Don’t Make These Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Good oral health habits are essential for all parents and kids.  However, many people don’t always go about their smile cleaning routines properly.  Are you making any of these common oral hygiene mistakes?

Oral Hygiene Mistakes:

• Brushing for Too Long – You should always brush your teeth thoroughly, but brushing them too roughly or for too long can actually be bad for your gums and tooth enamel.  We recommend brushing for two minutes!
• Brushing After Meals – You should wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating.  This gives your saliva time to neutralize any acids that eat away at the enamel on your teeth.
• Hard Bristled Toothbrushes – Choose a toothbrush with a soft bristles and don’t forget to replace it every three months or when it becomes worn.
• Forgetting to Floss – So many of us forget about the importance of flossing every day.  Most plaque actually builds in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, in between your teeth.
• Poor Diet – Drinking water, avoiding sweets that dissolve slowly in your mouth, and staying away from foods high in starch are all good habits for healthy teeth.
• Avoiding Check-Ups – Bi-annual cleanings are one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth free of decay.  An exam can help identify any problems before they begin to seriously affect your smile health.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry ofGarden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how you can improve your smile care or to schedule your child’s bi-annual cleaning and exam.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

How to Choose the Best Toothbrush

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Toothbrushes come in all different kinds of shapes, sizes and colors.  While some factors play a role in how well you are brushing, others do not.  Here are a few tips to help you choose the best toothbrush for your smile health.

Choosing a Toothbrush:

Source: Flickr

• Shape – Any toothbrush can be effective if you are using the right technique.  However, there are certain shapes that may be better than others.  Round, rotating heads are best for electric brushes and manual brushes with tapered heads are best for people with narrow jaws.
• Size – The perfect sized toothbrush will allow you to comfortably clean all the way around your last top molar.  Toothbrushes that are too big or too small can miss plaque in tight spots and hard-to-reach areas.
• Bristles – Always choose bristles that are soft.  Hard toothbrushes can irritate your gums, causing bleeding and even gum recession.
• Handle – The shape and size of your toothbrush handle has no effect on how well you brush.  However, you may find certain toothbrushes to be more comfortable to hold than others.

Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed.  Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove with any questions you have about yours or your child’s toothbrush.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

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. 

Environmentally Friendly Smile Care Tips

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy Earth Day!  Today we are reminded of the close relationship between the environment and our health.  Many of the decisions we make on a daily basis have a big impact on the environment.  By making a few changes to our oral health care routines, we can reduce our environmental impact.

Here are a few ways to make smile care eco-friendly:

• Turn Off The Faucet – According to the EPA, you can save up to 8 gallons of water every day just by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.  That adds up to more than 200 gallons every month – enough to hold a fish tank with 6 small sharks!
• Reuse – We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed.  When it is time for a replacement, try using your old toothbrush!  You can use it to clean grout and appliances or make a toothbrush bracelet!
• Recycle – Gimme 5 is a program that takes #5 plastics and recycles them back into new toothbrushes. These plastics that are not accepted by most recycling facilities can find a new life as a toothbrush! Yogurt cups, Keurig cups, and Chinese food containers are a few common products made from #5 plastics.

If you have any questions about how you can improve your smile care and make your routine more eco-friendly, 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. 

How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Image Source: Pixabay

Accidents happen when you least expect them.  That is why we want parents to be prepared in the event of dental emergency.  These are a few of the common dental problems that affect kids and how you can help relieve pain and stress when they affect your child.

Common Dental Emergencies:

• Knocked-Out Tooth – Call our office right away!  If your child loses an adult tooth, keep the tooth moist at all times.  If you can, try placing the tooth in the socket without touching the tooth root.  You can also place the tooth in milk until you can get to our office. 
• Cracked Tooth – Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area.  A cold compress can help prevent swelling until you get to the office.
• Bitten Tongue or Lip – Almost everyone has accidently bitten their tongue or lip.  Gently clean the area and apply a cold compress to ease swelling.
• Toothache – Have your child rinse their mouth out with warm water and remove any food caught in between the teeth.  If they are still experiencing pain, schedule an appointment to see if tooth decay is the culprit.
• Trapped Food – If food or any other object is stuck in between the teeth, try to gently remove it with floss.

