Things A Dentist Knows Just By Looking in Your Mouth

Your eyes may be the windows to your soul, but your mouth is the window to your body. There’s a lot more your dentist can tell from your little one’s mouth than just if they’re actually brushing when they say they are and how soon until they lose their first tooth. Just by looking at their little teeth and gums, these are a few of the things a dentist can tell about your child’s health.

They’re drinking too much soda. 

Soft, chipped, or discolored teeth can mean that your child is enjoying too much candy, soda, or energy drinks (yes, energy drinks have a lot of sugar in them!). The next time your child is thirsty, reach for a glass of milk or water, or an unsweetened glass of juice that’s been watered down.

They have a sinus infection.

Because the roots of your teeth live in the same area of your head as your sinuses, sinus infections and tooth pain can sometimes be confused for one another. If your child is ever complaining about tooth pain in their upper jaw, ask them to bend down and touch their toes. If the pain or pressure increases, it’s more likely a sinus infection.

They bite their nails. 

Your child’s fingers aren’t the only thing giving away the fact that they’re biting their nails. Nails are a lot stronger than they look and can crack, scrape, and damage teeth. If your child consistently nibbles on one side of their mouth, nail biting can even cause their teeth and jaw to become uneven.

They sucked their thumb past age seven. 

Children who suck their thumb past age seven or eight (the critical age at which their adult teeth are coming in) can suffer significant changes to their bite and the position of their teeth. If your child is nearing age seven and still sucks his/ her thumb, it’s advised that you encourage them to stop.

Is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

5 Tooth Safety Tips For Halloween

Happy Halloween! As pediatric dentists, we’re not necessarily fans of the treats, but we would certainly prefer them over tricks! Unless of course, those tricks would help you and your little one keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape this Halloween!

1. Save the sweets for after dinner. Not only will this keep your children from spoiling their appetite, but it can help keep their teeth safe from decay as well. Saliva production increases after eating a full meal, which means their little mouths will be better equipped to wash away cavity-causing food particles.
   
2. Stick to sugar-free. Gum sweetened with xylitol, instead of sugar, makes snacking sweet less dangerous for your little one’s teeth. They’ll get all the goodness of sweet, without the cavity-causing additives.
   
3. Say no to sticky sweets. Gummy, gooey, chewy candy is a no-no! These sweet are more likely to get stuck in your child's teeth and lead to decay. They can also dislodge filings and wear down bonding or sealants.
   
4. Incorporate more water. Your kids will surely be running around all evening, scurrying from door to door to collect their treats. Make sure they’re drinking enough water to keep them hydrated, but also to help wash away any residual sugar and food particles snack refuels.
   
5. Be careful about costumes. Speaking of running around… does your little one’s costume fit right? Make sure there are no loose fabrics that can cause your tiny monster to trip or fall while he’s out running with other ghouls and ghosts. The last thing we need is a broken tooth — talk about a scary Halloween!

Is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

Newsflash: Chocolate is Good For Your Teeth!

Okay.. we admit it. That’s not entirely true, but there are some benefits to chowing down on chocolate over other sweet treats. In fact, it may surprise you that dark chocolate has actually been deemed beneficial for your health in more areas than one.

What makes dark chocolate a good dental decision?

As compared to other types of candy — the sticky, icky, chewy, gooey kind — chocolate washes away easier, leaving less residue that can potentially cause decay. The dark variety specifically, contains a flavonoid called epicatechin. This flavonoid helps to slow tooth decay, while also lowering cholesterol and preventing blood clots and clogged arteries. So, what we’re saying is… enjoy as much dark chocolate with your children as you please — in moderation!!

What other sweet treats are good for my teeth?

Truthfully, we wouldn’t really say any sweets are particularly good for your teeth, but more that some are better options than others. Like sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol for example. The xylitol acts as a sweetening agent so that kids are still intrigued by the flavor, without all the decay-causing sugar. The gum helps promote saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth. Moral of the story? Go sugar-free! Your kids won’t even notice the difference.

At the end of the day, no matter what treats your children like to enjoy, the most important thing is remembering to floss and brush regularly. Sure dark chocolate and sugar-free gum can help, but they certainly won’t be able to battle tooth decay and halitosis on their own!

Is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

3 Dental Musts to Have in Your Phone

Technology is a wonderful thing. Not only does it allow us to stay connected and in the know, but it has afforded us the opportunity to stay organized as well. Nowadays, folks keep everything at the ready in their phones, and these dental musts should be no different!

1. Booked Appointments: Gone are the days of getting that dreaded “you missed your child’s appointment” voicemail. Or worse — remembering your child’s appointment just in time for it to be too late. While you’re scheduling your next visit, either over the phone or in the office, plug it right into your phone’s calendar feature. That way, you’ll be more likely to remember!
   


