Alternatives to Milk

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Image Source: Flickr

Having a hard time getting your child to drink milk?  Without enough calcium and vitamin D, teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.  If your child can’t or won’t drink milk, there are things that you can do to make sure that they are getting enough calcium and vitamin D for healthy teeth.

Alternatives to Milk:

• Chocolate or Strawberry Flavored Milk
• Drinkable Yogurt
• Smoothies
• Calcium-fortified Orange Juice
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Tofu
• Cheddar Cheese
• Rice Pudding

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, only one in five children meet the minimum standards of calcium consumption.  If you are still having a hard time getting your child the calcium they need, contact our Garden City office by calling 516-222-5100 or our Glen Cove office by calling 516-759-7000.  Pediatric Dentistry of Glen Cove & GardenCity is happy to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong!

Teeth Grinding in Children

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

There are a number of reasons why your child might grind or clench their teeth.  This condition, known as Bruxism, generally occurs during the night or when kids are stressed.  It affects at least 20 percent of children and it is more commonly found in kids who have ADHD, behavioral problems, and cerebral palsy.

Here are a few of the problems associated with teeth grinding:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Soreness
• Facial Pain
• Worn Down Tooth Enamel
• Chipped Teeth
• Temperature Sensitivity

We invite you to learn more about kid’s dental health here.  

If your child grinds or clenches their teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City &Glen Cove.  We can help determine the cause of the grinding and provide ways to reduce tooth pressure.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Limit Added Sugars and Improve Your Kid's Diet

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

One of the best ways to prevent tooth decay is by eating the right kinds of foods.  As part of National Nutrition Month, we are stressing the importance of a healthy diet to all of the parents and children who visit our office!  The types of foods your child eats, how often they eat them and their nutritional value all play a role in preventing tooth decay.  Unfortunately, a lot of the foods that kids love to eat are high in added sugars.  We encourage parents to read labels and teach their children how to identify foods high in added sugars to reduce the amount of sugar that kids consume.

These are a few of the top sources of added sugar:

Source: SugarStacks.com

• Soft Drinks
• Energy Drinks
• Sports Drinks
• Cake and Pie
• Fruit Drinks
• Dairy Based Desserts (Ice Cream)
• Candy
• Ready-to-Eat Cereal

As a general rule of thumb, added sugars often end in an –ose.  Keep an eye out for foods high in maltose, fructose, sucrose, and glucose.  If any of these common added sugars are listed as one of the first few ingredients, there is a good chance that the food is high in sugar.

If you aren’t sure what foods your child should be eating for their smile health, call our office.  We are happy to answer any questions you have about your child’s teeth.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or call 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.  We look forward to helping you care for your kids smile!

Healthy Smile Snacks for National Nutrition Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Celebrate National Nutrition Month with some smart snacks for healthy teeth!  We recommend that parents keep healthy snacks around the house for kids to eat in between meals.  Eating the right foods can protect your child’s smile from tooth decay and other diseases.

These are just a few healthy snack ideas:

Photo Source: Wikipedia

• Oranges
• Melons
• Broccoli
• Celery
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices
• Pretzels
• Low or Non-fat Yogurt
• Low or Non-fat Milk
• Sunflower seeds
• Nuts

Choose after school snacks that are low in sugar and fat.  A well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, meat, nuts and seeds is beneficial for your child’s overall growth and development.  Be sure to read your labels!  Candy bars aren't the only foods high in sugar.  Pizza, breads and other starchy foods can break down into sugar too.  Remember to limit snacking throughout the day and remind your kids to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste afterwards.

Read more about how to snack healthy by clicking here.  You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more smile tips.  We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your child’s teeth.  Contact our Garden City office by calling 516-222-5100 or our Glen Cove office by calling 516-759-7000.

Haunted Houses on Long Island

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Halloween will be here before you know it! We’re sure your little goblins are asking to attend hay rides and haunted houses to help get in the Halloween spirit.

Check out a few Haunted Houses here on Long Island this weekend with your little ones! Let us know which Halloween hot spots are your favorite on our Facebook page.

RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns

Location: Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury

When: Thursday-Sunday throughout the month of October 17, 2013

*Must purchase tickets in advance

Scary Walk for Autism

Location: Darkside Haunted House, Wading River

When: Saturday, 10/19

Haunted Trail of Horrors

Location: Middle Island Fire Department, Middle Island

When: Friday, 10/18 and Saturday 10/19

Image Source: Pixabay