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

How will you be spending the last weekend in August?  Get involved in the last summer events on Long Island before the kids head back-to-school!  Here are a few of the fun events happening this weekend.

Weekend Events on LI:

Movies Under the Stars: Rocky
Where: Long Beach Neptune Avenue, Long Beach
When: Saturday, August 29th
Cost: Free
Enjoy the last weekend of August outside with your family!  Watch Rocky under the stars on one of the last few beautiful summer nights.

Puppet Show
Where: Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Tpke, East Meadow
When: Sunday, August 30th at 2PM
Cost: Free
Hudson Vagabond Puppets will present a puppet theater show at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.  This is a perfect event for young children.

Sensory Garden Sundays
Where: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay
When: Sunday, August 30th at 12PM
Cost: Free Admission, $8 Parking
Stroll through the beautiful Planting Field Arboretum with an outdoor educator.  Kids have the opportunity to see, taste, touch, smell and listen in their sensory garden.  This is the last weekend that the program will be running for the summer.

Check out this article for more fun, family-friendly weekend events.

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!

The Importance of Dental Care for Special Needs Children

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Did you know that children with special needs are very susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease and oral trauma?   According to the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, oral health is their number one unmet health need!  

The good news is that dental diseases are preventable!  With good dental care at an early age, your child can enjoy a healthy smile.

At Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove, we offer preventative dental care that benefits all children.

Preventive Dentistry Includes:

• Effective Brushing & Flossing
• Moderate Snacking
• Adequate Fluoride
• Regular Professional Cleanings
• Sealants on Molars

It's especially important that kids with special needs seek regular dental checkups in order to prevent bite issues and teeth crowding.  If your child requires special care during their dental visit, we offer gentle care and if desired, even mild sedation.  We can determine the best method of care for your child's specific health needs, discuss the benefits, limits and risks of that technique with you.  

Read more about the importance of dental care here in Parenting magazine or visit our website to learn more about our care for patients with special needs.

If you have any questions about how to best care for your child's dental needs, 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!

Kid-Friendly Spring Break Snacks

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

It's almost time for Spring Break!  Looking for ideas on how to keep your kids healthy and entertained when they're home from school?  Here are a few fun snack ideas!

Fun Snacks for Spring Break:

• Cheesy Caterpillars - Turn zucchini into a cheesy caterpillar.  Take a medium zucchini and every half inch, slice the zucchini most of the way through, leaving he bottom still connected.  Add olive oil, garlic and onion powder.  Wrap the zucchini in foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.  Add cheese and serve warm!
• Stuffed Strawberries - Looking for a way to encourage your kids to eat healthier?  Strawberries stuffed with cream area a healthy way for kids to add fruits to their diet.  Check out the recipe here.
• Hummus and Crackers - Do your kids love dip?  Hummus is a healthy way to snack.  Have your kids make their own for a fun recipe that they can enjoy on spring break.
• Apple Ladybug Treats - Red apples can be made to look like lady bugs with peanut butter, raisins, and pretzel sticks.  Check out the cute recipe here.

For more fun spring snacks toddlers will love, check out this article from Disney baby.  Just remember to brush afterwards and when possible, limit snacks  to meal times.

If you want to schedule a spring cleaning and exam during spring break, 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!

Happy National Dentist's Day!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Happy National Dentist's Day!

Happy National Dentist's Day!  Today we would like to thank YOU, our wonderful patients,  and their parents. Thanks for visiting our office for your dental health needs!  Here are a few tips to celebrate, while keeping tiny teeth beautiful and healthy.

Tooth Care Tips:

• Brush Twice a Day - We know you hear it often, but it's important to remember to brush twice a day.  This helps keep harmful plaque from staying on your teeth.
• Remember to Floss - Flossing helps you get to those hard-to-reach spots.  Plaque commonly builds up in between your teeth!
• Brush for Two Minutes - Not sure how long you should brush?  Set a timer!  You should brush for two minutes, two times a day.  Find a song or timer that your kids will love to brush to.
• Avoid Snacking All Day - Even healthy snacks can leave residue on teeth.  If your kids do love snacking throughout the day, offer fresh fruit or other whole foods that are better for teeth.

Check out this article for more tooth care tips.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your child's 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!

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!

Tooth Care Tips for the Holiday Season

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Don't let holiday snacking hurt your smile!  With all of the sweets and sugary foods, it can be hard to stay healthy during the holidays.  Here are a few tips to keep your teeth beautiful through the new year.

Holiday Tooth Tips:

• Brush After Meals - It's always important to remember to brush your teeth, but with all of the sugary snacks that kids eat during the holidays, you want to make sure you're getting all of the bacteria off of your teeth!
• Use a New Toothbrush - You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.  The holidays are the perfect time to replace your kid's toothbrush with their favorite character or with a festive themed brush!
• Avoid Snacking - Snacking in between meals can be tempting with candy canes and holiday cookies, but snacking is also bad for your teeth.  If you can, limit sweets to meal time.

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 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!

Tooth Tips for the "Nice" List

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

The holiday season is here!  Have you been "nice" to your teeth this year?  The American Dental Association offers a few tips on how to keep your teeth healthy not just through the holidays, but year round!

