New Year's Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you ready to welcome 2016? As you start to plan your New Year's Eve celebrations, and think of your resolutions for the New Year, don't forget about your smiles!  Here are a few New Year's Resolutions for healthy teeth and healthy smiles.

New Year's Resolutions:

• Brush for 2 Min, 2 Times a Day - Don't let brushing slip to the wayside.  Brushing is an important part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy.  Remind kids to brush for two minutes, two times daily.
• Floss Your Teeth Regularly - While most of us remember to brush, flossing is often forgotten.  Remember to floss in between your teeth! Many people don't realize that that's where most plaque builds!
• Schedule Regular Cleanings - Parents, remember to schedule your child's teeth cleanings!  Your child should visit the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and exams.  This helps prevent cavities and catches any problems early on.

You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Snacks

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It can be hard to keep kids healthy during the holidays - especially with so many sweets!  Fortunately, kids an indulge and keep their teeth healthy.  Here are a few tooth-friendly holiday treat ideas.

Tooth Friendly Holiday Snacks:

Whole-Wheat Pancakes with Fresh Fruit
What better way to fuel up after a tiring morning of opening presents than with a healthy breakfast.  This recipe for whole-wheat pancakes is healthy and low in sugar.

Ingredients:

¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

2 tablepoons sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup liquid egg substitute

1 cup fat-free milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Low-fat yogurt

Fruit

Instructions:

First, preheat your griddle.  Then whisk all of the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add the egg substitute, milk and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Ladle ⅔ cup of batter onto your griddle and cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. 

Top with low-fat yogurt and your favorite fruit!

Minty Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is the perfect winter beverage.  Instead of the sugary versions, try this no-sugar added option instead!

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1–2 packets of a sweetener such as Splenda^® or an all-natural sweetener like stevia

Dash of salt

1 cup 1% milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions:

Mix the cocoa, sweetener and salt in a mug. Microwave the milk for about a minute and a half or until hot. Slowly add milk to the cocoa mixture, stirring in vanilla and peppermint.

Fruit Kabobs

Fruit isn't just for spring and summer.  A fruit kabob can make the perfect pre-dinner appetizer.  You can even make strawberries into a fun Santa hat - get creative!

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at 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 Christmas

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are your kids getting excited for the holidays? As we celebrate with family and friends, don't forget about caring for your child's teeth.  These tips will help you celebrate a tooth-friendly holiday season.

Tooth-Friendly Christmas Tips:

• Avoid Candy Canes - We know that it's not always easy to avoid sweets during the holidays, but when possible, keep candy canes out of reach of the little ones.  If they do snack on candy canes, make sure that they don't bite them and that they brush afterwards!
• Drink Plenty of Water - Instead of sipping on sugary juices and sodas, drink water with your holiday meal!
• Have a Tooth-Friendly Stocking - Stock your Christmas stockings with tooth-friendly gifts instead of sugary sweets.  You can add a fun floss flavor or a new character themed toothbrush.
• Don't Forget to Brush - In all of the holiday excitement, don't forget to brush!  Remind kids to brush for two minutes, once in the morning and once before they go to bed at night.

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Naughty or Nice? How to Care for Your Teeth Through the Holidays

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Have you been naughty or nice to your teeth this year?  We know that holiday sweets can make tooth care difficult. Here are a few tips to help you improve your smile care through the holiday season.

Holiday Tooth Care Tips:

• Stick With a Routine - Although things get busy during the holidays, it's important to stick to a routine.  Brush your teeth for two minutes, two times a day - and don't forget to floss!
• Schedule a Cleaning - As we approach the end of the year, it's time to schedule your last cleaning!  Kids should have bi-annual cleanings and exams.
• Drink Plenty of Water - Wash down all of those holiday treats and sweets with plenty of water!  Water is key to keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
• Wear a Mouthguard - Do your kids plenty winter sports?  Be sure to wear a mouthguard!  Mouthguards help protect tiny teeth whether they're playing with their friends or on a school team.
• Avoid Candy - Avoid snacking on candy all day long.  Instead, enjoy a single serving of a candy cane or other holiday treat - and brush after.  This will expose tiny teeth to less sugar than constantly snacking throughout the day.  Choose healthier snacks when possible, like carrots!

