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dr roger with child paitent

Why Preventive Dentistry is the Best Dentistry for Kids!

By Community, Kids Dentistry

dr roger with child paitentThe best way to set your kids up for good oral health is to teach them positive habits from a young age. As pediatric dentists in Central Park, the doctors at Kids Mile High are dedicated to educating youngsters on how to take care of their teeth now so they don’t run into problems in the future. After all, it’s way easier to stop a problem from occurring than it is to fix it after it happens. That’s why, when it comes to dentistry for kids, preventive dentistry is the best option.

At our orthodontic offices in Englewood, Central Park and Thornton, preventive dentistry is one of our core focuses. Dr. Paddy and the team believe that good oral hygiene and regular visits with a pediatric dentist will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth. If you’re not sure what exactly preventive dentistry is, read on and then book your child’s next appointment. We’re sure you’ll be convinced that preventive dentistry will protect your kids’ teeth from intervention down the line.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry refers to the steps you take to care of your teeth to keep them strong and healthy. Taking preventive measures helps you avoid oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, enamel decay and more. Preventive dentistry isn’t just important for adults. In fact, the earlier you start being proactive about your dental health, the better, so it’s important to get your kids started as soon as possible. The problem is it can be hard to motivate kids to brush, floss and get excited about visiting the dentist regularly. That’s where your pediatric dentist comes in: he or she will help your child understand how practicing healthy habits today will mean less dentist visits in the long run.

So what exactly does preventive dentistry entail? Lots of things! There are so many ways to protect your kids’ teeth from problems before they even begin, starting with regular check-ups. In a routine check-up, Dr. Paddy, Dr. Owens or Dr. Castro will examine your child’s teeth, gums and jaw, and a dental hygienist will clean their teeth to get rid of any plaque build-up. Another aspect of preventive dentistry is fluoride treatments. Fluoride will keep your kids’ teeth super strong and help prevent the deterioration of their enamel. You can also ask your pediatric dentist about getting a BPA-free dental sealant to protect teeth from harmful bacteria and oral acid.

While check-ups are incredibly useful and important for keeping your teeth healthy, preventive dentistry really happens at home. Kids Mile High will teach your kids how to maintain their strong smile every day, but it’s up to parents to keep track of their kids’ dental hygiene when they’re not in the dentist chair. This is what your kids (and you!) should do to take care of their teeth:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss once daily
  • Avoid sugary, unhealthy foods
  • Visit their pediatric dentist twice a year for a check-up
  • Ask Dr. Paddy, Dr. Castro and Dr. Owens about dental sealants

How Your Kids Will Benefit from Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is beneficial for literally everyone (or at least, anyone with teeth!), but it’s most effective for kids. That’s because their teeth are still developing and haven’t been exposed to as many harmful things. By taking preventive measures before they get their adult teeth, you’ll ensure their permanent teeth come in strong, healthy and beautiful.

Being proactive about dental hygiene will also reduce the need for intervention in the future. If your kids are brushing and flossing regularly, they’re less likely to develop gum disease. If they’re avoiding sugary treats, they won’t need as many fillings. If they keep up with regular check-ups and receive fluoride or sealant treatments, they won’t suffer from as much enamel wear. Don’t get us wrong, we love to see your children’s smiling faces at Kids Mile High. But the less they need to see us outside of routine visits, the better!

As much as your kids will benefit from preventive dentistry, parents will too. When your kids practice proper oral care, it means less dollars you have to spend on treatment down the line. So take the time to educate your kids and encourage them to take good care of their teeth. And if problems do arise, don’t stress. Just call your favorite pediatric dentists in Denver and we’ll get your child’s teeth back on track for lifelong health.

kids-mile-high-thornton-co

Kids Mile High is Now Offering Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Thornton, CO

By Community

kids-mile-high-thornton-coWhat’s better than two Kids Mile High offices? Three! Dr. Paddy Smithwick, Dr. Roger Castro and the newest member of the Kids Mile High family, Dr. Justin Owens, will be bringing the fun and the healthy smiles to a brand new, third location! That’s right, Kids Mile High at Thornton is officially open and offering pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in Thornton, CO! Our patients now have three awesome locations to choose from and, of course, they’ll continue to receive the same family-centered care we pride ourselves on.

