Smart Cereal Choices

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: pixabay

Did you have breakfast today?  You shouldn’t skip the most important meal of the day!  When paired with milk, cereals can be an important source of nutrients in a child’s diet.

Cereal Shopping Tips:

• Packaging – Cereal packaging can be deceiving. Look beyond the colorful, eye-catching boxes and take a look at the nutrition label.  While cartoon characters are appealing to children, they are not necessarily the healthiest option.
• Fiber – Children should have cereals with a fiber content of 2-5 grams per serving.
• Sugar – Studies have shown that kids are happy with eating cereal whether it is high or low in sugar.  Look for cereals that contain no more than 10-12 grams of sugar.
• Natural Sweeteners – Consider sweetening sugar naturally by adding fresh fruit to your breakfast.
• Whole Grains – Whenever you have the choice, you should always pick whole grains.  They are healthier for you and your kids!

For more tips on how to have a healthy breakfast, check out this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more smile care tips!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

Food Substitutions for Picky Eaters

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

© istockphoto/matka_Wariatka

Is your child a notoriously picky eater?  Many parents know that it isn’t always easy to get kids to eat healthy.  However, a healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your smile cavity-free!  Here are a few tips and substitutions for kids who avoid healthy foods.

Food Substitutions For..

• Fruit –
• Fresh fruit - If your child won’t eat fresh fruits, try dried fruits such as apricots, pears, raisins, cherries, mangos, pineapples and bananas. 
• Whole fruit – If whole fruit is the problem, you can make pureed sauces for yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit.  Then, slowly introduce whole fruit into the mix.
• Citrus – Does your child dislike citrus fruits?  Strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, watermelon, and even potatoes are great sources of vitamin C.
• Alternatives - You can also try mixing fruits such as blueberries, chopped apples, and bananas in muffin, quick bread, and waffle batters.
• Vegetables –
• Green Leafy Vegetables - It’s common for kids to avoid green leafy vegetables.  Try dark-yellow and orange vegetables instead.  Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A. 
• Cooked Vegetables - Try raw vegetable sticks and salads.  You can also offer vegetable juice instead of fruit juice.
• Dairy – If your child doesn’t like cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods, consider soy and rice-based substitutes.  You can also ask your pediatrician about taking vitamin B12 and D supplements.
• Whole-Grain Breads – Try high-fiber white bread, whole wheat crackers or whole wheat pasta.

For more food substitutions and tips for healthy kids and healthy teeth, read this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more smile care tips!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

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Make Brushing Fun with Rewards

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo: Source

It’s not always easy to get kids excited about brushing their teeth, but it’s important to create good habits at a young age!  By making brushing rewarding, you can help keep your kids interested in caring for their oral health.

Fun Brushing Rewards:

• Create a Chart – Make a chart with a few things for your kids to do each day.  Put a smiley face on the chart and at the end of the week they can get a small prize! 
• Make it a Game – Create a treasure map.  When your child gets enough stickers to fill the map they can get a reward.
• Special Trips – Let your toddler join you on a toothbrush and toothpaste shopping trip!  They can pick out their favorite flavored and character themed brushing supplies.

Rewards for brushing are a great form of encouragement for their dedication and effort.  When kids are excited about the end goal, they are more likely to keep up with the routine! Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for tiny teeth.  We help keep smiles healthy!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

A Parents Guide to the Tooth Fairy

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Tooth fairy visits can be exciting for kids.  Especially if they just lost their first tooth!  Here are a few tips to help parents make sure that the tooth fairy visit goes smoothly.

Tooth Fairy Tips:

• Where do the teeth go - Some kids are very concerned about where their teeth go.  Determine if your kid is ok with the tooth fairy taking their teeth.  If you decide to keep them, tuck them away in a small jar.
• What is your currency - While money is common, there are other cost-effective options that can be exciting for your child.  Small toys, gold coins, stickers and other prizes can be left behind by the tooth fairy.
• How to hold the teeth – There are tons of options when it comes to finding a place to keep lost teeth.  Pick a container that your kids are excited to use.
• When you forget – If your child is upset that the tooth fairy missed your house, have the fairy write a note!  Sometimes the tooth fairy can get confused.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for tiny teeth.  We help keep smiles healthy!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

photo credit: john.anes via photopin cc

Healthy Habits for Your Child's Smile

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

When kids take good care of their teeth, they grow up healthy and strong.  A healthy smile means a pain-free mouth and lower dental costs for your family.  Here are a few ways you can promote good oral health habits in your home.

Healthy Habits:

• Help Them Brush – Help brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.  They may want to brush their own teeth, but they need help until their hand skills are better.
• Be a Role Model – Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to set a good example for your kids.
• Eat Healthy – Serving your kids healthy meals and snacks like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and whole grain products helps keep teeth healthy. 
• Dental Check Ups – Don’t forget to bring your child to the dentist for bi-annual cleanings and exams!

Read more tips on how to promote good oral health on the Head Start National Center on Health website.  Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for tiny teeth.  We help keep smiles healthy!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

photo credit: donnierayjones via photopin cc

Safe Teething Treatments for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Parents might be tempted to soothe a teething baby by rubbing medication on the gums.  However, the FDA warns that prescription drugs are not safe for treating teething infants.  These safer alternatives are a far better choice!