Tooth Tips for the Nice List:

• Brush Twice a Day - It's important to remember to brush twice a day to keep bacteria from eating away at your tooth enamel.
• Eat Healthy - Choosing healthy, crunchy snacks like apples and pears help keep your teeth clean.  Try to avoid sticky candies and sugary cookies.
• Avoid Sugary Drinks - Sodas and juices high in sugar are bad for your teeth.  Choose water instead!
• Wear a Mouthguard - If you play a sport for school or for recreation, make sure you wear a mouthguard!  Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums, preventing chips, cracks and lost teeth.
• Schedule a Cleaning - Schedule an appointment at our office for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  This will help make sure that any troublesome spots are caught early on, before they become cavities!

Read this article from Mouth Healthy for more tips on how to care for your teeth through the holidays.

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!

Tooth Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Are you taking advantage of all of the holiday deals?  When you're out holiday shopping this weekend, here are a few tooth-friendly stocking stuffers you might want to grab!

Tooth-Friendly Gifts:

• Xylitol Chewing Gum - Sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva and buffer the acids that damage your teeth after a meal.  Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can even help prevent tooth decay!
• Flavored Tooth Paste - Kids toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, including mint, bubblegum - and even unique flavors like bacon and chocolate!  Choose their favorite flavor!
• Flavored Floss - Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine.  Pick a flavor your child loves to help get them excited about flossing.
• Fun Toothbrush - There are many different character and animal shaped toothbrushes and toothbrush holders.  There are princesses, race cars and superhero-shaped handles!  Electric toothbrushes can light up and play songs too!
• Sports Mouthguard - A mouthguard can help kids who love contact sports like football, socker, basketball, and baseball protect their teeth.  There are plenty of fun color and design options available!

Read this article for more tips on how to celebrate a tooth-friendly holiday season.  

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!

How to Snack Healthy This Holiday Season

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Image Source

Holiday parties and sugary treats can make it hard to stay healthy this time of year.  Here are a few tooth-friendly snack ideas to get you and your family through the holiday season!

Healthy Holiday Snacks:

• Fresh Fruits & Veggies - These make a great snack for the holiday season.  Pick fruits and vegetables that are in season like cranberries and spinach!  They're low in sugar and good for you.
• Nuts - Assorted nuts are full of healthy fats, proteins, and fibers.  
• Smoothies - Can't get enough healthy smoothies?  Try a festive blend with apples, bananas, and cinnamon!
• Whole Grains - Whole-grain muffins and breads are healthier than snacking on cakes and cookies.  Whole grains keep you full longer, too, so kids are less likely to snack throughout the day.

Read this article for more tooth-friendly snack tips for the holidays.  You can even check out a healthier, low-sugar chocolate chip cookie recipe below!

Image Source: Wikipedia Commons

Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup of flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.  Combine dry ingredients, including chocolate chips.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Form dough into balls and place on a cookie sheet about an inch apart.  Bake for six to seven minutes or until slightly browned.  Let cool and enjoy!

Remember to contact our office with any questions you have about your child's oral health this holiday season. 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!

Recommended First Visit to the Dentist

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Dr. Stacey and Dr. Cece of Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City and Glen Cove believe in a preventive approach, and recommend that your child's first visit to the dentist should happen when they are 1 year old. Our child-friendly office caters to all of your needs, including infants, toddlers, adolescents, and special needs patients. 

For more information, please visit us on the web!

Visit us at both of our convenient Long Island locations:
Garden City - 585 Stewart Avenue Suite LL60, Garden City, NY 11530 
and
Glen Cove - 10 Cedar Swamp Road Suite 2, Glen Cove, NY 11542

Add us on:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PediatricDen...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LIPedDentistry
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/1156021665068...

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.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Photo Source: Wikimedia

Having a hard time getting your kids to brush their teeth?  Try using an electric toothbrush!  Fun characters, colors, and shapes are just a few of the reasons why they are a great choice for kids.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes:

•  Provides a Thorough Cleaning – Electric toothbrushes are a great way to get to hard-to-reach areas, including the molars and the gum line!
• Keeps Kids From Brushing Too Hard – Brushing too hard can actually injure your gums and enamel.  Electric toothbrushes provide the perfect amount of pressure.  Some even have sensors that reduce the power if you start brushing too hard.
• Easy To Grip – Since electric toothbrushes have larger handles, they are easier for kids who are developing motor skills to grip.
• Keeps Track of Time – You should be spending 2 minutes brushing your teeth twice a day.  Some electric toothbrushes come with timers that let you know when your 2 minutes are up.
• Reduces Environmental Impact – According to some experts, electric toothbrushes are a greener choice.  It can take between 14 and 42 toothbrush replacement heads to equal the amount of plastic used to make one manual toothbrush!

Read this article for more electric toothbrush benefits and tips on how to help your kids brush better.

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. 

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. 

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

Safe Teething Treatments for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Parents might be tempted to soothe a teething baby by rubbing medication on the gums.  However, the FDA warns that prescription drugs are not safe for treating teething infants.  These safer alternatives are a far better choice!

Safe Teething Treatments:

• Gently massage the gums with your finger.
• Give your child a cool teething ring.
• Let them chew on a cool, wet washcloth.

Cool objects act like a mild local anesthetic.  The cool temperature soothes the gums by dulling the nerves that transmit pain.  This is a great alternative to help sooth your teething baby.  However, you should always have adult supervision to make sure that they don’t accidently choke on the teething ring or wash cloth. 

The FDA reminds parents that drugs such as viscous lidocaine or benzocaine are not safe for treating teething in young children.  Small children can easily overdose when given medications to ease the pain of teething.  You should never use medications except for when they are prescribed by a professional.  Read more about the FDA recommendations on their webpage.

Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to care for your teething tot.  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: Ryan Dickey via photopin cc