As you may know, Dr. Paddy and Dr. Roger are board-certified pediatric dentists. That means, they went to dental school (they were actually classmates!) and then completed additional specialty training in treating infants, children, and teens, including those with special healthcare needs. They focus on preventative care and take a high-tech approach to make check-ups and treatments a breeze for parents and children alike. They’re also well-versed in behavioral techniques and child development, allowing them to speak to kids on their level and make them feel safe and secure at appointments.

Dr. Justin Owens has joined Dr. Paddy and Dr. Roger to offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment, including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign Teen. As a certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (using appliances to direct jaw and facial growth), he has the training and knowledge to give kids functional bites and beautiful smiles. He too relies on modern technology and techniques for faster, more comfortable treatments and amazing results.

Our Thornton location is a brand new, state-of-the-art office designed with patient comfort and enjoyment in mind. Hang out in our super fun reception area, play sports in the office and take part in our awesome contests and giveaways. We created this light-filled, beautiful space because we believe being in that kind of environment is inspiring and makes kids feel confident and beautiful themselves! We treat kids as if they were our own and you can rest assured they’ll have a blast while receiving the highest standard of care.

We think every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, deserves to have access to outstanding dental and orthodontic care in a respectful environment. That’s why we make treatment work for all of the families that visit us and accept most insurances, including Medicaid. By offering a full range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services under one roof (well, three roofs actually), you can skip the referrals and appointments at multiple practices. We can be by your child’s side during their entire smile journey from birth through adolescence.

We’re beyond thrilled to get to know the Thornton community. We look forward to continuing to give our patients sparkling, cavity-free pearly whites in Central Park and Englewood and spreading the healthy grins to our new patients! If you’re looking for a family-friendly, trusted Thornton, CO pediatric dentist or orthodontist, schedule a visit at Kids Mile High!

father and child making snow angel

Our 2nd Guide to the Best Winter Activities for Kids in Denver, Thornton and Englewood, CO

By Community

father and child making snow angelDr. Paddy, Dr. Roger, and Dr. Owens all absolutely love winter. Maybe it’s this shared love of winter and healthy smiles that makes them such a great team. Being the snow aficionados they are and the fact that they spend their days hanging out with kiddos and families, they have the scoop on all of the awesome winter activities for kids in Denver, Thornton and Englewood, CO. After our last guide turned out to be a hit, the team here at Kids Mile High put together a second one to keep your family busy throughout the cold weather months. The best part? Everything on this list is either affordable or absolutely free!

