Childhood is a period of rapid growth — not only physically, but developmentally and neurologically. The mouth, jaws, airway, and bite are constantly changing. Early, specialized oversight can significantly influence long-term oral health.
At Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing, Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn practice exclusively within the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This is not general dentistry adapted for children. It is advanced, child-centered training focused on growth, development,
prevention, and behavior.
For families looking for a pediatric dentist in the Lansing area, here are four areas where their specialty training makes a meaningful difference.
- The First Dental Visit: Why Age One Is the Standard
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn encourage early visits because primary teeth are critical to:
Proper nutrition
Speech formation
Jaw and facial development
Guiding permanent tooth eruption
An early visit is not simply a “checkup.” During this appointment, Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn assess developmental patterns, evaluate cavity risk, and provide individualized guidance tailored to your child and family.
Prevention is most effective when it begins before disease develops.
- Lip & Tongue Ties: Evaluating Function, Not Just Anatomy
Oral restrictions such as lip and tongue ties are common. The presence of tissue alone does not determine the need for treatment.
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn evaluate function first.
Their comprehensive assessment considers:
Feeding efficiency and coordination
Speech development
Oral mobility and hygiene
Jaw growth patterns
When function is appropriate, observation is often recommended. When functional limitations are present, Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn discuss treatment within the broader context of facial growth and long-term development. Their specialty training supports measured, evidence-based decision-making — not reflexive intervention.
- Oral Habits & Bite Development
Pacifiers and thumb sucking are developmentally normal in early childhood. The clinical question is not whether a child has a habit, but whether it is influencing skeletal and dental development.
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn closely monitor:
Anterior open bite
Increased overjet
Narrow maxillary development
Altered jaw growth patterns
Because childhood growth is dynamic, early guidance from a pediatric specialist may reduce the need for more complex orthodontic correction later. Growth assessment is a core part of how Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn approach preventive care.
- Pediatric Dentistry Is a Recognized Specialty
Pediatric dentistry is formally recognized by the American Dental Association as a
Dental specialty. Following dental school, pediatric dentists complete an additional 2–3 years of intensive, hospital-based and child-focused training.
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn’s advanced education includes:
Craniofacial growth and development
Infant oral health
Behavior guidance and child psychology
Care for children with special healthcare needs
Pediatric dental trauma
Children require a distinct clinical approach — anatomically, developmentally, and emotionally — and that training shapes every aspect of care in our office.
A Deliberate, Relationship-Based Approach to Childhood Dental Care
Choosing a pediatric dentist means choosing care structured around the unique developmental stages of childhood.
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn believe in:
Early risk assessment
Prevention-first decision-making
Conservative, function-based treatment planning
Clear, individualized communication
The goal is not simply treating teeth — it is guiding healthy development with intention and clinical precision.
At Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing, your child is seen and treated directly by Dr. Jake or Dr. Jenn — pediatric dental specialists dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents.
517-337-0032
Dr. Jake & Dr. Jenn
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn are well-versed in child’s dental trauma and know the proper steps to ensure appropriate treatment. With their extensive training, Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn are able to be a resource for parents looking for swift answers after a trauma.
Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing is currently welcoming new families to our office. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call us at 517-337-0032 or visit our website at https://yourchildsdds.com/. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing is located at 3511 Coolidge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 337-0032
5 Reasons to Visit Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing
Specialized Training
A pediatric dentist, unlike a family dentist or general dentist, completes an additional two to three years of training following dental school. Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn’s training focused on child growth and develop, child psychology, and treatment of children with special healthcare needs. This training equips Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn to not only be more likely to detect and treat potential problems before they progress, but also handle and guide your child through the emotional aspects of dentistry from infancy to adolescence.
Everything is Kid Friendly and “Fun”
Our pediatric dental office is set-up just for kids! Our environment is less intimidating and designed for comfort. All of our rooms have bright colors, TVs, and toys. All of our tools and chairs are child size. Not to mention, Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn use age-appropriate language and visuals to help engage and ease your child in the dental process.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn along with their team, take the time to explain and teach proper brushing and flossing. By building confidence and proper habits at a young age, children are set up for a lifetime of positive and healthy experiences at the dentist.
Early Detection for Lip/Tongue Ties, Speech, and Bite Problems
Pediatric dentists like Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn have specialized training to detect, evaluate, and intervene (if needed) in your child’s bite and lip/tongue tie to ensure they do not develop speech or nutritional problems. The sooner these issues are detected, the more likely they can be corrected effectively and with less invasive treatments.
Emergency Care
Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn are well-versed in child’s dental trauma and know the proper steps to ensure appropriate treatment. With their extensive training, Dr. Jake and Dr. Jenn are able to be a resource for parents looking for swift answers after a trauma.
Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing is currently welcoming new families to our office. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please call us at 517-337-0032 or visit our website at https://yourchildsdds.com/. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
Pediatric Dentistry of East Lansing is located at 3511 Coolidge Rd., East Lansing
(517) 337-0032
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