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Your Tooth Friendly Holiday Wishlist

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It can be hard to keep your teeth healthy during the holiday season.  With all the sweets and treats lying around, we're all tempted to indulge!  While you're going through your child's holiday wishlist this year, consider a few tooth friendly gifts that will help them keep their smiles healthy year-round.

Tooth Friendly Wishlist:

• Electric Toothbrush - There are so many different types of electric toothbrushes available.  Find your child's favorite character, favorite color, or favorite design!  This will help make brushing their teeth more exciting - and electric toothbrushes are perfect for kids who might have a hard time thoroughly brushing their teeth.
• Gum - Certain types of gum are actually good for your teeth!  Xylitol is a natural sugar that helps reduce cavities.  If your child loves gum, find one that can help their teeth, too!
• Flavored Floss -We know that it's hard to remember to floss regularly.  However, there are plenty of fun, flavored flosses out there.  Try a few different flavors to help kids get excited about flossing their teeth.
• A Timer - Kids (and adults) should be brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times a day.  This helps keep your teeth clean from bacteria and other harmful deposits.  There are plenty of fun timers out there.  Find one that plays your child's favorite song or is themed like their favorite movie or TV show!

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at 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 Hanukkah

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Will you be celebrating Hanukkah with any traditional holiday foods this week? As you celebrate with friends and family, these tips will help you celebrate a tooth-friendly Hanukkah this year!

Tooth-Friendly Hanukkah Tips:

• Make Healthier Latkes - Make a healthier latkes option, like this recipe for potato-apple latkes! The apples are healthy and have vitamins that are good for your teeth. Snacking on leftover apples after you've made latkes will help keep your teeth clean, too! Apples can act as a natural tooth brush, getting rid of the starches from your latkes.
• Bake Whole Wheat Challah Bread - Challah bread is a traditional part of Hanukkah for many families. Try this whole wheat version for a dessert that is lighter and healthier.
• Don't Forget to Brush - Many traditional Hanukkah foods are bad for your teeth. If your kids indulge in any treats this week, remind them to brush their teeth afterwards! Kids should always brush their teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times a day.

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Elf on a Shelf Inspiration for Busy Parents

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Things can get hectic during the holidays.  For busy parents and families, it's not always easy to find a new place to hide your Elf on a Shelf!

Here are a few ideas to help spur your creativity during the holiday season.

Elf on a Shelf Inspiration

• Put your elf near your phone.  You can position them like they are about to take a selfie, like this elf here.
• Get creative with sprinkles.  Position your elf near your sprinkles right before your holiday baking!
• Cozy up right before bedtime by putting your elf right by your child's pajama drawer!
• Utilize your advent calendar.  If you have a calendar in your home, get your elf on a shelf involved!  Check out an idea here.
• Get crafty and hang your elf on a paper snowflake!
• Do your kids flip through catalogs to make their Christmas lists?  Have an elf on a shelf circle a few of their favorite things like this one.
• Place your elf near your child's morning cereal!  This will help make breakfast a little bit more exciting during the holidays.

Of course, you can hide your elf on a shelf near your child's tooth brush as a friendly reminder to brush, too!

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Make Tooth Care Fun with Brushing Games!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Have a hard time getting your kids to brush their teeth?  These brushing games can help make brushing teeth a little bit more fun!

• Try a Digital Game - Get kids excited about brushing their teeth by letting them play games with their favorite characters that promote brushing.  This Spongebob Squarepants Cavity Crisis game lets kids work to brush Spongebob's teeth so that they don't fall out!

Play Spongebob Squarepants Cavity Crisis by clicking here.

