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

There is no limit to the number of fun, kid-friendly events that are held during the summer months.  If you're still looking for something to do this weekend, here are a few fun events being held across Long Island to check out with your family!

Weekend Events:

"Celebrate America" at Eisenhower Park
When: Saturday at 5:30PM
Cost: Free with Ticket
Celebrate the Fourth of July early with TD Bank.  There will be fireworks and live music.  Pick up a free ticket at any TD Bank branch.

Bug Bonanaza at the Long Island Children's Museum
When: Sunday from 12:30 to 4PM
Cost: Free with Museum Admission ($12)
Learn about bug anatomy, make insect crafts and participate in fun activities and challenges.

Explore the Science of Ice Cream at the Maritime Explorium
When: Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM
Learn all about the science behind every kid's favorite snack - ice cream!  Kids and families will learn about the physics of the phase transitions while making their very own ice cream.

Check out this Newsday article for more fun weekend events to check out with your kids this summer.

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!

Meet Our Team: Getting to Know Stephanie Taveras

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Meet Stephanie Taveras, R.D.H, one our wonderful dental hygienists!  Stephanie has been working with us since August of 2013 and we are so glad to have her on our team!

Through this brief interview, we invite you to learn more about Stephanie and what makes her so passionate about caring for tiny teeth!

Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised on Long Island

From where did you get your degree?
I received my degree from Farmingdale State College in May of 2013.

When did you first decide you wanted to be a hygienist?
I first decided I wanted to be a hygienist in my third year of college, right after a regular check-up visit at the dentist.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a nurse or medical doctor as a child.

What is your favorite part about being a hygienist?
Working in a pediatric office, I see many kids who are visiting for the first time and many times are afraid of the dentist.  My favorite part about being a hygienist is just changing my patients' minds on how they view dental visits and showing them it could actually be fun.  I get to educate the patient on practicing good oral hygiene and hope they continue it as adults.  I recently saw a three year old patient who walked in crying because she had a bad experience prior and was afraid of the dentist.  My most memorable moment on the job was seeing her walk out with a big smile on her face!

What is the best part about working at the office?
The best part of working at the office is just working with a team.  Everyone is so helpful and very team oriented.

What do you do for fun?
I like working out and traveling - which I don't do enough of!

Visit our website to learn more about Stephanie and the services offered at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove.  You can also call 516-222-5100 to schedule an appointment for your child at our Garden City practice or 516-759-7000 to schedule an appointment at our Glen Cove office.  

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

Healthy Fall Snacks 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 always easy to keep up with busy kids on the move.  These seasonal snacks are both budget-friendly and healthy!

Healthy Fall Snacks:

Apple Slices - Apples are a great fall snack.  If your kids don't like apples on their own, try dipping them in peanut butter.  Their crunchiness makes them a great choice for your teeth too! 

Ants on a Log - Another crunchy snack, spreading peanut butter on celery with raisins or other dried fruits is a fun snack for kids. 

Pumpkin Muffins - It's pumpkin season!  Baked pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are a great way to start the day or refuel after school.  Whether fresh or canned, pumpkin is a healthy and festive snack choice.  You can find several recipes online or try your hand at your own.

Check out this blog for more frugal fall snacks for your kids.  You can also contact our office for more information on 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!

Why Should Your Child Wear a Mouthguard?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Do your kids love playing football, soccer, and other fall sports?  They're a great way to stay busy, keep in shape, and most importantly - have fun!  Just make sure that your kids are protected from injuries while they play.  Wearing a mouthguard helps protect your teeth from sports injuries and trauma.

Wearing a Mouthguard Prevents:

• Bruising by acting as a buffer between the lips and teeth.
• Tooth fractures and chips.
• Opposing teeth from contacting each other.
• Jaw trauma by acting as a shock absorber.

For more information on mouthguards and their benefits, check out this article in Dentistry Today.  You can also contact our office for more information on what your child can do to protect their teeth this fall.   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!

Juice Recommendations for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Wikimedia

How much juice does your child drink every day?  Although juice tastes good, it can lead to poor nutrition, obesity, and tooth decay if kids drink too much!  This guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics will help you determine if your child is drinking the right amount of juice every day.

Daily Juice Recommendations:

• < 6 Months – Children younger than 6 months old should not have fruit juice.  It has no nutritional benefit for infants.
• 1-6 years old – Parents should limit juice consumption for 4 to 6 ounces per day.  For children older than 6 months old, whole fruits re preferred over juice.  Whole fruits contain fiber and other nutrients too!
• 7-18 Years old – It is recommended that juice consumption in this age bracket is limited to between 8 and 12 ounces per day.

