Compassionate Care for Every Child
At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves compassionate, individualized dental care. Our services are designed to meet the unique oral health needs of children of all abilities—whether physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional. Dr. Mary Margaret Kratz and her caring team are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every child can feel safe and understood.
Understanding Individual Needs
We know that children with special healthcare needs may face unique challenges in a traditional dental setting. Sensory sensitivities, physical limitations, or anxiety can make dental visits stressful for both children and parents. That is why we take the time to adapt our approach to each child’s needs, ensuring a positive and successful visit.
If your child would benefit from a quieter space or has sensitivities to things like sounds, lights, or smells, please let our front office know before your appointment. We will work with you to make sure your child feels as comfortable and supported as possible.
A Calming and Supportive Environment
Our office is thoughtfully designed to be both accessible and calming. We offer a variety of sensory-friendly adaptations, including:
- Dimmed lighting
- Quiet spaces
- Aromatherapy to promote relaxation
- Flexible scheduling to avoid busy times or dental procedure sounds
Each appointment is paced according to your child’s comfort level so they never feel rushed or overwhelmed. Our goal is to provide gentle, patient-centered care that supports your child’s health while making dental visits a positive experience.
At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we are honored to partner with families to ensure that every child—no matter their needs—has the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
Specialized Training and Experience
Dr. Mary Margaret has extensive training in pediatric dentistry, which she credits to her dynamic residency training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. This experience gave her a deep understanding of managing a wide range of medical and dental conditions, and she continues to build on that foundation through ongoing professional development.
Because oral health and systemic health are closely connected, it is important to have a dentist who understands how medical conditions can affect oral health—and vice versa. Dr. Mary Margaret takes a proactive approach to prevent complications, minimize risks, and support overall health. She also values collaboration and clear communication with your child’s healthcare team to ensure seamless, whole-child care.
In certain cases, dental care may be best completed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. When this is needed, Dr. Mary Margaret has hospital privileges at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, Children’s Specialty Care Clinic, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital downtown.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers
For children with special healthcare needs, coordinated care is key. At Little Pearls, we work closely with pediatricians, therapists, and other specialists to ensure our dental care supports your child’s overall well-being. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to intervene early, manage conditions comprehensively, and care for the whole child—not just their teeth.
A Compassionate, Patient Approach
We know that some visits may require extra time, flexibility, or accommodations. Our team is committed to meeting each child where they are, with patience and kindness. This might include:
- Extended appointment times
- Adaptive techniques and pacing
- Sensory-friendly modifications (dimmed lights, quiet spaces, aromatherapy)
We also offer desensitizing appointments, where your child can have a dedicated appointment time and staff member to explore the dental setting without any treatment being done. During these visits, one of our assistants will walk your child through each step of a dental exam—letting them see, touch, and ask questions in a stress-free way. This gentle introduction often makes future appointments much easier and more comfortable.
If you feel your child may benefit from this service, or any additional modifications, please call our office at (314) 343-1037 so we can do our best to accommodate .
Join Our Family
At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s smile—and their comfort—are our top priorities. We are honored to care for children of all abilities and are dedicated to making dental visits positive, accessible, and empowering.
Together, we can ensure your child’s journey to dental health is filled with compassion, support, and success.
