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 something fun to do this weekend?  These events happening across Long Island are the perfect way to keep kids entertained!

Events for Kids This Weekend:

Messy Afternoons
Where: Long Island Children's Museum, Garden City
When: Saturday and Sunday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Cost: $3
Visit the Long Island Children's Museum this weekend for a fun children's workshop.  It's perfect for days with a chance of rain!  The fee is $3 for the regular museum admission (only $2 if your a LICM member).

Meet Donald & Daisy Duck
Where: Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
When: Satuday, May 16th
Cost: Free
Who doesn't love Disney?  Visit the Smith Haven Mall this weekend for a Meet & Greet with Donald and Daisy Duck!

Magic Tree House Double Feature
Where: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, East Main Street, Smith Town
Cost: $15
Do your kids love the Magic Tree House book series?  THere will be a live performance of two Magic Tree House books this weekend.

Check out these articles from Newsday and Long Island Mommy Poppins for more fun weekend events!

If you are in need of dental care, you can always 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!

Tooth Friendly Crafts for Spring Break

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are your kids home for spring break?  It might be a rainy week, but kids can still have fun indoors.  Here are a few fun dental crafts that will help keep your kids out of trouble and help them learn how to better care for their teeth!

Tooth Friendly Craft Ideas:

Marshmallow Teeth
This creative food craft idea allows kids to practice brushing between marshmallow "teeth."  
Check out the craft on the Edible Crafts website here.

Tooth Cupcakes 
Have a sweet tooth?  These tooth cupcakes are a cute way to have tooth-themed fun!  Just remind your kids to brush afterwards to make sure that they get the sugar off of their teeth.  

Check out the recipe here.

Eggsperiment
Do your kids love science?  Let them try this fun "eggsperiment" at home this week.  Take two boiled eggs and put them in cups with dark soda and the other two with coffee or tea.  Let them sit over night and see how the eggs get staind.  Kids can even try to use toothbrushes and toothpaste to try to get the eggs clean.  

Visit this website to learn more about the experiment.

Tooth Brushing Water Station
Set out a toothbrush, toothpaste, water, cups and an egg carton (to look like teeth).  This will help kids practice brushing!  

Visit this website for more details.

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!

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!

Brush 2Min2X with Your Favorite Cartoons!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are your kids brushing for two minutes, twice a day?  These videos of your kids favorite cartoons are all 2 minutes long!  Let them brush to their favorites on a tablet or on your phone.

Adventure Time

 Lazy Town

Clarence

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!

Winter Break Weekend Activities For Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It's not too late to plan something fun for winter break this weekend!  Here are a few fun, family friendly activities and events you might want to check out.

Winter Weekend Activities for Kids:

Black Light Trampoline Night
Every Friday and Saturday night from 8 pm to 11 pm, kids can play under black lights.  Check out the Galactic Jump N' Glow events at Bounce! Trampoline Sports.

Indoor Mini Golf 
Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park is a fun way to spend time indoors on a cold weekend.  The 18-hole course has black lights and other fn effects.  There is also a large arcade for kids to play in.

Visit the Nassau County Museum of Art
You don't need to take a trip to the city to view art.  The Nassau County Museum of Art offers family-friendly tours of their exhibits every Sunday from 1-4 pm.

Read more about fun weekend activities for kids in Newsday.

Please contact our office if you experience any tooth problems this weekend!  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!

Fun Children's Books for Dental Health Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

February is Dental Health Month! This month, we want to help get kids excited about caring for tiny teeth. There are plenty of fun oral health books that kids can check out of the local library.  

Here are a few you might want to take a look at!

Brush, Brush, Brush by Alicia Padron
A board book featuring rhythmic, rhyming interactive text. The book also features bright and energetic full-color illustrations.

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller
It's time for tooth school and Dr. Flossman is excited to meet the incoming class of 32-eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars and twelve molars, including four wisdom teeth.

Melvin the Magnificent Molar! by Julia Cook and Laura Jana, MD.
Through Melvin's view of the world, this book encourages children in a fun-loving, unique way to actually want to brush their teeth.

Pony Brushes His Teeth by Michael Dahl
A pony learns to brush his teeth by watching his dad.