For more nutrition tips and information on how much juice your children should be drinking every day, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.  You can also contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove with any questions you have regarding your child’s smile health.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Smart Cereal Choices

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: pixabay

Did you have breakfast today?  You shouldn’t skip the most important meal of the day!  When paired with milk, cereals can be an important source of nutrients in a child’s diet.

Cereal Shopping Tips:

• Packaging – Cereal packaging can be deceiving. Look beyond the colorful, eye-catching boxes and take a look at the nutrition label.  While cartoon characters are appealing to children, they are not necessarily the healthiest option.
• Fiber – Children should have cereals with a fiber content of 2-5 grams per serving.
• Sugar – Studies have shown that kids are happy with eating cereal whether it is high or low in sugar.  Look for cereals that contain no more than 10-12 grams of sugar.
• Natural Sweeteners – Consider sweetening sugar naturally by adding fresh fruit to your breakfast.
• Whole Grains – Whenever you have the choice, you should always pick whole grains.  They are healthier for you and your kids!

For more tips on how to have a healthy breakfast, check out 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. 

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

Healthy Habits for Your Child's Smile

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

When kids take good care of their teeth, they grow up healthy and strong.  A healthy smile means a pain-free mouth and lower dental costs for your family.  Here are a few ways you can promote good oral health habits in your home.

Healthy Habits:

• Help Them Brush – Help brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.  They may want to brush their own teeth, but they need help until their hand skills are better.
• Be a Role Model – Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to set a good example for your kids.
• Eat Healthy – Serving your kids healthy meals and snacks like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and whole grain products helps keep teeth healthy. 
• Dental Check Ups – Don’t forget to bring your child to the dentist for bi-annual cleanings and exams!

Read more tips on how to promote good oral health on the Head Start National Center on Health website.  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: donnierayjones 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

Bad Tooth Habits

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Did you know that there are several everyday habits that can be damaging to your smile?  

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are important habits to maintain.  However, there we want to make sure that your kids are avoiding other habits that can be damaging to teeth.

Avoid these tooth damaging habits:

• Chewing Ice – Gnawing on ice cubes from your drink may seem harmless, but the cold temperatures make teeth more susceptible to breaking.  This can weaken your tooth enamel over time.
• Nail Biting – Just like ice, nail biting can damage your tooth enamel.  This can be damaging overtime.
• Drinking Soda – Drinking soda and sugary beverages all day long can be damaging to your tooth enamel.  These acidic beverages eat away at your enamel.
• Popcorn Kernels – Be careful when watching movies this summer.  Chewing on popcorn kernels can lead to tooth fractures or cause stress to your teeth.

For more tips on how to best care for kid’s smiles 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: Mr.TinDC via photopin cc

4th of July Fireworks on Long Island

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Public Domain

Looking to watch some fireworks this weekend when the weather lets up?  Here are a few great places to catch fireworks on Long Island with your family!

Thursday:

Long Island Ducks vs. Bridgeport Bluefish

Bethpage Ballpark, Central Islip

7:05 pm

Long Island Ducks home game against the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Grucci Fireworks

Connetquot River, Great River

9:00 pm

Grucci fireworks show sponsored by the towns of Great River and Oakdale.

Friday

July 4^th Concert: Denice Given Band

Port Jefferson, NY

9:30 pm

4^th of July concert with a musical performance by Denice Given Band.

July 4^th Celebration

Brookhaven Amphitheatre at Bald Hill, Farmingville

5:30 pm

July Fourth celebration featuring Captain Jack and Uncovered, doors open at noon, concert begins 5:30.

Go 4^th on the Bay

Great South Bay, Great South Bay

9:30 pm

Grucci fireworks displayed from a barge on the mid-bay waters of the Great South Bay.

July 4^th Firework Show

Southampton, NY

9:15 pm

Fresh Air Home’s annual American picnic and firework over Shinnecock Bay on Meadow Lane.

Saturday:

NASCAR Stock Car Racing & Fireworks

Riverhead Raceway, Riverhead

6:00 pm

Miller Lite night featuring 8 cylinder demolition derby, 50 lap Cromarty Cup modifieds (time trials).

For more places to see fireworks with your family this weekend, check out this article in Newsday.

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

The Best Foods for Healthy Teeth

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

One of the best ways to care for your smile is with a healthy diet!  Foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous provide kids with the nutrients they need to keep their teeth strong. 

Are you including any of these healthy food choices in your child’s diet?

Foods for strong teeth:

• Spinach
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Cheese
• Egg Yolks
• Edamame (Soybeans)
• White beans
• Kale
• Apples

A healthy diet is more than just avoiding foods high in sugar.  Eating foods high in the nutrients needed to keep teeth strong can help prevent cavities before they even affect your smile.

