5 Ways You Can Get Ready for National Children's Dental Health Month

T-minus two days until National Children’s Dental Health Month! 

What once began as a two city event in 1941 has developed into a nationwide annual program each February. This month long observance is meant to educate and promote the importance of oral health. 

By instilling good oral health habits early, your child will have a better chance at having a beautiful smile for years to come!

Here are five ways you can help get ready for National Children’s Dental Health Month:

1. Make oral health a routine - Brushing for two minutes twice daily and flossing regularly should be as much of a routine as making a bed or putting toys away. Be a positive role model for your children, if they see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
2. Incorporate oral health into reading - Whether your child needs to read a certain number of books for school assignments or you incorporate reading into your bedtime rituals, choose a book specific to oral health! From brushing teeth to rockin’ braces — check out our Pinterest board for some inspiration!
3. Offer healthy snacks regularly - If your kids are used to eating healthy snacks, they’ll be more likely to continue for years to come. Get even the pickiest of eaters used to healthy choices that naturally maintain and improve oral health. For example, dairy products (like cheese, milk, and yogurt) contain calcium and protein which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Veggies are high in vitamins and minerals that contain numerous health benefits while also stimulating saliva!
4. Don’t miss dental appointments! With so many activities going on, it’s easy to push dental visits to the side. But committing to a twice annual check up is crucial to maintaining oral health. These visits help us spot any problems early, when they’re more treatable. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child’s teeth are developing properly with a clean dental bill of health!
5. Contact us for a school visit or info session - What better way to teach the importance of oral health than by hearing it from us! We’d be more than happy to come to your local school for a dental health info session. We are also accepting meetings at all three of our locations for any local girl scout or cub scout troop! Scouts will be given a small presentation on good and bad snacks and how to keep teeth clean and health. 
   

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health - give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment!

How To Make Dental Visits Stress Free

Dental visits can be stressful for both parent and child — they can also cause children to experience a great deal of anxiety! Fortunately, there are things that you can do to keep your little ones calm before heading into an appointment.

Educate Them About the Dentist 
One of the reasons that children are so afraid of the dentist is because they do not know what to expect! You should talk to your child about the dentist before their appointment — explain to them what will happen and let them know there is nothing to be afraid of!

Take Them to Their Dentist by Their First Birthday 
Taking your child to the dentist early will help them get adjusted to the environment as you’ll be establishing a dental home for years to come! Not to mention, early intervention helps prevent serious dental problems.

Pair the Dental Visit With Another Fun Activity 
While we know our office itself is a fun place to visit — with all the games and activities we have — why not make a day out of it! Head out to a movie, go bowling, or treat your child to their favorite restaurant.

Encourage Good Dental Habits at Home 
You can get your child comfortable with the idea of dental care by establishing good habits at home. If they are familiar with brushing and flossing, then chances are they won’t feel as stressed in the office.

Bring Your Child to AMPD!
One of the easiest ways to make dental visits stress free? Choosing our office, of course! Our office focuses on being a fun and easy environment for all of our families — with a fun, under the sea theme, video games, and TV.

If you are a new patient to our practice, as a courtesy we’d love to extend you our offer of $105 off your new patient exam, cleaning and fluoride! This coupon is valid at any of our three Long Island locations — contact us today!

Family Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

While you’re busy making your own New Year's resolutions, don’t forget to teach your little ones to do the same thing. Children tend to follow through when they see their parents sticking to their own goals as well — so why not make some resolutions together as a family!

Here are 5 New Year’s resolutions you and your kids can make (and actually achieve) for 2019!

Resolution 1: Get more sleep.
Grouchy, grumpy kids are just a ray of sunshine in the mornings, aren’t they? Help them resolve to get more sleep each night. This is also something the whole family can aim to do together! Limit screen time and wind down a bit earlier than usual so it’s not a drastic change.

Resolution 2: Drink more water.
As you know, soft drinks and juices tend to be loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. These beverages can lead to tooth decay, gum disease as well as contribute to childhood obesity. Instead, try to limit the amount of soda or juices in your home. Encourage your kids to drink water instead!

Resolution 3: Learn a new skill.
Learning new skills or finding new hobbies can be exciting! Is there something your child has been interested in, but yet hasn’t had the time or resources to learn it? Whether it’s learning to play the piano or learning how to bake, help them pursue their dreams!

Resolution 4: Volunteer in your community.
From participating in charity walks to volunteering at local animal shelters, there’s no shortage of community activities your family can participate in on Long Island. Resolve to volunteer your time at one event this new year — if you all enjoy it, sign up for another! This is a great way to spend quality time with your family while also giving back to your local community.

Resolution 5: Schedule (and go to) doctor appointments.
We’re sure you saw this one coming, but when it comes to staying healthy, preventative care is key! This includes your twice a year dental visits as well as regular checkups with your primary care physician.

There you have it! What other resolutions is your family making this New Year? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook Page! And to schedule your next dental visit, click here»

Flu Prevention Tips

The bad news? Cold and flu season is here. The good news? By instilling some good health habits, you and your family can help stop the spread of germs!

While the flu can affect anyone, it tends to hit the very young and the very old the hardest. For those with little ones or grandparents in the home, here’s how you can take action to fight the flu this season:

Wash your hands -- thoroughly! While this seems obvious, a quick rinse isn’t going to kill germs. To completely rid a virus from your skin, you must wash your hands in warm water with soap for 20 seconds or more. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands and between your fingers well -- try singing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice to meet the required length of time.

Avoid close contact. Try to keep your distance from others that may be sick. If you do come in close contact, be sure to wash your hands and avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, as this is an easy way to spread unwanted germs.

