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.

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!

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

Feeling stuck indoors after last weekend's snow storm?  Here are a few weekend activities for you and your kids to enjoy -- spend some time exploring Long Island!

Weekend Events:

Seal Walk
Where: Montauk Point State Park
When: Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $4 per adult; $3 per child

Walk along the beach where up to four different species of seals can be observed on Long Island.  The walk is approximately three miles long and takes 2-3 hours to complete, so make sure you dress warmly!

Winter Watercolor Workshop
Where: The Center for Science Teaching & Learning
When: Saturday, January 30th
Cost: $14/Child

Bring your kids to The Center for Science Teaching & Learning in Rockville Centre for an afternoon of exploring watercolor.  They will use different materials to create fun art effects and use their own techniques to create their own personal winter wonderland.

Maple Sugaring: A Family Program
Where: Nissequogue River State Park
When: Sunday, January 31st
Cost: $4 per adult; $3 per child; children under 3 are FREE

Learn about the importance of maple trees on long island.  This hands-on program teaches kids how to identify and tap a maple tree.  Since this program is outdoors, it's important that parents remember to dress kids appropriately for the weather.

If you have any questions about your child's tooth health as we move from January into February, contact one of our offices. 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!

Preparing for Your First Dental Visit

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Your child's first dental visit is a big milestone in their life!  What can parents expect?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule their child's first dental visit by their first birthday.

What to Expect:

• Meeting Dr. Stacey & Dr. Cece - Your child's first meeting with Dr. Stacey or Dr. Cece is always calm and casual.  Many parents with small children find it helpful to mention, "Dr. Stacey is a very special doctor who helps children have healthy beautiful smiles!" Establishing this trust sets a positive tone for all future dental visits.
• Learning About Brushing - We can show your child how to brush their teeth.  If they've had their first tooth grow in, they'll need to start caring for it.  It's important to keep baby teeth healthy so that kids develop good habits at a young age (and they prevent cavities).
• Receiving Their First Cleaning - We will polish their teeth with a rotary toothbrush.  This will help keep their tiny teeth clean and polished.

Take a look at our YouTube video before to get to know a little bit more about our office and when you should bring your child to the dentist.

After your child's first visit, you'll want to make sure that you schedule bi-annual exams.  This will help ensure that their teeth are growing in correctly and that they are keeping their teeth nice and clean.

If you have any questions about how to care for tiny teeth this winter, give us a call!  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!

Snow Day Activities for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

We hope that everyone is ready for this weekend's blizzard!  If your kids tend to get a little stir crazy on snow days, here are a few activities to help keep them busy through the winter storm.

Snow Day Activities:

• Build a Snow Man - What better way to enjoy a snow day than by building a snow man?  Assuming there is enough snow, try to build the biggest snow man you can!
• Make an Igloo - Another fun snow-time activity!  Just make sure that kids stay safe if they build an igloo with snow overhead.
• Make Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate - Hot chocolate is the perfect snowy day drink to warm up after a day of igloos and snowmen (and shoveling).  However, hot chocolate tends to be high in sugar!  Opt for a sugar free version or make your own healthier hot chocolate recipe.
• Make Snowflake Garlands - If your kids aren't ready to head outdoors, have them make their own snowflakes inside!  With paper and scissors, making snowflakes can be a fun snow day craft.

We hope that everyone stays safe and warm this weekend!  If your child runs into any dental emergencies during the blizzard, contact our office with any questions that you have.  You can also 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!

Childhood Milestones: Losing Their First Tooth

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

A loose baby tooth is a big milestone for any kid!  Not only is it time for their first tooth fairy visit, but it's also time for their permanent teeth to start growing in.  Since every child is different, some kids are excited about their wiggling tooth, while other are nervous about what will happen when it falls out.  

You can assure them that it's normal!  Here are a few common questions we get that can help you determine what you can expect when your child loses their first tooth.

When will they lose their first tooth?
Most children lose their tooth around the age of 5-6.  However, it's possible for kids to reach 7 or 8 years old without losing any baby teeth!  While there is probably nothing wrong, we can make sure that their permanent teeth are growing in correctly with a few x-rays.

Which tooth will fall out first?
Teeth usually fall out in the order they first came in!

How do they care for their new teeth?
Now that your child's permanent teeth are growing in, brushing is more important than ever!  Make sure that your child gets into the habit of brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times a day.  This is a great habit that will help them keep their teeth healthy throughout their lives.

Take a look at this article for more information on what to expect, or of course you can always contact our office directly.  We can help you and your child better understand when they can expect to lose their first tooth and what to do afterwards.

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!

Why Does My Tooth Hurt?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Toothaches are no fun.  Whether your child has temperature sensitivity, pain when chewing or biting, or is sensitive to sweets, it's important to get to the root of the problem.  

While you should always give us a call if your child has any tooth related pains - here are a few of the most common reasons why they're suffering from a toothache.