  • Ice Skating at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park – Skyline Park, Arapahoe Street, Between 16th and 17th Streets, Denver – Ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink is one of the most anticipated winter activities for kids in Denver each year. Presented by Capital One, the rink is open seven days a week from the end of November through February 3 and entry is free! You’re also allowed to bring your own skates. If you don’t own a pair, skate rentals are $6 for kids 12 and under and $8 for skaters 13 and older. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 12n to 5pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 10pm and Sunday, 11am to 6pm. To really take the fun up a notch, head to the rink on Friday nights between 7 and 9pm and skate to the tunes of a Denver DJ.
  • Retro Game Day – Englewood Public Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway, Englewood, CO – The Public Library is a source of tons of free Englewood kids’ activities, as well as things to do with the whole family. On Sundays through April, enjoy a little friendly competition and keep warm at Retro Game Day. The library sets out board games on the tables between 1 and 5pm. All ages are welcome to play and no registration is required.
  • City of Thornton Youth & Teen Nights – Thornton Community Center, 2211 Eppinger Boulevard, Thornton, CO – The Youth Council dreams up outstanding Thornton activities for teens, including Youth & Teen Nights.  Each event features an activity or theme that provides safe and supervised fun for kids ages 10 through 17. This winter and spring, events will be held on Saturdays, January 19, February 16, March 16 and April 13 from 6:30 to 10pm. Admission is $2.50.
  • Kindness Club – Sam Gary Branch Library, 2961 Roslyn Street, Central Park, Denver – I don’t know if we’ve ever heard of a sweeter Central Park activity for kids, teens and grown-ups than the Kindness Club. The group’s goal is to promote kindness through simple acts and it’s open to ages birth to 100 (though we bet they’ll let you in you’re 101). Kids have to be accompanied by an adult. On Tuesday, February 5 from 4 to 5:30pm, in preparation for Random Acts of Kindness Week, the inter-generational club will create bookmarks to hide in library books. You can also make an official Kindness Club member button. If you can’t make that session, the group meets again on Tuesday, March 5 from 4 to 5:30pm to focus on kindness to our feathered friends. Do something nice for others and make friends and meet neighbors in the process!
  • Family Classics Film Series – The Cube – 8371 E. Northfield Blvd, Central Park, Denver – If you’re looking for indoor winter activities for kids in Denver, cozy up at the Family Classics Film Series at the Cube. Each month, from January through March, the Central Park MCA will host a family-friendly film. Events begin at 7pm and admission is $5 per person. Before the movie, Dr. Vincent Piturro will lead an educational discussion. Residents can bring their resident card to receive a $4 credit at the concession stand, which will serve up soda, beer, wine and popcorn. On Friday, February 22 watch Mary Poppins and on Friday, March 1 catch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
  • Hit the Slopes at Ruby Hill Terrain Park – Ruby Hill Rail Yard, 1200 W. Florida Avenue, Denver – When it comes to free things to do with kids in Denver during the winter, it doesn’t get much more awesome than Ruby Hill Rail Yard, which was the first free urban terrain park in the entire country. The Ruby Hill Rail Yard opens in January each year when the artificial snow is blown and lasts until the snow melts – usually six to eight weeks. The park is made possible thanks to Winter Park Resort, volunteers and Denver Parks and Recreation. The park is free and open to the public from 5am to 9pm with eight boxes and rails featured in beginner, intermediate and advanced configurations for skiers and snowboarders of all ages.
  • Home Depot Kids’ Workshops – 16420 Washington Street, Thornton, CO –Home Depot’s monthly workshops are one of our favorite free things to do with kids in Thornton, CO because they offer hands-on fun. Kids get to make a craft, which they can keep, and they receive a certificate of achievement, an apron and a pin while supplies last. Up next is a heart candy box workshop on Saturday, February 2. Stop by between 9am to 12n and you and your child will get to build a heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day and then customize it with paint and stickers. All child attendees must be accompanied by an adult. Register here.
  • Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days – Various Locations, Denver, CO – A variety of museums and cultural organizations offer free admission on select days throughout the year, including in winter, thanks to SCFD Free Days. The initiative is partly funded by the residents of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson Counties through the SCFD 0.1% sales and use tax. This year, attend free days at the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver, Chatfield Farms and Plains Conservation Center), Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Zoo. 

If getting your child’s smile in tip-top shape is also on your agenda this winter, schedule an appointment at Kids Mile High!

Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids that will Strengthen Their Smile

Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids that will Strengthen Their Smile

By Community

Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids that will Strengthen Their Smile

Summer is flying by! Maybe it’s because we’ve been so busy hanging out with our patients, making little smiles sparkle and soaking up the sunshine that August really snuck up us on here at Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry. That means, pretty soon, the kiddos will be heading back to school and parents’ schedules will be jam packed again. When you’re busy juggling a zillion things, dreaming up healthy snack ideas for kids that they’ll actually like can seem like an impossible task. Your favorite Englewood and Central Park pediatric dentists, Dr. Paddy and Dr. Roger, are here to take that off your to-do list. We’re sharing some great snacks for kids that include foods that are good for your teeth too. Just remember, it’s best for children to snack in moderation since frequent snacking can increase the risk of cavities. Stick with nutrient-dense choices that will carry them through to their next meal. Here are some of our favorites:

