FLOSSING!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Flossing is something that all of us should be doing on a daily basis, but don't! Here are some tips on how to become a better flosser!

When is the best time to floss? Your teeth are covered in microbial plaque or bio-film which is linked to many diseases caused by infection, from strep throat any many more. If you’re removing plaque to prevent tooth decay or gingivitis, it is better to floss at night. This gives you eight hours where you are food free and your mouth can rest.

If you greet people on a daily basis (someone who works face-to-face with people) then flossing in the morning would be better for you.

The biggest flossing mistake people make is sawing back and forward - that’s not the correct way! That can abrade the tooth and create a groove that can saw off a crown eventually.

The floss should start at the top of the tooth, into the gum line and brought down and then removed, and on to the next tooth to continue the same motion.

How often do you floss? Let us know on the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook Wall, linked HERE!

Why Bottled Water May Be Responsible for Tooth Decay!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Many dentists and health officials have come to the conclusion that bottled water may be related to the rising rate of tooth decay in young children.

A New York City parent brought her children to the doctor and they all had cavities. She couldn’t understand why because her children rarely eat sweets or drink soda. The dentist asked her if her kids drink bottled water or not, and they do. The dentist told her to make sure her kids were drinking tap water and not bottled water because the bottled water isn’t fluoridated.

A spokesman for pediatric dentistry reported that children should be brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, sees the dentist twice a year for fluoride treatment and should be getting fluoride from their drinking water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported that bottled water may not contain a sufficient amount of fluoride, which is important in preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health.

Tooth decay in young children seems to be a huge problem in our nation’s youth. The Centers for Disease Control reported that in a recent study about 42% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 in the United States had cavities in their baby teeth. 


To read the full article on Bottled Water and Tooth Decay published by MSNBC.com, click HERE.

What to Expect at Your Dental Checkup!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Wondering what to expect at your dental checkup? You will more than likely be getting your teeth cleaned and flossed! One of the first people you will meet in this process is the dental hygienist.  A dental hygienist is a person who knows all the ins and outs about keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy!

The dental hygienist will begin by examining your mouth to make sure your teeth are growing in properly and that your gums are healthy. They do so by shining a bright overhead light into your mouth.

The next step taken by your dental hygienist is to clean and polish your teeth using tiny dental tools like a tooth scraper, mirror, and special toothbrush. The tooth scraper is used to remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a thin, tiny layer that coats your teeth and contains a lot of bacteria that builds up over time! If plaque isn’t properly removed from your teeth, it can cause tooth decay and cavities.

Brushing and flossing come next! The hygienist will brush your teeth with a special brush and toothpaste. They will use a toothpaste that may taste like the one you use at home, but its consistency will feel a little grittier, almost like sand.

Next, they will floss your teeth and show you how to properly do so at home. Flossing involves taking a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove small particles of food that you can’t reach by simply brushing.

What did your child think of their dental checkup? Let us know on the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook Wall, linked HERE. 

What to Expect at The Dentist!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Many children are apprehensive and often terrified of the dentist. Here is a brief list of what your children can expect upon arriving at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City (or your current Pediatric Dentist Office)!

After waiting for your name to be called in the waiting room, you will be assisted into one of Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City's themed exam rooms. You will be directed to sit in a big comfy chair that resembles a huge recliner that you may even have in your home. You will sit in the chair on a slant with a place to rest your head and plenty of room to stretch out your legs!

There will be a tiny sink next to the chair where there are usually small cups to rinse out your mouth at the appropriate time. During your regular exam, Dr. Reynolds will most likely clean your teeth, floss them, and check for any cavities!  

Once you meet Dr. Reynolds, she will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. Then, she will check what is known as your "bite." This is the way your top and bottom teeth work together. If there are any problems with your bite, she may refer you to an orthodontist. This is another type of doctor who specializes in correcting the shape or position of your teeth. This can be corrected with braces.

Are your children nervous about going to the dentist? Let us know on the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook Wall, linked HERE. 

The Importance of Oral Health, Part 1!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City 

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

You may be wondering what part of your body helps you to digest your favorite foods, say “cheese,” and look great in pictures? The answer to that is your TEETH.

Your teeth are an important part of your smile and they help you to chew and break down crunchy foods and many others! Although it is important to brush and floss your teeth daily, regular dentist checkups are crucial to your oral health.

A dentist is a type of doctor who is specially trained to care for your teeth. On your regular dentist visits, your doctor will look at your teeth and check your gums for any problems. From early on, your dentist will also check to make sure your teeth are growing in and developing properly.

You should visit Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City every 6 months to make sure you’re taking excellent care of your teeth and that your gums are healthy!

Two New Childhood Obesity Genes Have Been Discovered...

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Two new childhood obesity genes have been discovered! Studies in the past have indicated that genes were associated with obesity in adults only, and that obesity in children was caused by underlying conditions. This new study is the first to link genes with childhood obesity in the general population.

Researchers are finding there is a clear genetic signature to childhood obesity, showing that there are more than just environmental factors involved. It is still unclear as to how these genes increase obesity risks.

Researchers scanned the genes of 5,530 obese children and 8,300 children who are not obese. This is when eight new genetic markers were found. To validate the results, researchers scanned an additional 2,000 obese children and 4,000 non-obese children and found two markers linked to childhood obesity.

Of course, factors such as unhealthy foods and lack of physical activity and exercise have contributed to childhood obesity, there is still a genetic component appearing in recent studies.

Since 1980, childhood obesity has tripled in the United States. Currently, one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC Reports that Autism Rates are Rising Sharply.... Could it be environmental?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A new study on 8 year olds has concluded that 1 in every 88 has some form of Autism. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that autism rates have been climbing dramatically over the last decade (LATimes.com). Reports prior to this study reported that it was estimated that every 1 in 110 had some form of Autism.

These new statistics are sure to raise a debate on whether or not there is a growing environmental threat. The cause of Autism is currently unknown. There are no blood tests available or biological markers to indicate that one has Autism. Autism is diagnosed by the symptoms, which are social and communication difficulties starting very early childhood as well as repetitive behaviors or abnormally intense interests. Autism can often only be diagnosed by a clinician and their judgment. 

Mark Roithmayr, president of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, reports that “Autism is now becoming an epidemic in the United States,” (LATimes.com). Many people believe that the rising rates have much to do with environmental causes. 

Many also believe that because Autism awareness has grown, healthcare providers and schools are more likely to label a child autistic or document symptoms. Researchers are hoping that new studies will draw attention for the need of a more thorough screenings early on in a child’s life. 

Dr. Reynolds of Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City specializes in treating children with special needs. Call today to schedule your child's visit! For more information, visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com.