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!

Teething Signs, Symptoms, and Tips

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Teething can be a painful process for both you and your baby.  It’s important that parents know what to expect when their child’s first teeth come in so that they can help to ease the pain.  While the bottom two front teeth are usually the first to come in at 4 to 8 months, the molars are the teeth that cause babies the most pain.  The molars come in around your child’s first birthday and tend to be more painful because they are bigger and broader.

Here are a few of the symptoms associated with teething:

• Biting
• Drooling
• Irritability
• Decreased Appetite
• Mild Temperature
• Wakefulness
• Gum Rubbing

Biting on hard toys can sometimes damage incoming teeth. Ease the discomfort of teething by offering your child a chilled plastic teething ring.  Parents can also offer their children a wet, cold wash cloth, slushy applesauce, popsicles, or a frozen banana.  Any cold, healthy snack will help numb the gums and ease the pain. 

Remember to brush your child’s tooth with a clean piece of gauze or washcloth when they start coming in.  Parents should also schedule their first appointment at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove when their child is 1 year old or when their first tooth appears.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Green Foods for Healthy Teeth!

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! 

We understand that it’s not always easy to get your kids to enjoy eating nutritious foods.  However, green foods can be high in fibers and vitamins that keep teeth healthy and strong. Celebrate the healthy way with some green snacks that keep your smile healthy this Monday. 

• Green Apples – Apples are water rich.  This means that they increase salvia production and keep bacteria in check.
• Celery – High fiber foods like celery have a scrubbing effect.  They can clean the surface of your teeth as you eat!
• Kiwis – Kiwi has a high concentration of vitamin C.  This vitamin helps keep your gum tissue healthy by preventing collagen from breaking down.  Without collagen, gums can become tender and susceptible to periodontal disease.
• Spinach – Green leafy vegetables are nutrient rich and support healthy cell growth.
• Pears – The high water content of pears dilutes the effects of the sugar.
• Green Tea – Some studies have shown that people who drink green tea regularly are less likely to exhibit periodontal disease or tooth loss later in life. 

If you are feeling more adventurous, here are some healthy, green St. Patrick’s Day recipes.  Try making green macaroni and cheese with spinach puree or a Leprechaun Cake with avocado, kiwi, and lime.  There are lots of healthy, green recipes for you and your kids to try.

Visit www.pediatricdentistryofgardencity.com for more information on how you can keep your smile healthy or call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office and 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

When Should You Start Child Dental Care for your Children?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A child's teeth begin to form before they are even born, making it essential to begin dental care prior to their first tooth even appearing.  A great was to remove harmful bacteria from their gums is to run a damp washcloth over the area daily.  Once the teeth start to come through you can begin to brush them using a wet toothbrush with a dab of toothpaste.  This routine should be done every day until the child is able to brush on his or her own.  

Bad feeding habits can also cause child tooth decay.  Having a child fall asleep with a bottle can damage their teeth and lead to a condition referred to as "Bottle Mouth".  Sugars from the liquid sit on the child's teeth for hours, thus eating away at the enamel.  Keep an eye out for pitted or discolored front teeth as signs of Bottle Mouth.  

Finally, it is essential to visit a pediatric dentist to help prevent potential problems before they occur. Here at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City, we are trained to handle a vast range of issues pertaining to child oral health. Contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about your child's options.  

For more information on child dental care, click here.

VOTE for Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove to be Named Best Pediatric Dental Practice on L.I.!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

We've been nominated in the Pediatric Dental category in the 2014 Best of Long Island. We need all of YOUR help to win and be named the best pediatric dental practice on Long Island.

You can find us in the health and wellness category. Please look for "Stacey Reynolds, DDS - Garden City" under the Pediatric Dental category and cast your vote!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE. 

Voting us open until December 15th.

Thank you for all of your support! For more information, visit our Facebook page.

Help Your Children Get Into Thanksgiving Spirit With These Books!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

November is all about giving thanks! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, try getting your children into the Thanksgiving spirit with a few of these classic Thanksgiving books.

Let us know which book is your favorite on our Facebook page!