1.  Baked Sweet Potato Fries – You can come up with a ton of inspiration for after school snacks by putting a healthy twist on some of kids’ favorite foods. In this case, French fries. Instead of the greasy, fried variety, try baked sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes promote gum health because they have vitamin C, which may help kill bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis and also ensures a healthy supply of collagen in gum tissue. Since sweet potatoes aren’t as acidic as citrus fruit, they give kids this necessary nutrient without weakening the tooth enamel.

Ingredients (4 Servings):

  • Four sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Dash of paprika, optional

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  2. Cut your sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut the halves into wedges about one-inch wide.
  3. Place the sweet potato wedges in a large mixing bowl and add the olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika if you’re using it. Toss to coat.
  4. Put the wedges on a roasting pan or a lightly greased baking sheet
  5. Bake until the potatoes are soft, about 25 minutes, turning once.
  6. Take potatoes off the pan and, if needed, season with more salt and pepper.
  7. Let them cool just a bit and serve warm.

2.  Pita Bread Pizza Genius Kitchen is home to an endless array of healthy snack ideas for kids, including this one for pita bread pizza. It’s simple, filling and, most importantly, tasty. These baked, portable pizzas consist of pita bread topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, spices and olive oil. We’d suggest sprinkling veggies, such as roasted broccoli or sautéed peppers, on top and using whole grain pita bread for more nutritional value. The mozzarella cheese has calcium, which helps replace the minerals teeth lose on a daily basis and strengthens the enamel, as well as the bones that support the teeth. If you opt for whole grain pita bread, it will benefit your child’s gums too. Whole grains are thought to lower the risk of gum disease.

3.  Crunchy Cinnamon Chickpeas – Roasted chickpeas are one of our favorite healthy snacks for kids on the go. The unassuming little legumes are actually nutritional powerhouses. Chickpeas have protein, folic acid, calcium, iron and magnesium. Folic acid stimulates cell growth from head to toe, which is essential for the whole body, the mouth included. Calcium makes the enamel and jaw bone strong. Magnesium is another mineral needed to give little teeth enamel of steel! Pack these crunchy chickpeas up for some healthy snack for kids at school or when they’re on the move.

Ingredients (4 Servings):

  • 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed and thoroughly dried
  • 1 tablespoon of a neutral oil (avocado oil is a good choice)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of honey or agave

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. After rinsing your chickpeas, roll them in a clean towel to dry them. If you have time, you can also let them air dry for 30 minutes on the towel. Some people swear by removing the skin for maximum crispiness but the choice is yours!
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the chickpeas with the oil and sea salt. DON’T add the other spices yet.
  4. Arrange the chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes or so. When they’re done, they’ll be golden brown and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.
  5. Remove your chickpeas from the oven and toss them with the honey or agave and cinnamon.
  6. Let the chickpeas cool for about 10 minutes. They’ll get crispier as they cool.

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4.  Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats in Mason Jars – Overnight oats aren’t just for breakfast. Stock a few extra jars in your fridge for healthy after school snacks. This version contains whole grains in the form of oats, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, banana and peanut butter. Your kiddo will get protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and other essential vitamins and minerals. Yogurt and milk are foods that strengthen kids’ teeth. They reduce the acid levels in the mouth, lowering the risk of decay. The calcium and vitamin D also strengthen the bones that support the teeth and keep enamel strong. Whole grains, like oatmeal, are thought to lower the risk of gum disease.

If your child doesn’t eat dairy, you can leave out the yogurt in this recipe and replace the milk with an alternative like soy milk or almond milk. Add an extra splash of your non-dairy milk to make up for the moisture the yogurt would have provided.

