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.

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 by Flickr user Melissa Wiese used underCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license.

Image cropped and modified from original.

                           

Why is Nail Biting Bad?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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.

When Should Kids Start Brushing?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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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.

Weekend Events for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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!

1.  YMCA of Long Island Glen Cove

2.  Eisenhower Park

3.  North Hempstead Aquatic Activity Center at Tully Park

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.

1.  Dix Hills Ice Rink

2.  Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink

3.  Islanders Iceworks

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!

Science Experiments for Winter Break

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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!

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

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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!