A Special Mission in the Community

At Paper Planes Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that great smiles start long before a child sits in the dental chair. That’s why Dr. Christopher Pae recently embarked on a special mission, visiting schools right here in Garden City, New York and the surrounding Nassau County communities to teach kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth.

From interactive lessons on brushing and flossing to fun conversations about what happens at a pediatric dental checkup, Dr. Pae brought his signature warmth and energy to classrooms across Garden City, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, and beyond. The goal was simple: make dental hygiene exciting, approachable, and something kids actually want to do.

Dr. Pae’s School District Tour

This spring, Dr. Pae visited six elementary schools in the Elmont Union Free School District: Alden Terrace School, Stewart Manor School, Clara H. Carlson School, Covert Avenue School, Dutch Broadway School, and Gotham Avenue School in Elmont, NY.

The tour kicked off on May 19 with back-to-back visits to Alden Terrace and Stewart Manor School, followed by Clara H. Carlson School on May 26. In June, Dr. Pae stopped by Covert Avenue School on June 2 (fittingly, our office sits right on Covert Ave!), then wrapped up the season on June 23 with Dutch Broadway and Gotham Avenue. At every stop, students got a hands-on lesson in brushing, flossing, and what really happens at the dentist.

A huge thank you to the principals, teachers, and staff of the Elmont School District for welcoming us into their classrooms. Partnering with local schools is one of our favorite ways to support children’s dental health in Elmont and across Nassau County.

What the Kids Learned

Dr. Pae’s school presentations covered the basics every child needs to know to keep their smile healthy and strong. He walked students through the “why” behind brushing, showed them proper technique, and answered all of their curious (and sometimes hilarious) questions about teeth.

Topics included:

• Why we brush twice a day and what happens when we skip
• The right way to brush: small circles, gentle pressure, and don’t forget the back teeth!
• Why flossing matters, even for baby teeth
• How sugary snacks and drinks affect our teeth
• What a visit to the pediatric dentist actually looks like (spoiler: it’s not scary!)

The kids were engaged, excited, and full of energy. It was exactly the kind of connection Dr. Pae envisioned when he founded Paper Planes Pediatric Dentistry, building relationships with families and children in the Garden City area that go far beyond the dental chair.

Dental Hygiene Tips for Kids (and Parents!)

Whether your child attended one of Dr. Pae’s school visits or not, here are the top tips he shared with students across Nassau County to keep those smiles shining bright:

1. Brush Twice a Day for Two Minutes

Morning and night, every single day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Pro tip: play a favorite song to make those two minutes fly by!

2. Don’t Skip the Floss

Flossing removes food and plaque from between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Kids should start flossing as soon as two teeth touch. Parents, help your little ones until they can tie their own shoes, that’s a good rule of thumb for when they can floss on their own.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is your teeth’s best friend. It rinses away food particles and helps keep your mouth clean between brushings. Swap out sugary juices and sodas for water whenever possible.

4. Eat Teeth-Friendly Snacks

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are natural tooth cleaners. Cheese and yogurt are also great choices because they’re packed with calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel.

5. Visit Your Pediatric Dentist Every Six Months

Regular checkups help catch small issues before they become big ones. Preventive care like fluoride treatments and sealants can protect growing smiles for years to come. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Garden City, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Mineola, Westbury, Roslyn, or Hempstead, Paper Planes Pediatric Dentistry is here for your family.

6. Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Frayed bristles don’t clean well. Swap out your toothbrush (or brush head) every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to look worn.

7. Make It Fun!

Let your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste flavor. Use a timer or a brushing app. Celebrate brushing milestones. When dental care feels like an adventure instead of a chore, kids are far more likely to stick with it.

A Big Thank You to Our Little Friends

We saved the best part for last. After his school visits, Dr. Pae received the most heartwarming surprise: handmade cards and letters from the students he visited! The kids drew pictures of paper planes, toothbrushes, bright smiles, and so much more. Some wrote thank-you notes, and others drew their version of what a trip to the dentist looks like (we’re happy to report, lots of smiley faces!).

To every student who made a card: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your creativity and kindness made our entire team smile. Dr. Pae has proudly displayed your cards in the office at Paper Planes Pediatric Dentistry, and they brighten up our day every single time we see them. You are all first-class passengers in our book!

About Paper Planes Pediatric Dentistry

Paper Planes Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dental practice located at 110 Covert Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, proudly serving families across Garden City, Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Mineola, Roslyn, Westbury, Hempstead, and all of Nassau County, Long Island.

Founded by Dr. Christopher Pae, a board-certified pediatric dentist, Paper Planes was built on the belief that every child’s dental visit should be warm, encouraging, and genuinely fun. From preventive care and fluoride treatments to sedation dentistry and special needs support, Dr. Pae and his team provide comprehensive pediatric dental services in a colorful, anxiety-friendly environment designed to put both kids and parents at ease.

We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and offer an in-office membership plan for families without coverage.