Why is Nail Biting Bad?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Nail biting habits are hard to break (and not just for kids)!  However, it's important that parents take the time to help kids find new outlets for this nervous habit.  Nail biting isn't just bad for nails, it's bad for teeth too!  This habit can lead to cracks and chips, as well as put extra stress on their front teeth.

Children who have a tendency to bite their nails or chew on pencils at school are also at a higher risk of bruxism.  Bruxism is a dental term that describes tooth grinding or clenching that eventually leads to headaches, tooth sensitivity and recessed gums.

Nail Biting Tips:

• Keep them short.  One of the best ways to prevent nail biting is by keeping the nails trimmed and short.  When there is less to bite, nail biting will be less tempting.
• Replace the habit. When you feel like biting your nails, offer an alternative to the habit.  It might be helpful to find another (healthy) habit to keep hands busy and away from the mouth.
• Identify the cause.  What triggers are causing your child to bite their nails?  Whether the trigger is physical like a jagged nail or it's due to boredom or stress, you can help prevent nail biting by first addressing the initial cause.

If you have any questions about how to help your child break the nail biting habit, it's affect on their teeth, or how we can help you help them grow up with healthy, beautiful smiles, give us a call!

Call 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove Office. To learn more about Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove, visit www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com.

When Should Kids Start Brushing?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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If you're parent of young children, your list of responsibilities is constantly growing. From doctor visits and potty training, to walking and talking, there is always something to do! In the midst of all this, where does brushing fit in? You may be surprised to see just how early your children should start brushing!

• Although your little ones baby teeth eventually fall out, you should be taking good care of them. Before your child's baby teeth start to emerge, you should have a oral health regimen in place that includes wiping their gums with a wet cloth.
• Once their teeth start to come in, you can swap over to a soft-bristled toothbrush. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice as soon as you see their first tooth appear.
• When your child turns 3, you can begin applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to their brush.

Keep in mind, your children should be brushing for two minutes, two times a day. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are the best way to ensure your child is on the right path with their oral health!

Is it time to schedule your child's first visit or annual checkup? If so, give us a call at 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove Office. To learn more about Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove, visit www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com.

Weekend Events for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

End winter break off right!  There are plenty of fun things for kids to do before they head back to school next week.  Check out a few of our favorites!

Weekend Activities for Kids:

Indoor Swimming

Need a break from the cold?  There are a few indoor swimming pools for families that can help you escape from the snow (without the cost of an expensive getaway).  Try one of these family-friendly pools below!

1.  YMCA of Long Island Glen Cove

2.  Eisenhower Park

3.  North Hempstead Aquatic Activity Center at Tully Park

Iceskating

If you don't mind the snow and cold, try indoor ice skating!  This is a great way to enjoy winter fun without spending time outdoors in the wind.  Here are a few of the best, family-friendly indoor rinks on Long Island.

1.  Dix Hills Ice Rink

2.  Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink

3.  Islanders Iceworks

Glow Jump

This Saturday, kids can visit Pump It Up for an open jump (with a twist).  Kids will get a glow necklace and jump in a glow in the dark area with effects lighting.  Don't forget to have your kids where white or neon to show off under the lighting!  Get creative!

Pump It Up is located in Great Neck.

225 Community Dr Ste 250 

Take a look at this list for more family-friendly activities to try this weekend.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your child's teeth.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Science Experiments for Winter Break

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Having trouble keeping your kids busy this week?  These fun experiments will keep kids entertained AND help them learn a little bit about the science behind their tooth-care.

Sugar Guessing Game
Many kids (and adults) don't realize just how much sugar is in what they drink every day.  This fun activity will help you create a visual of the amount of sugar we drink and you can help your kids make healthier choices.

1.  Label three cups - each with a different drink name.
2. Determine the amount of sugar in each cup by dividing the total grams of sugar in the container by 4.2.  Use a teaspoon to measure the sugar and place in the three plastic cups.
3. Label the remaining three cups with drink names and put the cups in front of the drink containers.
4. Have your child use a teaspoon to spoon the amount of sugar they think is in the drink into the corresponding cup.
5. Bring out the cups with the correct  amount you made earlier and compare!

Fluoride Egg-Speriment

Egg shells and teeth have one thing in common - they can both be weakened by acid.  This experiment show kids how fluoride helps strengthen and protect teeth.  

1. Place a hard boiled egg in a clean, plastic container.  Cover the egg with fluoride toothpaste and let it sit for 24 hours.
2. Place the fluoride treated egg in one container and an "untreated" egg in another.
3. Pour vinegar into a clean measuring cup to cover the untreated egg.  Watch as bubbles form on the unprotected egg.
4. Leave the egg in the vinegar until the unprotected egg softens.

Playing with Peanut Butter

Brushing teeth doesn't clean your teeth completely - that's why we need to floss!  This sticky activity will help you show your kids the importance of flossing.

1. Put on a rubber glove and have your kid stick peanut butter in between your fingers.  Make sure they get deep in between your fingers!  If you don't want to do this - have a sibling get involved!
2. Tighten your fingers together again and with your fingers together, have them scrub the peanut butter away with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
3. Now try to remove the peanut butter with dental floss.  It'll be pretty clear that you need both to get the gloved hand clean.

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach 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 Valentine's Day

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Valentine's Day isn't just about sweets and treats - it's about showing your friends and family how much you care!