• Play Their Favorite Song - Does your child have a favorite song?  Let them listen to their favorite song while they brush their teeth.  Pick a song that is close to 2 minutes long, so that they can brush for 2 minutes, 2 times a day!
• Create a Story - You can make up your own story that inspires kids to be a superhero and save their teeth!  Or in the spirit of the new Star Wars movie coming out, they can pretend they are using a lightsaber toothbrush to battle tooth monsters.
• Use a Fun Timer - Make sure that your kids are brushing their teeth for long enough by investing in a fun timer that plays a popular song or flashing bright colors while they brush.

Check out this article for more fun brushing ideas.

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

It's National Flossing Day!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It's National Flossing Day!  After indulging (and sometimes overindulging) in Thanksgiving dinner and treats, it's important to remember to care for your teeth!  

Many thanksgiving foods are full of sugars and starches that are bad for your tooth enamel.

How often should you floss?
It is recommended that you floss at least once a day to help prevent plaque from building up on your teeth.

Why is flossing so important?
Floss reaches where your toothbrush can't - in between your teeth and in hard-to-reach areas.  If you don't floss, you're more likely to have plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.

Remind your kids to floss today!

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

What Are Dr. Stacey & Dr. Cece Thankful For?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Thanksgiving is a holiday for giving thanks.  This year, we have so much to be thankful for at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove!  

What are Dr. Stacey & Dr. Cece thankful for this year?

Dr. Stacey:

1. What is your most cherished Thanksgiving tradition?  

My most cherished Thanksgiving tradition is family time! My family is scattered all along the East Coast, from New England to Georgia. When we are together, I am grateful for minimal family brawls at the dinner table.

2. What is your biggest accomplishment this year?  

My biggest accomplishment this year: finally achieving a balance between home and work (this might actually be a fantasy accomplishment). Maybe it's running 4 half marathons.  Actually, I've run quite a few races before.... That leaves my biggest accomplishment thus far: my children are still alive and breathing!

3. What are you most thankful for (both at work and in your personal life)?

Work - A great, cohesive staff, wonderful families, Dr. Cece working alongside me to help be regain my sanity (I work too much), and my Thursdays at Columbia.

Personal - My crazy family, living in Sea Cliff, and our family vacations.

Dr. Cece:

1. What is your most cherished Thanksgiving tradition?

Food and Family... not so sure of the order ;)  Our family tradition involves spending quality time together and feasting at my mom's house, but this year we are heading to Orlando, FL to spend the holiday with Mickey at Disney World... might become a new tradition!

2. What is your biggest accomplishment this year?  

Qualifying for NY Marathon for 2016 via the 9+1 program with NYRR... after running 9 races and volunteering at 1 this year, I am qualified to participate in the NY Marathon next year.  If all goes well that will be my "biggest accomplishment" next year!

3. What are you most thankful for (both at work and in your personal life)?

Work- The best boss and co-workers I could ask for... we are a great team at PD of GC!  The awesome families and kids we treat is just icing on the cake!

Personal- My growing family... we welcomed another new niece into the family this year.  I am loving getting to experience the next generation of Kolstads.

Are you ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends tomorrow?  Before you sit down to share delicious food, let us know what you’re most thankful for this year!

If you have any questions about your child’s teeth through the holidays, give one of our offices a call!  You can call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Fun Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Looking for a fun way to spend the weekend?  With Thanksgiving next week, there are plenty of fun and festive events for kids on Long Island!  Here are a few events you might want to check out with the family.

Weekend Events:

Holiday Lights Spectacular 
When: All Weekend Long
Where: Jones Beach
Want to get a head start on holiday celebrations?  Take a look at the Jones Beach Holiday Lights Spectacular!  This drive-through show features more than 150 displays.  There are even hot beverages, snacks and make your own s'mores.  Learn more here.

Turkey Talk
When: Saturday, 2-4PM
Where: The Long Island Children's Museum
The Long Island Children's Museum is having a fun Thanksgiving themed event where kids can learn about why turkeys are a part of Thanksgiving dinner and "dress up" their own turkey decoration.  Learn more here.

Turkey/Pumpkin Mommy & Me Painting
When: Sunday
Where: As You Wish (418A Bedford Avenue, Bellmore)
Paint a canvas for a Thanksgiving decoration with your kids!  The event does cost money ($39/couple), but it has supplies, instructions, bagels, juice and party games.  Learn more here.

