(920) 667-0038 [email protected] 2805 Libal Street Suite B, Green Bay, WI 54301
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Children’s dental exams & preventive care in Wisconsin

— building healthy habits and confident smiles from day one

The habits children form at the dentist — and the experiences they have — shape their relationship with oral health for life. At Green Bay Smiles Dental, we create a dental home where children feel safe, parents feel informed, and every visit builds confidence for the next one.

Children warmly welcomed from age 1 — same-day urgent blocks available

Age-Based Milestones

When should my child have their first dental visit?

By age 1 — or when the first tooth appears: Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend a child’s first dental visit by age 1 — or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. This isn’t about finding cavities in a baby; it’s about establishing a dental home early, examining eruption patterns, assessing decay risk, coaching parents on home care, and letting children experience the dental environment before any treatment is ever needed.

Age 1 visit

Brief, gentle exam. Count the teeth. Check for early decay risk. Parent coaching on brushing, bottle feeding, and pacifier habits. A positive first impression that sets the tone.


Ages 2–5

Full exam, digital X-rays when clinically indicated, gentle cleaning, and fluoride. Primary dentition is monitored closely for decay, spacing, and skeletal bite development. Home care is reinforced at every visit.


Ages 6–12

Mixed dentition phase — baby teeth falling out, permanent teeth erupting. Sealants are placed on permanent molars. Orthodontic screening begins. Most cavity-prone years — close monitoring is essential.


Teens

Full permanent dentition established. Wisdom tooth monitoring begins. Orthodontic treatment is often highly active. Increased cavity risk with dietary independence — hygiene coaching shifts to teen-directed methods.


Exam Transparency

Our 8-Point Pediatric Assessment Matrix

Tooth-by-tooth exam

Every tooth surface checked for decay, structural chips, or developmental concerns. Early cavities are caught when they're tiny — and easiest to treat.

Bite & jaw development

We assess how teeth come together, jaw growth patterns, and any early signs of crowding or bite problems that benefit from early interceptive ortho intervention.

Gum health

Gum tissue assessed for inflammation or early gingivitis — common in children and teens and easily managed with improved, custom home care techniques.

Soft tissue screening

Cheeks, tongue, lips, and palate examined for developmental concerns or soft tissue anomalies — including frenum attachment assessments for younger children.

X-rays (when indicated)

Bitewing X-rays to detect hidden decay between teeth — taken when teeth are touching and a visual exam alone can't see between them. Low-dose digital X-rays with lead aprons.

Professional cleaning

Plaque and calcified tartar removed from all surfaces. Teeth are dynamically polished, and instructions show children how to brush properly and let them practice.

Fluoride treatment

Topical fluoride varnish applied cleanly after cleaning — strengthens enamel and reverses early white spot demineralizations. Takes 30 seconds, with no eating or drinking for 30 minutes after.

Parent debrief

We always debrief parents directly — sharing what we found, what we're monitoring, what you can do at home, and when to come back. No surprises, no mysteries.

Clinical Defense Mechanisms

Preventive Services at Every Recall Visit

Fluoride treatments

Applied at every routine recall visit. Safely strengthens developing enamel surfaces, reverses micro-demineralizations, and dramatically reduces decay vulnerability.


Dental sealants

Applied to permanent molars as soon as they erupt — sealing the deep structural pits and grooves where 80% of childhood cavities initiate.


Orthodontic screening

We closely monitor your child's bite and jaw relationship at every single checkup, referring for early orthodontic evaluation when clinically indicated.


Home care coaching

Age-appropriate brushing and flossing instruction for both child and parent — updated at every visit as your child's manual dexterity and anatomy evolve.


A dental home that grows with your child — from their first tooth to their last baby tooth and beyond

Children welcome from age 1

We see children from their very first tooth. These early milestone visits build long-term familiarity and trust — children who start young rarely develop severe dental anxiety.

Absolute no-judgment zone

Whether it's your child's first visit ever or they haven't been to a dentist in three years — every child is welcomed warmly without guilt or judgment. We start where they are.

Continuity into adulthood

Our comprehensive practice serves patients of all ages — your child can transition seamlessly from pediatric to adult care with the exact same trusted clinical team they grow up with.

Real Patient Feedback

Google reviews

Trusted by local families

4.9 ★★★★★ Google
Evan Miller
Evan Miller4 months ago
★★★★★

Efficient and friendly service

Michael Messer
Michael Messer4 months ago
★★★★★

I had a great experience. Everyone is so friendly and Casey did great with all…

Sue L
Sue L6 months ago
★★★★★

I took my 95 year old mom to the dentist. First visit in 7 years….

