Preventive Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry in Gladstone
Helping little smiles grow up healthy.
Good dental visits early in life set the tone for years to come. We keep things calm, friendly and easy to understand, for kids and for parents.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
Dental care that grows with your child
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they matter: they help children chew and speak, and they hold space for the permanent teeth that follow. Baby teeth also have thinner enamel than permanent teeth, so decay can spread quickly once it starts. Pediatric dental care is built around prevention, with regular checkups, gentle cleanings and guidance for parents on brushing, diet and habits like thumb sucking. As your child grows, your dentist also keeps an eye on how the teeth are coming in and how the jaws are developing. Spotting changes early gives you more options and fewer surprises down the road.
Through the years
What care looks like at each stage
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Babies and toddlers
A first visit soon after the first tooth appears is often suggested. It is a short, gentle look and a chance for parents to ask questions.
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Young children
Checkups and cleanings, help with brushing technique and, when your dentist recommends them, fluoride treatments or dental sealants on the back teeth.
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School-age kids
As permanent teeth arrive, your dentist watches their spacing and the bite, and may discuss interceptive orthodontics if a problem is developing.
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Teens
Ongoing preventive care, and protection for young athletes with custom mouth guards.
Making the first visit a good one
A few small steps at home can help your child feel at ease.
- Talk about the dentist in a positive, matter-of-fact way
- Read a picture book or play pretend dentist before the visit
- Choose a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed
- Bring a favorite toy or blanket if it helps them feel secure
- Let us know about any worries, so we can go at your child’s pace
New patient special
$98
A $308 value for your first visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our new patient offer includes:
- Comprehensive exam
- Panoramic X-rays
- Bitewing digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- Smile evaluation
- Full gum evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite evaluation
- Review of your treatment options
- A written treatment plan
Why choose Marx Family Dental for your child’s care?
Parents and children can be seen in the same family-friendly office. We explain what we are doing in words kids understand, and we treat nervous first-timers with patience. Care for kids connects to the rest of our general dentistry for the whole family.
Book your visit
Book your child’s next visit
Whether it is a first checkup or a routine cleaning, we’d love to meet your little one. Book online or give us a call.
The short answer
Pediatric dentistry is dental care for infants, children and teens, built around prevention and around tracking how the teeth and jaws develop as a child grows. It includes regular checkups and gentle cleanings, guidance for parents on brushing, diet and habits like thumb sucking, and, when your dentist recommends them, fluoride treatments or sealants on the back teeth. Starting early helps protect baby teeth, which children rely on to chew and speak, and lets changes in spacing or bite be spotted while there are more options.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQ
- When should my child first see a dentist?
- Many dental organizations suggest a first visit soon after the first tooth comes in. That first appointment is a short, gentle look at the teeth and gums. It is also a chance for parents to ask questions about brushing, feeding and teething. Your dentist can talk with you about the right timing for your child.
- Why are baby teeth worth treating if they fall out?
- Baby teeth help children eat and speak, and they hold space for the adult teeth that follow. Their enamel is thinner than adult enamel, so decay can spread quickly once it starts. Untreated decay in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection. Losing a baby tooth too early can also let neighboring teeth drift into the space the adult tooth needs.
- How can I help prevent cavities at home?
- Brush with your child every day, limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals, and avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Sugar that sits on the teeth feeds the bacteria that cause decay, so how often children snack matters as much as what they eat. Helping with brushing until your child can do it well makes a real difference. Your dentist can show you brushing technique at each checkup.
- Should I be worried about thumb sucking?
- Thumb sucking is common in young children and usually is not a concern on its own. If it continues as the adult teeth come in, the steady pressure can affect how the teeth and jaws develop. That is why it is worth mentioning at your child’s checkup. Your dentist can watch for changes in the bite and talk with you about gentle ways to help your child stop.
- Can I stay with my child during the visit?
- Please ask when you book, and we will talk through what will work for your child. Some children feel safest with a parent close by, while others do well with a little independence. We go at your child’s pace and explain each step in words kids understand. The goal is a calm visit that makes the next one easier.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