Ingredients (1 Serving):

  • 1/4 cup of old-fashioned, rolled oats (can also use gluten-free oats)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter or a nut-free alternative like SunButter
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • ½ of a banana, sliced

Directions:

  1. Put all of the ingredients, except for the banana in a mason jar.
  2. Mix really well or put the lid on and shake it.
  3. For less mushy banana slices, add the banana before serving. If you don’t mind softer bananas, gently fold the banana slices in before putting it in the fridge.
  4. Put the lid on and keep the jar in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight.
  5. Mix and eat up!

5.  Cucumber Hummus Cups – We stumbled across this genius recipe from the blog My Kids Lick the Bowl. Stacey, the mom behind the blog, cuts cucumbers into thick slices and scoops out most of the middle with a melon ball scooper to make a little cup. She stuffs the cucumber cups with hummus and pops pretzel sticks in them for good measure. Voila. One of the best healthy snack ideas for kids we’ve seen and you can pull it together in minutes. See the full instructions here. Cucumbers are packed with water and water rinses away food debris and plaque in the mouth. They’re also crunchy and chewing on crunchy, fresh veggies stimulates saliva production. Saliva has minerals in it that neutralize cavity-causing plaque acids. Hummus is made with chickpeas, which, as we discussed, have folic acid, protein, magnesium and calcium, all vitamins that help keep kids’ teeth healthy.

6.  Fruit and Veggie Spring Rolls – For a fun take on spring rolls, try stuffing them with smile-friendly foods like raw apples, baby spinach, strawberries, shredded carrots and mango. Since they’re finger food, these fruity spring rolls are amazing healthy snacks for kids on the go. Apples and carrots are nature’s toothbrushes, scraping away plaque as little ones munch on them. Leafy greens like spinach have essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen the teeth and gums, while fruits, such as strawberries and mango, contain the vitamin C gums love. This recipe is adapted from one created by Gemma Stafford of Bigger Bolder Baking.

Ingredients (8 Servings):

  • 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 8 strawberries, sliced
  • 1 medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped into matchsticks
  • 1 mango, peeled and chopped into matchsticks
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Lemon juice
  • 8 rice paper wraps

Directions:

  1. Prepare fruits and veggies. Be sure to squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chopped apples to prevent them from turning brown.
  2. Add warm water to a large pot or bowl. Soak the rice paper wraps one at a time in the water for about 20 seconds. The wrap should be pliable and a little sticky but still a bit firm. Put the rice paper down on a flat surface with the smooth side facing down. Place a little bit of the filling towards the center of the bottom third of the rice paper. Bring the bottom edge up and over the fruits and veggies. Fold in both sides. While using your fingers to keep the filling tight and towards the center of the roll, firmly roll the entire paper up like you’re rolling a burrito.
  3. Serve alone or with the dipping sauce of your choice.

These healthy snack ideas for kids are simple to make, delicious and contain foods that strengthen teeth. While a well-balanced diet is part of any plan for awesome oral health, brushing and flossing like a champ and going for regular visits to a pediatric dentist are also keys to keeping children’s smiles healthy and bright. Looking for a fun, high-tech pediatric dentist in Englewood or Central Park? Schedule an appointment at Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry today!

Denver Kids Charities

7 Englewood and Denver Charities to Get Your Kids Involved With This Summer

By Community

Denver Kids Charities

One of our core values at Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry is making our community and the world a better place. As Englewood and Central Park pediatric dentists, Dr. Paddy and Dr. Castro try their very best to bring smiles to the areas where they work and live (though Dr. Paddy has been known to take his efforts around the globe by leading outreach missions in Central America). They’re both active in helping the underserved in Denver and Dr. Paddy donates his time and teeth skills to Give Kids a Smile and KIND (Kids in Need of Dentistry) as well. You’re never too young to discover the importance of helping those in need, which is why we think teaching kids about giving back by involving them in some summer volunteering experiences is an amazing idea. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up a few Englewood and Denver charities and volunteer opportunities for kids and teens.