Clarabella's Teeth by An Vrombaut
Poor Clarabella! She spends all day brushing that giant mouth of crocodile teeth! This spited story is a fun way to discuss oral hygiene with preschoolers.

Visit the Babble website for more fun books about teeth.

You can also check out the Garden City Public Library catalog online here and the Glen Cove Public Library Catalog here.

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 Hanukkah Recipes for Your Teeth

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy Hanukkah to all those who are celebrating this week!  Will you be spending time with your friends and family this weekend?  Here are a few healthy recipes to help you celebrate a tooth-friendly Hanukkah!

Crispy Potato Latkes
Traditional latkes are fried in hot oil.  However, try using a small amount of oil to pan fry the latkes and then bake them in the oven for a few minutes to finish.

While apple sauce traditionally goes with potato latkes, choose apple sauce that is low in sugar!

Take a look at this recipe from Eating Well for a healthy alternative to this traditional holiday staple.

Oven Barbecued Brisket
Brisket needs to be tenderized overnight before it is baked.  While brisket cuts are often fatty, choosing a "first-cut" section is a healthier option.

You can find the healthy brisket recipe here!

Challah Bread 
Will you be making your own bread?  Whole wheat challah bread is a healthier alternative!  Visit this website for the recipe.

Remember to contact our office with any questions you have about your child's oral health during the holidays. 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 Snacks for National Dessert Day

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy National Dessert Day!  Here are a few healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth today.  Don't forget to brush afterwards!

Healthier Desserts:

• Chocolate Covered Fruit - Chocolate is far from the healthiest dessert, but it's a great way to get kids to eat fruits like strawberries and bananas. 
• Yogurt - Top plain yogurt with granola, nuts and fruit.  Just make sure that your yogurt is low in sugar.  Many yogurts that are marketed to kids are actually very high in sugar.
• Baked Apple - This treat is perfect for fall.  Stuff the apples with oats, nuts and honey for sweetness.
• Apples & Nut Butter - Sliced apple wedges with peanut butter or other nut butter is a healthy snack choice.  
• Candy Corn Fruit Cocktail - Layer pineapples and oranges in a cup topped with whipped cream for a healthier Halloween themed cup.

If you opt for more traditional desserts like cakes and cookies, choose options that are low in sugar and don't forget to brush your teeth afterwards!  For more healthy snacks, check out these articles on Greatist and Brit + Co.  

Contact our office with any questions you have about how to keep your child's teeth healthy.  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!

Family-Friendly Columbus Day Events

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

There are so many great family-friendly events being held this Columbus Day weekend.  Do you plan on attending any with your kids?

The Fantastic and Fabulous Fox
Where: Bailey Arboretum
When: Monday at 6 PM
Kids ages 3 to 6 can visit Bailey Arboretum for story time, crafts and an outdoor ramble.  The event is free, but advanced registration is required.

Meet and Greet Elsa
Where:  Long Island Puppet Theatre
When: Monday at 2:30 PM
Love Frozen?  Your kids can participate in a craft, meet Elsa, and enjoy a sing-along at this theatre event.  The cost of the meet and greet is $13 in advance and $15 at the door.

Snoopy
Where: Nassau Community College
When: Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM
Snoopy is a character that we all know and love.  Check out this children's theatre work.  The cost of entry to this children's theatre work is $6 for children under the age of 12 and $9 for all other adults and children.

Wooden Toy Train Play Days
Where: Railroad Museum of Long Island
When:  Saturday and Sunday from 11-3 PM
Do your kids love to play with trains?  This event features tracks and trains, face-painting, a pumpkin patch, train ride, and stories of Thomas and Friends.

For more family fun events this Columbus Day weekend, check out these articles from Newsday here and here.  The articles are full of great events 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!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

October is National Dental Hygiene Month!  Are you doing everything you can to keep your smile healthy?  

Dental Hygiene Reminders:

• Brush Your Teeth - Brushing for two minutes is the most important thing that you can do to prevent plaque, cavities and gingivitis.  This helps keep teeth and gums clean.  Even baby teeth need to be diligently brushed!
• Don't Forget to Floss - Daily flossing helps remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach.  
• Rinse with Mouthwash - Anti-microbial mouth rinse can help prevent gum disease.  This is another way to help make sure that you reach all of the spots in your mouth that you miss while brushing and flossing.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum - Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva.  This is a great way to protect your teeth after eating and drinking.  Just make sure that the gum is sugar-free!

