Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Why Is Fluoride So Good For Our Teeth?

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyVV0UDQ_f4?rel=0

WE DENTISTS MAKE a pretty big deal about fluoride and how good it is for your teeth. Truly, fluoride is the best cavity fighter out there, helping our teeth stay healthy and strong! But how exactly does fluoride do such an awesome job at keeping our mouths cavity-free?

Fluoride Prevents And Repairs Tooth Decay

Bacteria that are in plaque produce acids that seep into tooth enamel and break it down. This process of breaking down enamel is what causes cavities over time. Where plaque breaks down the tooth, fluoride builds it up!

Fluoride, a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water, protects teeth from cavity-causing bacteria by making tooth enamel more resistant to bacteria’s acid attacks.

Fluoride also helps repair tooth decay in its early stages by building up the tooth in a process called remineralization. This cavity-fighting mineral even reduces the ability of plaque bacteria to produce acid in the first place!

Fluoride Is Available In A Variety Of Forms

Fluoride can be directly applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. In fact, toothpaste with fluoride has been responsible for a significant drop in cavities since 1960.

Dental offices also offer fluoride application to teeth as a gel, foam or varnish. Getting a fluoride treatment periodically is important because it contains a higher concentration of fluoride.

Fluoride Intake Is Important At All Ages

Exposure to fluoride can be especially beneficial for infants and children. Between the ages of six months and 16 years, fluoride becomes incorporated into the developing permanent teeth, protecting them from cavity-causing bacteria.

However, adults and children alike need to get enough fluoride to protect their teeth. Just as important as strengthening developing teeth is fighting tooth decay, which fluoride will help you do even after your permanent teeth have come in.

Increased exposure to fluoride can be beneficial for people with certain health conditions. For example, if you have dry mouth, gum disease or a history of frequent cavities, your dentist may recommend additional fluoride treatments or supplements. Ask us if you could benefit from additional fluoride.

Tooth Decay Is Preventable

The take home message is this: fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. If you have any questions about fluoride, call us or come in! We would love to hear from you!

We love our patients and their smiles!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. 

Image by Flickr user bradfordst219 used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Be Prepared For Dental Emergencies

INJURIES ALWAYS SEEM TO HAPPEN when we least expect them. Picture yourself at an outdoor gathering, having fun, when suddenly a crying child runs up to you, knocked-out tooth in hand. Would you know what to do?

Dental First Aid Saves Teeth

Knocking out or fracturing a tooth is especially distressing—just thinking about it can make you uncomfortable! But knowing what to do within the first hour after dental damage occurs can save the tooth. Here’s your plan of action:

1. Carefully recover the tooth.

Pick up the tooth by the crown, do not touch the root. If necessary, gently rinse the tooth in water or milk, but do not scrub or brush the root.

2. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

If possible, put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with fingers or by gently biting on gauze. If you can’t reimplant the tooth, keep it in milk (not water) or inside the cheek until you can find help.

3. Seek professional dental care immediately.

You’ll have the best chance of saving the tooth if you get to a dentist or emergency room within an hour.

Prevent Injuries Before They Happen

Accidents happen, but there are many steps you can take to prevent dental damage! These include:
  • wearing a mouthguard for sports
  • not chewing ice and other extremely hard foods
  • using scissors to open packages, not your teeth

Teeth are strong, but they can only last a lifetime if you do your part to keep them safe and healthy!

No Matter What Happens, We’re Here For You

Part of what makes dental injury so traumatic is the thought that the damage could be permanent. We’re here to assure you that even if a tooth cannot be saved, we have the knowledge and tools to restore your smile! Should a dental emergency ever occur, see us as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading! We treasure the trust you place in our team as your lifelong dental health partners. Remember to protect your teeth!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk0QP_a8Wkk?rel=0

Image cropped and modified from original.

                           

Monday, February 29, 2016

Why is Nail Biting Bad?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Nail biting habits are hard to break (and not just for kids)!  However, it's important that parents take the time to help kids find new outlets for this nervous habit.  Nail biting isn't just bad for nails, it's bad for teeth too!  This habit can lead to cracks and chips, as well as put extra stress on their front teeth.

Children who have a tendency to bite their nails or chew on pencils at school are also at a higher risk of bruxism.  Bruxism is a dental term that describes tooth grinding or clenching that eventually leads to headaches, tooth sensitivity and recessed gums.