2. Scheduled Reminders: Sure, you could schedule a reminder for your child’s appointment, but let’s take it a step further. How about setting alarms to remind you and your children when to brush or floss? The world is a busy place! We know brushing and flossing can sometimes fall to the wayside, but scheduling reminders in your phone can only help.
   


3. Our Phone Number: Emergencies happen, which is why it’s so important to have your dentist’s number on hand, just in case. Here at Adelberg Montalvan, we’ve got offices in Massapequa Park (516-798-1111), Nesconset (631-360-7337) and West Islip (631-661-7337). Why not plug all three into your phonebook right now? That way, you’re covered no matter where you are on Long Island if a dental disaster strikes.

Is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

Why Are Bedtime Routines So Important?

Tucking your little ones into bed at night can be hectic if you don’t have a routine in place. That’s why it’s imperative that you create a bedtime routine from a young age — and stick to it! Here’s why:

Bedtime routines promote healthy sleep patterns.

Studies have shown that parents who set a regular routine for winding down at the end of the day set their children up for success in the sleep department. Essentially, it trains their body when it should be awake and when it should sleep, resulting in well-rested, well-behaved angels!

Bedtime routines promote healthy living, period.

Being well-rested means your child’s immune system will be in better shape to ward off illness. But, that’s not all! According to NPR, “a survey of 1,000 children showed that irregular bedtimes are linked with difficulties such as hyperactivity, acting out and being emotionally withdrawn.” So, a healthy bedtime routine can promote a more alert, level-headed child.

Bedtime routines teach your children to be responsible.

As they get older, your children will undoubtedly be given more and more responsibility to manage. So, why not start them young? Getting children in the habit of making a routine and sticking to the tasks at hand will only help them be a responsible adult in the long run.

Bedtime routines make remembering to brush easy.

Let’s face it, tooth brushing is probably not your child’s (or your, if we’re being honest) favorite task. But, it’s an important one nonetheless. Adding tooth brushing to your child’s evening repertoire will ensure they are brushing before bedtime and will set them up for a lifetime of dental well-being too!

Speaking of setting schedules, is it time to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam? If so, reach out to one of our three Long Island locations today! We offer pediatric dental services in Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip.

How to Tame Your Sweet Tooth

With Halloween right around the corner, there is one thing on every child’s mind — trick-or-treating! However, as all of us parents know, sugary sweets may taste delicious, but they aren’t good for our teeth. If you’re struggling to tame your child’s sweet tooth this Halloween season, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Celebrate with Tooth-Friendly, but Festive Treats

There are ways to celebrate the Halloween season without indulging in sugary candies. Make spooky Halloween smiles with slices of apples, peanut butter and “teeth” (marshmallows). Create a fruit platter in the shape of a jack-o-lantern with baby carrots — or make a jack-o-lantern yourself out of a pepper.

Snack on Other “Sweet” Treats

Certain fall flavors like cinnamon, vanilla and honey taste sweet, but are lower in sugar. This is a festive way to trick your taste buds into thinking you’re eating something sweet. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of pancakes or waffles — get creative!

Set a Good Example for Your Kids

Talk to your kids about the importance of taking good care of their teeth and how eating too much candy is bad for their smile health. But don’t just talk to them — set the example! Kid learn their habits from us.

Make Sure That They Brush!

If your kids do indulge in candies this Halloween, make sure they do it in one sitting, not snacking throughout the day (of course, don’t eat too much candy in one sitting!). Eating throughout the day puts your teeth at more of a risk of tooth decay. Make sure that they brush after they’re done!

Is it time to schedule your child’s fall dental cleaning? Give one of our three Long Island offices a call! We are here to help protect your child’s teeth not just during the Halloween season — but year-round.

What To Do About Chapped Lips

With the fall season in full swing, and the temperatures starting to drop here on the island, many of us will be suffering from a common cold weather frustration — chapped lips. We know how frustrating (and painful) chapped lips can be, especially when they crack. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your little ones (and you) prevent chapped lips.

How to Prevent Chapped Lips:

• Drink Plenty of Water - The weather may be cooler, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be drinking plenty of water every day! When you’re dehydrated, your lips can dry out.
• Apply Early & Often - Make sure that you and your little ones have Chapstick or another moisturizer on them during the day to make keeping lips moisturized easier.
• Cover Your Mouth Outdoors- Cover your lips with a scarf when you go outside on particularly cold days.
• Use a Humidifier - Another great way to make sure that your lips stay moisturized as the humidity levels drop is to put a humidifier in your child’s room. This is a great way to provide the moisture they need, especially during the winter. Note: Just make sure to keep the humidifier clean and free of mold/mildew.
• Avoid Licking Your Lips - Remind your little ones that while licking their lips might seem like a good idea at the time, licking your lips will actually dry out your lips over time.

If you have any questions about how to care for your smile health, reach out to one of our three Long Island offices! We are here to help keep your children’s teeth beautiful and healthy year-round.