Healthy Fall Snacks for Teeth

Are you excited for all things fall? In addition to the changing leaves, the new season also means plenty of new opportunities to snack on festive (healthy) treats. Here are a few of our favorite fall snacks that you can indulge in — without hurting your teeth!

Healthy Fall Snacks:

• Apples! - There are few snacks that say “fall” more than apples! As an added bonus, make it a family trip and head out east to one of our awesome local farms.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds - After you carve your jack-o-lanterns this year, be sure to save the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are healthy for your teeth! They’re full of vitamins and mineral like phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D that help repair damaged cells and strengthen bones.
• Pumpkin Pie Pancakes - Don’t stop at pumpkin seeds — the whole pumpkin is full of healthy vitamins and minerals! Try your hand at the ultimate fall breakfast — pumpkin pie pancakes! Keep in mind that you have to use actual pumpkin in order to reap the benefits. Pumpkin flavorings and spices do not have the same health benefits.
• “Candy Corn” Fruit Cup - Instead of snacking on sugary candy corn, put together a candy corn themed fruit cup with orange, pineapple and yogurt! This festive Halloween snack is full of vitamins and minerals that keep your teeth strong.

Ready to schedule a fall dental cleaning? Give on of our three Long Island offices a call — or visit our website to learn more about the pediatric dental services that we have to offer!

How to Celebrate Fall on Long Island

Autumn is one of the best times of year here on Long Island. From apple picking to fall festivals to taking in the changing scenery, there is so much to do! Below, we’ve listed a few of our favorite ways to celebrate fall on Long Island. What is your best way to celebrate?

Go Apple Picking Out East

It’s apple season! Head out to the North Fork and pick your own with family and friends. Not only are they delicious, fresh and season, you can also turn them into your favorite fall treats like cider, pies, and cakes.

Head to the Long Island Fair

A true Long Island Country Fair is a great way to embrace the fall season.  Bring your kids and enjoy puppet shows, live music, a circus, children’s races, and more!

Visit The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens

Throughout the month of October, The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns will be on display. There will be more than 5,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns made by amazing local artists.

Go for a Hike

There are so many beautiful trails here on Long Island. Enjoy the scenery and enjoy the changing leaves at Avalon Park & Preserve, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary, the South Shore Nature Center, and more!

Explore a Corn Maze

Corn mazes are one of the most fall-themed activities you can do here on the island. Head over to one of the many local farms out east and run through the corn mazes with your kids (just don’t get lost!).

Find the Perfect Pumpkin

Before you know it, Halloween will be here. Pick out the perfect pumpkin to sit on your front steps — and of course, to carve into jack-o-lanterns!

What Are Orthodontic Spacers?

When it comes to braces, almost everyone is familiar with the metal brackets and wires that straighten smiles. However, before we can place braces on your teeth, we need to take a few steps to prepare your smile for your new orthodontic treatment. That’s where orthodontic spacers come into play! We’ll dive into what orthodontic spacers are and why you may need them before you get braces below.

Why do you need orthodontic spacers?

Braces are typically attached to a ring that fits right over your back molar. However, most people don’t have space between their back molar and the rest of their smile to fit the band. Orthodontic spacers are used to create a small space between your molars to fit this band so that you can have braces!

When do you get orthodontic spacers?

Once we determine that you are a good candidate for braces, we will put in spacers about one or two weeks before your next appointment where we fit bands on your molars. While they may feel funny for a little while, any tenderness will go away after a couple of days.

How do you care for your teeth with orthodontic spacers?

Continue to brush your teeth well with the separators in place. They won’t fall out! You can eat normally, too. However, we recommend that you avoid foods that are too sticky/chewy.

Does your child need braces? Do you have any questions about how to care for your child’s teeth? Reach out to our office! We are here to answer all of your orthodontic and pediatric dental questions!

Healthy Back-to-School Snacks

The school season is in full swing, but adjusting to your child’s busy schedule doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your health. There are plenty of easy, back-to-school snacks that you can put together for your little ones while remaining sane. We’ve listed a few of our favorite healthy treats below.

Healthy Back-to-School Snacks:

Apple “Donuts”

Put peanut butter (or almond butter) on apple slices. Sprinkle some coconut for a healthy, no-sugar added treat.

Sandwich Kabobs

Everything's more fun to eat when it’s on a stick! Create a sandwich kabob with your child’s favorite cold cut, cheese (for strong teeth) and some veggies!