Nail Biting Tips:

  • Keep them short.  One of the best ways to prevent nail biting is by keeping the nails trimmed and short.  When there is less to bite, nail biting will be less tempting.
  • Replace the habit. When you feel like biting your nails, offer an alternative to the habit.  It might be helpful to find another (healthy) habit to keep hands busy and away from the mouth.
  • Identify the cause.  What triggers are causing your child to bite their nails?  Whether the trigger is physical like a jagged nail or it's due to boredom or stress, you can help prevent nail biting by first addressing the initial cause.

If you have any questions about how to help your child break the nail biting habit, it's affect on their teeth, or how we can help you help them grow up with healthy, beautiful smiles, give us a call!

Call 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove Office. To learn more about Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove, visit www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

When Should Kids Start Brushing?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

If you're parent of young children, your list of responsibilities is constantly growing. From doctor visits and potty training, to walking and talking, there is always something to do! In the midst of all this, where does brushing fit in? You may be surprised to see just how early your children should start brushing!
  • Although your little ones baby teeth eventually fall out, you should be taking good care of them. Before your child's baby teeth start to emerge, you should have a oral health regimen in place that includes wiping their gums with a wet cloth.
  • Once their teeth start to come in, you can swap over to a soft-bristled toothbrush. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice as soon as you see their first tooth appear.
  • When your child turns 3, you can begin applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to their brush.
Keep in mind, your children should be brushing for two minutes, two times a day. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are the best way to ensure your child is on the right path with their oral health!

Is it time to schedule your child's first visit or annual checkup? If so, give us a call at 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove Office. To learn more about Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove, visit www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Weekend Events for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

End winter break off right!  There are plenty of fun things for kids to do before they head back to school next week.  Check out a few of our favorites!

Weekend Activities for Kids:

Indoor Swimming
Need a break from the cold?  There are a few indoor swimming pools for families that can help you escape from the snow (without the cost of an expensive getaway).  Try one of these family-friendly pools below!


Iceskating
If you don't mind the snow and cold, try indoor ice skating!  This is a great way to enjoy winter fun without spending time outdoors in the wind.  Here are a few of the best, family-friendly indoor rinks on Long Island.


Glow Jump
This Saturday, kids can visit Pump It Up for an open jump (with a twist).  Kids will get a glow necklace and jump in a glow in the dark area with effects lighting.  Don't forget to have your kids where white or neon to show off under the lighting!  Get creative!

Pump It Up is located in Great Neck.
225 Community Dr Ste 250 

Take a look at this list for more family-friendly activities to try this weekend.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your child's teeth.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Science Experiments for Winter Break

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Having trouble keeping your kids busy this week?  These fun experiments will keep kids entertained AND help them learn a little bit about the science behind their tooth-care.

Sugar Guessing Game
Many kids (and adults) don't realize just how much sugar is in what they drink every day.  This fun activity will help you create a visual of the amount of sugar we drink and you can help your kids make healthier choices.

  1.  Label three cups - each with a different drink name.
  2. Determine the amount of sugar in each cup by dividing the total grams of sugar in the container by 4.2.  Use a teaspoon to measure the sugar and place in the three plastic cups.
  3. Label the remaining three cups with drink names and put the cups in front of the drink containers.
  4. Have your child use a teaspoon to spoon the amount of sugar they think is in the drink into the corresponding cup.
  5. Bring out the cups with the correct  amount you made earlier and compare!
Fluoride Egg-Speriment
Egg shells and teeth have one thing in common - they can both be weakened by acid.  This experiment show kids how fluoride helps strengthen and protect teeth.  


  1. Place a hard boiled egg in a clean, plastic container.  Cover the egg with fluoride toothpaste and let it sit for 24 hours.
  2. Place the fluoride treated egg in one container and an "untreated" egg in another.
  3. Pour vinegar into a clean measuring cup to cover the untreated egg.  Watch as bubbles form on the unprotected egg.
  4. Leave the egg in the vinegar until the unprotected egg softens.
Playing with Peanut Butter
Brushing teeth doesn't clean your teeth completely - that's why we need to floss!  This sticky activity will help you show your kids the importance of flossing.
  1. Put on a rubber glove and have your kid stick peanut butter in between your fingers.  Make sure they get deep in between your fingers!  If you don't want to do this - have a sibling get involved!
  2. Tighten your fingers together again and with your fingers together, have them scrub the peanut butter away with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
  3. Now try to remove the peanut butter with dental floss.  It'll be pretty clear that you need both to get the gloved hand clean.

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Thursday, February 11, 2016

How to Celebrate a Tooth-Friendly Valentine's Day

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Valentine's Day isn't just about sweets and treats - it's about showing your friends and family how much you care!