Martha Speaks: Thanksgiving Reunion

Author: Susan Meddaugh

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Author: Jill Roman Lord and Jody Wheeler

The Turkey Train

Author: Steve Metzger and Jim Paillot

Thanksgiving Day Thanks

Author: Laura Malone Elliott and Lynn Munsinger

Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving

Author: James Dean and Kimberly Dean

Give Thanks for Each Day

Author: Steve Metzgar and Robert McPhillips

The Night Before Thanksgiving

Author: Natasha Wang and Tammie Ly on

Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George

Author: H.A. Rey

The Littlest Pilgrim

Author: Brandi Dougherty and Kristin Richards

(Thanksgiving Books courtesy of Newsday) 

Space Maintainers

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

If you’re a parent with young children, we’re sure you've come up with several questions regarding their oral health.

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove is here to answer as many frequently asked questions as possible! Today we’re covering FAQ’s about space maintenance.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call either one of our offices or send us a Facebook message.

Why do children lose their baby teeth?

A baby tooth usually stays in until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.

Why all the fuss? Baby teeth fall out eventually on their own.

Baby teeth are important to your child’s present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember: some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.

How does a lost baby tooth cause problems for permanent teeth?

If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. So, permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.

What are space maintainers?

Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child’s mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.

How does a space maintainer help?

Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It’s more affordable – and easier on your child – to keep the teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment.

What special care do space maintainers need?

Pediatric Dentists have four rules for space maintainer care. First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum. Second, don’t tug or push on the space maintainer with your tongue or fingers. Third, keep it clean with the conscientious brushing and flossing. Fourth, continue regular dental visits. 

Apple Picking on Long Island!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Image Source: Pixabay

Do you have plans for this weekend? Why not get into the spirit of fall and take your children apple picking? Apple picking is a great activity for children and adults of all ages. Although many people tend to head upstate New York to apple pick, there is no need!

Long Island has numerous apple orchards spread across that have a variety of delicious apples you can choose from. Once you return home, the possibilities are endless with what you can turn your bag of freshly picked apples into. Apple pie, apple sauce, apple cider or any other apple recipe or just a few of the items you can whip up in the kitchen when you return home with the kids.

Below are a few locations on Long Island that offer apple picking! Let us know which location is your favorite on our Facebook page.

Lewin Farms

Wading River

Harbe’s Farm and Orchard

Riverhead

Fort Salonga Farm

Northport

The Milk Pail Farm Stand

Water Mill

Woodside Orchards

Aquebogue

Davis Peach Farm

Wading River

Hank’s Pumpkintown

Water Mill

Richters Orchard

Northport 

Snacks to Avoid in Lunch Box Packing!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Bag Organizer Images

Hey, parents. Now that school is fully in swing, are you running out of ideas for your child’s lunchbox? Or maybe you’re running low on healthy snacks?

We know sometimes prepackaged items or ready made snacks are quick for the hectic morning, however, most of these foods aren't good for your child’s overall health!

Here are a few foods you should avoid packing in your child’s lunchbox this school year. Let us know what kind of snacks you pack for your children on our Facebook page!

Packaged Juice or Sports Drinks: Sweetened juice boxes and sports drinks contain tons of sugar and calories. Try packing your children with a water bottle of green tea.

Chips: All types of chips, including corn chips, potato chips, and cheese doodles are high in fat, salt and calories. If your child craves chips, try making your own kale chips or sweet potato chips to curve the salty cravings.

Cookies, Cakes and Muffins: Prepackaged cookies and cakes are rich in high-fructose corn syrup and trans fats. Try to avoid these and lunchboxes all together. If your child craves sweets, pack them dried fruits or organic cookies.

Fruit Snacks: Fruit snacks are filled with high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors. Pack whole fresh fruit instead or homemade fruit leather.

Crackers: Most crackers are made with refined flour and a lot of sugar. Select crackers that are made with whole grain. 

Labor Day Dessert Recipe

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Fit Sugar

Labor Day weekend is here! Although this holiday weekend serves as the unofficial end to summer, you can still make the best of it and celebrate with friends and family!

Whether you’re planning on attending a Labor Day BBQ or staying at home, here is a quick and easy dessert recipe that your kids will love to help you out with.

These red, white and blue skewers are sure to be a hit no matter where you bring them!

What you’ll need:

1 package of skewers

3 cups of strawberries

1 cup of blueberries

4 bananas

Directions: Slice tops off strawberries and place in strainer. Place one cup of blueberries in strainer with strawberries. Wash thoroughly. Cut bananas into 3 inch pieces. Slice strawberries in half. Place 5 blueberries on skewer, followed by one slice of banana then one slice of strawberry and so on until skewer is full.