For more tips on what foods are best for your kid’s smile, 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: anotherlunch.com via photopin cc

The World Cup: Soccer Safety Tips

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: pixabay.com / stux

Have you been following The World Cup?  It’s no surprise that soccer is considered the most popular sport in the world.  The World Cup is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world (even more than the Olympics)!  During this exciting, fast-paced game, it’s important to keep safety in mind.  If you children play soccer, here are a few ways to keep game time safe.

Soccer Safety Gear:

• Soccer Cleats – The right pair of shoes will reduce your child’s risk of injury.  Make sure their cleats fit properly and are laced up tightly before each game. 
• Shin Guards – A good shin guard should end just before the knee and fit snugly around the ankle.  Have your child bring their soccer socks and cleats with them when you go to buy shin guards.  This will make sure they fit properly.
• Mouthguard – Since soccer is a contact sport, it’s important to protect your teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue.  A mouthguard will help keep your child’s smile safe.  Contact our office for mouthguard recommendations.

Soccer safety is important.  While most injuries are minor, chipped or lost teeth do happen.  If you have any questions about how you can better protect your child’s teeth while they are playing soccer or any other sport, contact our Pediatric Dentistry of Glen Cove and Garden City!  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 and follow us on Twitter for more smile care tips!  You can also check out our YouTube channel.

How to Handle a Tooth Injury

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Prevention is always the best way to keep teeth healthy.  However, we understand that accidents happen.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers a few simple tips to help parents and caretakers prepare for common childhood tooth injuries.

Common Tooth Injuries:

·        Baby Tooth is Knocked Out – Quick action can reduce pain and prevent infection.  Rinse your child’s mouth with water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call your pediatric dentist.  Don’t waste time looking for the tooth, instead just comfort your child. Baby teeth will not be replanted. 

·        Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out – Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water.  Place it back in the socket and hold it there with a piece of clean gauze or a wash cloth until you can get to the dentist.  If you can’t put the tooth back in, place it in a clean container with cold milk.  Don’t put the tooth in water!

·        Chipped Tooth – Have your child rinse their mouth with cold water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.  If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it to the dentist with you.

We remind parents to always take steps to prevent childhood tooth injury.  If your child participates in an activity or sport that puts their smile at risk, make sure that they are wearing a mouth guard.  Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to prevent dental emergencies, as well as care for teeth when they need it most.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Environmentally Friendly Smile Care Tips

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy Earth Day!  Today we are reminded of the close relationship between the environment and our health.  Many of the decisions we make on a daily basis have a big impact on the environment.  By making a few changes to our oral health care routines, we can reduce our environmental impact.

Here are a few ways to make smile care eco-friendly:

• Turn Off The Faucet – According to the EPA, you can save up to 8 gallons of water every day just by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.  That adds up to more than 200 gallons every month – enough to hold a fish tank with 6 small sharks!
• Reuse – We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed.  When it is time for a replacement, try using your old toothbrush!  You can use it to clean grout and appliances or make a toothbrush bracelet!
• Recycle – Gimme 5 is a program that takes #5 plastics and recycles them back into new toothbrushes. These plastics that are not accepted by most recycling facilities can find a new life as a toothbrush! Yogurt cups, Keurig cups, and Chinese food containers are a few common products made from #5 plastics.

If you have any questions about how you can improve your smile care and make your routine more eco-friendly, 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. 

How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Image Source: Pixabay

Accidents happen when you least expect them.  That is why we want parents to be prepared in the event of dental emergency.  These are a few of the common dental problems that affect kids and how you can help relieve pain and stress when they affect your child.

Common Dental Emergencies:

• Knocked-Out Tooth – Call our office right away!  If your child loses an adult tooth, keep the tooth moist at all times.  If you can, try placing the tooth in the socket without touching the tooth root.  You can also place the tooth in milk until you can get to our office. 
• Cracked Tooth – Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area.  A cold compress can help prevent swelling until you get to the office.
• Bitten Tongue or Lip – Almost everyone has accidently bitten their tongue or lip.  Gently clean the area and apply a cold compress to ease swelling.
• Toothache – Have your child rinse their mouth out with warm water and remove any food caught in between the teeth.  If they are still experiencing pain, schedule an appointment to see if tooth decay is the culprit.
• Trapped Food – If food or any other object is stuck in between the teeth, try to gently remove it with floss.

If your child is experiencing any tooth related pain, schedule an appointment at our Garden City or Glen Cove office.  We are happy to help relieve pain and keep kids happy and healthy.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.