Is your toothbrush making you sick?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Source: Flickr

Many parents don’t realize that toothbrushes become contaminated when they are placed in the mouth.  Any viruses and bacteria that are inside of the mouth can continue to live on a toothbrush.  This can make kids sick if the microorganisms enter injured gum tissue.  Here are a few ways to make sure that your toothbrush is in great shape!

Toothbrush Tips:

• Wash – Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water to remove any visible debris.  If you are sick you may want to soak the toothbrush in mouthwash, run it through the dishwasher, or buy a new one!
• Deep Clean – Although they can be expensive, there are many toothbrush sanitizers that can kill microorganisms.
• Storage – Where do you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?  Don’t keep your wet toothbrush in a place where it cannot dry out.  Store your toothbrush in a place that lets air in and prevents mold.
• Replacement – No matter how well you care for your toothbrush, you should still replace it every three to four months or when the toothbrush becomes worn.  Frayed bristles are not as effective at cleaning your teeth.

If you have any questions about how you can improve your smile care, 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. 

Does Your Child Fear The Thought of the Dentist?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A child’s fear of going to the dentist can be overwhelming. Seeing the dentist is a significant part of a child’s health in order to maintain proper oral hygiene. Island Gazette provides pointers to easing your child into going to the dentist and preventing and diminishing fear.

Fear is learned through emotional responses. Children develop a fear through experience and listening. There are certain things to avoid or assert so your child won’t be afraid to go to the dentist:

• Speaking of your own dental fears or anxieties can put it in your child’s mind that the dentist is not a safe place. They pick up on your fears even through an innocent comment.
• Delaying going to the dentist will only increase any anxieties your child may have about the dentist. Children should start visiting the dentist at around ages 1-2 years old. The younger your child goes, the less likely your child will fear the dentist.
• Sympathizing with your child may only legitimize their fear. Instead interpret a dental experience as a normal and positive experience.
• Do not bribe your child into going to the dentist because from then on they will expect a reward every time they go to the dentist. Share the importance of oral hygiene as a reward instead. 

A dental visit can be fun. If you are going to a reliable pediatric dentist like Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City, the atmosphere can be positive. Make sure your child understands all the benefits of going to the dentist’s office.  

Don’t let fear take over your child’s thoughts about the dentist. Oral hygiene is extremely important to a child’s overall health.

To read more about the Island Gazette article, please CLICK HERE.

To set up a fun and painless appointment for your child, please visit Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City at www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com,

Hilarious Halloween Video

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Halloween candy is every child's favorite part of Halloween. Children look forward going door to door throughout their neighborhood in hopes of receiving their favorite treats.

Checkout this hilarious video (courtesy of Crest) to see how a few children reacted to being told their Halloween treats were going to be healthy ones this year.

This video is sure to brighten your Friday! Let us know what you think on our Facebook page. 

Healthy Lunch Box Editions

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Lunch Box Poems

School is back in session! A new school year brings along a lot of new responsibilities for both parents and children. Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove wants to encourage all students to pack healthy lunches and snacks this school year!

Here a few healthy snack ideas, courtesy of one green planet. Let us know what kind of snacks you’re packing for your children this school year on our Facebook wall.

Hummus & Crackers: This is a great snack to pack in a lunchbox or to feed your children when they arrive home. Pair your child’s favorite type of hummus with multigrain crackers or the veggie of their choice.

Nut butter with apples or celery: Apples or celery paired with almond butter or peanut butter is a nutritious, protein packed snack. And what child doesn't love good old peanut butter?!

Trail Mix: Mix up a combination of your child’s favorite trail mix ingredients and add it to every lunchbox you fill. Try pairing almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and dried fruits in a small snack bag. Trail mix is protein packed and fiber rich and is sure to give your children the energy they need to get through the school day.

Popcorn: If your child has a nut allergy or nuts aren't permitted in the cafeteria of their school, organic popcorn is a great, low calorie alternative. Air popping is much healthier than microwaving it. Air pop a batch of popcorn in the morning or the night before and pack it up in your child lunchbox. You can always add a touch of your own spice or herb to flavor it.