Are your kids handing out valentine's to their friends and classmates this year?  Here are a few ways to celebrate Valentine's Day without the sweets.

• Send some tooth-friendly Valentine's.  The American Dental Association has free Valentine's Day cards that you can print and share with special people in your life.  You can download them here.
• Skip the chocolates this year and try these healthy Valentine's Day snack alternatives instead!
• Hand out sugar-free gum. Kids are always looking for gum in class - hand out sugar-free gum that's good for your teeth, too!
• Gift some plastic jewelry.  There are so many cute Valentine's Day themed plastic jewelry.  They're cute and inexpensive if you plan on handing them out to the whole class.
• Throw a healthy Valentine's Day party!  Since the holiday falls on a weekend this year, try following these tips for a healthy kids party.

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Healthy Valentine's Day Snacks

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Valentine's Day is traditionally a holiday full of candy, chocolate -- and of course love.  But unfortunately, these same sweet treats can wreak havoc on growing teeth.  Try your hand at these healthy Valentine's Day treat alternatives when celebrating with family this weekend!

Valentine's Day Salad
Salads are usually not the first thing that come to mind on Valentine's Day - but this recipe for a Valentine's Day is cute, healthy and festive.

Instead of focusing on sweet treats, create a salad with heart shaped mozzarella slices!  The vitamins in mozzarella are perfect for growing teeth.  Cut up some mozzarella, slice tomatoes, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a cute Valentine's Day snack.

Try the recipe from Education.com here.

Tomato Tulips
Flowers aren't the only way to celebrate Valentine's Day!  These Tomato Tulips are a cute way to create a creative bouquet.  Slice plum tomatoes and fill the tulips with greek yogurt.  Greek yogurt contains probiotics that help slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria.  They're great for gum health and are lower in sugar than other types of yogurt.  (via Pinterest)

Mini Cheese Ball Warm Fuzzies
This cute snack is perfect for kids!  With heart shaped antennae, your kids are sure to love these cute creatures - and they're easy to make.  Each cheese ball has cracker feet, olive eyes and rice noodle antennae with pepperoni hearts.  Cheese contains vitamins that benefit growing teeth.

View the complete recipe here on Hungry Happenings.

Valentine Fruit Wands
Fruit wands are as simple as cutting your child's favorite fruits into a cute heart shape.  If you have heart shaped cookie cutters on hand, this makes prep even easier!

View the complete recipe and instructions here on A Few Short Cuts' blog.

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

National Children's Dental Health Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Did you know that kids miss 51 million hours of school each year due to tooth related health problems?  

February is National Children's Dental Health Month - and we're reminding all parents and kids of the importance of brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times a day!

Taking good care of teeth is essential to health and development, especially at a young age.  Although baby teeth do eventually fall out, they play an important role in helping your child bite, chew food, and speak clearly.  With regular tooth care (brushing and flossing), bi-annual dental cleanings, exams, dental sealants, and x-rays, we can make sure that their teeth are developing into a healthy and beautiful smile.

Having a hard time getting your child interested in their smile health?  The American Dental Association has a few cute dental health print outs for kids to enjoy!

• Try your hand at a dental themed crossword
• Figure out what foods are healthy for teeth with this matching game
• Spend some time coloring in this activity sheet
• Love word searches?  Try to find the healthy hidden treats here

You can also help keep kids keep track of their brushing habits by marking off two boxes on a calendar every time they brush!  If you don't have a calendar at home, you can print off this checklist to help them fight cavities this month.

Don't forget to enter our Facebook contest for a chance to win a gift basket in honor of National Children's Dental Health Month!

Is it time to schedule your child's biannual cleaning & exam?  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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

Healthier Super Bowl Snacks for Game Day

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 Super Bowl?

It's time to stock up on game day snacks.  Before reaching for the chips, here are a few healthier snacking alternatives you might want to try this Sunday.

Healthier Super Bowl Snacks:

Cauliflower Buffalo "Wings"
Take a break from traditional wings with this "healthier" cauliflower version!  Since the cauliflower is baked, it's healthier than fried wings.

Find the recipe here.

Hummus with Cucumber
Chickpeas are rich in healthy proteins that are better than other dips that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol.  Cucumbers are also a healthier alternative to chips.  The extra crunch is good for your teeth, too!

Try to make your own hummus recipe here.

Cheese & Crackers
This is a simple appetizer to have while you watch the game!  Plus, cheese contains vitamins and minerals that are good for growing teeth!

Healthy 7-Layer Dip
Dip is a game day essential.  Instead of dipping chips and veggies in something high in calories, try to make your own, healthy 7-layer version.  With black beans, greek yogurt, shredded cheese and olives, you can create a healthier snack.  Since greek yogurt and cheese are high in vitamins E, A and C, this dip is good for growing teeth, too!

Try the recipe here.

Linebacker Lettuce Wraps
Wrap your favorite crunchy vegetables in a lettuce wrap.  You can even make it a competition - who can stuff the most crunch into their lettuce wrap without a veggie fumble!

Get the recipe here.

Broccoli & Potato Nuggets
Instead of frozen chicken nuggets, try making a broccoli and potato nugget.  This healthy and simple snack is perfect for munching.  Get the recipe here.

No matter what you snack on this weekend - just remember to brush after!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child's dental health, you can contact either our Garden City or Glen Cove office and schedule an appointment.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 516-222-5100 to reach our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to reach our Glen Cove office.  

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