For more fun weekend events, check out this article from Mommy Poppins.

Call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Celebrating a Tooth-Friendly Thanksgiving Dinner

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you excited to celebrate Thanksgiving next week?  As you start to get your dinner plans in order, you should remember to include foods that are good for you!  Here are a few Thanksgiving foods that are good for building strong teeth.

Tooth-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods:

• Turkey - Turkey is Thanksgiving staple - and it's good for your teeth too!  Turkey is rich in protein that creates strong bones and teeth.
• Carrots - Carrots can make a great side dish or appetizer.  This crunchy food is perfect for healthy teeth!
• Brussel Sprouts - Dark, leafy greens are a great source of calcium.  This is a great way to build strong teeth.
• Squash - Orange vegetables contain vitamin A, a vitamin that our bodies use to create tooth enamel.

If you can, avoid sugary dishes like cranberry sauce.  This sauce is very high in sugar and can wear away at your tooth enamel.  If you do include cranberries in your dinner plans, include them in other dishes where you can avoid having them stick to your teeth.

Call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at 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 Your Baby's First Thanksgiving

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Will you be celebrating your baby's first Thanksgiving this year?  

With the holidays right around the corner, your new baby will be celebrating many firsts.  While you prep for your Thanksgiving dinner and festivities, here are a few healthy options for babies with budding teeth.

First Thanksgiving Foods:

• Sweet Potatoes - Sweet potatoes are full of beta carotene and vitamin A.  This is the perfect finger food when cut into chunks.
• Tender Turkey - Tender white meat cut up into tiny pieces can be perfect for a young child that has teeth growing in.
• Green Beans - Chopped green beans can be perfect for babies.  Just be sure to prepare your green beans separately, casseroles and other green bean dishes contain ingredients that are unsuitable for young babies.
• Pumpkin Pie - Most pumpkin pies are unhealthy (think excess sugar).  However, mixing pumpkin puree into a yogurt could be an easy Thanksgiving dessert.

Check out this article from Colgate for more tips on how to celebrate a festive Thanksgiving with your baby.  

Call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Prevent Tooth Trauma During Fall Sports

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Did you know that 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth?  For kids who are active and play fall sports during the school year, it's important to wear mouth guards! 

Mouth guards are one of the best ways to protect tiny teeth, as well as your child's tongue and lips. They should be worn during any contact sport - whether soccer, football, hockey, etc.  Children should also wear helmets during any activity that involves speed or impact.  This will help protect their mouth and teeth.

Learn more about mouth guards and how to prevent fall sports injuries here.

You can also contact our office with any questions you have about tooth trauma and how to protect your child's teeth while playing sports.

Call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Brushing Tips for Kids with Special Needs

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Children with special needs present parents with unique challenges.  While it can be hard to get kids to brush their teeth, it's important to make oral health and hygiene a priority.  These tips will help make caring for your child's teeth a little bit easier.
Brushing Tips:

• Have Fun With Role Playing - Let your child practice on a stuffed animal.  They can play dentist/hygienist and brush their animal's teeth.  This helps them get used to the idea of brushing their own teeth and helps them feel more comfortable and familiar with the idea.
• Make It a Team Effort  - Have someone your child is comfortable with there with you while you work to care for their teeth.  This can be your wife, husband, or even a sibling.  Have someone comfort your child while the other brushes their teeth.
• Find a Brush That's Comfortable - Children with fine motor skill issues may feel more comfortable with toothbrushes with a play-doh grip.  Figure out what type of toothbrush will work best for your child.
• Create a Game - Make brushing teeth fun by turning it into a game.  Have a smile contest and reward your child with prizes or stickers when they smile.

Take a look at this article for more tips and tricks.  We offer special care for children who have special dental needs.  Learn more about our special needs services on our website.  We offer gentle care, as well as mild sedation, depending on the health needs of your child.

Call 516-222-5100 to schedule your appointment at our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to schedule your appointment at our Glen Cove office.  Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!