Nut-Free Trail Mix

If your child is in a nut-free classroom, create your own batch of trail mix with all their favorites. Mix in their favorite cereal, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, and dried fruits.

Fruits!

The ultimate grab and go snack — fruit! Pack a banana, grapes, apple, or the soccer game favorite - clementines!

Ants on a Log

If nuts are off limits at school, swap them out for long celery sticks with cheese spread and dried cranberries!

Frozen Applesauce

Applesauce is a favorite among kids. It’s easy to pack up with their lunch. If you want to switch it up, freeze the applesauce overnight so that it’s slushy when your child opens it at lunch. This is especially helpful as teeth start to grow in!

If you have any questions at all about how to care for your child’s smile, or you are ready to schedule a back-to-school checkup, do not hesitate to reach out to one of our three Long Island locations.

Why You Should Schedule Your Back-to-School Dental Check Up

Here at Adelberg & Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics, we know that the back-to-school season is a busy time of year for parents and children alike. However, although we know you’re busy dropping your little ones off at school, rushing to work and trying to get to soccer practice on time, we don’t want you to forget to schedule your back-to-school dental check-up!

Why Back-to-School Dental Check-Ups Are Important

• Preventative Care - Taking steps to prevent cavities and keep your child’s oral health and it’s best is so important at a young age. By scheduling bi-annual dental cleanings and exams, we can prevent future tooth decay and keep their teeth healthy and strong.
• Catch Problems Early - At your back-to-school check up, we can catch dental problems early. This includes anything from early signs of tooth decay to noticing that your child may need orthodontic braces down the line. By catching these problems early on, we can keep tiny teeth healthy and ensure that they are happy and confident in their smiles for many years to come.
• Develop Good Oral Health Habits - Bi-annual dental visits are an important habit to keep. Get your children in the habit of scheduling these dental visits from a young age. When it comes time for them to schedule the appointment on their own, they’ll already be in the habit!

Ready to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental check-up? Give one of our three Long Island offices a call to schedule your appointment with us! We are here to keep your child’s tiny teeth healthy all year long!

Labor Day Weekend Events on Long Island

Labor Day weekend is just a few days away! Do you know how you’ll be spending the three day weekend? If you don’t have plans just yet, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of Labor Day weekend events you’ll want to check out with the whole family.

Labor Day Weekend Events on Long Island:

Go Whale Watching

(~2 hours from our Nesconset location)

Take a cruise out of Montauk to check out some humpback, fin, minke or right whales! You might even see a few dolphin species while you’re out there, too. Admission to the cruise is $75 for adults and $49 for children ages 5-12.

Enjoy Local Sports at a Ducks Game

(~15 minutes from our West Islip location)

The Long Island Ducks are planning a “Family Funday” with autographs and more! Admission ranges from $12-$15! Learn more about the event and buy your tickets directly on their website.

End of Summer Celebration and Fireworks Show

(~1 hour and 12 minutes from our Nesconset office)

Head out to Greenport for the 15th annual end of summer celebration! You will have the opportunity to enjoy live music and fireworks! This is the perfect way to send the summer off right.

Summer Family Festival & Raffle Auction

(~20 minutes from our Massapequa office)

Bring your kids to the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow’s Family Festival! There will be a bunch of Greek, Slavik and BBQ favorites to choose from. Kids can also enjoy games, prizes — and even a raffle auction. Admission is free.

How Can Braces Correct An Overbite

Overbites are an extremely common dental problem, but if they are not corrected, dental problems can occur. That’s why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children are evaluated for orthodontic treatment at the age of 7. At this age, we can determine the best course of treatment and fix overbites, or any other dental problems.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is a condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. There can be a range in the overlap, from covering ⅓ of the bottom row of teeth to completely reach the gum area.

What is an overjet?

What people commonly think of as an overbite is actually known as an overjet. This means that your upper front teeth sit forward on the lower front teeth. This projection may prevent you from comfortably closing your lips.

How do you correct an overbite?

The course of treatment for your overbite depends on your individual orthodontic  needs.

• Rubber Bands - Rubber bands are used to help correct overbites in the form of projections. The rubber bands work to bridge the gap of front teeth that are much further ahead of the lower teeth.
• Turbo Brackets - Turbo brackets are used to reduce deep overbites where the front teeth overlap the lower teeth. These appliances are placed on the back of the top two front teeth. They prevent the patient from biting down all the way so that the teeth have room to grow in.

Is it time to schedule your child’s orthodontic consultation? Give us a call and schedule an appointment at one of our three Long Island locations to determine the orthodontic treatment that is best for your child’s needs.