Oral Exams For Children in St. Louis, MO

A pediatric dental exam is much more comprehensive than most parents realize. At Lenahan Smiles, our team evaluates:

• Teeth: checking for cavities, spacing, and eruption patterns
• Gums: looking for inflammation, pathology, infection, or early signs of gum disease
• Tongue and lips: assessing muscle attachments, tongue movement, and any restrictions that may affect speech or feeding
• Oral cavity and soft tissues: screening for abnormalities, lesions, or oral pathology
• Bite alignment: observing how upper and lower teeth fit together

Dental exams are usually combined with preventive care such as a professional cleaning, fluoride application, and digital X-rays when appropriate. This complete approach ensures nothing is missed and allows us to track your child’s growth over time.

A typical visit begins with a warm welcome and a chance for your child to get comfortable in our office. From there, the process may include:

1. Friendly introduction – helping your child get familiar with the environment.
2. Dental exam – the dentist carefully checks teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues.
3. Cleaning – removing plaque, tartar, and polishing teeth for a healthy shine.
4. X-rays – recommended if needed to see areas between teeth or monitor growth.
5. Fluoride treatment – applied to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
6. Parent discussion – reviewing findings, answering questions, and outlining next steps.

Our anxiety-aware approach means we go at your child’s pace, use positive language, and explain what we are doing in simple, reassuring ways.

Every child is different, and so are their appointments. Some exams are quick, lasting less than a minute or so if only a small number of teeth are present. Others may take up to 20 minutes if concerns need to be addressed.

We typically schedule 30-minute appointments, giving us plenty of time to clean teeth, apply fluoride, take X-rays if needed, and allow children to relax without feeling rushed. For children with special needs or those who require extra reassurance, we often extend appointment times to make sure they feel safe and supported.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Even if only one or two teeth are visible, early exams are important. They allow us to check for normal development, offer guidance on brushing and nutrition, and identify any concerns before they progress.

If you notice something unusual, such as spots on the teeth, difficulty eating, or unusual gum changes, it’s best to schedule sooner. Early intervention often makes treatment simpler and less stressful.

For most children, every six months is the ideal schedule for dental checkups. Every parent knows that a lot can change for a kid in six months. These visits allow us to:

• Catch cavities early
• Monitor how baby and permanent teeth are coming in
• Check jaw growth and bite alignment
• Reinforce healthy habits at home

Some children may benefit from more frequent visits, especially if they are prone to cavities, wear braces, or have specific health concerns. Our dentists will make personalized recommendations for your child’s best care.

Parents play a big role in shaping how their child feels about the dentist. Here are a few simple ways to make the first visit easier:

• Schedule mornings when children are most rested and cooperative.
• Use positive language like “cleaning” and “healthy smile.”
• Practice at home by asking your child to open wide while you look at their teeth.
• Read books or watch videos about visiting the dentist.
• Stay calm yourself, children often mirror their parent’s emotions.

At Lenahan Smiles, we take extra steps to make first visits fun, including gentle introductions, clear explanations, and a pace tailored to your child’s comfort level.

If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it may be time to schedule a visit:

• Yellow or brown discoloration on their teeth
• Red or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Brushing that only takes a few seconds
• A toothbrush that’s dry at bedtime
• Complaints of sensitivity or tooth discomfort

Regular cleanings can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Although gum disease is more common in adults, children are not immune. During every exam, we check for:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums or loose teeth in older children

Detecting these signs early allows us to reverse the problem with improved home care, professional cleanings, and regular monitoring.

If we find a concern, we review it thoroughly with parents or guardians. Our dentists explain what the issue means, what treatment options are available, and whether a referral to a specialist is needed.

Think of our doctors as the “quarterbacks” of your child’s oral health team. We stay involved and help direct care, even if another provider is part of the solution. We also prioritize honesty and transparency, making sure families feel comfortable with every recommendation.

Regular exams provide many benefits that extend well beyond oral health:

• Early detection: small cavities or gum issues are treated before they become painful.
• Development monitoring: we track how teeth are erupting and if orthodontic care may be needed.
• Cost savings: preventive visits reduce the need for expensive treatment later.
• Confidence building: positive experiences at the dentist create lifelong trust.
• Peace of mind: parents know their child’s health is being monitored by trained professionals.

The cost of a children’s dental exam can vary depending on whether additional services such as X-rays or fluoride are needed. At Lenahan Smiles, we value clear, upfront communication so families know what to expect before treatment begins. Our office works with dental insurance providers, including Medicaid, and we are committed to helping parents understand their options. For those with questions about coverage, our team is always available to provide guidance and detailed estimates to make care as affordable and stress-free as possible.

Parents across St. Louis choose Lenahan Smiles because we combine professional expertise with a caring, individualized approach. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Board-certified pediatric dentists with advanced training in children’s dental health
• Experience caring for children with special needs, including Autism and Down syndrome
• A welcoming, anxiety-aware environment that builds trust
• A legacy of multigenerational care, serving families for decades in St. Louis
• Same-day emergency appointments and after-hours support for active patients
• A commitment to honesty—no unnecessary treatments, only what your child truly needs

A healthy smile starts with regular checkups. At Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide compassionate, personalized care for infants, children, and teens. Whether it’s your baby’s first visit or a routine checkup for your teen, our goal is to make every appointment easier for both kids and parents. Call, text, or book online today to schedule your child’s pediatric dental exam.