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Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

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A Parents Guide to the Tooth Fairy

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Tooth fairy visits can be exciting for kids.  Especially if they just lost their first tooth!  Here are a few tips to help parents make sure that the tooth fairy visit goes smoothly.

Tooth Fairy Tips:

• Where do the teeth go - Some kids are very concerned about where their teeth go.  Determine if your kid is ok with the tooth fairy taking their teeth.  If you decide to keep them, tuck them away in a small jar.
• What is your currency - While money is common, there are other cost-effective options that can be exciting for your child.  Small toys, gold coins, stickers and other prizes can be left behind by the tooth fairy.
• How to hold the teeth – There are tons of options when it comes to finding a place to keep lost teeth.  Pick a container that your kids are excited to use.
• When you forget – If your child is upset that the tooth fairy missed your house, have the fairy write a note!  Sometimes the tooth fairy can get confused.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for tiny teeth.  We help keep smiles 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!

photo credit: john.anes via photopin cc

Keep Your Toothbrush Germ-Free

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Although we use toothbrushes to keep our teeth clean, they actually contain a lot of bacteria!  Did you know that an unbrushed mouth can contain as many germs as a dirty bathroom floor?  Here are a few tips to keep your toothbrush clean.

Toothbrush Tips:

• Replacement – You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or when the bristles feel worn.
• Toothpaste – Certain toothpastes are better than others at killing germs.  Find a toothpaste that is great at killing oral bacteria!
• Don’t Share – Your toothbrush should be used just for you.  Be careful when squeezing toothpaste onto your brush, too.  Don’t let the toothpaste container opening touch your toothbrush bristles.
• Clean Your Brush – Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use.  Occasionally soaking it in mouthwash can help kill germs too.
• Close the Toilet Lid – Your toothbrush can be contaminated by the water splashed when we wash our hands, or even from an open-flushed toilet. Gross.

For more tips on how to care for your toothbrush, contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove.  We can help you and your child with all of your smile care needs.  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!

photo credit: jessicafm via photopin cc

Dental Hygiene Routine Brush Up

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you a brushing expert?  It’s important to help your kids develop good brushing and flossing routines at a young age! Here are a few brushing tips for you and your kids.

Brushing Tips:

• Toothbrush Choice – Let your kids pick their own toothbrush!  If they like their brush, they are more likely to remember to use it every day.
• Toothpaste – Children only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  Just make sure that it has at least 1,000 parts per million of fluoride.
• Timing – Make sure that you are brushing your teeth for two minutes!  Try using a timer or download an app on your phone to keep time.
• Where to Brush – Clean the biting surface, the outside surface next to the cheeks and the inside surface next to the tongue. Do this for both the upper and lower teeth.  Brush in gentle circles and avoid scrubbing the teeth. 

For more tips on how to develop a great brushing routine, check out this article or 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.

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

photo credit: John Federico via photopin cc

Prep Your Bag For a Fun Day at the Beach

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Image Source: Flickr / lupinoduck

Will you be heading down to the beach this weekend?  Not only is it a beautiful day, but tomorrow is the first day of summer!  Here are a few tips to help keep your kids busy, comfortable, and protected from the sun at the beach.

Beach Bag Necessities:

• Sunscreen – Don’t forget to make sure that your kids are covered in sunscreen that is SPF 30 or up!  Anything that blocks out UVA and UVB rays is essential for a day at the beach.
• Sunglasses – Eyes need to be protected from UV rays too.  Of course, they also keep your kids from squinting into the sun.
• Water – Pack plenty of water!  A few hours in the sun can make you feel dehydrated.  Have your kids sip on some water even if they say they aren’t thirsty.
• Healthy Snacks – Instead of wasting money at the beach hut, bring some simple snacks of your own.  Granola bars, apples, and crackers are great beach-friendly snacks.
• Towels – Bring extra towels!  Have one for your child to use to dry off, and another dry one for your kids to sit on in the car.

For more beach bag tips, check out this great article on longisland.com.  You can also contact our office for advice on beach friendly foods that are good for your 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!

Should Your Kids Use Fluoride Toothpaste?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Fluoride is a great way to help your kids prevent cavities naturally.  Especially when they are learning how to properly brush their teeth!  This simple guide can help parents determine if their kids are getting enough fluoride for their age group.

Under 2 Years Old – Children under 2 shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste unless specified by a dentist.  Once the first tooth appears, you can help them brush their teeth with a  soft, child-sized toothbrush and a little bit of water.

2-6 Years Old – Kids in this age group should start to brush their teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a pea).  Make sure your kids spit out their toothpaste and don’t swallow it!

6 Years Old and Up – Once your kids are old enough to brush on their own, they can continue to use fluoride toothpaste when they brush twice a day.

To learn more about fluoride and how you can care for your child’s teeth, visit the 2x2 website.  They offer great tips to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel!

Fluoride can help make your kids smile grow stronger, while also preventing early stage of tooth decay.  If you’re not sure if your child is getting enough fluoride in their water, diet or toothpaste, contact our office!  We may even recommend a fluoride treatment during your child’s bi-annual exam and cleaning.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office and 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office with any questions you have about your child’s smile or to schedule an appointment.