Friday, January 30, 2015

How to Plan a Kid-Friendly Super Bowl Party

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Not everyone watches the Super Bowl for the same reason.  Do you watch the Super Bowl for the game, the commercials, or the half-time performance? Here are a few ways to make sure your Super Bowl party is entertaining for everyone - including young kids!

 Kid-Friendly Super Bowl Games:

  • Commercial Bingo - Hand out bingo cards before the game starts.  You can fill in all the squares with brands of products that you know will be seen throughout the game.  As the game goes on, have your kids mark off the squares when those brands' come up!
  • Trivia - Have football questions ready!  During breaks between play, have a few questions ready to ask everyone.  Hand out prizes to any kids that answer correctly.
  • I Spy - Have kids search for items or objects during the game starting with letters of the alphabet.

Check out this article or this article for more tips on how to have a family-friendly game day.  Don't forget to brush and floss after your Super Bowl party!  

If you have any questions about your child's oral health, call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Healthy Super Bowl Party Snacks for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Are you ready for Super Bowl Sunday?  Whether your hosting a party at home or visiting a friend or family member's house, we know that it can be hard to eat healthy.  Many consider it to be the second biggest day of indulgence after Thanksgiving!

Fortunately, there are ways to snack through the game without over doing it on unhealthy snacks.  Here are a few kid-friendly Super Bowl snack ideas that are good for your teeth, too!

Super Bowl Snacks:

  • Vegetables & Dip - Rather than dipping potato chips into your favorite dip, try raw vegetables!  Carrots and celery provide the same crunch without the extra calories.  Since they require lots of chewing, they stimulate saliva and promote healthy gums.
  • Zucchini Fries - Crispy veggies are healthier than regular french fries.  They give your kids a boost of vitamin C, too!
  • Cheese Platters - Cheese and crackers make a simple snack that is great to serve during a Super Bowl party.  Cheese has properties that help prevent cavities and help teeth grow strong!
  • Apple & Peanut Butter Cookies -  Why not include fruit in your dessert too!  Slice apples into thin rings, remove the core, and spread peanut butter over the top.  These apple slices can make a great replacement for cookies.

Even if you choose to serve one of these healthy snacks for Super Bowl Sunday, remind your kids to brush and floss after! Brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep your kid's teeth beautiful and healthy.

If you have any questions about your child's oral health, call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Fun Weekend Events for Kids!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Weekend plans might be dependent on the weather this weekend, but if you do plan on heading out, there are a lot of fun, family-friendly events happening on Long Island.  Here are a few you might want to check out.

Weekend Events:

Science Saturday
The Long Island Science Center holds a new science event every saturday for kids.  This weekend, they are holding an event called "Bone-a-fide Fun!"  Kids will learn about bones and even make a skeleton.

Where:  Long Island Science Center
11 West Main Street
Riverhead, NY
When: Saturday, January 24th, 11am to 3pm
Cost$5/person

Seal Cruise
It's the perfect time of year to take a seal cruise out of Freeport.  Captain Lou's Fleet sails throughout Hempstead Bay to view winter harbor seal populations.  A naturalist on board discusses biology and seal biology.  There is a heated cabin with warm beverages available.

Where: Captain Lou Fleet
28 Woodcleft Avenue
Freeport, NY
When: Saturday, January 24th, 1pm to 3pm
Cost: Adults - $26, Seniors & Children - $22, Group - $19/person

Breakfast with Elsa
Take pictures with Elsa while you enjoy breakfast.  There will be bagels, yogurt dessert, face painting, tattoos, crafts, and dancing available for children.

Where: Yogurtini
44 East Main Street
Smithtown, NY
When: Sunday, January 25th, 10am to 11:15am
Cost: $25/child

For a full list of weekend events, check out the Mommy Poppins website!  They have a huge list of fun events for kids on Long Island.

As always, if you want to schedule an appointment this weekend, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Visit Our YouTube Channel!

Have you visited our YouTube channel recently?  Check out our videos to take a tour of patient rooms, check out our waiting area, and learn more about our practice!

Waiting Room Virtual Tour 
at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

Interview with Dr. Stacey Reynolds 
of Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

Patient Rooms Virtual Tour
at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

You can visit us at both of our convenient Long Island locations:

Garden City - 
585 Stewart Avenue Suite LL60
Garden City, NY 11530 

and

Glen Cove - 
10 Cedar Swamp Road Suite 2
Glen Cove, NY 11542

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

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Healthy Kids' Snacks for Cold Winter Months

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

It can be tough to get into a healthy routine after the holidays.  Kids tend to spend less time outdoors and more time snacking on many of the unhealthy foods associated with cold weather.  

Fortunately, there are ways to feel full and satisfied this winter without putting your health at risk.  Here are a few winter snack ideas that are healthy for your kids and their teeth!

