Pediatric Dental Cleanings

Pediatric dental cleaning procedure performed for a child in Greater St. Louis.
Regular pediatric dental cleanings, Ballwin parents know, are a fundamental part of a child's overall well-being and are critical to your child's health. They help prevent cavities while building lasting oral hygiene habits. At Gateway Little Smiles, we combine expert care with a fun and comforting experience so you and your little ones can feel at ease. Our mission is to deliver exceptional pediatric dental care in Ballwin while creating a welcoming environment where every child feels comfortable and cared for.

Why Pediatric Dental Cleanings Are Essential 

A healthy smile starts early. Pediatric dental cleanings are more than just a routine visit; they build the foundation for lifelong oral health. 

Importance of Early Dental Care 

Starting dental visits early helps your child develop familiarity and comfort with the process, creating positive associations with dental care. These visits also allow us to track your child’s oral development and address potential issues before they worsen. 

Benefits of Regular Checkups 

Routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. They also allow parents to learn about proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to their child’s needs. 

Addressing Common Parental Concerns 

We understand that bringing a child to the dentist can be stressful for parents. Will they feel scared? Will it hurt? At Gateway Little Smiles, we take a compassionate approach to eliminate these worries. Our team specializes in working patiently and gently with children, ensuring their comfort every step of the way. 

What to Expect at Gateway Little Smiles 

From the moment you walk through the doors of our Ballwin location, you’ll find a space designed to make dental visits enjoyable for kids. 

Welcoming and Fun Environment

Our office is not your typical dental practice. Your child will be greeted with bright colors, playful décor, and entertaining activities. TVs with streaming services, interactive toys, and even a gumball machine ensure that each visit feels more like a fun outing than a chore. 

Thoughtful Amenities

Every detail in our office is designed with your child’s comfort in mind. We provide headphones for a personal experience, age-appropriate goodie bags, and prizes to celebrate your child’s success after a visit. 

Compassionate Care

Our staff adapts to each child’s personality and needs, ensuring that nervous or first-time visitors feel safe and secure. 

Comprehensive and Personalized Care 

At Gateway Little Smiles, no two smiles are the same. We tailor our treatment plans to suit your child’s unique needs. 

Customized Dental Care 

We believe in personalized care because every child is different. Whether addressing a specific dental concern or helping a shy child feel more at ease, our team is here to help. 

Expertise in Handling Different Temperaments 

We pride ourselves on making dental visits a positive experience for all children. Whether your child is excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, we know how to create an environment where they feel comfortable. 

Specialized Services for Children with Special Needs 

Children with special needs often require extra attention; we’re fully equipped to provide it. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every child receives the care they deserve in a safe and supportive environment. 

Creating Positive Dental Experiences 

Our top priorities are your child’s comfort and confidence. At Gateway Little Smiles, we work diligently to ensure that every visit builds trust and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

A Calm and Relaxing Atmosphere 

A soothing environment can make all the difference. From our friendly staff to our carefully curated spaces, we strive to create a sense of calm for both children and parents. 

Building Confidence 

Our approach to pediatric dentistry aims to empower children. By showing them that dental care can be a positive and enjoyable experience, we help instill confidence that will last long after they leave our office. 

Recare Program Benefits 

Consistency is key to oral health. Our re-care program helps ensure your child stays on track with dental checkups and cleanings, reinforcing good habits and long-term health. 

Advanced Options for Pain-Free Procedures 

For certain procedures, we offer the option of general anesthesia to ensure your child’s comfort. 

General Anesthesia for Dental Care 

We may recommend general anesthesia for more complex procedures, children with heightened anxieties, or those with special needs. This approach allows your child to remain completely relaxed and pain-free during treatment. 

When It’s the Right Choice 

Our team will guide you through decision-making, explaining when and why this option might suit your child. Safety and comfort are always our top priorities. 

Conveniently Located in Ballwin 

Finding high-quality dental care for your child shouldn’t be a hassle. Our Ballwin location is easily accessible and designed with your family’s needs in mind. 

We’d love to welcome you and your child into the Gateway Little Smiles family. 

Schedule Pediatric Dental Cleanings in Ballwin Today!

Choosing the right dentist for your child is an important decision. Our dentists, Dr. Corey Hastings, who serves all locations, and Dr. Ashley, who serves at our Collinsville location, are committed to providing exceptional care in a supportive and fun environment. Trust our team for pediatric dental cleanings in Ballwin, Collinsville, and St. Peters for sparkling smiles and healthy gums. Ballwin residents can easily schedule appointments for their little ones and take the first step towards excellent oral hygiene. Book Your Consultation Now!

Turning 1? Time to come!

When Should Kids See a Pediatric Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth appears.

Early visits help:

  • prevent cavities
  • establish healthy oral habits
  • make dental visits feel normal and comfortable


Kids who visit the dentist early grow up with healthier habits and feel more comfortable with their dentist! If your child has celebrated their first birthday, they’re ready for a visit to Gateway Little Smiles!

We Have Three Convenient Locations!

At Gateway Little Smiles, the office amenities include TVs with streaming services, headphones for a personal experience, a variety of toys for fun breaks, a gumball machine with exciting prizes, and thoughtful goodie bags to make every day a little brighter.

Smiling child in outdoor setting symbolizing healthy smiles in Greater St. Louis.

We Love Our Patients!

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Jimmy Wilson
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Dr. Ashley and Ms. Teressa had me and my two kids in & out, with a quick but comprehensive appointment. Thank you!
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Chelsea Brown
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There so amazing
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AFineMess
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More than happy with all staff! They go above and beyond every day, and it shows!
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Randy Reitz
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Took my grandkids to this office today and was totally impressed with the service. Teressa, Zoe and Dr. Ashley were all kind, attentive and informative of their needs. It was a great experience.
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Alexandra Hurtado
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My daughter’s first dental appointment and we both had a great experience! Zoe was SO kind and made the experience less scary for my daughter and Dr. Culver was very knowledgeable and gentle with her as well! The entire office staff was really nice and welcoming. Definitely recommend for your little ones :)
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Grelissa Baker
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I love Gateway Little Smiles. Dr. Ashley was very patient, fun and personable.
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Kyesha Wilson
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I gave this place of business a 5 star because they are pretty awesome! However what i experienced today was a bit confusing. I took my 7 yr old for tooth extraction (first time ever getting a tooth pulled) when they came out to get him I was instructed to stay in waiting area..I proceed to ask why and was told “we try to do things without the parent “ now if you’re teaching independence I get it but, explain that to the parent and give them that option still . Mind you there were 3 parents after me that went back with their children , My son went back without me and ended up soiling himself which has never happened (he’s 7). I was not pleased, he told me beforehand that he was scared. Will I still recommend this place? Absolutely! But I will be verbal next time about going back with my son. I do want to mention I spoke to the front desk about it and she offered for me to go back but my attitude wasn’t in the right place. I believe if I went back with him he would have never peed himself.
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Nicole Picotte
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They are so great with kids! Even when my daughter was scared they made her feel better!
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Reva Reeder
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We absolutely love going here!