Apply for a $1,000 College Scholarship!

Attention graduating seniors: our scholarship contest is BACK! This July marks 20 years since opening Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and we’ve been privileged to know and care for so many of you from cribs until college.

In recognition of this milestone, our office has decided to award $1,000 scholarships in each of our three locations.

The criteria:

1. Must be an active patient in our practice
2. Must write an essay about how our office has inspired you
3. Must be a graduating senior

We will choose one essay in each location and will require you to share the essay on our social media sites (with a picture of the winners). The deadline for submission is Wednesday June 13.

Please include the office location where you are seen and submit your essays to AMPDscholarship@gmail.com. GOOD LUCK!

If you’re in need of some inspiration, take a look at some of our previous scholarship winners:


Thanks again to all who have submitted essays through the years and good luck to our next group of seniors — we can’t wait to read your stories!

Chewing Gum Myths Debunked!

Chewing gum has amassed its share of tales over the years from if it's swallowed it will remain in your digestive tract to chewing it can rot your teeth. But just what is the truth about chewing gum, can it be beneficial for you?

Well, you’re in luck! Below, we’ve debunked three common misconceptions — how many of these did you know?

Myth 1: Chewing Gum Remains In Your Digestive Tract for Years

Survey says: not likely! While your body is unable to break down or extract nutrients from gum, it still travels through your digestive tract just like any other indigestible substance, such as fiber. According to Duke gastroenterologist, Nancy McGreal, MD, “In all the upper endoscopies I have done in both children and adults, I have yet to see a wad of gum lying around in the stomach.”

Myth 2: Chewing Gum Causes Cavities 

Not all gum is created equal! While sugar-sweetened gums saturate the teeth in sugar, which isn’t the best for dental health, studies show that sugarless gum can actually help prevent tooth decay! How so? Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva flow, this not only washes away food and debris but helps to strengthen tooth enamel. Look for chewing gum with the ADA Seal! (Hint: Sugar-free Trident, Orbit, Extra, to name a few)

Myth 3: You Can Substitute Brushing with Chewing Gum 

Hopefully, none of our patients believe this! Chewing gum should not be a replacement for proper oral care. While yes, chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva and can be beneficial post meals, brushing for two minutes, twice daily and regular flossing are the keys to a lifetime of dental health.

Have questions or concerns about how to keep your little one’s teeth healthy for all of time? Contact us today! We’ll be happy to debunk more myths you may have on your mind.

Top Dental Tips to Follow While Pregnant

As a busy parent, it can often be easy to think about your little one’s dental hygiene, while neglecting your own. Though life can get hectic, your dental care is essential, especially if you plan on growing your family.

If you’re currently expecting, here are just a few of the ways you can take care of your dental health, as well as your little one’s, while pregnant!

6 Important Dental Tips for Expecting Mothers

1. Get Your Check-up In. You might be tired of making appointments, and the fatigue of the first trimester might be getting you down, but now is the perfect time to have your dental cleaning and check-up. If you are planning to start a family, try getting to your dentist ASAP — this will allow you to address any dental issues before you begin your pregnancy.
2. Brush, Brush, Brush! Don’t panic if you notice your gums are more sensitive than normal; this is often a pregnancy side effect. To ensure you're staying on top of your dental health, brush at least twice daily with a soft bristle brush.
3. Floss is Your Friend. Don’t forget your daily flossing! Flossing is the only way to get into the little nooks and crannies that your toothbrush just can’t reach. 
4. Fight Morning Sickness. Constant morning sickness can do a number on your enamel, so be sure to rinse your mouth immediately after feeling ill. Toothpaste making you queasy? Try going for a more mild flavor! 
5. Keep An Eye Out For Changes. Hormonal changes can lead to an array of dental side effects, such as swollen gums and loose teeth. Keep an eye out for any new dental changes and be sure to reach out to your doctor for proper care.
6. Dental Care For Two. Once your little bundle of joy arrives, it’s the perfect time to get them off on the best dental start. Did you know, teething can begin as early as 3 months of age, with the first tooth erupting around the six month mark? Remember, not all babies are alike, so keep an eye out for the first tooth and be sure to bring your child in for a visit by their first birthday — we can’t wait to meet them!

Remember to keep up with your dental health too, as unfilled cavities can increase the chances of transmitting germs to your baby, especially once they begin teething.

Now that you have the keys to dental success during and after pregnancy, let us help get your child on a path towards a lifetime of healthy smiles! Schedule your little one’s first appointment today! 

Stop Teeth Grinding By Lowering Stress

It is not abnormal for people to clench or grind their teeth at times. The medical term is called bruxism and is not usually harmful. However, those who grind their teeth on a regular basis can run the risk of oral health complications.

How Do I Know I’m Grinding My Teeth?

Most of us are unaware that we grind our teeth because it happens often while we are sleeping. If you wake up with a constant headache or a sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth at night. There are many factors that can cause bruxism including, sleep apnea, anxiety, stress, crooked teeth or an abnormal bite. You should consult with your dentist if you think you are grinding your teeth. They can examine your jaw and mouth to check for tenderness or damage done to your teeth.

How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?

If you are a chronic teeth grinder, it can cause loss of teeth or fractures. If you do not seek the help of a dentist right away, you might need to have root canals, bridges, partial dentures or implants. While no one knows for sure what exactly causes bruxism, stress and anxiety may play a big role. Lowering your stress level can decrease the need to clench your teeth. Practice meditation prior to bedtime to help relieve stress and anxiety. Meditation allows you to focus on one particular subject at hand while focusing on your breathing. It helps you prevent your mind from racing which can cause unnecessary stress.