If your child is experiencing any tooth related pain, schedule an appointment at our Garden City or Glen Cove office.  We are happy to help relieve pain and keep kids happy and healthy.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Plaque Prevention Tips

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

When children develop good smile care habits they can protect their teeth from damaging plaque.  Great oral health care is the best way to keep their teeth beautiful and healthy.  Here are a few simple ways to fight plaque.

Tooth Tips:

• Flossing – Did you know that most cavities actually occur in between your teeth?  Don’t forget to floss!
• Fluoride – We offer fluoride treatments at our office that make teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.
• Xylitol – Although similar to sugar, xylitol is actually good for your teeth!  This artificial sweetener is found in many chewing gums.  It helps protect your teeth by keeping bacteria in your mouth from sticking to your teeth.
• Water – Drink lots of water!  This is a great way to wash away food and bacteria.
• Sealants – Sealants fill the small groves in the biting surface of your child’s molars.  By covering up the grooves, we can limit hard-to-reach places and prevent tooth decay.

To learn more about how you can keep your child’s teeth healthy and plaque-free visit this website.  You can also contact our office.  We are happy to answer any questions about your child’s oral health care needs!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Baby Teeth Tips for a Healthy Smile

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Source: Flickr

Parents – you want to keep your child’s smile healthy.  That’s why it’s so important to start teaching good habits early!  Although baby teeth are temporary, they play a big role in your child’s development and oral health.  Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that your child grows up with a healthy, cavity-free smile.

Baby Teeth Tips:

• Early Care – You should schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday.  Preventative care can save you money and keep your child’s teeth healthy.
• Develop Habits – Help your child develop brushing and flossing habits from a young age.  Even before teeth come in gums should be cleaned with a soft washcloth.
• Drinking – Sipping on juice all day is bad for teeth.  It leaves plenty of time for sugars to eat away at the enamel.  Instead, let your kids sip on water.  Avoid baby bottle decay by filling a bottle with water before they go to bed.
• Binky – A pacifier is great for putting infants to sleep.  However, parents should wean their children off once they reach 2 or 3 years old.
• Medication – Children with chronic conditions like asthma have a higher tooth decay rate.  Certain medications like antibiotics can cause oral thrush.  Children with long-term medications should brush more frequently.

Read more oral health care tips here.  If you have any questions about how you can better care for your child’s teeth, give us a call!  Contact our Garden City office by calling 516-222-5100 or our Glen Cove office by calling 516-759-7000.  We are happy to help you care for all of your child's smile needs.

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!

April is National Facial Protection Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

National Facial Protection Month brings awareness to the head, mouth and facial injuries that often result from sports-related accidents each spring.  With outdoor spring sports just around the corner, we want to remind parents and kids to play safely.  We recommend that all kids who play contact sports wear mouth guards to keep their faces protected.  

How do you know if your kid needs a mouth guard? 

Kids should wear mouth guards when playing:

• Hockey
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Football
• Gymnastics
• Baseball
• Tennis

By wearing a mouth guard, you reduce the risk of knocking out teeth or breaking your jaw.  If your child plays a sport, contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more information on mouth guards and how they can protect your child’s smile.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Teething Signs, Symptoms, and Tips

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Teething can be a painful process for both you and your baby.  It’s important that parents know what to expect when their child’s first teeth come in so that they can help to ease the pain.  While the bottom two front teeth are usually the first to come in at 4 to 8 months, the molars are the teeth that cause babies the most pain.  The molars come in around your child’s first birthday and tend to be more painful because they are bigger and broader.

Here are a few of the symptoms associated with teething:

• Biting
• Drooling
• Irritability
• Decreased Appetite
• Mild Temperature
• Wakefulness
• Gum Rubbing

Biting on hard toys can sometimes damage incoming teeth. Ease the discomfort of teething by offering your child a chilled plastic teething ring.  Parents can also offer their children a wet, cold wash cloth, slushy applesauce, popsicles, or a frozen banana.  Any cold, healthy snack will help numb the gums and ease the pain. 

Remember to brush your child’s tooth with a clean piece of gauze or washcloth when they start coming in.  Parents should also schedule their first appointment at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove when their child is 1 year old or when their first tooth appears.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.