A Message From the American Dental Association!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

The American Dental Association (ADA) is advising dentists to talk to all of their patients about the dangers of prescription drug abuse in our country. The ADA is sending out this message before the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

This day is going to be dedicated for people to bring back unwanted or expired medications (including opiods and painkillers) to designated disposal sites across the country. Did you know that prescription medications are now the most commonly abused drugs among kid’s ages 12-13 and second to marijuana among young adults? This data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also found that these drugs are usually taken from medicine cabinets of friends and family.

Be a part of something positive and participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, September 29^th. 

For more information, call Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City or visit the ADA website, linked HERE! 

To find a collection site near you, CLICK HERE. 

Why Eating An Apple A Day Helps Your Teeth In Many Ways!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

The old tale goes “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” For anyone nervous about going to the dentist, pick up a bag of apples and keep reading to find out why eating an apple a day can help your teeth in many ways.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

An apple is a healthy fruit; one that your mother drilled into your head at an early age saying, “Apples are good for you!” Now, if you knew at that early age that eating an apple a day can keep your mouth cleaner in many ways and help avoid scary dentist visits, then as children we would be listening to our mothers and eating apples all the time!

People do not realize that taking a bite of an apple acts similar to a toothbrush, due to the presence of fiber rich flesh and skin.  Eating an apple helps fight plaque, stains on your teeth, removes any food particles sticking to your gums as well as enhances teeth whitening. You would not think that apples have such a presence on your teeth when you eat them, but they can be responsible for acting as a scrub on your tongue, teeth and gums. The best way to maximum the benefit of an apple is to eat the skin, which helps when you are a coffee drinker and have stains on your teeth. Most people think that eating an apple when you wake up or as a mid-day snack is refreshing, but when in reality you should be eating an apple after dinner or before bed to get rid of any stains or food that is stuck in your teeth.

To fight bad breathe would you rather chew gum or eat an apple? Most people say they would chew gum, but if you are having issues with bad breathe, eat more fruits with rich fiber like apples which acts as a natural breath freshener and helps prevent bad breath! 

An Apple a Day Can Keep the Dentist Away! Eat more apples to help with your overall dental hygiene.

For more information on practicing excellent oral health, visit the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook Wall, linked HERE.  

Fall Festivals on Long Island!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you looking to enjoy the fall season on Long Island with your family? There are plenty of events happening all over the Island to help celebrate the beautiful fall season! From petting zoos to hayrides and pumpkin picking to apple picking, there is something for everyone!

Here are a couple of fall festivals happening on Long Island! Enjoy!

Fall Festival

Location: Hicks Nurseries

When: Beginning 9/22

Location: Westbury

Fish Hatchery Fall Fair

Location: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium

When: Saturday, 9/29

Bellmore Family Street Festival

Location: Bellmore Long Island Railroad Station

When: 9/20-9/23

County Fair

Location: Miller Place-Mt. Sinai Historical Society

When: 9/22-9/23

Will you attend any of these fall festivals? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

Why Are So Many People Afraid of the Dentist? A New Study is Hoping to Find Out!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A new study is going to be conducted by West Virginia University, Indiana University, WVU-Charleston and the University of Charleston to try and crack the mystery on why on why so many people are afraid of the dentist!

There are a couple of obvious reasons on why so many people are fearful of the dentist. The drill, the pain, scoldings or the sounds the dentist’s tools make.  These fears tend to make people postpone dental appointments and even worse, avoid them all together. This then puts many Americans at a greater risk for gum disease and early tooth loss, which are conditions that can affect a person’s physical, social and mental health!

Are you afraid of the dentist? When was your last visit? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

NYC Health Board Places Ban on Super-Sized Sugary Drinks!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A rule has recently been passed in New York City by the health board stating that super-sized sugary drinks at restaurants, concession stands and other eateries will be banned. The new ban will put a 16-ounce size limit on cups and bottles of non-diet soda, sweetened teas and other high calorie beverages that are offered.

The ban will only be placed at restaurants, concession stands and eateries but will not apply at supermarkets or convenience stores. Health board officials believe that this ban is necessary due to the obesity epidemic in our country.

Many New Yorkers are unhappy with this decision by the health board and believe the ban is “a gross government intrusion.” Also, beverage industries and restaurants think that health experts are exaggerating the role sugary beverages play in obesity in America.

What do you think about this ban? Do you think it will help eliminate obesity in New Yorkers? Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

How To Protect Your Child's Teeth This Fall Sports Season!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

With school back in session, that can only mean one thing, fall sports are also! Whether your child plays soccer, football, baseball or basketball unfortunately there is always a chance that an injury will occur. 

Especially in contact sports, it is extremely important for your child’s oral health that they wear a mouth guard during athletic events.

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation reports that more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting events this year alone! 

This fall sports season, if your child has a dental accident, here are a couple of tips to follow to preserve your child’s tooth: 

• Avoid touching the root of where the tooth was lost, it can be damaged easily.
• If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the upper part and rinse it off with milk until most of the dirt is washed away. If you don't have milk, don't clean it. Wiping it off may cause more damage.
• If it is a permanent tooth, try to gently put the tooth back in its socket for the best chance of preservation. If it's a baby tooth, don't put it back in. It can cause more pain and even infection.

Do you have any additional tips? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

How to Keep Your Kid's Healthy This Fall!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

As many parents know, back to school means TONS of things! Soccer practice, homework, afterschool clubs, projects and the famous back to school “bug”. No matter what grade your children are in, there’s always a chance for them to catch a bug the first couple of weeks in the classroom.

Here are a couple of tips for all you moms out there to follow to keep your kids healthy this fall!

• Adequate amount of sleep
• Eat right- load up on fruits and vegetables
• Drink a lot of water
• Wash your hands constantly – fight the battle against germs!

Do you have any other tricks to help keep your kids healthy? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

CLICK HERE to read the full article! 

Do Your Children Drink Only Bottled Water?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source; Wikimedia

Do your children drink bottled water? Did you know that some experts believe bottled water may harm your children’s teeth and contribute to poor dental health?

Although many types of bottled water may be advertised as pure, clean or natural, many of them are missing one very important ingredient, fluoride!

The Beverage Marketing Corp reports that Americans consume about 8.4 billion gallons of bottled water each year. However, turning away from tap water may mean more cavities and worse dental hygiene, especially for children. 

CLICK HERE to read the full article!