1. Phamaly Theatre Company

Denver Metro Area – Phamaly Theatre Company is amazing. They produce professional level live plays and musicals featuring only performers with disabilities. To continue to do their work, they rely on hundreds of volunteers each season who do everything from working as ushers to helping backstage. This could be an excellent summer volunteer opportunity for kids in Denver and the surrounding metro area as they accept volunteers of all ages who want to promote inclusion and disability awareness. Fill out a volunteer application or check out the details of their volunteer program.

2. The Urban Farm at Central Park

Central Park, Denver – The Urban Farm at Central Park (10200 Smith Road) is a Denver non-profit organization dedicated to educating people on horses, caring for farm animals and horticulture in a farm setting. It’s such a cool place to get a country vibe in the city. It’s also a source of some fun opportunities for volunteering in Central Park for kids and teens (it’s not too far for our Englewood patients either!). Minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian but that just means it’s a great excuse for the whole family to get involved. Water the animals, clean up around the playhouse, muck out animal pens, weed flower beds or do some general farm chores. To complete a volunteer application, learn more about your options and check the schedule for volunteer orientations, visit the Urban Farm site.

3. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver

Metro Denver – Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver is among the most well-known Denver charities and it’s an awesome place to volunteer as a family in Denver and the surrounding area. They have a whole page dedicated to youth and student volunteer opportunities. Older teens can participate in the actual construction of a house for a family in need, while kids under 14 can do all sorts of things like bring lunch to the volunteers, organize a tool or donation drive, make a welcome gift for a Habitat family or build planters to give to the family during the dedication ceremony (they can tour the finished home too!). Check out the details.

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4. The City of Englewood

Englewood – While it’s not technically on the list of charities in Englewood, Colorado, the City of Englewood offers plenty of volunteer opportunities for kids and teens, including assisting at community events and things like park cleanups. Fill out a volunteer application and email it to volunteer@englewoodco.gov, fax it to (303) 762-2688 or mail it or drop it off at the Englewood Recreation Center, Attn: Debby Severa, 1115 W. Oxford Avenue, Englewood, CO 80110. The City also participates in the Neighborhood Rehab Project (also known as Be a Tool) where participants help neighbors in need with home improvement projects during a day of service, which is scheduled in early September this year. Find out more and sign-up at beatool.org.

5. Volunteers of America Colorado Branch Youth Volunteer Program

Denver – Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit organization with more than 30 human services programs around the state of Colorado, running the gamut from housing to healthcare, that help upward of 200,000 members of Colorado’s most vulnerable populations. For Denver charity work for kids and teens this summer, look no further than the Youth Volunteer Program geared towards ages 11 through 17. Kids can help at Head Start schools or work with the homeless, homebound seniors and more. Fill out a volunteer form to get started.

6. Freedom Service Dogs of America

Englewood – Freedom Service Dogs is an organization that transforms shelter dogs into trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities, including children, veterans and active duty military with autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and post traumatic stress disorder. They have opportunities for Englewood summer charity work for teens after they go through the Dog Care and Enrichment Training. Kids between 12- and 15-years-old can volunteer on-site (7193 S. Dillon Street) with an adult. The grown-up has to control the leash but the kiddo can play with the dog in the play yard. Teenagers ages 16 and up can volunteer on their own. While volunteers don’t get to train the dogs, there’s kennel work and cleaning to be done, as well as interacting with pooches. After gaining experience and taking dog walking classes, there are dog walking opportunities too. Find out more and sign-up for volunteer orientation here.

7. Mercy Housing

For more Central Park volunteer opportunities for kids and families, consider Mercy Housing, an organization that offers safe, affordable housing to moderate-income families, people with disabilities and seniors. There are two Mercy Housing communities in Central Park: Bluff Lake Apartments and Parkside Apartments. Property projects like landscaping, community gardening, beautification efforts and building playgrounds or helping at community events would work well for families and younger volunteers. To learn about current opportunities, contact Mercy Housing Colorado at info@mercyhousing.org or (303) 830-3300.

