Preparing Your Child for the Dentist

It is normal for children to feel uneasy about visiting the dentist. That’s why we have partnered with Mimi the Hippo. Mimi helps kids practice for their dental visit before they even step in the door!

How it works:

• Go to www.mimithehippo.com/install to download our free walk-through app.

• Use code 200701 for access.

• Once it’s downloaded, “walk” through the office with your child. Mimi will show you what to do!

Children's Dental Health Month

February is Children's Dental Health Month! To celebrate we'll be sharing free activities and informational articles throughout the month.  

Free Printables

Let's make brushing fun! Please print these activities and share them with your kids, grandkids, students, etc. 

Brushing Calendar

Connect the Dots

Coloring Sheet

Crossword

Source: American Dental Association

5 Tips for Dealing with Children's Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma can be scary, but you can help your child through it with a little knowledge.

Follow these steps if a tooth falls out:

1. Stay calm. As you know, children look at their parents' reaction when they're scared. If you freak out, they freak out. 
    
2. Is the tooth a baby tooth or a permanent tooth? If it's a permanent tooth, rinse the tooth with water and put it back in the socket. If it's a baby tooth, leave the tooth out and seek help from your dentist. 
    
3. Grab some low fat milk. If you're not comfortable putting the permanent tooth in, rinse it with water and place it in a clean container with cold skim milk. Studies show lower fat content in the milk is preferable.
    
4. Seek help from a dentist as soon as possible (within 30 to 60 minutes is best). 
    
5. Emergency on the weekend or after hours? Call us at (507) 258-3300 and leave a message. We'll call you back ASAP.

Accidents happen. Remember to stay calm and save some skim milk in the fridge, just in case. ;-)

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Appointment

What to expect at your child's first dental visit?

Dr. Penz will examine your child's teeth, gums, and mouth. His goal is to help maintain good oral health and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and treating them as soon as possible.

When should I bring my child for the first dental visit?

The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that the first dental visit should occur within six months after the baby's first tooth appears, but no later than the child's first birthday.

Sometimes children are nervous or don't want to open like Sophie in this picture. That's okay and perfectly normal. We say a lot of "ahhhh" during those appointments! ;)

How to Care for Your Children's Dental Health

February is Children’s Dental Health Month

The health of your child’s baby teeth is important to us at Penz Dental Care! Baby teeth help your child eat healthy foods, maintain space for the permanent teeth, and help them talk and smile. 

Tips for caring for your child's smile:

1. Never put baby to bed with a bottle. Prolonged exposure to sugars, especially at night when saliva flow is decreased, creates an environment for cavities to develop.
    
2. Be careful of foods that appear healthy but are really sticky and high in sugar. Examples include raisins, dried fruit, whole grain crackers, and granola bars. A balanced diet from a variety of food groups and limit snacking between mealtimes can help protect their teeth from decay.
    
3. Bring your child to the dentist before his or her first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children to be seen by a dentist once their first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthday. During this visit, we check for cavities and development, as well as discuss how to care for your child's teeth. It should be a fun, positive experience and a great way for your child to get comfortable seeing the dentist!
    
4. Help your children brush their teeth two times per day. For older children who like to brush themselves, make sure you check for completeness. Fluoride toothpaste should be used as soon as the first tooth comes in. A smear or “grain of rice” amount of toothpaste is appropriate until the age of three, then use a pea size amount from ages 3-6 years old.

Follow these tips and your child will be on track for lifelong dental health!