Starting April 5, Penz Dental Care will begin seeing patients on Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Starting April 5, Penz Dental Care will begin seeing patients on Thursdays from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Fun Fact: Did you know the average three-year-old has 20 teeth? Dr. Penz visited his daughter’s preschool class to talk about this and other fun facts for Children’s Dental Health Month. Dr. Penz discussed brushing and flossing, healthy foods for teeth (and not so healthy foods) , and going to the dentist.
Making dental health fun is important—thanks for all of the work that you do as parents and teachers to keep kids interested and healthy!
Source: American Dental Association
Many parents across the country will issue a common refrain at dinnertime tonight: “You’d better eat that―it’s good for you!” There’s another old favorite in the parental arsenal of dietary admonitions: “Don’t eat that—it’ll rot your teeth!”
Now more than ever, kids are faced with a bewildering array of food choices ― from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health.
Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before. It’s clear that junk foods and drinks gradually have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. For example, the average teenage boy in the U.S. consumes 81 gallons of soft drinks each year! Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include ―grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks.
When sugar is consumed over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth. Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids.
February is Children's Dental Health Month! To celebrate we'll be sharing free activities and informational articles throughout the month.
Let's make brushing fun! Please print these activities and share them with your kids, grandkids, students, etc.
Source: American Dental Association
We saw our first patients at Penz Dental Care on September 13, 2016. As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and thank those who have been along for the ride.
Eight-month-old Lucy's first teeth are in, which means she gets to take a seat in the dental chair!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Dental Association recommend a child's first dental visit should occur within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than the child's first birthday. More about what to expect at your child's first dental appointment in this post.
We offer complimentary first dental exams for children under three years of age. Schedule your child's appointment today: call (507) 258-3300 or fill out this form.
An athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard (American Dental Association)?
A custom made mouthguard is much less expensive than treatment for a sports related dental injury, which could cost thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the patient.
Join us on Tuesday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m. as we talk about sports injuries and how to prevent them. We'll be LIVE with Becky Montpetit, owner of Rochester MN Moms Blog, on their Facebook page. Plus, one lucky follower will WIN a custom made athletic mouthguard!
Accidents happen. Remember to stay calm and save some skim milk in the fridge, just in case. ;-)
Hello everyone! I recently attended the annual meeting for the Academy for Sports Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. It's an event that I have wanted to attend for years. Being a former high school and collegiate-level athlete, sports have always interested me. Now that I've turned in my cleats for a dental drill, caring for athletes' dental health is a natural fit.
Do you have questions about how to care for your teeth while playing sports? Ask me about a fully customized mouthguard, acidic beverages, or tooth trauma. I'm happy to help!
-Dr. Penz
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! ;)
Penz Dental Care is recruiting energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented people. Join Dr. Matt Penz to create an environment that focuses on quality patient care, top-notch service, building relationships with our patients and community, and of course fun!
OPENINGS INCLUDE:
Seeking energetic, hard-working, detail-oriented dental assistant to join our general dental office. Candidates must be professional, organized, positive, and possess extraordinary interpersonal skills. Must be a team player with a willingness to jump in and help wherever needed.
Penz Dental Care offers a positive work environment with modern technology, equipment, and decor in a convenient 2nd Street SW location. We have digital x-rays and charting with Open Dental software. Patient comfort is a top priority--patients can enjoy our massaging dental chairs and under-knee pillows while receiving a variety of dental services.
Position includes competitive wages, dental benefits, and paid holidays. Approximately 25 hours per week with option to add hours in the future.
To be a part of our growing practice, please send your resume and cover letter describing why you are interested to kate@penzdentalcare.com by Wednesday, June 7. Please note that all inquiries are confidential. Thanks!
Youthful, patient-focused dentist Dr. Matt Penz has come home to Rochester to make his mark on the community. Penz and his wife, Kate, are sticking to their identity and core values and working to build their new practice, Penz Dental Care, patient by patient.
Every aspect of Penz Dental Care hinges around relationships and building trust in the community. It starts with the office itself. “I wanted people to feel like they were coming into a comfortable, homey, friendly environment,” Penz explained.
When walking into the Penz Dental Care office along 2nd Street SW, visitors are greeted with a cheery, bright blue and white waiting room with refurbished wood paneling and the Penz modern, tooth-like logo emblazoned on the wall. Plump couches, coffee, and HGTV help to mitigate any dental anxiety patients may be experiencing. Kate Penz herself mans the front desk and is the first point of contact. There are even massaging dental chairs to set the practice apart and help put patients’ minds at ease.
Penz says that dentistry is a very personal craft. He and his wife strive to make real human connections with their patients. “I didn’t want patients to feel like a number,” he explained.