Kids-Mile-High-Fathers-Day

What to do for Father’s Day in Englewood, Central Park and the Surrounding Area

By Community

kids mile high fathers day

Dads are awesome and as Englewood and Central Park pediatric dentists, we get to meet a lot of them here at Kids Mile High. Well, Father’s Day 2018 falls on Sunday, June 17, so it’s almost time to celebrate the dads in your life. Not sure how to mark the special occasion? Don’t worry, we have plenty of ideas. Here’s the Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry guide to what to do for Father’s Day in Englewood, Central Park and the Denver area.  

1. Father’s Day 5K, 10K or Half Marathon 

For active dads, there aren’t many better things to do for Father’s Day in Central Park, Denver than taking part in the Feat on the Street race in Central Park. If the whole family registers for a team, you can even save a few bucks. The event takes place on Sunday, June 17 at 7am. It will begin with coffee, hot chocolate, a pre-race workout, a kids’ fun run and music. Then, you can run or walk the 5K, 10K or half marathon course, which will be complete with professionally chip-timed results. Stay for the post-race entertainment, an awards ceremony and a commemorative t-shirt and be sure to download your free race photos! Register here.

2. Watch the Denver Outlaws Take on the Florida Launch 

Make it a full Father’s Day weekend and watch an exciting, high-energy Major League Lacrosse game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Denver Outlaws will play the Florida Launch on Saturday, June 16 at 7:30pm. Surprise dad with tickets. Or, combine it with the next idea on our list and purchase Denver Outlaws BBQ passes to fill up on BBQ before cheering on the home team.  

3. The Denver BBQ Festival 

The inaugural BBQ Festival is one of the Denver Father’s Day events were most excited for! Award-winning BBQ legends will be serving up delicious masterpieces at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Enjoy food, drinks, live music and fun. There will be a preview party on Friday, June 15 from 5 to 9pm. Admission is free on Saturday, June 16 from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, June 17 from 11am to 6pm with BBQ galore available to purchase. You can also surprise dad with a BBQ Masterclass where he can learn the pit secrets from the pros. Check out the schedule.

4. Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast in bed is the classic gift for dad. Go with a breakfast in bed menu that includes all of his favorites. To really take your Central Park or Englewood, CO Father’s Day up a notch, grab some coffee to go from a local spot like Nixon’s in Englewood or Intersections in Central Park at the Northfield Shops.

Book a Consultation for Your Kiddos Today!

5. Denver Comic Con 2018 

Denver Comic Con will be held Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16 from 10am to 7pm and Sunday, June 17 from 10am to 6pm at the Colorado Convention Center. Presented by Pop Culture Classroom, a nonprofit on a mission to inspire a love of learning and literacy, the extravaganza will feature activities, panels, some of the biggest stars from sci-fi and fantasy movies, TV and animation, merchants, an area exclusively for kids and teens, Booktopia, cosplay and more. With so much going on, there’s something for everyone in the family.

6. Visit the Central Park Farmer’s Market 

For a more low-key Central Park Father’s Day activity, hit up the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, June 17 between 8:30am and 12:30pm at Founders Green. Browse the Colorado-grown produce, specialty meats, gourmet foods and baked goods. Then, use what you get at your shopping trip to cook dad a meal.

7. Juneteenth Music Festival 

There’s really tons of things to do for Father’s in Denver this year. Start your Father’s Day weekend off at the annual, free Juneteenth Music Festival to be held on Saturday, June 16 in the Five Points Neighborhood (27th and Welton Street). The celebration of community, culture and freedom will include live musical performances by blues, R&B, soul, hip-hop and jazz artists, a youth zone, hundreds of vendors, food and drinks and, of course, the Juneteenth Parade that departs from Manual High School at 11am. The festival will run until 9pm.   