Cold Weather Snacks:

  • Baked Apples - Apple pie's are filled with sugar and additives.  Instead, try slicing a few apples on a cookie sheet and heating them at about 300 degrees F.  Once they brown, add yogurt that is low in fat and sugar and some walnuts.  This is a great, healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
  • Pumpkin Seeds - It's easy to snack on popcorn, peanuts and brownies on cold days.  However, choose a healthier option instead.  Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamins.
  • Oatmeal - Instead of choosing a sugary cereal, opt for oatmeal!  Oatmeal is a great snack that is quick and ready to serve in just a few minutes.
  • Celery and Peanut Butter - Spread peanut butter onto celery sticks for a crunchy snack that is good for you and your teeth.
For more healthy winter snacks that will help keep your kids away from junk food, check out this article.

If you want to schedule an appointment, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

How to Handle Common Tooth Emergencies

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Dental emergencies happen when we least expect them.  Fortunately, we are here to help.  If your child chips, fractures or loses a tooth, contacting our office can help prevent infection and even save the tooth.  Here are a few tips to help you manage before you get to our office.

Common Dental Emergencies:

  • Toothaches - Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water.  Use dental floss to remove any food that might have lodged itself between teeth.  If their mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress and contact our office.
  • Chipped Tooth - For kids, contact sports are among the most common reasons for chipped teeth.  If your child chips their tooth, save any pieces and have them rinse their mouth with warm water.  Give us a call as soon as possible.
  • Lost Tooth - If your child loses a permanent tooth, rinse the tooth with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it.  If possible, try to put the tooth back in place.  

If you want to schedule an appointment, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Winter Safety Tips for Your Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Heading outside with your kids today?  Stay warm!  Here are a few tips to help you and your kids stay safe and healthy through the winter.

Winter Safety Tips:

  • Wash Your Hands - One of the best ways to stay healthy in the winter is by making sure your whole family is washing their hands.  Sharing toys, coughing, and blowing a runny nose can transmit the cold and flu.  
  • Dress Warmly - Dress warmly when spending time outside in the winter.  Don't forget to wear several layers on days like today!  Warm boots, gloves and a hat will help keep kids warm and protected from serious cold weather hazards like hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Supervise Ice Skating - Always skate in an area that is approved for skating.  Consider having kids wear a knee and elbow pads, especially when learning to skate for the first time!
  • Wear a Mouth Guard - Protective mouth guards are essential for kids wearing contact sports where a fall or collision could occur.  If your child plays winter sports, make sure they have a comfortable mouth guard for safety.
For more winter safety tips, read this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.  You can also contact our office if you have any questions about how to protect your child's teeth this winter.

If you want to schedule an appointment, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Tooth Tips to Help Prevent the Flu

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Cold and flu season is here.  While it's always important to remember to wash your hands to prevent spreading germs, it's also important to pay attention to your toothbrush.  Here are a few tips to help your kids from spreading the cold and flu this year.

Flu Prevention Tips:

  • Replace Your Toothbrush -You should typically replace your toothbrush every three months or when it becomes frayed.  However, if you notice your kids start to get sick, you should replace their toothbrush.  Replace their brushes after they have the cold or flu.
  • Store Your Toothbrush - Keep your toothbrush in a place where it can dry without contacting other toothbrushes.  Airborne bacteria can easily move from toothbrush to toothbrush. If you know that your kid is sick, cover their toothbrush or store it in a place where it is safe.
  • Wash Your Hands - This may seem like a given, but remind kids to wash their hands often.  They should even wash their hands before and after brushing to prevent oral inflammatory disease.
Read more about how to prevent the flu and keep your teeth healthy here and here.  You can also contact our office if you have any questions about how to better care for your child's oral health.

If you want to schedule an appointment for 2015, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Friday, January 2, 2015

Fun Things to Do in 2015

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove
Garden City:516-222-5100
Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

Looking for something to do while the kids are off from school?  There are plenty of fun things to do on Long Island!  Here are a few places to visit in 2015.

Things to Do in 2015:

  • Historic Nunley's Carousel - Nunley's Carousel is a 100 year old carousel in Garden City.  Kids and adults can ride the carousel for just $2!
  • Indoor Trampoline Sports - This indoor play space features interconnected trampolines where kids can play dodge ball, volleyball, basketball and more!
  • Puppet Theatre - Long Island Puppet Theater and Museum offers daily shows featuring your favorite TV and movie characters!
  • Go-Kart Rides - Pole Position Raceway in Farmingdale offers go-kart racing on a quarter mile track.  Each go-kart can reach up to 45 mph.
  • Long Island Aquarium - The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center in Riverhead offers touch pools, a shark tank, and sea lion shows year-round!
Check out this article from Newsday for 100 things to do on Long Island with your kids in 2015!


If you want to schedule an appointment at one of our offices, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!