Janet Wickman
Janet Wickman6 months ago
★★★★★

Awesome dental office with friendly staff who really care about your concerns. They fit me…

Paula Culligan
Paula Culligan6 months ago
★★★★★

Took me on time. Good results. No pain. This place is great! I always feel…

Nic Wessely
Nic Wessely1 month ago
★★★★★

The staff at Green Bay Smiles was incredibly professional, friendly, and gentle in their approach,…

Rebeca Mejia
Rebeca Mejia5 months ago
★★★★★

(Translated by Google) An excellent place, everyone is friendly and very attentive. I especially felt…

Patricia Love
Patricia Love5 months ago
★★★★★

I mistakenly went on the wrong day and Green Bay Smiles graciously worked me in….

Karen Geiger
Karen Geiger4 months ago
★★★★★

Great dental office. Staff is professional, kind and efficient.

Mariss Cook
Mariss Cook4 months ago
★★★★★

All staff at Green Bay Smiles in Green Bay were very friendly & personable. I…

Michael Sule
Michael Sule4 months ago
★★★★★

Courteous, explains thoroughly and timely.

Bonnie Plouff
Bonnie Plouff4 months ago
★★★★★

My first experience with Green Bay Smiles. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Messer, the…

Maureen Steiner
Maureen Steiner5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a great experience! Fantastic teeth cleaning – very thorough, detailed, and considerate! Highly recommended.

Kevin O'Connor
Kevin O'Connor5 months ago
★★★★★

Everything was on time and handled very professionally.

Jesse Greene
Jesse Greene6 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer exemplifies what outstanding dental care should be. The approach is thoughtful, precise, and…

Laurie Caebe
Laurie Caebe5 months ago
★★★★★

Finding a provider that could work with my insurance was challenging, but luckily my search…

Tim Sass
Tim Sass2 months ago
★★★★★

The friendly staff at Green Bay Smiles were a delight to work with, providing a…

Steve Perry
Steve Perry5 months ago
★★★★★

Great getting me in waiting list All is good. Great staff Friendly 👍🏻

kevin petasek
kevin petasek2 months ago
★★★★★

Dental staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful!

Brandon Schwarz
Brandon Schwarz5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer and staff are always friendly, professional and knowledgeable at Green Bay Smiles. They…

Laura Alar
Laura Alar1 month ago
★★★★★

Green Bay Smiles is timely, thorough and always has a relaxing environment.

Pat Vanden Bergh
Pat Vanden Bergh4 months ago
★★★★★

Very efficient and courteous

Linda Havlicek
Linda Havlicek5 months ago
★★★★★

My questions were answered in a patient and caring manner.

Brian D
Brian D5 months ago
★★★★★

Green Bay Smiles is a great place for dental work. Dr Messer is a credit…

Cathy Hedrick
Cathy Hedrick2 months ago
★★★★★

The team at Green Bay Smiles went above and beyond with their friendly, helpful, and…

Leda
Leda3 months ago
★★★★★

Thank you so much for the outstanding care and professionalism. I truly appreciate how detailed…

Paula Colling
Paula Colling1 month ago
★★★★★

Is it possible to say that you look forward to the dentist?? YES. Love Green…

Jill Baeten
Jill Baeten5 months ago
★★★★★

Love Dr. Messer! She's speedy, fun, kind and does quality work. Will never go anywhere…

Brenda Beyer
Brenda Beyer6 months ago
★★★★★

Emily was very good at her job

Pam Supa
Pam Supa4 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone in the office was very nice and made me feel at ease. It is…

Tim Ahtonen
Tim Ahtonen3 months ago
★★★★★

At Green Bay Smiles, the dentist and staff provided a friendly and professional experience, putting…

Rita Schroeder
Rita Schroeder5 months ago
★★★★★

Professional, friendly and very detailed from when you enter the office till you leave. Dr…

Steve Seyler
Steve Seyler4 months ago
★★★★★

Always a great place to visit. Staff is always friendly and helpful.

Meredith Obry
Meredith Obry1 month ago
★★★★★

The staff at Green Bay Smiles demonstrated exceptional professionalism, providing a consistently polite and courteous…

Patti Van Eyck
Patti Van Eyck4 months ago
★★★★★

The employee was very nice. She listened to what I was saying was wrong.

Katherine Smits
Katherine Smits4 months ago
★★★★★

I arrived for my appointment in a state of very high anxiety. I was given…

John Mandl
John Mandl4 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent service, everyone was friendly and the dentist knew her profession. I’am happy to be…

Lisa Dillhunt
Lisa Dillhunt5 months ago
★★★★★

Really kind people who do their best to make each experience a good one.