8. The Denver Century Ride & Street Party 

For another Central Park Father’s Day weekend activity for dads who like being active, the Denver Century Ride starts at the Shops at Northfield on Saturday, June 16. It takes cyclists on a 100-mile ride past Denver’s most iconic places. It’s recommended for seasoned riders, as it’s a challenging course. However, there’s also a 25-mile, 50-mile and 85-mile route. The first wave of 300 riders will depart at 6am, the second wave at 6:15am and the third wave at 6:30am. The ride will end with a street party back at the Shops of Northfield with vendors, food and beverages. If you want to join dad, kids 14 and under can sign up for a 25-mide ride. 

9. Have a Picnic

If you’re looking for things to do for Father’s Day in Englewood, CO that are relaxing and close to home, have a picnic for dad in Belleview Park or Centennial Park. Spread out a blanket and eat lunch before taking a stroll on one of the nature trails or challenging dad to a pick-up basketball game. Make your own sandwiches or get something from Rudi’s Deli to bring along.

10. Take Dad Out for Lunch or Dinner

No Father’s Day in Englewood or Central Park would be complete without a nice meal. Take the dad in your life out for lunch or dinner. Some of our favorite restaurants include Acres, The Copper Pot, Undici Ristorante and Aung’s Bangkok Café in Englewood and Cattivella Wood-Fired Italian, Hashtag (for brunch!), Concourse Restaurant Moderne and Los Chingones in Stapleton.

Happy Father’s Day!

young-girl-Get-to-Know-pediatric-dentist-denver-Kids-Dentist Better – 20 Questions for Dr. Paddy

Get to Know Your Denver Kids Dentist Better – 20 Questions for Dr. Paddy

By Community, Kids Dentistry

Get to Know Your Denver Kids Dentist Better – 20 Questions for Dr. Paddy

At Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry, of course, we consider Dr. Paddy to be the coolest, best Englewood kids dentist and the kiddos that come into the office happen to think he’s pretty awesome too. One of the keys to getting children to love sitting in the dentist’s chair is finding a doc who makes things fun, engaging and educational, which describes Dr. Paddy perfectly. But, don’t just take our word for it. Check out his answers to our little game of 20 Questions and get to know your favorite Denver pediatric dentist a little better!

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Our Favorite Denver and Englewood Kids’ Stores

Our Favorite Denver and Englewood Kids’ Stores

By Community

Our Favorite Denver and Englewood Kids’ Stores

Dr. Paddy is an Englewood, Colorado pediatric dentist with many talents. He keeps young smiles healthy, he’s a pretty serious extreme skier and he also happens to know a bit about fashion (have you seen his crazy socks?) and toys (he’s still a kid at heart). In addition to his own shopping knowledge, he’s around little ones and their parents most of the day, so he’s picked up quite a few leads on the cool Englewood and Denver stores for kids. At Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry, we’re all about sharing the knowledge, which is why we’ve compiled our list of the best kids’ stores in Englewood, Denver, and the surrounding area.

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Our Favorite Denver Area Mommy Bloggers

Our Favorite Denver Area Mommy Bloggers

By Community

Not only does Denver, Colorado have gorgeous scenery, tons of stuff to do with kids and, of course, a nearby super fun Englewood pediatric dentist, the city also boasts some talented parenting bloggers. From hilarious stories to helpful tips and activity guides, they cover it all. If you’re in need of some new reading material, Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Here’s our list of the best Denver mommy blogs (and a Colorado dad blog as well).   Read More

Win 4 Disney On Ice Tickets!

Win 4 Disney On Ice Tickets!

By Community

Win 4 Disney On Ice Tickets!

Win 4 Disney On Ice Tickets!

From now until Dec 7th, all patients that come in to see Dr. Paddy will be entered into a draw for Disney On Ice Tickets! We’re giving away 4 sets of tickets to 4 different winners! Don’t miss out on the fun! We’ll draw the winners on Dec 7th! Book in for your appointment at KMH by visiting out Contact Us page.