Keep a healthy lifestyle. The healthier you are, the better your body is at defending the cold or flu! Be sure your family gets enough sleep, eats plenty of nutritious foods, and drinks lots of fluids!

Practice proper oral heath habits. Before and after brushing, be sure to wash your hands to prevent bacteria from entering your mouth. Also, never share your toothbrush with other family members and store all brushes separately to prevent airborne bacteria hoping from one brush to the next!

If you have any questions about how to better care for your child’s oral health, give any of our offices a call. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry has three convenient Long Island locations. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook for updates and industry news!

Common Winter Mouth Woes

Winter may be chilly, but that shouldn’t stop all the fun! But sometimes, the mixture of the cool temperatures and harsh winds can wreak havoc on your little one and their mouth. 

Feel free to enjoy the winter in as many ways as you can think of, but be aware of these common winter mouth woes in the process to ensure your child keeps smiling throughout the season.

Canker Sores
Those winter treats may taste great, but they don’t sit well in your mouth. The higher consumption of acidic foods in the winter is a recipe for canker sores. Of course, completely avoiding these holiday treats may be easier said than done. If your child winds up suffering, try swishing one teaspoon of salt and a half-cup of water to help clean the sores or contact us and inquire about our laser dentistry services!

Cold Sores
You don’t just need to protect yourself from the sun in the warmer months. Continue to use products with an SPF of 15 or higher, even in the winter, as exposure to sun can lead to cold sore breakouts. Additionally, make sure your child is getting a good night's rest and regularly keeping their hands clean to avoid the spread of any bacteria. 

Teeth Sensitivity
Your child may feel a sharp pain while eating during the colder months of the year. Even if you take precautionary measures to avoid certain foods, the cold temperature and wind can be enough to leave their teeth feeling sore. Try brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste.

Chapped Lips
Exposure to wind, cold, and sun creates the perfect environment for dry lips. Make sure you and your little ones are wearing a daily SPF lip balm and apply it often throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and think about installing a humidifier in your rooms. A little extra moisture in the chillier months never hurts!

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Visit our website to schedule an appointment at one of our three locations.

Healthy Habits to Keep Your Kids Smiling Through the New Year

Can you believe 2019 is almost here? What better time than now to start considering some healthy changes you and your family can make for the new year.

Even a few, slight changes to your daily routine can provide lifelong benefits! See below for 5 quick tips:

1. Encourage physical activity. 
Everyone has a phone nowadays, including your little ones. Try to limit screen time and instead encourage more physical activity. Take your dog on a walk as a family, discover a new hobby, wander around a museum — anything to keep the blood flowing!

2. Eat and drink well. 
Opt for water over sugary juices and sodas! It’s also important for growing bones to eat a well-balanced diet. This means not skipping meals and incorporating a range of colors into your daily diet.

3. Get a good night’s rest.
Sleep is important to mental and physical health! But how much sleep is recommended? According to the National Sleep Foundation, the recommended sleep ranges are:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
• Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours
• School-age children (6-13): 9-11 hours
• Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours
• Younger adults (18-25) and Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours
• Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours 

4. Don’t skip your dental routine!
Set a good example for your kids and don’t forget your dental routine! That means remembering to brush twice every day, for two minutes and floss your teeth regularly. If you need help figuring out how to make teeth brushing fun, we’ve got you covered.

5. Get regular checkups.
Whether that means a dental checkup here at AMPD or a visit with your family doctor, you’ll want to ensure you don’t forget preventative health measures. Attending regular check-ups helps spot problems early, often when they’re most treatable.

There you have it — five healthy habits to keep your kids smiling through the new year. For questions or concerns regarding your family’s dental health this season, give us a call or click here to request your appointment»

National Dental Hygiene Month FAQs

The month of October is National Dental Hygiene Month, which means it’s the perfect time to teach your child about dental hygiene -- and how a good dental care routine now will last throughout adult years later.

Here are the top pediatric dental hygiene questions, answered, so you and your child can feel confident with their oral care now and in the future.

What is the best way to brush your teeth?

• Use a toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Brush in gentle up-and-down strokes to clean the inside of the teeth.
• To remove bacteria and freshen your breath, don’t forget to brush your tongue!

Need help getting your little ones to clean their chompers? Check out our tips and tricks here.

Is fluoride good or bad for children?
Too little or too much fluoride can both affect your child. Little to no fluoride will not help strengthen the teeth to fight against cavities. On the other hand, excessive fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to brown discoloration of the permanent teeth.
TIP: Make sure your child uses the proper amount of fluoride toothpaste while brushing.
 
What is the right amount of fluoride for my child?
Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease a person's chances of getting cavities by making teeth stronger! As such, we recommend using fluoride toothpaste. If your child is younger than 3 years old, brush their teeth with an amount of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Children, ages 3 to 6, should brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount. Once children are over the age of 6, ensure they are using fluoride properly and maintaining their dental care routine daily.
TIP: Teach your children right away how to spit out toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
 
How can I get rid of bad breath?
Halitosis, better known as bad breath, is caused by poor dental hygiene and plaque buildup. Remind your child to brush twice daily, floss, and rinse thoroughly in order to keep those mouth monsters away! 

When should I take my child to the dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the first visit to the dentist should be by your child’s first birthday. After that, depending on the child, you should schedule follow-up visits with your dentist every six months. This allows you to have peace of mind knowing that your child’s teeth are developing properly with a clean dental bill-of-health! 

To help your child maintain a healthy smile, make sure they keep up with their daily oral hygiene routine -- and, don’t forget to schedule your next appointment with the professionals at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry. We have three Long Island locations that specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment.