How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Is it time for your little one’s first trip to the dentist?

It’s recommended that kids visit the dentist after their first birthday, when their baby teeth start to grow in! Although these baby teeth will eventually fall out, it’s important to instill good dental habits from a young age, and ensure that any dental problems are addressed early on. If your child is nervous about their first dental visit (or you are!), here are a few tips on how to prepare them (and you) for their first trip.

How to Prep for Your First Dental Visit:

• Read them a story. There are plenty of picture books about visiting the dentist — including The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist and The Crocodile and the Dentist. Choose your favorite! These books will help your child become comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist for their smile health.
• If you are positive, they’ll be positive! Explain to your little one that the dentist is there to help them grow up to be strong and healthy! Using positive words and staying relaxed will help set the tone for your child’s visit. Although you may not realize it, they can pick up on how you are feeling, too!
• Treat them after the visit. After a successful dentist trip, treat your child to a trip to the playground or with another activity that they enjoy! This reward system will help them associate positive experiences with trips to the dentist, leading to successful dental visits in the future.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have about our West Islip, Massapequa Park or Nesconset locations — and what you can expect during your visit.

When Do Children's Teeth Fall Out?

The moment when your child loses his or her first tooth is an exciting time in their life — and in yours! But when can parents expect their little ones to lose their first, second, third, or 20th baby tooth? We’ve broken down the general time range for you below, so that you know when your child will start to lose each of their baby teeth and grow in healthy, strong adult teeth.

When to Expect Your Child’s Lost Teeth:

6 to 7 Years Old

During this time range, they still start to lose their central incisors. These are also known as their two front teeth! They will also lose their central incisors, or the two front bottom teeth.

7 to 8 Years Old

In this age range, your child will lose their lateral incisors. These teeth are the ones right next to their two front teeth.

9 to 11 Years Old

This is when your child will lose their first molar! These are the teeth in the back of your child’s mouth.

10 to 12 Years Old

Canines, also known as cuspids, are next on the list of lost teeth. As you might guess, canines are the “pointy” teeth right next to to the lateral incisors — the third tooth from the middle. During this age range, they will also lose their second molars.

If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help keep tiny teeth beautiful and healthy!

How to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on Long Island

Memorial Day weekend is finally here! If you don’t have plans on how to celebrate with friends and family yet, don’t worry! There are so many different ways to start summer off right, but here are a few of our favorite events happening across Long Island this holiday weekend.

Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park

(~8 minutes from our Massapequa Park location)

Memorial Day weekend wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. This 14th annual event is featuring the Thunderbirds this year! Admission to the show is free after you pay to park at Jones Beach — just bring plenty of sunscreen!

Splish Splash — Opening Day!

(~30 minutes from our Nesconset location)

Looking to cool off? Splish Splash is having their opening weekend this Memorial Day! What better way to spend time with the kids outdoors than by sliding down a waterslide.

Concert in the Park

(~ 30 minutes from our Massapequa Park location)

Relax in Oyster Bay this Saturday at Planting Fields Arboretum.  Bring a chair, blanket and outdoor picnic to enjoy while you listen to live music outdoors.

East End Arts Street Painting Festival

(~35 minutes from our Nesconset location)

Embrace your creative side at the East End Arts Street Painting festival. Get involved in street painting — or just enjoy the food, fair and music!

If you plan on attending any of these fun Memorial Day events — share it with us on our Facebook page!

Adelberg Montalvan specializes in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, in three different Long Island locations: Massapequa Park, Nesconset and West Islip. If you are in need of a local pediatric dentist and/or orthodontist, look no further! Contact us today to learn more.

How to Throw a Tooth-Friendly Memorial Day BBQ

Are you planning on grilling up your favorite foods this weekend? You’re far from alone!

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer — and many families will be spending time BBQing with loved ones. If you plan on turning on the grill this weekend, here are a few tips to help you celebrate a tooth-friendly Memorial Day.

Tooth-Friendly BBQ Tips:

• Throw Veggies on the Grill - In addition to grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs, throw some veggies on the grill! Crunchy vegetables are a great way to stay healthy — and they taste delicious, too!
• Put Together a Cheese Platter - Add some extra calcium into your diet with a cheese platter! Calcium is a great way for both children and adults to grow strong teeth.
• Create a Red, White & Blue Parfait - Instead of indulging in sweets, put together a red, white and blue parfait with your favorite fruits (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.) and yogurt. This dessert is healthy and high in calcium.
• Drink Plenty of Water - Make sure that you stay hydrated, especially if it’s going to be a hot day. Water will also help wash away harmful bacteria and keep your teeth clean after indulging in any BBQ foods.

