Spring Clean Your Teeth!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you excited for the warmer weather?  Although it doesn't feel like it lately, warm spring weather is just around the corner.  As you go about your spring cleaning - don't forget about your teeth!

Here are a few tips to help you spring clean your teeth.

• Schedule a Visit - Your kids should visit our office for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  During these visits we can help make sure that their teeth are growing properly, remove plaque, help prevent cavities, and instill good oral health care habits that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
• Remember to Brush - Remind your kids to keep up with their brushing habits!  You should always brush twice a day.  Brush once in the morning and again at night.
• Flossing is Important - Most plaque builds in hard-to-reach places - like between the teeth!  This is why flossing is so important.  Don't forget to floss to keep tiny teeth healthy.

If you want to schedule a spring cleaning and exam for your kids, contact our office.  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!

Kid-Friendly Spring Break Snacks

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It's almost time for Spring Break!  Looking for ideas on how to keep your kids healthy and entertained when they're home from school?  Here are a few fun snack ideas!

Fun Snacks for Spring Break:

• Cheesy Caterpillars - Turn zucchini into a cheesy caterpillar.  Take a medium zucchini and every half inch, slice the zucchini most of the way through, leaving he bottom still connected.  Add olive oil, garlic and onion powder.  Wrap the zucchini in foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.  Add cheese and serve warm!
• Stuffed Strawberries - Looking for a way to encourage your kids to eat healthier?  Strawberries stuffed with cream area a healthy way for kids to add fruits to their diet.  Check out the recipe here.
• Hummus and Crackers - Do your kids love dip?  Hummus is a healthy way to snack.  Have your kids make their own for a fun recipe that they can enjoy on spring break.
• Apple Ladybug Treats - Red apples can be made to look like lady bugs with peanut butter, raisins, and pretzel sticks.  Check out the cute recipe here.

For more fun spring snacks toddlers will love, check out this article from Disney baby.  Just remember to brush afterwards and when possible, limit snacks  to meal times.

If you want to schedule a spring cleaning and exam during spring break, contact our office.  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!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with These Green Foods

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Will you be celebrating with corned beef and cabbage for dinner tonight?  Here are a few fun (and healthy) recipes to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your kids!

Healthy Snacks:

• Green Smoothies - Love green smoothies?  Spinach and kale can give your smoothie a green hue!  Try adding bananas and mango for a sweet flavor.  Just be sure to brush after - although healthy, fruit can be high in sugar.
• Green Rice - Flavor your brown rice with fresh cilantro, peas and cumin.  This is a great way to add a flavorful, but festive dish to your dinner tonight!
• Cucumber Feta Rolls - Slice cucumber thinly and add protein-rich Greek yogurt, feta, sun-dried tomato and olives!
• Kale Chips - Not only is this snack green, they are a healthy alternative to regular potato chips!

For a complete list of healthy, green recipes to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year, check out this article from Greatist!

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!

St. Patrick's Day Events for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?  Here are a  few family-friendly events to help you get into the spirit.

St. Patrick's Day Events:

Lucky Leprechauns

When: Saturday, 2-4pm

Where: Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City

Cost: Free with museum admission ($12)

At this event, kids can create leprechaun finger puppets to help bring the luck of the Irish home!

Build a Leprechaun Trap

When: Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm

Where: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson

Cost: $5 for everyone over the age of 1

Want to catch a Leprechaun?  Kids can build a Leprechaun trap using simple design and construction.

Discover Irish Pirates

When: Saturday, 2:30-4:30

Where: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor

Cost: $6 per adult, $5 per child

The Jolly Roger is a ship that was flown by the pirate who ruled the seven seas.  Drop in and make your own!

Take a St. Patrick's Day Walk

When:  Sunday, 10 am

Where: Mashashimuet Park, 373 Main St., Sag Harbor

Cost: Free

Take a walk through the park with a St. Patrick's Day blessing and poem.  The event is hosted by the Southampton Trails Preservation Society

Check out this article from Newsday for more fun St. Patrick's Day events.  

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!

Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for National Pack Your Lunch Day

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A healthy lunch goes a long way towards keeping kids happy and focused throughout the day.  Not sure how you can pack a better school lunch?  Here are a few ideas to help parents keep school lunches healthy and fun for Pack Your Lunch Day!

Lunch Ideas for Kids:

• Add Color - Bright colors a great way to make a lunch look more exciting.  Carrots, cucumbers, blueberries, cherry tomatoes and strawberries are a natural way to add color to your lunch.
• Use Shapes - Cookie cutters are a great way to make healthy foods seem more intriguing to young kids.  Cut fruits and cheeses into circles, triagles or squares to make them more appealing.
• Sample the Food Groups - Pack a few different types of food every day.  Add a protein, carb, and vegetable or fruit.  
• Give Kids Choices - Let your kids choose what they want to eat for lunch.  This will help make sure they are more likely to enjoy and eat what you pack them for lunch.

Check out this article from Women's Day Magazine for more fun and healthy lunch ideas for kids.

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!

Happy National Dentist's Day!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy National Dentist's Day!

Happy National Dentist's Day!  Today we would like to thank YOU, our wonderful patients,  and their parents. Thanks for visiting our office for your dental health needs!  Here are a few tips to celebrate, while keeping tiny teeth beautiful and healthy.

Tooth Care Tips:

• Brush Twice a Day - We know you hear it often, but it's important to remember to brush twice a day.  This helps keep harmful plaque from staying on your teeth.
• Remember to Floss - Flossing helps you get to those hard-to-reach spots.  Plaque commonly builds up in between your teeth!
• Brush for Two Minutes - Not sure how long you should brush?  Set a timer!  You should brush for two minutes, two times a day.  Find a song or timer that your kids will love to brush to.
• Avoid Snacking All Day - Even healthy snacks can leave residue on teeth.  If your kids do love snacking throughout the day, offer fresh fruit or other whole foods that are better for teeth.

Check out this article for more tooth care tips.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your child's teeth.

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!

Healthy Breakfasts for National Nutrition Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

March is National Nutrition Month!  What better way to celebrate than by starting off the month with healthy breakfast recipes for good for growing kids and their teeth!  Leave sugary-cereals behind and try one of these healthy breakfast options.

Healthy Breakfast Recipes:

Breakfast Parfait

Choose a yogurt that is low in sugar and add some fruit!  This is a great way to start your day with a meal that is high in vitamins that are good for your teeth.'

Apple Oatmeal

Cook apples into your morning oatmeal for a breakfast that is full of flavor, but not sugar.  Many flavored oatmeals can taste too sweat!  The extra crunch from the apples are good for your teeth, too.

Blueberry Muffins

Muffins are a great breakfast option for kids on the go.  Use whole-wheat flour and flax seeds for added nutrients!  Check out the recipe here.

Check out this article from Eating Well magazine for more healthy breakfast ideas.  If you have any questions about how you can improve your child's oral health, contact our office!

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!