In reality, it only takes a few minutes of meditation a day to start reaping the benefits. There are several online videos and books that can teach you the proper ways to meditate. Burning candles and taking a nice warm bath before bedtime can work wonders.

Try to clear your mind as much as possible and forget about your day-to-day tasks. Yoga, massage, Tai Chi, and even a pedicure or manicure can make a world of difference. Whichever form of relaxing you choose, remember when you are relaxed your body will become relaxed, including your mouth and jaw.

If you are continuing to experience teeth grinding problems, contact us today!

What Type of Mouthguard Should You Use?

Mouth guards are flexible devices worn over the teeth and gums to prevent damage, braces damage, to protect bridgework, and the shape of your mouth and teeth. An ideal guard does not restrict breathing or speech and should comfortably fit over upper teeth while staying in place during athletic activities.

When Do You Need A Mouth Guard?

Not all sports require the use of mouth guards. The U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association does not require their use in all sports. Those participating in ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and football must wear a guard to play. Use with all other sports is optional. It’s wise to know your own body regardless of association rules. If you have dental issues, weakened teeth, braces and bridges use of a mouth piece is undoubtedly a good idea.

What Kind Of Damage Can Occur?

Keep in mind that guards not only protect against damaged teeth but injuries to the jaw, and bones as well. While sports are rewarding, we run the risk of more serious injuries, especially when not wearing a guard. Some of these include concussions, cerebral hemorrhage, and neck injuries from jaw fractures. This occurs when the lower jaw quickly slams into the upper jaw during sports. Mouth guards help prevent these injuries.

Types Of Mouth Guards

Now that you know the type of injuries that can occur when not wearing a mouthguard you may be wondering what kind of guard to get.

Stock mouth guards

Stock are performed and ready to wear.

Mouth-formed mouth guards

Mouth-formed are shell liner or boil-and-bite.

Custom-fitted mouth guards

Custom-fitted are cast to the teeth, are more expensive and provide the greatest degree of protection, as they cover all the teeth.

Visiting an orthodontist or orthopedic dentist to discuss yours or your child's individual needs and what is best for your situation is best in determining the appropriate mouth guard. This may largely depend on what type of sports you or your child are involved in, and the potential for injury.

For more information on selecting mouthguards, contact us today!

Is Your Child Too Old For Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Having wisdom teeth doesn’t makes someone extra wise or intelligent. Instead, these extra set of teeth are molars that have grown in at the back of a person’s mouth and can be painful and irritating when infected.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of a person’s mouth. Technically speaking, they can be found at the upper and third molars. Wisdom teeth generally form inside of a person’s mouth between the ages of 17 – 21. So, children typically do not have to deal with the problem of wisdom teeth.

Sometimes they can show up in a child’s mouth, but this is a very rare occurrence.

How Did Wisdom Teeth Get Their Name?

Wisdom teeth is a moniker that was given to these molars that develop during the late teenage and early adult years of life. Apparently, most people believe that older teens and young adults are supposed to have some kind of wisdom once they reach this age. However, as older adults know that most teens and young adults still have a lot to learn about life – especially when it comes to good oral care.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Sometimes they don’t need to be removed, but other times people experience crowding or impaction. Once this happens, it can create a lot of pain and cause a person’s mouth to be infected. As a result, wisdom teeth have to be removed.

When Should You Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed when they realize the pain they cause. If you are suffering from wisdom teeth that have not properly developed, then it is advisable to have them extracted as soon as possible.

If you do not have any pain when your teeth come in but have problems later on in life – you can have them removed when you are older. The bottom line is that you are never too old to have your wisdom teeth taken out. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental can extract wisdom teeth for older teens.

Contact us for more information or to schedule your child’s wisdom teeth removal today!

How To Ease Your Child's Dental Fear

Many have a fear of going to the dentist and that includes children; however, there are things we, as parents, can do that can help such as initiating your child’s visits to the dentist early, at age one or when the first tooth is visible.

Follow the KISS principle

Most importantly, keep it simple when you talk with them about going to see the dentist. Too many details can cause questions and that could increase your child’s anxiety. Keep your conversation positive but don’t give them false hope.

Be Careful With Your Words

In addition, be careful of the words you use when talking with them about visiting the dentist. For example, avoid the words hurt or pain. Instead, tell them that they are going to the dentist so that the dentist can look at their smile and count their teeth.

Try Make Believe

Another way to put your child’s mind at ease is to make believe that you and your child are at the dentist’s. Take a toothbrush count the teeth on your child’s teeth. Use numbers or the alphabet.

• Be careful not to make drilling noises. 
• If you have a small dental mirror and a small explorer, pretend that you are checking their teeth. 
• This procedure will prepare them for their first dental appointment. Picture books that you can get on the Web can also help. 

Expect Turbulence

Keep in mind; your child may cry, wiggle and not want to be examined by someone they don’t know. Stay calm and know that the dentist and staff are prepared for some fussing. They might ask you to stay for awhile or hold their hand. This may help to calm them down and get them through the dental process.

Explain The Importance Of The Dentist

Most importantly, explain to your child how important it is to see the dentist so that their teeth stay healthy and prevent cavities.

• This will help your child to see how important it is to have good oral health. 
• At our dental clinic, we know how important healthy teeth are for overall good health. 

Make an appointment soon at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and find out how our dental services can ease your child into good dental care.