Our patient-centered approach will make you smile
Learn what makes Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry such a special place.
Schedule your appointment todaySouthmoor Pediatric Dentistry welcomes children of all ages, from infancy to young adulthood, including those with special health care needs. Whether you’re a patient or a parent, we invite you to come experience the Southmoor difference today.
Every parent thinks their child deserves the best—and they’re absolutely right. At Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry, your children aren’t just patients. To us, they’re family. Everything we do is focused on providing the highest-quality dental care for your child, teaching them healthy oral habits, and helping them develop a life-long positive attitude toward dentistry.
Our commitment to a patient-centered approach doesn’t stop there. We also want to build a partnership with you as a parent, taking the time to get to know you and your child so you both feel comfortable and fully engaged at every visit. Together, we can ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of oral health and a beautiful smile.
Patient-centered care is at the heart of our practice
Care
Highest-quality dental care provided by pediatric specialists
We care for
children
We care for
parents
Culture
Patient-focused culture for a lifetime of happy smiles
Our culture benefits
children
Our culture benefits
parents
Clinic
A fun, positive & comfortable environment where kids feel at home
Our clinic is tailored to
children
Our clinic is tailored to
parents
Your child deserves a pediatric dentist
Just as you might choose a pediatrician for your child’s medical health needs, choosing a pediatric dentist provides the highest level of expertise for your child’s oral health needs. Every child is different, and some children cannot always be patient and cooperative during a dental exam. With years of additional specialized training on the unique oral health needs of infants, children, and teens—including those with special needs such as ADHD or Down syndrome—the pediatric dentists at Southmoor have the knowledge and communication skills to care for your child’s teeth through all stages of childhood. Every Southmoor doctor is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.Questions we commonly hear
What can a parent do to help stop oral sucking habits?
Most children do stop on their own, but some require additional help from their parents or pediatric dentist. For patients with a pacifier habit, the most successful way to stop is to simply take the pacifier away. For thumb/finger habits, we recommend using a rewards calendar. Your pediatric dentist may recommend placing an appliance that does not allow the patient to suck on their thumb or finger.
Questions we commonly hear
A lot of young children like to suck on their fingers, thumbs and pacifiers, can these have adverse affects?
You’re right! Sucking on thumbs, fingers and pacifiers is very normal and actually provides security for the very young child. Most children will stop this habit on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Our guidelines recommend stopping that habit around 3 years of age to prevent any issues with the developing jaw and the way the teeth are positioned.
Questions we commonly hear
My child likes to drink sports drinks. Is that a problem?
Yes. Sports drinks can cause as many cavities as regular soda pop. During hot, strenuous activities, sports drinks may be helpful, however if they contain sugar, they can also cause cavities. Kids age 6 and up should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Questions we commonly hear
If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?
Yes! Primary or “baby” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also hold space that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Pain, infection of the gums and jaw, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected.
Questions we commonly hear
Aren't they just baby teeth?
Yes, but most children get their first teeth by age 1 and lose their last baby tooth by age 13. Early care and prevention are crucial. Baby teeth shape the mouth, allow for chewing, appropriate speech, and help guide permanent teeth into the mouth correctly. Cavities are a bacteria that if left untreated can cause significant pain and spread to neighboring teeth, surrounding bone and throughout the body.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
What can parents do to help make dental experiences positive ones?
If parents have their own fear or anxiety about the dentist, they should not share those with their child. Dentistry has changed over the years, and it is important to allow their child the opportunity to like their dentist and their dental home. Parents can refer to the dentist and team as helpful and as friends. If the parents show they trust the dentist their child will too.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist spends two to three years in additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?
Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
At what age should my child visit a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur by twelve months of age. This visit will enable our pediatric dentists to evaluate your child and discuss proper oral hygiene. Early education and guidance about diet, fluoride, tooth eruption and finger/pacifier habits can help ensure optimal dental health.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
How often should my child visit a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that most children visit the dentist at least twice a year. Some children need more frequent care and teeth cleanings because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Our pediatric dentists will help determine the best teeth cleaning schedule for your child.