Are your kids handing out valentine's to their friends and classmates this year?  Here are a few ways to celebrate Valentine's Day without the sweets.

  • Send some tooth-friendly Valentine's.  The American Dental Association has free Valentine's Day cards that you can print and share with special people in your life.  You can download them here.
  • Skip the chocolates this year and try these healthy Valentine's Day snack alternatives instead!
  • Hand out sugar-free gum. Kids are always looking for gum in class - hand out sugar-free gum that's good for your teeth, too!
  • Gift some plastic jewelry.  There are so many cute Valentine's Day themed plastic jewelry.  They're cute and inexpensive if you plan on handing them out to the whole class.
  • Throw a healthy Valentine's Day party!  Since the holiday falls on a weekend this year, try following these tips for a healthy kids party.

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Healthy Valentine's Day Snacks

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Valentine's Day is traditionally a holiday full of candy, chocolate -- and of course love.  But unfortunately, these same sweet treats can wreak havoc on growing teeth.  Try your hand at these healthy Valentine's Day treat alternatives when celebrating with family this weekend!

Valentine's Day Salad
Salads are usually not the first thing that come to mind on Valentine's Day - but this recipe for a Valentine's Day is cute, healthy and festive.

Instead of focusing on sweet treats, create a salad with heart shaped mozzarella slices!  The vitamins in mozzarella are perfect for growing teeth.  Cut up some mozzarella, slice tomatoes, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a cute Valentine's Day snack.

Try the recipe from Education.com here.

Tomato Tulips
Flowers aren't the only way to celebrate Valentine's Day!  These Tomato Tulips are a cute way to create a creative bouquet.  Slice plum tomatoes and fill the tulips with greek yogurt.  Greek yogurt contains probiotics that help slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria.  They're great for gum health and are lower in sugar than other types of yogurt.  (via Pinterest)

Mini Cheese Ball Warm Fuzzies
This cute snack is perfect for kids!  With heart shaped antennae, your kids are sure to love these cute creatures - and they're easy to make.  Each cheese ball has cracker feet, olive eyes and rice noodle antennae with pepperoni hearts.  Cheese contains vitamins that benefit growing teeth.

View the complete recipe here on Hungry Happenings.

Valentine Fruit Wands
Fruit wands are as simple as cutting your child's favorite fruits into a cute heart shape.  If you have heart shaped cookie cutters on hand, this makes prep even easier!

View the complete recipe and instructions here on A Few Short Cuts' blog.

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Friday, February 5, 2016

National Children's Dental Health Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Did you know that kids miss 51 million hours of school each year due to tooth related health problems?  

February is National Children's Dental Health Month - and we're reminding all parents and kids of the importance of brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times a day!

Taking good care of teeth is essential to health and development, especially at a young age.  Although baby teeth do eventually fall out, they play an important role in helping your child bite, chew food, and speak clearly.  With regular tooth care (brushing and flossing), bi-annual dental cleanings, exams, dental sealants, and x-rays, we can make sure that their teeth are developing into a healthy and beautiful smile.

Having a hard time getting your child interested in their smile health?  The American Dental Association has a few cute dental health print outs for kids to enjoy!

  • Try your hand at a dental themed crossword
  • Figure out what foods are healthy for teeth with this matching game
  • Spend some time coloring in this activity sheet
  • Love word searches?  Try to find the healthy hidden treats here
You can also help keep kids keep track of their brushing habits by marking off two boxes on a calendar every time they brush!  If you don't have a calendar at home, you can print off this checklist to help them fight cavities this month.

Don't forget to enter our Facebook contest for a chance to win a gift basket in honor of National Children's Dental Health Month!


Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Healthier Super Bowl Snacks for Game Day

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Are you excited for the Super Bowl?

It's time to stock up on game day snacks.  Before reaching for the chips, here are a few healthier snacking alternatives you might want to try this Sunday.

Healthier Super Bowl Snacks:

Cauliflower Buffalo "Wings"
Take a break from traditional wings with this "healthier" cauliflower version!  Since the cauliflower is baked, it's healthier than fried wings.

Find the recipe here.

Hummus with Cucumber
Chickpeas are rich in healthy proteins that are better than other dips that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol.  Cucumbers are also a healthier alternative to chips.  The extra crunch is good for your teeth, too!

Try to make your own hummus recipe here.

Cheese & Crackers
This is a simple appetizer to have while you watch the game!  Plus, cheese contains vitamins and minerals that are good for growing teeth!