Fruit: Having fresh fruit in the house for snack time or a packed lunch is always a great alternative. Pack your child a fresh fruit salad or a yogurt and some fresh fruit to add in. Squirting lemon juice on fruit salad made the night before will preserve its freshness. Adding an apple, orange or bag of grapes to your child’s lunchbox is also a quick and easy option.

New Location now OPEN in Glen Cove!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City is proud to announce the opening of our SECOND location in Glen Cove!

Both Dr. Caroline Vizcaya and I are working away in the new office and would love to see your little ones soon!

Call us today to schedule an appointment for your child by calling 516-759-7000. More information and pictures of the new office will be posted soon. Thank you for supporting Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City! We hope you all love the new office.  

Please check our Facebook page for updates about our new Glen Cove office.

Go-kart Plan for Garden City Coming into Play

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

East Garden City will possibly be the new hot spot for teenagers and young families looking to have a good time.

Edward Mangano, the Nassau County Executive plans on building an electric-powered go-kart racetrack. The plans will be privately funded and the track will be built on the vacant land just off Museum Row located in Garden City. This facility, whether it’s outdoors or indoors, will be Nassau County’s first go-kart attraction.

Nassau Deputy County Executive Rob Walker expects teens and families from both Nassau and Suffolk County to visit the go-kart track for a day of thrill.

Do you agree with Mangano and Walker’s plans to build a go-kart track? Do you think it will attract people from all over long island, or will it be a fad that gets old quickly?

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and give us feedback on what you think about the future plans for Garden City!  

Strawberries: Eat for Healthier and Whiter Teeth!

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are strawberries healthier then advertised? The delicious fruit is packed with a lot of vitamin C, which ultimately leads to a healthier heart, healthy gums and whiter teeth.

These red berries are super healthy, only eating a one cup serving of sliced strawberries gives you 163% of your daily dose vitamin C, and almost 12% of your daily fiber! Most importantly, strawberries have the vitamins to keep your mouth healthy.

Researchers believe that strawberries contain polyphenols, which are “antioxidants that assist in reversing problems caused by oxidative stress.” This substance limits the breakdown of starches, which leads to the reduction of plaque on your teeth.

The two ingredients that help teeth become naturally whiter are vitamin C and the astringent, both provided in strawberries. Studies have shown that the vitamin C helps clean the plaque away and the astringent cleans the surfacing stains of the tooth.

With that information being said, do you think scrubbing your teeth with strawberries will help whiten them? The answer is no, because the acidic juices in strawberries can damage tooth enamel.

For more information on what to eat to keep your teeth healthy, visit us at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City. 

Smashing World Records!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

These past few months have been extremely busy with adults and children creating two new milestones for the teeth-care and dentistry industry! On June 25^th, Colgate, along with many teeth-conscious consumers, broke the world record for “most people using mouthwash simultaneously.” 

According to the World Record Academy, at approximately 12:30 pm, TV host Stacy Keibler, as well as 1,142 consumers, cleansed with Colgate Total Advanced Pro Shield Mouthwash at the exact same time.  Colgate supported the Make-a-Wish foundation by “swishing for a difference” and donating one dollar to the foundation for every participant in the audience!

But, that’s not all! Recently, Nigeria was added to the Guinness Book of World Records by setting the new record for “most people brushing their teeth at the same time.” The record was broken by over 300,000 school children, gathering simultaneously at hundreds of locations throughout the city. Dr Olurotimi Olojede, president of the Nigerian Dental Association, said the goal of the event was to teach kids the importance of good oral hygiene habits. One wise participant noted the importance of the event for dental care in her country by saying that in addition to having an amazing experience, she “thinks this is history.”

You can read the full articles describing these fantastic accomplishments more in depth by following the links provided:

http://news.sky.com/story/1112406/teeth-brushing-record-smashed-by-children and 

http://www.worldrecordacademy.com/mass/most_people_using_mouthwash_Colgate_breaks_Guinness_world_record_213456.html . 

