that we want to talk about some Candy Safety Tips that everyone should follow.

• Instruct your children not to open their candy until they return home
• Inspect all candy for visible signs of tampering before you let your child eat any
• Accept only wrapped and packaged candy
• Do not eat any candy that has been or looks unwrapped or opened
• Avoid chocking hazards such as gum, hard candies, or small toys to young children

And of course, when in doubt.. throw it out!

You may also want to limit the amount of candy your children consume on Halloween night. A good idea is to make sure they eat a filling meal before or after trick or treating depending on the time. Moderation is key in keeping children, and their mouths, healthy for the Halloween holiday.

For more information on how to enjoy a healthy Halloween, see the AAPD's tips for keeping your children's teeth front of mind.