Healthy 7-Layer Dip
Dip is a game day essential.  Instead of dipping chips and veggies in something high in calories, try to make your own, healthy 7-layer version.  With black beans, greek yogurt, shredded cheese and olives, you can create a healthier snack.  Since greek yogurt and cheese are high in vitamins E, A and C, this dip is good for growing teeth, too!

Try the recipe here.

Linebacker Lettuce Wraps
Wrap your favorite crunchy vegetables in a lettuce wrap.  You can even make it a competition - who can stuff the most crunch into their lettuce wrap without a veggie fumble!

Get the recipe here.

Broccoli & Potato Nuggets
Instead of frozen chicken nuggets, try making a broccoli and potato nugget.  This healthy and simple snack is perfect for munching.  Get the recipe here.

No matter what you snack on this weekend - just remember to brush after!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child's dental health, you can contact either our Garden City or Glen Cove office and schedule an appointment.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Friday, January 29, 2016

Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Feeling stuck indoors after last weekend's snow storm?  Here are a few weekend activities for you and your kids to enjoy -- spend some time exploring Long Island!

Weekend Events:

Seal Walk
Where: Montauk Point State Park
When: Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $4 per adult; $3 per child

Walk along the beach where up to four different species of seals can be observed on Long Island.  The walk is approximately three miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete, so make sure you dress warmly!

Winter Watercolor Workshop
Where: The Center for Science Teaching & Learning
When: Saturday, January 30th
Cost: $14/Child

Bring your kids to The Center for Science Teaching & Learning in Rockville Centre for an afternoon of exploring watercolor.  They will use different materials to create fun art effects and use their own techniques to create their own personal winter wonderland.

Maple Sugaring: A Family Program
Where: Nissequogue River State Park
When: Sunday, January 31st
Cost: $4 per adult; $3 per child; children under 3 are FREE

Learn about the importance of maple trees on long island.  This hands-on program teaches kids how to identify and tap a maple tree.  Since this program is outdoors, it's important that parents remember to dress kids appropriately for the weather.

If you have any questions about your child's tooth health as we move from January into February, contact one of our offices. You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Preparing for Your First Dental Visit

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Your child's first dental visit is a big milestone in their life!  What can parents expect?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule their child's first dental visit by their first birthday.

What to Expect:

  • Meeting Dr. Stacey & Dr. Cece - Your child's first meeting with Dr. Stacey or Dr. Cece is always calm and casual.  Many parents with small children find it helpful to mention, "Dr. Stacey is a very special doctor who helps children have healthy beautiful smiles!" Establishing this trust sets a positive tone for all future dental visits.
  • Learning About Brushing - We can show your child how to brush their teeth.  If they've had their first tooth grow in, they'll need to start caring for it.  It's important to keep baby teeth healthy so that kids develop good habits at a young age (and they prevent cavities).
  • Receiving Their First Cleaning - We will polish their teeth with a rotary toothbrush.  This will help keep their tiny teeth clean and polished.

Take a look at our YouTube video before to get to know a little bit more about our office and when you should bring your child to the dentist.


After your child's first visit, you'll want to make sure that you schedule bi-annual exams.  This will help ensure that their teeth are growing in correctly and that they are keeping their teeth nice and clean.

If you have any questions about how to care for tiny teeth this winter, give us a call!  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Monday, January 25, 2016

Cold & Flu Season Toothbrush Care

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Cold and flu season is tough.  Between the seasonal weather changes, allergies, and dry winter air, it can be hard to keep kids healthy.  However, one of the places many parents don't think to clean often is the toothbrush!

Although we don't give cleaning our toothbrushes much thought, microorganisms can cause infections if they enter your child's gum tissue.  These tips will help keep your toothbrush and your kids healthy.

Keep Your Toothbrush Clean:

Rinse It - Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse after you have brushed your teeth.

Store It - After you have used your toothbrush, store it in an upright position where it can dry out.  If you cover your toothbrush, or put it in a drawer, it can develop bacteria and even mold.  If you're going on a winter getaway, be sure to buy a proper travel case or a travel toothbrush that allows air to circulate around the bristles.  Don't store your brush in a plastic bag!

Replace It - You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when it begins to show signs of wear.  Frayed bristles will not clean your teeth as effectively and it's a sign you're do for an upgrade.  Why not get a new toothbrush with your child's favorite character?  It's a great way to get them excited about brushing again!

If you have any questions about how to care for tiny teeth this winter, give us a call!  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Friday, January 22, 2016

Snow Day Activities for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

We hope that everyone is ready for this weekend's blizzard!  If your kids tend to get a little stir crazy on snow days, here are a few activities to help keep them busy through the winter storm.

