Happy Halloween! Spooky Treat and Craft Ideas

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Halloween is here! Halloween is every child’s favorite holiday. Filled with Halloween Candy and cute and crafty costumes, what’s not to love?  

When you return home this evening from a long afternoon of trick-or-treating and your little goblins are snacking on treats, try making a few of these Halloween crafts and treats.

Let us know which Halloween craft is your favorite on our Facebook page. Halloween Crafts courtesy of www.redtedart.com.

Spider Lollipop

Lollipops are a popular treat given out on Halloween. Choose your favorite and make one of these adorable Halloween spiders!

Marshmallow Dips

This is one of our personal favorites! This is the perfect treat to warm up too after a long, chilly afternoon of trick or treating. Make a cup of your favorite hot cocoa and decorate a marshmallow on a stick and dip 

away!

Shimmery Pumpkins

If you have any extra pumpkins laying around that haven’t been carved or decorated, try making these cute and crafty shimmer pumpkins!

Space Maintainers

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

If you’re a parent with young children, we’re sure you've come up with several questions regarding their oral health.

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove is here to answer as many frequently asked questions as possible! Today we’re covering FAQ’s about space maintenance.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call either one of our offices or send us a Facebook message.

Why do children lose their baby teeth?

A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.

Why all the fuss? Baby teeth fall out eventually on their own.

Baby teeth are important to your child’s present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember: some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.

How does a lost baby tooth cause problems for permanent teeth?

If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. So, permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.

What are space maintainers?

Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child’s mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.

How does a space maintainer help?

Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It’s more affordable – and easier on your child – to keep the teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.

What special care do space maintainers need?

Pediatric Dentists have four rules for space maintainer care. First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum. Second, don’t tug or push on the space maintainer with your tongue or fingers. Third, keep it clean with the conscientious brushing and flossing. Fourth, continue regular dental visits. 

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. 

Infant Oral Health

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Many parents have a series of questions and concerns when it comes to infant oral health. They wonder why so early? Or why does my child need to see a dentist by their first birthday? Pediatric Dentistry of GardenCity & Glen Cove is here to answer some FAQ about Infant Oral Health.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to give us a call at either one of our locations or visit us on our Facebook page. 

Image Source: Wikipedia

Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern in Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

How can I prevent tooth decay from nursing or using a baby bottle?

At-will breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time.

When should bottle-feeding be stopped?

Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.

Any advice on teething?

From six months to age 3, your child may have tender gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring, others simply rub the baby’s gum with a clean finger. 

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

The Truth About Fluoride

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Hey, parents. Are you unsure about the importance that fluoride plays in your child’s oral health? We’re here to help!

Here are a few fluoride FAQ answered. If you have any additional questions or concerns, give us a call at either one of our locations at any time.

How does fluoride work?

When the element fluoride is used in small amounts on a routine basis it helps to prevent tooth decay. It encourages “remineralization” a strengthening of weak areas on the teeth. These spots are the beginning of cavity formation. Fluoride occurs naturally in water and in many different foods, as well as in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. Fluoride is effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

Will my child need fluoride supplements?

Children between the ages of six months and 16 years may require fluoride supplements. The pediatric dentist considers many different factors before recommending a fluoride supplement. Your child’s age, risk of developing dental decay and the different liquids your child drinks are important considerations. Bottled, filtered and well waters vary in their fluoride amount, so a water analysis may be necessary to ensure your child is receiving proper amount.

How safe is fluoride?

Fluoride is documented to be safe and highly effective. Research indicates water fluoridation, the most cost effective method, has decreased the decay rate by over 50%. Only small amounts of fluoride are necessary for the maximum benefit. Proper toothpaste amount may be supervised, and other forms of fluoride supplementations must be carefully monitored in order to prevent a potential overdose and unsightly spots on the developing permanent teeth. Do not leave toothpaste tubes where young children can reach them. The flavors that help encourage them to brush may also encourage them to eat toothpaste. 

Halloween Snacks for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Looking for some snacks this month that your kids won't 'boo' over? Try making some of these homemade Halloween treats for your kids (and grown ups too) courtesy of iVillage.com:

Spider Deviled Eggs - Deviled eggs get a spooky Halloween makeover when you use black olives to turn the treat from so-so to spider-riffic.

Banana Witch Fingers - Just cut sandwiches in vertical slices, smear with chopped bananas and cream cheese, and add the silver almond "fingernail."

Ghostwitches - Surprise your kid with a ghostwitch! Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or freehand it if you're crafty) to transform a boring sandwich into a spooky treat!

Bat Bites - Add some vamp to snack time! Just stick toothpicks in cheese cubes, spear a grape on top, and add tortilla chip wings!

Share your kid's favorite Halloween treat on our Facebook page! 

National Dental Hygiene Month!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! This year, the American Dental Hygienist Association is partnering with the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company with the theme of "Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew."

Brush - 2 minutes, 2 times a day
Brushing 2 minutes is one of the single most important methods for reducing plaque(or plaque related diseases) and preventing cavities. So keep your smile healthy! Click here for proper brushing tips and techniques.

Floss - every day
If you don't floss every day try to work on adding this into your routine. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles that get in those pesky places you can't reach with a toothbrush. Read more about the proper flossing technique here.

Rinse - with mouthwash
Brushing and flossing cannot get ALL plaque and germs. Another step in preventing gum disease is rinsing your mouth each day with an anti-microbial mouth rinse.

Chew - sugar-free gum after eating
Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. It stimulates saliva which helps fight cavities and washes away food particles.

Be sure to work on your oral health routine this month, on your own, and with your children! Getting kids into the habit early on will benefit them in the long run.

Image Source: ADHA.org

Urgent Dental Care FAQ Answered

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Is your child in need of urgent dental care? This is where your pediatric dentist comes in! Please keep our emergency number convenient and available at all times just in case emergency arises.

Here are a few FAQ’s answered about emergency dental situations. If you have any additional questions you need answered, please contact us at any time.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact your dentist office as soon as possible.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap – use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately. (Call the emergency number if it’s after hours.) The faster you act the better chance you have of saving the tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

What if my child has a toothache?

Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Can dental injuries be prevented?

Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventative care.