At Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental, we specialize in comprehensive and comfortable dental care for infants, children, and teens. Under the expert guidance of Board Certified pediatric dentist Dr. Christina Mueller, our practice is dedicated to ensuring your child receives the highest quality dental care tailored to their specific developmental needs.
Contact our office and schedule a pediatric dentistry visit.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child?
Choosing the right dental care provider for your child is crucial, and here’s why a pediatric dentist, such as Dr. Mueller, is a more suitable choice than a general dentist:
Targeted Pediatric Training and Board Certification
Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists like Dr. Christina Mueller undergo an additional 2 years of specialized training exclusively in pediatric dentistry following dental school. Dr. Mueller has learned advanced techniques and approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of infants, children, teens, and those with special health care requirements.
Dr. Christina Mueller’s Board Certification further proves her expertise and commitment to providing the highest quality dental care for young patients.
Focus on Family Education
Dr. Christina Mueller, a mother herself, brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding to dental care. She knows the concerns parents have and offers practical advice and strategies not typically provided by general dentists. This dual perspective ensures that your child’s oral health is supported both in our dental office and at home.
Specialized Care for Teens
Teenagers are at a critical stage of dental and skeletal development, requiring a different level of care than adults or young children. Dr. Mueller recognizes this difference and engages directly with teenage patients. She ensures they receive care that respects their growth, and she speaks to them in a way that makes oral health relatable.
Infant Oral Health Checks
We believe it’s never too early for an oral health checkup! A general dentist won’t usually see children until at least their first teeth appear or even until they start preschool. Dr. Christina Mueller is trained to assess and address potential dental issues in infants from their very first breath! Through these early oral health checkups, she can assess problems that could affect breastfeeding, breathing, speech, and overall development.
Innovative Laser Dentistry Treatments
We embrace the latest in dental technology with lasers! Dr. Mueller offers laser dentistry for most restorative procedures, unlike general dentists who often only use their dental lasers for a few specialized treatments. Our unique laser dentistry approach eliminates the need for needles, drills, and numbing—making dental visits a fear-free experience for young patients.
Pediatric Dental Services for Healthy and Happy Smiles
A much gentler and specialized approach is necessary when treating children’s smiles. Here are some of the services we focus on at Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental:
Early Dental Education
Understanding the importance of dental care and oral health from an early age is a great way to guarantee a healthy and happy smile for life. Dr. Christina Mueller and her team offer a calm and stress-free environment where we teach your child healthy dental habits in a fun and engaging way. Children and parents are encouraged to ask as many questions as they want or need.
Oral Health Checkups
Early oral health checkups and preventive care play a key role in detecting and addressing your child’s dental needs early on. At these exams, we keep your children’s teeth healthy with professional cleanings, and we also monitor any changes in their bite, tooth integrity, and more.
Preventive Care
We’re here to help your kids and teens keep their teeth strong and healthy, no matter their hobbies and snack preferences. We have plenty of preventive services to keep minor dental issues from evolving into major problems, including dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and more!
When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?
As soon as you can! Dr. Christina Mueller is here to offer guidance on your children’s oral health from their first breath to their first day of college.
An initial oral exam for your infants is a great way to monitor your child’s progressing oral health, including addressing tongue-tie problems and offering advice on keeping their gums clean and healthy.
Call Today to Learn More about Pediatric Dentistry
We’re always excited to welcome new families to our Olympia Hills community. Contact us today to start your child’s journey to a healthy smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages of children do you treat?
We provide comprehensive dental care for patients from infancy through adolescence, including those with special healthcare needs. In alignment with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines, we recommend that children establish a dental home by age one, or within six months of the eruption of the first tooth—whichever comes first. Our services are tailored to each developmental stage, from a baby’s first oral health check to a teenager’s unique dental requirements, ensuring age-appropriate care every step of the way.
What makes pediatric dentistry different from general dentistry?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), pediatric dentists are the big-league specialists in children’s oral health. They don’t just complete dental school—they go the extra mile with two to three additional years of advanced training specifically focused on the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
This specialized training equips pediatric dentists with:
- Expertise in child psychology and behavior management, helping kids feel comfortable, safe, and understood at every visit
- A deep understanding of growing mouths, including how teeth, jaws, and facial structures develop over time
- Advanced techniques to care for patients with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or special healthcare needs
- Child-focused preventive strategies and treatment plans that prioritize developmentally appropriate care
From the cheerful, kid-friendly environment to the way procedures are explained in age-appropriate language, everything about pediatric dentistry is tailored to help children build lifelong positive attitudes toward dental care. Choosing a pediatric dentist means choosing a provider who sees beyond the teeth—someone who understands the whole child.