Snow Day Activities:

  • Build a Snow Man - What better way to enjoy a snow day than by building a snow man?  Assuming there is enough snow, try to build the biggest snow man you can!
  • Make an Igloo - Another fun snow-time activity!  Just make sure that kids stay safe if they build an igloo with snow overhead.
  • Make Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate - Hot chocolate is the perfect snowy day drink to warm up after a day of igloos and snowmen (and shoveling).  However, hot chocolate tends to be high in sugar!  Opt for a sugar free version or make your own healthier hot chocolate recipe.
  • Make Snowflake Garlands - If your kids aren't ready to head outdoors, have them make their own snowflakes inside!  With paper and scissors, making snowflakes can be a fun snow day craft.
We hope that everyone stays safe and warm this weekend!  If your child runs into any dental emergencies during the blizzard, contact our office with any questions that you have.  You can also schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  


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


Thursday, January 14, 2016

Childhood Milestones: Losing Their First Tooth

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000


A loose baby tooth is a big milestone for any kid!  Not only is it time for their first tooth fairy visit, but it's also time for their permanent teeth to start growing in.  Since every child is different, some kids are excited about their wiggling tooth, while other are nervous about what will happen when it falls out.  

You can assure them that it's normal!  Here are a few common questions we get that can help you determine what you can expect when your child loses their first tooth.

When will they lose their first tooth?
Most children lose their tooth around the age of 5-6.  However, it's possible for kids to reach 7 or 8 years old without losing any baby teeth!  While there is probably nothing wrong, we can make sure that their permanent teeth are growing in correctly with a few x-rays.

Which tooth will fall out first?
Teeth usually fall out in the order they first came in!

How do they care for their new teeth?
Now that your child's permanent teeth are growing in, brushing is more important than ever!  Make sure that your child gets into the habit of brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times a day.  This is a great habit that will help them keep their teeth healthy throughout their lives.

Take a look at this article for more information on what to expect, or of course you can always contact our office directly.  We can help you and your child better understand when they can expect to lose their first tooth and what to do afterwards.

Schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Why Does My Tooth Hurt?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Toothaches are no fun.  Whether your child has temperature sensitivity, pain when chewing or biting, or is sensitive to sweets, it's important to get to the root of the problem.  

While you should always give us a call if your child has any tooth related pains - here are a few of the most common reasons why they're suffering from a toothache.

Common Causes:

Cavities - Tooth decay is one of the main reasons why we experience tooth pain.  When plaque sticks to the tooth enamel, it feed on sugary drinks and foods, eating away at your teeth.  As the tooth decay spreads, kids can experience sensitivity to temperature and touch.

Inflammation - Inflammation can cause pressure to build on the inside of the tooth, as well as the surrounding gum.

Abscess - An abscess is caused by bacteria built up inside the pulp chamber.  When this becomes inflammed and infected, it can cause pain.

Chips and Cracks - Whether due to a sports related injury or the tooth was weakened over time, chips and cracks can cause pain when biting or chewing, as well as temperature sensitivity.

Impacted Tooth - This is common in older teens and young adults as their wisdom teeth grow in.  When the tooth grows in at an angle and there is no room in the jawbone to accommodate the tooth, the wisdom tooth becomes stuck under the gum.

If your child has any trouble with tooth aches, give our office a call.  We can examine the tooth and take an x-ray to get a better look at what's going on inside their mouth.  Schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Weekend Events on Long Island

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend?  There are plenty of kid-friendly weekend events happening across Long Island!  Here are a few that you might want to check out.

Weekend Events on Long Island:


The Arcade Age

Where: The Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City
When:  Four Daily, 90 minute Sessions (11:30, 1:30, 3:30)

The Cradle of Aviation Museum has turned part of it's gallery into an arcade featuring favorite video games.  Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Centipede, and Donkey Kong are among the arcade games available for play.  The exhibit will be available now through April 3rd.

Pirate Show with Captain Billy Bones
Where: Long Island Children's Museum, Garden City
When: Sunday, January 10th

Kids will enjoy this live show at the Long Island Children's Museum.  Learn more about the show and event here.

Build-a-Boat
Where: The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, Cold Spring Harbor
When: Sunday, January 10th

Visit the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum where kids can be a shipbuilder!  Parents can drop their kids off any time between 1-4pm, where they will design their own vessel out of wood.

Interested in more weekend events?  Check out this article for a full list of all the fun things happening on Long Island.

Is it time for your child's bi-annual cleaning and exam?  Schedule an appointment this winter to help keep their teeth beautiful and healthy.  Call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

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