Routine Exams

Pediatric Dental Office Serving the St. Louis Community

At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that routine exams are foundational to maintaining a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Our child-focused approach makes these visits comfortable, educational, and even fun—helping your child build trust and positive feelings around dental care from the very beginning.

What to Expect?

During a routine exam, Dr. Mary Margaret and our caring team will:

  • Address any dental concerns you may have
  • Gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, and oral development
  • Use age appropriate language to explain each step
  • Take digital x-rays as indicated, using low-radiation technology for safety and accuracy
  • Offer personalized tips for brushing, flossing, and diet
  • Address oral habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use
  • Review any anticipated guidance for future dental needs
  • Recommend fluoride treatments and sealants when appropriate

More Than Just a Check-Up

Each visit is a chance to connect, educate, and build confidence—for both you and your child. We understand how early dental experiences shape long-term habits and attitudes, so we’ve created a warm, welcoming space where children may feel valued and supported.

Routine exams are not just about prevention—they are about partnership. And we are honored to be part of your child’s dental journey.

Routine Exams

Education and Prevention

A significant part of the routine exam involves educating both children and parents on proper oral hygiene practices. Our team demonstrates effective brushing and flossing techniques and discusses the importance of a healthy diet in preventing dental decay. We also provide specific consultation regarding cessation of habits that can adversely affect dentition, such as thumb-sucking, pacifiers or chewing on various objects that may cause trauma to teeth or gums.

Regarding dental fluoride treatments, we follow recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Therefore, we recommend topical fluoride varnish application at least twice per year for low caries risk patients, up to every three months for moderate to high caries risk patients as soon as the first tooth has erupted, as it is safe and has proven highly effective in preventing cavities.

Depending on the anatomy of your child’s tooth, dental sealants may also be recommended on permanent molars or primary molars particularly susceptible to food impaction and at high risk for dental decay.

These treatments are quick and painless and can provide significant benefits in maintaining your child’s dental health.

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Smiling child and Dr. Mary Margaret Kratz showing excitement after a positive pediatric dental visit at Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry St. Louis.
Colorful dental tools and educational models in an exam room at Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, highlighting a fun, child-friendly environment.
Dr. Mary Margaret Kratz teaching proper brushing to a young patient using a toy model at Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis.