2015 Holiday Events on Long Island

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

From holiday performances to light shows, winter wonderlands to Santa breakfasts - Long Island has no shortage of family friendly events. If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids entertained this weekend, we’ve got you covered:

My Christmas Elf: The Musical
CM Performing Arts Center (931 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale)
December 19th & 26th @ 11am
Mittens the Elf - the best toy maker in the workshop - is sent to a home by Santa to find out what toys the children would like for Christmas. As Mittens endures many funny trials and tribulations, he not only starts a new family tradition but also discovers the true magic of Christmas. Price: $12. For more information, call 631-218-2810.

Bayville Winter Wonderland
Bayville Adventure Park (8 Bayville Ave.)
Now - December 23rd, December  26th - January 2nd
During the holiday season, Bayville Adventure Park turns into a Winter Wonderland. Families can visit Santa's Toy Factory Funhouse and Mirror Maze, ride the Holiday Express Train, go iceskating and more. Price: $22 (includes all activities).

Holiday Crafts at Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens (71 Old Westbury Rd.)
December 18th - 20th
With decorated period rooms, Santa, cookies and cider, the Westbury House’ holiday celebration is a must for the entire family. Holiday crafts take place this weekend from 10am - 1pm. Price: $10 adults, $5 children ages 7 to 17.

Meet Santa's reindeer at Hicks Nurseries
Hicks Nurseries (100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury)
Now - December 22rd
Santa and his reindeer are at Hicks, now through December 22nd. While you’re there, stroll through the free animated story “The Sweetest Christmas Ever” featuring life-sized animatronic scenes. Enjoy the ongoing story all day every day through Christmas. Admission is always free. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Long Island Cares.

Jolly Jump
Pump It Up of Great Neck (225 Community Dr., Suite 250)
December 19th
Santa and Frosty are coming to Pump It Up for a jumping, climbing and sliding holiday event. Frosty will handing out special treats throughout the arena and Santa will be available for pictures in the party room while children can enjoy a bagel breakfast. Jolly Jump will take place this Saturday at 9 am, space is limited. Price: $19.95 per child; registration is required. For more information, call 516-466-PUMP.

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach
Jones Beach State Park
Now - January 3rd
Take the family for a drive through Jones Beach’s Holiday Lights Spectacular - featuring more than 150 displays and animated characters synced to holiday music. Stop by the heated Holiday Village afterwards for s’mores, holiday vendors, a hay maze ride, and photos with Santa! And on Wednesday nights, you can bring your pet. Prices are $20 weekdays, $25 weekends.

For a full roster of events, visit newsday.com!

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!

Toothy Tuesday - Stocking Stuffers for Healthy Smiles

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

If we had to guess, dental products probably are not at the top of your child’s wish list, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be included. Let Santa handle all the big stuff! Consider tucking some tooth friendly goodies inside your child’s stockings to insure healthy smiles throughout the new year:

Xylitol Gum - Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants. In gum form, it works to prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth as well as keeping saliva at a more neutral pH level. Making sure your kids chew this when they have a gum craving will help stimulate saliva while keeping teeth clean and healthy.

Flavored Toothpaste & Floss - Get your kids excited about brushing and flossing again! Treat them to a fun flavored toothpaste or floss to add variety to their normally minty routine. From cupcake to bacon flavored, you’re sure to find something on the market for your child. This Vanilla Ice Creme flavored toothpaste even has a 15% xylitol solution - win win! 

Fun Toothbrush - Singing toothbrushes, uniquely shaped toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, smart toothbrushes, you name it - it probably exists. If your child is due for a new toothbrush, add one to their stocking this year!

Mouth Guard - Do you have an athlete in the family? Give the gift of a custom mouth guard. We have a mouth guard center in each of our locations - and you don’t need to be a patient to take advantage! We’ll fit your child for a guard unique to them and in the colors they prefer. Surprise them with a new mouth guard in time for spring sports! 

Timer - It’s important to brush for two minutes, twice daily - but making sure your children brush the full length of time can be tough. Look into the different two minute timers available on the web! Some offer LED lighting to signify when to start and when to stop, others sound a bell, while others you have to watch the time tick out. 

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!

Meet Our Staff: Katie Jantz

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

We want to help you get to know all of the wonderful staff here at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental. Up first - Katie Jantz!