Safe Teething Treatments:

• Gently massage the gums with your finger.
• Give your child a cool teething ring.
• Let them chew on a cool, wet washcloth.

Cool objects act like a mild local anesthetic.  The cool temperature soothes the gums by dulling the nerves that transmit pain.  This is a great alternative to help sooth your teething baby.  However, you should always have adult supervision to make sure that they don’t accidently choke on the teething ring or wash cloth. 

The FDA reminds parents that drugs such as viscous lidocaine or benzocaine are not safe for treating teething in young children.  Small children can easily overdose when given medications to ease the pain of teething.  You should never use medications except for when they are prescribed by a professional.  Read more about the FDA recommendations on their webpage.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for your teething tot.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

photo credit: Ryan Dickey via photopin cc

Keep Your Toothbrush Germ-Free

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Although we use toothbrushes to keep our teeth clean, they actually contain a lot of bacteria!  Did you know that an unbrushed mouth can contain as many germs as a dirty bathroom floor?  Here are a few tips to keep your toothbrush clean.

Toothbrush Tips:

• Replacement – You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or when the bristles feel worn.
• Toothpaste – Certain toothpastes are better than others at killing germs.  Find a toothpaste that is great at killing oral bacteria!
• Don’t Share – Your toothbrush should be used just for you.  Be careful when squeezing toothpaste onto your brush, too.  Don’t let the toothpaste container opening touch your toothbrush bristles.
• Clean Your Brush – Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use.  Occasionally soaking it in mouthwash can help kill germs too.
• Close the Toilet Lid – Your toothbrush can be contaminated by the water splashed when we wash our hands, or even from an open-flushed toilet. Gross.

For more tips on how to care for your toothbrush, contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove.  We can help you and your child with all of your smile care needs.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

photo credit: jessicafm via photopin cc

Bad Tooth Habits

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Did you know that there are several everyday habits that can be damaging to your smile?  

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are important habits to maintain.  However, there we want to make sure that your kids are avoiding other habits that can be damaging to teeth.

Avoid these tooth damaging habits:

• Chewing Ice – Gnawing on ice cubes from your drink may seem harmless, but the cold temperatures make teeth more susceptible to breaking.  This can weaken your tooth enamel over time.
• Nail Biting – Just like ice, nail biting can damage your tooth enamel.  This can be damaging overtime.
• Drinking Soda – Drinking soda and sugary beverages all day long can be damaging to your tooth enamel.  These acidic beverages eat away at your enamel.
• Popcorn Kernels – Be careful when watching movies this summer.  Chewing on popcorn kernels can lead to tooth fractures or cause stress to your teeth.

For more tips on how to best care for kid’s smiles contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

photo credit: Mr.TinDC via photopin cc

4th of July Fireworks on Long Island

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Public Domain

Looking to watch some fireworks this weekend when the weather lets up?  Here are a few great places to catch fireworks on Long Island with your family!

Thursday:

Long Island Ducks vs. Bridgeport Bluefish

Bethpage Ballpark, Central Islip

7:05 pm

Long Island Ducks home game against the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Grucci Fireworks

Connetquot River, Great River

9:00 pm

Grucci fireworks show sponsored by the towns of Great River and Oakdale.

Friday

July 4^th Concert: Denice Given Band

Port Jefferson, NY

9:30 pm

4^th of July concert with a musical performance by Denice Given Band.

July 4^th Celebration

Brookhaven Amphitheatre at Bald Hill, Farmingville

5:30 pm

July Fourth celebration featuring Captain Jack and Uncovered, doors open at noon, concert begins 5:30.

Go 4^th on the Bay

Great South Bay, Great South Bay

9:30 pm

Grucci fireworks displayed from a barge on the mid-bay waters of the Great South Bay.

July 4^th Firework Show

Southampton, NY

9:15 pm

Fresh Air Home’s annual American picnic and firework over Shinnecock Bay on Meadow Lane.

Saturday:

NASCAR Stock Car Racing & Fireworks

Riverhead Raceway, Riverhead

6:00 pm

Miller Lite night featuring 8 cylinder demolition derby, 50 lap Cromarty Cup modifieds (time trials).

For more places to see fireworks with your family this weekend, check out this article in Newsday.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Dental Hygiene Routine Brush Up

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you a brushing expert?  It’s important to help your kids develop good brushing and flossing routines at a young age! Here are a few brushing tips for you and your kids.

Brushing Tips:

• Toothbrush Choice – Let your kids pick their own toothbrush!  If they like their brush, they are more likely to remember to use it every day.
• Toothpaste – Children only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  Just make sure that it has at least 1,000 parts per million of fluoride.
• Timing – Make sure that you are brushing your teeth for two minutes!  Try using a timer or download an app on your phone to keep time.
• Where to Brush – Clean the biting surface, the outside surface next to the cheeks and the inside surface next to the tongue. Do this for both the upper and lower teeth.  Brush in gentle circles and avoid scrubbing the teeth. 

For more tips on how to develop a great brushing routine, check out this article or contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

photo credit: John Federico via photopin cc