When should I schedule my child's first dental visit?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your little one should have their first dental visit when the first tooth pops in—or no later than their first birthday. It might sound early, but baby teeth matter more than you think!
That first visit is like a “well-baby checkup” for the mouth. It gives us a chance to:
- Make sure everything’s developing on track
- Catch any early issues with teeth, gums, feeding, or habits like thumb-sucking
- Share helpful tips on brushing tiny teeth, teething comfort, and healthy snacks
- Answer all your questions (yes, even the ones you think are silly—we love those!)
Starting dental care early sets your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles—and helps them get comfy at the dentist from the very beginning. Plus, we make it fun! Think of it as your baby’s first smile milestone.
Do you use sedation for dental procedures?
At Olympia Hills Junior, your child’s safety and comfort are always our top priorities. We know that a positive dental experience early on can shape how your child feels about the dentist for life—and we want those feelings to be confident and happy!
That’s why we create a fun, welcoming environment and use advanced technology like laser dentistry, which often means no needles and no numbing—pretty cool, right?
For some children, though, a little extra help is needed to make them feel calm and relaxed. In those cases, sedation can be a safe and effective option, especially for kids with anxiety, special healthcare needs, or when more complex treatment is needed. We’re here to talk through all your options and find what works best for your child.
Our ultimate goal? To help your child enjoy going to the dentist, build lifelong healthy habits, and eventually graduate from Olympia Hills Junior to our Olympia Hills Family practice with a big, confident smile.
How often should my child visit the pediatric dentist?
Think of dental check-ups like tune-ups for tiny teeth! According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), most children should visit the pediatric dentist every six months for cleanings, exams, and a whole lot of encouragement.
These regular visits help us:
- Catch little issues before they become big ones
- Track how your child’s teeth and jaws are growing
- Reinforce great brushing habits and healthy routines
That said, every smile is different! Dr. Mueller may recommend more frequent visits or x-rays based on your child’s:
- Risk of cavities
- Oral hygiene habits
- Developmental needs or medical conditions
- History of dental concerns
- Dental Insurance coverage
We’ll always keep you in the loop and tailor care to your child—not just their teeth. Our mission at Olympia Hills Junior is to support healthy habits that grow with your child and create joyful dental visits that last a lifetime.
What if my child is anxious about visiting the dentist?
First of all—that’s completely normal, and you’re not alone! Many children feel a little nervous about going to the dentist, especially in the beginning. At Olympia Hills Junior, we’ve created a space that helps turn those nerves into smiles.
Our office isn’t your typical pediatric setup. Unlike many practices with open bays, we offer private rooms, giving your child a calm, quiet, and personalized experience. This means fewer distractions, more one-on-one attention, and a space that feels safe and special just for them.
Dr. Mueller and our team are specially trained in child behavior management techniques. We take time to build trust, explain things in kid-friendly ways, and go at your child’s pace. Whether it’s their first visit or their tenth, we’re here to make each experience gentle, encouraging, and even fun.
Our goal? To help your child not only feel comfortable—but actually look forward to seeing us. Because lifelong dental health starts with positive early experiences and a team that truly sees and supports your child.
How can I help maintain my child's oral health at home?
Supporting your child’s oral health starts right at home—and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated! With a few simple daily habits and a little guidance from your dental team, you can help your child build a strong, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Here’s how to keep those teeth on track:
- Practice age-appropriate brushing and flossing
For young children, parents should brush and floss for them. As they grow, you can transition to helping and then supervising. Use a soft-bristled brush, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste for little ones, and encourage brushing twice a day for two minutes.
- Make smart nutrition choices
Offer a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks, which can increase the risk of cavities—especially in between meals.
- Stay consistent with dental check-ups
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends dental visits every six months, or as advised by your pediatric dentist. These regular visits help catch small issues early and reinforce healthy habits.
- Consider preventive treatments like sealants
Dental sealants are a safe, painless way to protect your child’s molars from decay. Dr. Mueller will let you know if and when they’re a good option for your child.
At Olympia Hills Junior, we believe dental care is a team effort. Dr. Mueller will provide personalized advice based on your child’s age, development, and specific needs—so you’ll always know how to support their oral health every step of the way.