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City is thrilled about these new achievements! Tell us what you think on our Facebook page. 

Last Day of School Traditions to Share with Your Children!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Summer is almost here, and the last day of school is approaching quickly!

We found a few great suggestions for last day of school traditions for you to practice with your kids.  (Courtesy of mnn.com)

Photo Source: Wikipedia

The best way to capture the moment and hold on to it is to take a picture.  Most parents like to get the first day of school picture right before class begins.  A creative way to take the last day of school picture is to print out the first day picture and have them hold it and pose in the same way.  It is a great visual reminder of how much they have grown and changed throughout the year.  Also encourage your kids to write a thank you not to their teachers that they can hand in before leaving, that entails some of their favorite things they learned that year.  Once the kids are dismissed from that last class they are usually bursting with energy and excitement for the summer vacation.  Schedule an after school play date with their friends and let them have a summer battle with water balloons, squirt guns, shaving cream or even just a fun game of tag!

Finally have a nice treat for them maybe take them out for ice cream, a movie, or a favorite restaurant just make it consistent every year and it will become something for your child to really look forward to at the end of the year.  Summer is approaching quickly and kids grow up fast, so plan something the both of you can remember for years to come!

February Family Fun Events on Long Island!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you looking for a few family fun events to get the kids out of the house this winter? We've got you covered!

Here are a few events happening on Long Island in the near future that the whole family is sure to enjoy! 

Let us know which events you plan on attending on our Facebook page, linked HERE!

Norther Spur Train Swap Meet

When: Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 1 p.m.

Location: Knights of Columbus, Lindenhurst

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center

When: Daily from 9:30a.m.-10:15 and 3:00 p.m.-3:45

Location: Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, Riverhead

Nature Tales

When: Friday, 2/8 2-2:30 p.m. Friday, 2/22 2-2:30 p.m.

Location: Seatuck Environmental Center, Islip

South Shore Theatre Experience: The Music & Magic

When: February 2, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: BACCA Arts Center, Lindenhurst

Can Elmo Help Get Your Little Ones to Brush More? Watch this Video!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Do you need some help getting your little ones to brush every day? How about showing them this video of Elmo featuring Bruno Mars? The duo teamed up and sings about the importance of "brushy brushing" your teeth every day!

Do you think showing this video to your kids will get them to brush more? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, linked HERE! 

                                                                                                                                        

How Children Can Enjoy Halloween Without Harming Their Teeth!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Halloween is quickly approaching, which can only mean one thing – candy galore! Trick or treating is an event that children look forward to all year long! They’ll return home with bags filled with sugary candy that isn't at all good for their oral health! However, there are a couple ways your children can enjoy Halloween without harming their teeth!

Sugar-free gum is one item that can actually help prevent cavities! This is something we’d like to see pop up in more and more Halloween treat bags! Sugar-free gum helps to neutralize the effects of sugary snacks after eating. Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies are some other treats that won’t cause as much harm as chewy/sticky sweets will.

It is important for parents to monitor their children’s sweets intake and keep it to a minimum. It is key to teach children that eating sweets in moderation is OK, as long as they’re keeping up to date on taking proper care of their teeth.

To read the full article, CLICK 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! 

Renovations to be made at Roosevelt Field!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

If you are someone who frequents the Roosevelt Field mall, you’ve probably noticed some changes in the past year. However, the renovations are far from over!

There are new restaurants to appear such as The Capital Grille and Havana Central, renovated and redesigned spaces and a Neiman Marcus to soon be added to the already amazing Roosevelt Field. There are also plans to renovate the AMC movie theatre and upgrade it to a premium movie theater.

The food court is also going to be relocated to the Dick’s Sporting Goods area. It will go from its current 1,000 square feet to 1,200 square feet. The space where the food court is currently located will be turned into small stores.

A representative for Roosevelt Field reports their first project will be the food court and it is scheduled to begin in early 2013.

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City is located at 585 Stewart Avenue, directly behind Roosevelt Field Mall!

What do you think about these renovations? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE!