Bringing your child to the dentist for the first time can be a daunting experience for both of you. You want to ensure they have a positive experience so they’ll be comfortable returning in the future. That’s why it’s important to find a pediatric dentist who understands the unique needs of young children. Many great pediatric dentists in St. Louis can provide your child with the care they need. This blog post will help you find the right dentist for your family. You’ll learn about the top five local clinics, their unique offerings, and how to prepare your kids for their visit.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Pediatric Dentists in St. Louis
St. Louis is a hub for quality pediatric dentistry. Here, you’ll find clinics specially designed for kids with different needs; for example, those brandishing cool gadgets to soothe anxiety and others working magic in cosmetic dentistry. Let’s take a quick look:
| Name of the Location | Star Rating | Number of Reviews | Address | Hours of Operation | Unique Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Park Dental | 4.7 | 939 | 4527 Forest Park Ave | Closes 4 PM | Forest Park Dental stands out for its general dental services, making it a versatile choice for families with both kids and adults. |
| Pediatric Dentistry of Sunset Hills | 4.9 | 811 | 3555 Sunset Office Dr # 210 | Closes 5 PM | With a focus solely on pediatric care, this clinic provides an environment specifically tailored to make children feel at ease. |
| St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry | 4.9 | 807 | Des Peres, MO, United States | Closes 5 PM | Located in Des Peres, this clinic is ideal for those residing in the suburb and looking for high-quality pediatric dental care close to home. |
| Soulard Family Dentistry | 5.0 | 220 | 2229 S 12th St | Closes 5 PM | This clinic, boasting a perfect rating, offers family dentistry in a historic neighborhood, combining quality with local charm. |
| St Louis Hills Dental Group | 4.9 | 409 | 6979 Chippewa St | Closes 5 PM | Known for its array of cosmetic dentistry options, this clinic is perfect for families also interested in orthodontics for their children. |
Read more: 5 Tips for Going to the Dentist With Autism
What Do Pediatric Dentists Treat?
Pediatric dentists cover a wide range of oral health issues. Firstly, they tackle tooth decay—one of kids’ most common health problems. They also treat dental injuries, like a chipped tooth from a fall during playtime. Sadly, day-to-day cavities can remain under the radar.
That is to say, regular dental check-ups can unmask hidden gremlins. In other words, those gnawing cavities, gum diseases, and prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use. So, regular visits to a dentist can help nip these problems in the bud.
What is the Oldest Age to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Most pediatric dentists treat kids till they’re about 18 years old. However, kids with special needs might see them for a bit longer. A pediatric dentist’s training (a whopping two to three extra years) helps them handle teens’ growing pains, be it crooked teeth or wisdom tooth extractions.
Put simply, as long as your kids are happy and comfortable with their pediatric dentist, there’s no upper age limit. Transitional arrangements can always be made towards adulthood.
What Happens if a Baby Tooth Cavity is Left Untreated?
Cavities are notorious for escalating without notice. A cavity in a baby tooth can appear innocuous but might have a domino effect. Left untreated, it can cause pain, spread infection, and impact the development of permanent teeth.
That’s why early treatment is crucial. It saves your kiddo from toothaches and fosters healthy habits and dental hygiene. Plus, it catches those sneaky cavities that went unnoticed.
Read more: Hygiene Tips for Kids With Autism
Do You Brush a 2-year-old’s Teeth?
Absolutely! Brushing should start as soon as the first tooth sprouts. For a 2-year-old, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. It’s a routine that keeps baby tooth rot away and lays the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Here’s a tip: turn brush time into fun time! Introduce zesty-flavored toothpaste or get a toothbrush featuring their favorite cartoon character; make it an event they look forward to.
How Goally Can Help
Goally can help children learn how to brush their teeth properly and build a positive association with the dentist by providing visual instructions, relaxation exercises, and a reward system.
- Provides visual instructions for brushing their teeth that can be easily customized to the child’s specific needs, and are presented in a variety of ways (videos, image, text).
- Provides relaxation exercises to help kids who are anxious about going to the dentist to help children calm down and feel more in control.
- Tracks a child’s brushing habits and provide rewards for consistent brushing to help children stay motivated to brush their teeth regularly.
Goally’s distraction-free kid’s tablet can be used as a therapy tool to help teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more!
A timely visit to a pediatric dentist is a small step towards big wins for your child’s oral health. Use our guide to make an informed decision and take your child to a trustworthy dentist in St. Louis. Remember, your child relies on you for their well-being, and as parents and caregivers, we must make these decisions wisely. But you’re not alone in this journey! Goally, our special learning tablet for kids, can help make daily routines, like brushing teeth, simple and fun for your child. With Goally, we ensure your everyday challenges are addressed, making it a bit easier for you and a lot happier for your kid.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