Common Causes:

Cavities - Tooth decay is one of the main reasons why we experience tooth pain.  When plaque sticks to the tooth enamel, it feed on sugary drinks and foods, eating away at your teeth.  As the tooth decay spreads, kids can experience sensitivity to temperature and touch.

Inflammation - Inflammation can cause pressure to build on the inside of the tooth, as well as the surrounding gum.

Abscess - An abscess is caused by bacteria built up inside the pulp chamber.  When this becomes inflammed and infected, it can cause pain.

Chips and Cracks - Whether due to a sports related injury or the tooth was weakened over time, chips and cracks can cause pain when biting or chewing, as well as temperature sensitivity.

Impacted Tooth - This is common in older teens and young adults as their wisdom teeth grow in.  When the tooth grows in at an angle and there is no room in the jawbone to accommodate the tooth, the wisdom tooth becomes stuck under the gum.

If your child has any trouble with tooth aches, give our office a call.  We can examine the tooth and take an x-ray to get a better look at what's going on inside their mouth.  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!

Weekend Events 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 with the family this weekend?  There are plenty of kid-friendly weekend events happening across Long Island!  Here are a few that you might want to check out.

Weekend Events on Long Island:


The Arcade Age

Where: The Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City
When:  Four Daily, 90 minute Sessions (11:30, 1:30, 3:30)

The Cradle of Aviation Museum has turned part of it's gallery into an arcade featuring favorite video games.  Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Centipede, and Donkey Kong are among the arcade games available for play.  The exhibit will be available now through April 3rd.

Pirate Show with Captain Billy Bones
Where: Long Island Children's Museum, Garden City
When: Sunday, January 10th

Kids will enjoy this live show at the Long Island Children's Museum.  Learn more about the show and event here.

Build-a-Boat
Where: The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, Cold Spring Harbor
When: Sunday, January 10th

Visit the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum where kids can be a shipbuilder!  Parents can drop their kids off any time between 1-4pm, where they will design their own vessel out of wood.

Interested in more weekend events?  Check out this article for a full list of all the fun things happening on Long Island.

Is it time for your child's bi-annual cleaning and exam?  Schedule an appointment this winter to help keep their teeth beautiful and healthy.  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 Choose the Right Toothpaste for Your Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Running low on toothpaste?  With all of the different brands, flavors and options available to you, it can be hard to decide on the best choice for your family.

Before you head to the store, here are a few tips to help you choose the right toothpaste to help keep your child's smile healthy and clean.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste:

• Choose Fluoride - Choose toothpaste that has fluoride in it.  This helps protect and strengthen developing teeth.
• Choose a Fun Flavor - We know that it's not always easy to get kids out of bed in the morning, let alone brush thoroughly.  Choosing a fun flavor that they enjoy will help give them a little extra incentive to brush their teeth on a busy day.
• Look for the ADA Seal - The American Dental Association tests toothpaste for safety, effectiveness, and FDA approved ingredients.  Choose from any product with the approval seal.

Of course, brushing isn't the only thing kids need to do to maintain good oral health care.  They should also be flossing regularly and have bi-annual dental cleanings and exams.  If your child is due for a visit, 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!

New Year's Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you ready to welcome 2016? As you start to plan your New Year's Eve celebrations, and think of your resolutions for the New Year, don't forget about your smiles!  Here are a few New Year's Resolutions for healthy teeth and healthy smiles.

New Year's Resolutions:

• Brush for 2 Min, 2 Times a Day - Don't let brushing slip to the wayside.  Brushing is an important part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy.  Remind kids to brush for two minutes, two times daily.
• Floss Your Teeth Regularly - While most of us remember to brush, flossing is often forgotten.  Remember to floss in between your teeth! Many people don't realize that that's where most plaque builds!
• Schedule Regular Cleanings - Parents, remember to schedule your child's teeth cleanings!  Your child should visit the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and exams.  This helps prevent cavities and catches any problems early on.

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!

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Snacks

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It can be hard to keep kids healthy during the holidays - especially with so many sweets!  Fortunately, kids an indulge and keep their teeth healthy.  Here are a few tooth-friendly holiday treat ideas.

Tooth Friendly Holiday Snacks:

Whole-Wheat Pancakes with Fresh Fruit
What better way to fuel up after a tiring morning of opening presents than with a healthy breakfast.  This recipe for whole-wheat pancakes is healthy and low in sugar.

Ingredients:

¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

2 tablepoons sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup liquid egg substitute

1 cup fat-free milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Low-fat yogurt

Fruit

Instructions:

First, preheat your griddle.  Then whisk all of the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add the egg substitute, milk and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Ladle ⅔ cup of batter onto your griddle and cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. 

Top with low-fat yogurt and your favorite fruit!

Minty Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is the perfect winter beverage.  Instead of the sugary versions, try this no-sugar added option instead!