Learn more about National Dental Hygiene Month on the American Dental Hygienists' Association website.  You can also contact our office for more information on what your child can do to keep their teeth healthy this month and year round.   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!

Fall Activities for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

There are so many fun Fall activities happening across Long Island!  Will you celebrating with any festive kid-friendly activities?  Here are a few of the top picks!

Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns
Where: Old Westbury Gardens
When: Oct. 16-19, 22-26, 29-Nov. 2
Cost: $26 adults, $22 children ages 3-12, free children 2 and younger

Walk through an exhibit with more than 5,000 hand-carved jack o'lanterns created by professional artists and sculptors.  The pumpkins will be on display throughout a quarter mile trail in Old Westbury Gardens.

Ghostly Gala
Where: Long Island Children's Museum
When: Oct. 25 6-9 pm
Cost: $9 advanced ticket purchases ($4 additional fee for bat conservation show)

Children can show off their Halloween costumes, decorate goody bags, trick-or-treat, get their face painted, meet live animals and more!

Fall Festival
Where: Dees' Nursery
When: Every weekend in October from 11-5
Cost: $9.99 per child, free for adults; $5.99 for Haunted House; $14.00 per child for Pirate Party

Visit for pirate themed Halloween festivities.  There will be an interactive petting zoo with food for the animals, face painting, crafts, tattoos, a bouncy slide, and a pumpkin patch.

For more kid-friendly Fall activities, visit Newsday's activities guide.

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

Food Substitutions for Picky Eaters

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

© istockphoto/matka_Wariatka

Is your child a notoriously picky eater?  Many parents know that it isn’t always easy to get kids to eat healthy.  However, a healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your smile cavity-free!  Here are a few tips and substitutions for kids who avoid healthy foods.

Food Substitutions For..

• Fruit –
• Fresh fruit - If your child won’t eat fresh fruits, try dried fruits such as apricots, pears, raisins, cherries, mangos, pineapples and bananas. 
• Whole fruit – If whole fruit is the problem, you can make pureed sauces for yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit.  Then, slowly introduce whole fruit into the mix.
• Citrus – Does your child dislike citrus fruits?  Strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, watermelon, and even potatoes are great sources of vitamin C.
• Alternatives - You can also try mixing fruits such as blueberries, chopped apples, and bananas in muffin, quick bread, and waffle batters.
• Vegetables –
• Green Leafy Vegetables - It’s common for kids to avoid green leafy vegetables.  Try dark-yellow and orange vegetables instead.  Carrots, squash and sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A. 
• Cooked Vegetables - Try raw vegetable sticks and salads.  You can also offer vegetable juice instead of fruit juice.
• Dairy – If your child doesn’t like cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods, consider soy and rice-based substitutes.  You can also ask your pediatrician about taking vitamin B12 and D supplements.
• Whole-Grain Breads – Try high-fiber white bread, whole wheat crackers or whole wheat pasta.

For more food substitutions and tips for healthy kids and healthy teeth, read this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more smile care tips!  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!

Is your toothbrush making you sick?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Source: Flickr

Many parents don’t realize that toothbrushes become contaminated when they are placed in the mouth.  Any viruses and bacteria that are inside of the mouth can continue to live on a toothbrush.  This can make kids sick if the microorganisms enter injured gum tissue.  Here are a few ways to make sure that your toothbrush is in great shape!

Toothbrush Tips:

• Wash – Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water to remove any visible debris.  If you are sick you may want to soak the toothbrush in mouthwash, run it through the dishwasher, or buy a new one!
• Deep Clean – Although they can be expensive, there are many toothbrush sanitizers that can kill microorganisms.
• Storage – Where do you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?  Don’t keep your wet toothbrush in a place where it cannot dry out.  Store your toothbrush in a place that lets air in and prevents mold.
• Replacement – No matter how well you care for your toothbrush, you should still replace it every three to four months or when the toothbrush becomes worn.  Frayed bristles are not as effective at cleaning your teeth.

If you have any questions about how you can improve your smile care, contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.