Adelberg Montalvan specializes in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, in three different Long Island locations: Massapequa Park, Nesconset and West Islip. If you are in need of a local pediatric dentist and/or orthodontist, look no further! Contact us today to learn more.

Learn More About Our Brand NEW Insurance Policy

Great news. We may now be in your insurance plan.

In an effort to help as many children as possible, we here at Adelberg & Montalvan Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics have decided to update our insurance policy for both our pediatric and orthodontic services!

As always, we will work with any insurance plan that allows out-of-network benefits. But we have great news — we are now in-network with many plans. We happily accept in-network patients through several different insurance providers.

We are now participating in:

• DHA
• Aetna
• Assurant
• Sun Life
• United Concordia
• Cigna
• Maverest/Zelis
• Careington
• MetLife pdp plus
• Guardian
• Principal
• United Health Care
• Lincoln Financial
• Mutual of Omaha

Many patients aren't familiar with the specifics of their dental insurance benefits, but we’re here to help make the process simple. Our staff will take care of all of the claims and paperwork for you. If you have any specific questions about our new insurance policy or whether or not we accept your current insurance plan, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have — and even call your insurance company on your behalf.

As there are many different plans within an insurance company, it is important to call and see if we participate with your specific company and discuss how we can maximize any and all insurance benefits.

Adelberg Montalvan specializes in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, in three different Long Island locations: Massapequa Park, Nesconset and West Islip. If you are in need of a local pediatric dentist and/or orthodontist, look no further! Contact us today to learn more.

How to Celebrate with Mom This Weekend

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! While flowers, chocolate and card make for a great gift, what mom really wants is to spend time with YOU. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate and honor your mom this weekend, we have a few fun Long Island events you might want to check out.

Mother’s Day Events on Long Island:

Brunch at Thom Thom

(~9 minutes from our Massapequa Park office)

Enjoy brunch on the water at Thom Thom in Wantagh. Their brunch menu includes an omelet station and sushi bar!

Mother’s Day at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

(~30 minutes from our West Islip & Nesconset offices)

Spend Mother’s Day with the whole family at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! Moms accompanied by their children get FREE admission on Mother’s Day. All other adults are $6 each, $4 for seniors.

Broadway Mall Carnival

(~20 minutes from our Massapequa office)

This family-friendly event is a great way for moms and kids to enjoy time together. There is fair food, games, and rides for all ages. Admission and parking are FREE — and wristbands for unlimited rides are $30. Visit the website for $5 OFF your ride wristbands.

Grow and Taste Garden

(~20 minutes from our Nesconset office)

Celebrate Mother’s Day by getting your hands dirty. Kids will plant edible vegetables and flowers that you can take home. You can also pick from the farm’s early spring garden — and taste what your seeds will eventually grow up to be! This event is 5+, and $35, learn more here.

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Long Island Aquarium

(~40 minutes from our Nesconset office)

Create new memories with Mom at the Long Island Aquarium. In the Sea Star Ballroom, they will have a diverse menu for Mother’s Day brunch. After, the kids can explore the aquarium!

Adelberg Montalvan specializes in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, in three different Long Island locations: Massapequa Park, Nesconset and West Islip. If you are in need of a local pediatric dentist and/or orthodontist, look no further! Contact us today to learn more.

What Are Dental Sealants — And Why Do Kids Need Them?

Dental sealants are one of the best ways to add an extra layer of protection to your child’s teeth. They help to prevent cavities, especially as kids learn to brush their teeth. However, we know that as parents, you might have a few questions about dental sealants, what they are, and how they help protect your child’s teeth. We have answered a few dental sealant FAQs below!

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are designed to prevent cavities. Each sealant is made from a safe resin material that is applied to the surface of your child’s tooth. This material fills in all of the nooks and crannies of the tooth, sealing it off.

Why are dental sealants such a great choice for kids?

As kids start to learn to brush, they may miss some problem areas in the back of their mouth. When they forget to brush food, sugars, and bacteria off of their molars, they put their teeth at risk of developing cavities. That’s why it’s important that we put sealants on adult teeth when they erupt. Each sealant helps create a buffer zone for kids as they learn to thoroughly brush their teeth.

How are dental sealants applied?

Dental sealants are painted directly onto the chewing surface of your child’s tooth. The sealant than hardens — and protects your child’s tooth. At each of our offices, sealants are applied in just one visit.

How long do dental sealants last?

After the sealants have been applied, they can last up to about 10 years. If the sealants wear more quickly than expected, we can re-apply sealants to their teeth.

If you have any questions at all about how to care for your child’s teeth, contact our office! Feel free to give any of our three Long Island locations a call, we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!