Questions we commonly hear
Why are baby teeth important?
Primary teeth have been labeled “baby teeth.” Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, speech, development of the jaws and esthetics. Care of the primary teeth is important, not only for proper function but also to avoid a number of unpleasant conditions, such as pain, that result from their neglect.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
Does your child use a pacifier or suck his/her thumb?
This type of sucking is completely normal for infants and young children. It provides security and relaxation. Most children stop sucking their thumb or pacifier between two and four years of age with no harm to their teeth or jaws. However, children should cease these habits prior to the eruption of their permanent teeth.
Questions we commonly hear
Do you care for children with special needs?
Our pediatric dentists have an additional two years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their specialty education provided additional training that focused specifically on care for children with special needs. Additionally, our office is designed to be physically accessible to special patients.
Questions we commonly hear
What are dental sealants, and who can benefit from them?
The chewing surface of the children’s teeth is the most susceptible to cavities. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of the teeth and can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Molars are the most decayed teeth because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants cover the groove so bacteria is less likely to get in.
Read moreQuestions we commonly hear
Does your child use a sippy cup?
Sippy cup or nursing bottle mouth (early childhood caries) is caused by frequent and lengthy exposure to liquids containing sugars (milk, breast milk, sports drinks, formula, soda, fruit juice) and can destroy your child’s teeth if not caught in time. It’s best to let us check your baby early, before his/her first birthday.
Questions we commonly hear
What causes tooth decay?
Four things are necessary for cavities to form—a tooth, bacteria, sugars or other carbohydrates, and time. Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. When you eat, the carbohydrates or sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.
Questions we commonly hear
When should my child start using toothpaste?
Children may start using fluoride toothpaste when the baby teeth erupt, but only under direct supervision by a parent. Use only a very small amount of toothpaste (about half the size of a pea) and wipe off the tooth and gums with a washcloth afterwards.
Read moreMeet the board-certified dentists who work their magic
Preventive and restorative treatments for a smile that lasts a lifetime
We’re committed to serving your child in a comfortable environment and ensuring they receive exceptional treatment to achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime.
Dental exams and cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings are a key component of preventive dental care. Your child’s mouth is constantly changing—by carefully examining and thoroughly cleaning their teeth at least twice a year, we can monitor these changes and keep your child’s smile shining bright.
Fluoride treatments and sealants
An important part of preventive dental care is protecting your child’s mouth from tooth decay, cavities, and other potential issues. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are two effective methods we use to help protect your child’s pearly whites from future problems.
Fillings, crowns, and restorative treatments
Early prevention of tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health issues is important for our patients. When treatment is needed, we will be here for you and your child every step of the way.
Dental emergency and injury care
Pediatric dental emergencies and injuries can happen at any time. Knowing how to handle common issues at home, and when to contact a Southmoor pediatric dentist, can help save your child’s smile while keeping them calm and comfortable.
Custom athletic mouthguards
The American Dental Association estimates that mouthguards prevent over 200,000 injuries each year in high school and collegiate football alone. Your child should begin wearing a custom mouthguard as soon as they start any type of contact sport.
Our patients (and their parents) say it best
Noah S.
I appreciate the kindness and patience from all the doctors. We have been thankful our sons are both comfortable and well cared for at Southmoor Pediatric.
Mateo E.
Everyone at Southmoor made us feel so welcome during our first visit. The team also makes sure to explain everything very thoroughly during my son's appointments. You can tell they really care about each patient.
Aiden and Beckett A.
Southmoor Pediatric always has my children's best interests at heart and don't try to "oversell" on anything, ever. My children are always calm and happy during their appointments and enjoy each visit to the dentist.
Ashlyne H.
What I love about Southmoor Pediatric is their truthfulness and integrity in their care.
Jackson, Micah, and Caleb L.
We love how kind the entire dental staff is and the knowledgeable doctors that always provide the best care to our kids. Our kids especially look forward to the treasures after their appointments!