Top Dentist Serving St. Peters
Pediatric Dentistry in St. Peters, MO
Gentle, Positive Dental Care for Kids of All Ages
At Scanlon Family Dental, we believe healthy smiles start early. Our friendly team provides gentle, preventive-focused care for children in a calm, welcoming environment designed to make each visit a positive experience. Whether it’s your child’s very first appointment or their next regular checkup, we take the time to teach, encourage, and help kids feel confident about caring for their teeth.
As a family-focused practice in St. Peters, MO, we’re proud to care for multiple generations of patients – parents, kids, and even grandparents – all under one roof.
A Lifetime of Healthy Habits Begins Early
Good oral health plays a major role in a child’s overall development and confidence. By helping children establish healthy habits from an early age, we can prevent many common dental issues and reduce anxiety about going to the dentist later in life.
Our goal is to help kids:
- Feel comfortable during dental visits
- Learn the importance of brushing and flossing
- Develop lifelong confidence in their smile
- Understand that dental care can be fun and rewarding
We want every child to associate dental visits with encouragement, comfort, and trust – never fear.
Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?
When Should Kids First Visit the Dentist
At Scanlon Family Dental, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental cleaning around age three. Early visits help us monitor growth, teach healthy habits, and identify any potential concerns with tooth development or bite alignment.
For babies and toddlers younger than three, parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring them along to their own appointments. This helps little ones become familiar with the sights, sounds, and friendly faces in our office. When it’s time for their first cleaning, they’ll already feel comfortable and at ease in the dental chair.
If an infant or toddler has a dental emergency, pain, or visible concerns (like discoloration or injury), our team will gladly see them sooner for evaluation and care.
What to Expect During a Child’s Visit
Our approach is simple: comfort first, education always. During your child’s visit, we’ll carefully examine their teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure everything is developing properly. We’ll also perform a gentle cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and apply fluoride if needed to strengthen enamel.
We take time to:
- Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Talk about healthy snack and drink choices
- Encourage positive reinforcement from parents
- Make sure kids understand what’s happening during each step
Parents are welcome to accompany their children throughout the visit, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about at-home care, teething, thumb-sucking, or cavity prevention.
Digital X-Rays for Early Detection
Sometimes, dental problems can develop where they’re not visible to the naked eye. For older children, we may take digital X-rays to evaluate the health of developing teeth, roots, and jaw structures. These images help us spot cavities between teeth, monitor permanent teeth that haven’t erupted yet, and identify any early orthodontic concerns.
Our digital imaging technology is fast, safe, and designed with your child’s comfort in mind. Compared to traditional film, digital X-rays produce significantly less radiation – up to 80% less – and provide clear images almost instantly. This allows us to make accurate, conservative treatment recommendations while keeping your child’s safety our top priority.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Relaxed Visits
It’s perfectly normal for kids to feel nervous about dental appointments, especially if it’s their first time or they’ve had a difficult experience elsewhere. To help ease anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide sedation (commonly known as “laughing gas”) for children who need a little extra reassurance.
Nitrous oxide is a mild, colorless gas that’s inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It helps your child feel calm and relaxed while staying awake and able to communicate. Once the procedure is finished, the effects wear off within minutes, so your child can return to normal activities right away.
Our dentists and clinical team are highly experienced in pediatric care and take a gentle, reassuring approach to ensure every child feels safe and supported throughout the visit.
Preventive and Restorative Care for Children
Our pediatric dental services are designed to prevent cavities, strengthen enamel, and restore teeth when needed – all while keeping comfort and education at the forefront.
We provide:
- Routine cleanings and exams every six months
- Fluoride treatments to help prevent decay
- Sealants for added protection on molars
- Gentle cavity fillings using safe, durable materials
- Space maintenance and early orthodontic guidance
- Emergency dental care for chipped or painful teeth
When more advanced treatment is required, we explain every step in kid-friendly terms and involve parents in all care decisions.
Teaching Kids to Love Their Smile
Children love to imitate what they see – which is why one of the best ways to encourage great oral hygiene is to let them watch you care for your own teeth. Brushing and flossing together makes the process fun and helps reinforce healthy routines. For young children, we recommend:
- Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush
- Using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste once they can reliably spit
- Supervising children under six to prevent swallowing toothpaste
- Replacing toothbrushes every three months or after illness
Our team will happily demonstrate techniques and offer age-appropriate tips during your child’s visit.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences
At Scanlon Family Dental, we understand that every child is unique. Some may be naturally outgoing, while others feel shy or uncertain in new environments. We tailor our approach to each child’s personality, providing encouragement, patience, and understanding from start to finish.
Our goal is to make each appointment something your child looks forward to – a milestone in growing up, not a source of stress. Many of our young patients have grown up to bring their own children to our office, a tradition that makes us proud to serve the St. Peters community across generations.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Visit in St. Peters, MO
Healthy habits start with happy visits. If your child is due for a dental cleaning or exam, or if it’s time for their very first visit, we’d love to welcome you both to Scanlon Family Dental.
Call (636) 441-1020 today or request an appointment online for gentle, compassionate pediatric dental care in St. Peters, MO. We’re proud to serve families throughout St. Charles County, including Cottleville, O’Fallon, and the surrounding communities.