Did you always know you wanted to work in pediatric dentistry?

No! My dream was always to be a mom.  

What’s your favorite thing about working with kids everyday?  

I love the children's innocence.

Do you have any tips and tricks to calm first time patients?   

I actually tell them that the Doctor doesn't know how to count and that they will need to help them! Focusing on counting with the Doctor keeps their mind off of what's going on.

How do you try to make dentist visits fun and not scary? 

Look at our office, it's easy!

In your experience, what are kids most afraid of when they go to the dentist?

The fear of the unknown. But after they know it won't hurt - they love coming back! 

What do you do when you’re not in the office? 

Everything! Soccer, brownies, dance, basketball and homework. It's easier to be at work!

Do you have a favorite movie or TV show? 

Friends.

Do you have any pets? What kinds and what are their names? 

I do! Her name is Molly, she is an Australian Labradoodle.

Who is your favorite band?

Zac Brown Band.

What is your favorite sushi roll?

Shrimp tempura.

Jello, yuck or yum? 

YUCK.

Would you rather swim with sharks or pet a lion? 

How about neither? But, if I HAD to choose - pet a lion.

Learn more about our practice and our staff on the web. You can also call any of our three offices to schedule an appointment or walk through with your child.

2015 Holiday Toy Drive

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Help us make a child in need happy this holiday season! Again, all three of our offices will be participating in Project Toy & ReesSpecht Life’s Toy Drive. Please drop off a new, unwrapped gift for a child (0 - 16 years) the next time you are in the office and we will make sure it gets to a local family in need. 

Thank you for your support!

The holidays are right around the corner, make a child happy with a small gift (: !! #amp_n

A photo posted by Adelberg Montalvan Peds Dental (@amp_dental) on Nov 23, 2015 at 7:59am PST

 

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!

Did You Know You Can Catch a Cavity?

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Believe it or not it is true! Dental cavities are the single most common chronic childhood disease. While the cause of dental decay is multi-factorial most parents blame Halloween candy, snacking, or sugary drinks such as juice or soda.  These certainty contribute to cavities, however, cavities are also caused by bacteria. The main culprit is a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria lives in plaque on your teeth and feed off the sugars in your mouth. The bacteria produce an acid that weakens your teeth and cause cavities.  

Like most bacteria it can be transmitted from one person to another! This is especially true between caregivers and children and also happens between couples or even people living closely. Research has shown that children usually get the cavity causing bacteria from mom.

The better a parent or caregiver takes care of their teeth the less likely that they transmit the bacteria. Parents can lower the bacteria in their mouth with basic oral hygiene and visits to the dentist. Treating cavities in a parents mouth helps both the parent and child. Just like sharing other germs caregivers should avoid tasting children food, kissing children on the lips, and other actions that would cause the spread of this bacteria.

You can control the bacteria in your child's mouth by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist at least two times a year. In fact starting early helps a lot. The Academy for Pediatric dentistry advises that the first dental visit is within six months of eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. Of course, limiting the sugar also helps so if you want to finally get rid of some of the candy we wont tell! 

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. 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!

Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

 

Want to get your little ones involved in this year’s Thanksgiving feast but not exactly sure how? Give them decoration duty! We’ve gathered some Turkey day crafts sure to keep them busy this weekend:

 

3D Handprint Turkey
This craft is perfect for all ages and requires just a few materials. All you need for this activity is some construction paper, scissors, crayons, glue and googly eyes to make the best turkeys with your own two hands. Instructions here »

 

Tabletop Turkey
All you need is a paper cup, a pom-pom, some construction paper and googly eyes and you can create the perfect centerpiece for your table! Instructions here »

Thankful Box 

At the dinner table on Thanksgiving - ask each family member to write down what they are thankful for, and add it to your newly created Thankful Box! All you need is an empty Kleenex box, construction paper, scissors, and tape to get started. Instructions here »

 

Bubble Wrap Corn
Because what kid doesn’t love bubble wrap! Gather your materials: 2 pieces of paper, a crayon, paint, a piece of bubble wrap, a paint brush, glue and scissors - then get started. Instructions here »

 

Check out our Pinterest page for more crafts and share your creations with us on our Facebook page!

 

From everyone at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental - we hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!