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!

Does Your Child Have a Cracked Tooth?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

While we do all we can to keep kids safe, accidents happen.  As a parent, knowing what to do during a dental emergency can help ease pain and discomfort.  It also help increase the chances of saving your child's tooth.

Look out for the signs of a cracked tooth:

• Hot/Cold Sensitivity
• Sharp Pains When Biting Down

If your child complains of either of these signs, it's important to schedule an appointment at one of our practices.  We can determine the reason behind their discomfort.  If it is a cracked tooth, we can determine the best course of action for your child's dental health.

How can you prevent a cracked tooth?

• Wear a mouth guard while playing school sports.
• Avoid chewing ice and hard candies.
• Don't use your teeth as scissors.

If you child is complaining of any mouth discomfort, provide them with a cold compress and schedule a visit at one of our offices.  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!