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1–2 packets of a sweetener such as Splenda^® or an all-natural sweetener like stevia

Dash of salt

1 cup 1% milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions:

Mix the cocoa, sweetener and salt in a mug. Microwave the milk for about a minute and a half or until hot. Slowly add milk to the cocoa mixture, stirring in vanilla and peppermint.

Fruit Kabobs

Fruit isn't just for spring and summer.  A fruit kabob can make the perfect pre-dinner appetizer.  You can even make strawberries into a fun Santa hat - get creative!

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!

How to Celebrate a Tooth-Friendly Christmas

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are your kids getting excited for the holidays? As we celebrate with family and friends, don't forget about caring for your child's teeth.  These tips will help you celebrate a tooth-friendly holiday season.

Tooth-Friendly Christmas Tips:

• Avoid Candy Canes - We know that it's not always easy to avoid sweets during the holidays, but when possible, keep candy canes out of reach of the little ones.  If they do snack on candy canes, make sure that they don't bite them and that they brush afterwards!
• Drink Plenty of Water - Instead of sipping on sugary juices and sodas, drink water with your holiday meal!
• Have a Tooth-Friendly Stocking - Stock your Christmas stockings with tooth-friendly gifts instead of sugary sweets.  You can add a fun floss flavor or a new character themed toothbrush.
• Don't Forget to Brush - In all of the holiday excitement, don't forget to brush!  Remind kids to brush for two minutes, once in the morning and once before they go to bed at night.

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!

Naughty or Nice? How to Care for Your Teeth Through the Holidays

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Have you been naughty or nice to your teeth this year?  We know that holiday sweets can make tooth care difficult. Here are a few tips to help you improve your smile care through the holiday season.

Holiday Tooth Care Tips:

• Stick With a Routine - Although things get busy during the holidays, it's important to stick to a routine.  Brush your teeth for two minutes, two times a day - and don't forget to floss!
• Schedule a Cleaning - As we approach the end of the year, it's time to schedule your last cleaning!  Kids should have bi-annual cleanings and exams.
• Drink Plenty of Water - Wash down all of those holiday treats and sweets with plenty of water!  Water is key to keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
• Wear a Mouthguard - Do your kids plenty winter sports?  Be sure to wear a mouthguard!  Mouthguards help protect tiny teeth whether they're playing with their friends or on a school team.
• Avoid Candy - Avoid snacking on candy all day long.  Instead, enjoy a single serving of a candy cane or other holiday treat - and brush after.  This will expose tiny teeth to less sugar than constantly snacking throughout the day.  Choose healthier snacks when possible, like carrots!

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!

Your Tooth Friendly Holiday Wishlist

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It can be hard to keep your teeth healthy during the holiday season.  With all the sweets and treats lying around, we're all tempted to indulge!  While you're going through your child's holiday wishlist this year, consider a few tooth friendly gifts that will help them keep their smiles healthy year-round.

Tooth Friendly Wishlist:

• Electric Toothbrush - There are so many different types of electric toothbrushes available.  Find your child's favorite character, favorite color, or favorite design!  This will help make brushing their teeth more exciting - and electric toothbrushes are perfect for kids who might have a hard time thoroughly brushing their teeth.
• Gum - Certain types of gum are actually good for your teeth!  Xylitol is a natural sugar that helps reduce cavities.  If your child loves gum, find one that can help their teeth, too!
• Flavored Floss -We know that it's hard to remember to floss regularly.  However, there are plenty of fun, flavored flosses out there.  Try a few different flavors to help kids get excited about flossing their teeth.
• A Timer - Kids (and adults) should be brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times a day.  This helps keep your teeth clean from bacteria and other harmful deposits.  There are plenty of fun timers out there.  Find one that plays your child's favorite song or is themed like their favorite movie or TV show!

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!

Elf on a Shelf Inspiration for Busy Parents

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Things can get hectic during the holidays.  For busy parents and families, it's not always easy to find a new place to hide your Elf on a Shelf!

Here are a few ideas to help spur your creativity during the holiday season.

Elf on a Shelf Inspiration

• Put your elf near your phone.  You can position them like they are about to take a selfie, like this elf here.
• Get creative with sprinkles.  Position your elf near your sprinkles right before your holiday baking!
• Cozy up right before bedtime by putting your elf right by your child's pajama drawer!
• Utilize your advent calendar.  If you have a calendar in your home, get your elf on a shelf involved!  Check out an idea here.
• Get crafty and hang your elf on a paper snowflake!
• Do your kids flip through catalogs to make their Christmas lists?  Have an elf on a shelf circle a few of their favorite things like this one.
• Place your elf near your child's morning cereal!  This will help make breakfast a little bit more exciting during the holidays.

Of course, you can hide your elf on a shelf near your child's tooth brush as a friendly reminder to brush, too!

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!