Let us know what you think of this recipe on our Facebook page. Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Have You Schedule Your Child a Back to School Checkup at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City? Call us Today!

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Hey parents, it’s almost that time again! You know, back to school. You will soon be stuffing lunch boxes, checking homework and running from soccer practice to dance lessons. Before your children head back for a brand new school year, it’s important to make sure they’re up to date on all checkups and appointments.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment for your child with us here at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City. If you haven’t been to our office, don’t worry! We welcome new patients and look forward to meeting you.

If you’re a new patient, CLICK HERE to check out the new patient section of our website.

To schedule your appointment, please call us at 516-222-5100 or stop in at our Garden City location at any time. Our office is conveniently located at 585 Stewart Avenue in Garden City. 

Schedule Your Child's Back to School Checkup at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Today!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Before your children head back to school, be sure to schedule a checkup at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City for them!  Send your child back to school with a great big confident smile!  

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City helps kids practice healthy dental habits and we’re here to send you children back to school healthy and happy.

Proper oral care is needed for a lifetime of smiles! Dr. Stacey Reynolds and the staff at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City want to give your child a brighter smile.

For more information, please visit us on the web or on Facebook. To schedule your appointment, call us at 516-222-5100.

Independence Day Events Happening on Long Island!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Tomorrow is Independence Day! How are you celebrating? We’re hoping with friends, fireworks and a delicious BBQ.

However, if you don’t have plans, there is plenty happening across the island to keep you and your family busy all day long. Let us know which events you plan on attending on our Facebook page!

Independence Day 1861

Location: Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Stars and Stripes Festival

Location: Talfor Boat Basin – Main and Front Streets, East Rockaway

Hot Dog Pig Races

Location: Long Island Game Farm – Chapman Blvd, Manorville

Sea Faire

Location: Glen Cove Waterfront – Glen Cove

Captree State Park Fireworks

Location: Captree State Park 

Last Day of School Traditions to Share with Your Children!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Summer is almost here, and the last day of school is approaching quickly!

We found a few great suggestions for last day of school traditions for you to practice with your kids.  (Courtesy of mnn.com)

Photo Source: Wikipedia

The best way to capture the moment and hold on to it is to take a picture.  Most parents like to get the first day of school picture right before class begins.  A creative way to take the last day of school picture is to print out the first day picture and have them hold it and pose in the same way.  It is a great visual reminder of how much they have grown and changed throughout the year.  Also encourage your kids to write a thank you not to their teachers that they can hand in before leaving, that entails some of their favorite things they learned that year.  Once the kids are dismissed from that last class they are usually bursting with energy and excitement for the summer vacation.  Schedule an after school play date with their friends and let them have a summer battle with water balloons, squirt guns, shaving cream or even just a fun game of tag!

Finally have a nice treat for them maybe take them out for ice cream, a movie, or a favorite restaurant just make it consistent every year and it will become something for your child to really look forward to at the end of the year.  Summer is approaching quickly and kids grow up fast, so plan something the both of you can remember for years to come!

Adorable Brushing Video!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Check out this super cute video, courtesy of www.2min2x.com!

Share this video with your children and help them learn the importance of brushing their teeth 2 times a day for 2 minutes! It will make a huge difference in your child's oral health!

Let us know what you think of this video on our Facebook page!

Celebrate Earth Day on Long Island Today!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Today is Earth Day! Take some extra time out today with your family to recognize all the ways you can help improve and protect our planet!

If you're looking for a couple of ways to celebrate our environment, there are a few events happening on Long Island to help you do so! 

Earth Day at the Disney Store: Today 4/22 only, bring 5 plastic shopping bags to recycle to get a FREE Brave or Cars 2 reusable bag.

Earth Day at Pottery Barn Kids: 4/22 only, you can score a free packet of seeds for kids to plant at your home. Select lunch products will also be available for purchase where proceeds go to “Trees for the Future”.

National Park Week: Fees are waived for entrance at Fire Island National Seashore and Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. 

Can Elmo Help Get Your Little Ones to Brush More? Watch this Video!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Do you need some help getting your little ones to brush every day? How about showing them this video of Elmo featuring Bruno Mars? The duo teamed up and sings about the importance of "brushy brushing" your teeth every day!

Do you think showing this video to your kids will get them to brush more? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, linked HERE!