Holly Wegner
Holly Wegner3 months ago
★★★★★

Had a wonderful first time there. Felt very welcomed and my concerns were addressed very…

Joann Wanek
Joann Wanek3 months ago
★★★★★

Very thorough, and friendly, but they listened to what I wanted after I explained what…

Bonnie VanDeHey
Bonnie VanDeHey3 months ago
★★★★★

Love this dental office! I've been going for a few years now and the staff…

Roxanne Cole
Roxanne Cole5 months ago
★★★★★

This was a great office visit. I got more information in the first 15 minutes…

Robert Kadrlik
Robert Kadrlik6 months ago
★★★★★

Outstanding job, very happy with his work.

Barb Wickham
Barb Wickham3 months ago
★★★★★

They are amazing! All the staff are super efficient and very professional! I would highly…

Bailey Hintz
Bailey Hintz4 months ago
★★★★★

I used to go to Green Bay Smiles, but after moving, I started seeing a…

Monica Golomski
Monica Golomski2 months ago
★★★★★

Great team work – all levels. Office, dental associates and of course, Dr. Casey. A…

Carolyn Maritato
Carolyn Maritato2 months ago
★★★★★

The GBS clinic was prompt in confirming appointments and the staff was extremely courteous ….

Norma Olivier
Norma Olivier3 months ago
★★★★★

I trust Dr. Messer. Dr. Messer, and the Green Bay Smiles staff are totally awesome!…

Jan Charles
Jan Charles1 month ago
★★★★★

You were ALL very professional, kind, knowledgeable, etc, etc. I appreciate entrusting my smile to…

Jack Vial
Jack Vial5 months ago
★★★★

Counter staff are friendly and informative. Hygienist was gentle, informative and had a great bedside…

Kathleen Warren
Kathleen Warren6 months ago
★★★★★

Very professional and friendly

Geneva Macco
Geneva Macco4 months ago
★★★★★

Had a very friendly visit every time I go in to have any dental work…

David Tellock
David Tellock4 months ago
★★★★★

I was in for a 6 month routine checkup and cleaning. As always, Dr Messer…

Mary Reiter
Mary Reiter4 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly people. They make it easy and explain everything very clearly. Will be back.

Randy Van Goethem
Randy Van Goethem4 months ago
★★★★★

Jena is awesome. Best of luck with your new born!

S Bjar
S Bjar6 months ago
★★★★★

Great dentist great staff great hygenist! Friendly personable helpful!

Thijs Dewey
Thijs Dewey3 months ago
★★★★★

Great atmosphere and customer service all the staff was very friendly and helpful

Richard Reimer
Richard Reimer3 months ago
★★★★★

My appointment was on time and the people that worked on me were great and…

Edwin Miller
Edwin Miller6 months ago
★★★★★

Great place to get your teeth fixed/cleaned.

Samantha Tamayo
Samantha Tamayo5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Casey and her team are truly the best!

Emily Boneff
Emily Boneff5 months ago
★★★★★

Always a pleasure with great staff and dentist!

Peter Anderson
Peter Anderson3 months ago
★★★★★

It was very pleasant and they got me in 5 minutes ahead of my scheduled…

Craig Satori
Craig Satori3 months ago
★★★★★

On time, down to business, good care and conversation with my hygienist!

Kathleen E
Kathleen E4 months ago
★★★★★

My Dental Hygenist was so friendly, professional, knowledgeable, positive, and caring. She shared information relating…

Rob Themeister
Rob Themeister5 months ago
★★★★★

I've recently had major restorative dental work completed at GB Smiles, and can't speak highly…

Mike
Mike2 months ago
★★★★★

Very understanding and informative to my own situation.

julio
julio5 months ago
★★★★★

Very happy, everyone very nice and helpful, answered all my questions, and explained procedures and…

Steve Endter
Steve Endter6 months ago
★★★★★

The assistant was very nice, 5 star!

LYNN MOORE
LYNN MOORE3 months ago
★★★★★

I’m so happy with Dr Messer in her care and friendliness. She knows what she…

Wayne Richardson
Wayne Richardson5 months ago
★★★★★

I always have a good experience with the people there . They are professional and…

Sarah Miller
Sarah Miller3 months ago
★★★★★

The dentist and staff at Green Bay Smiles were professional, friendly, and gentle, making me…

Payton Weires
Payton Weires3 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience awesome people. Have been coming here for almost 10 years now and I…

JANETTE DREWS
JANETTE DREWS3 months ago
★★★★★

Dr Messer is excellent.

Jessica Hamer
Jessica Hamer4 months ago
★★★★★

I needed a lot of dental work and chose Green Bay Smiles as they had…

Jeff Hall
Jeff Hall6 months ago
★★★★★

Dental care made easy. I actually enjoy going!

susan casper
susan casper6 months ago
★★★★

An hour after I got home I developed a toothache which still persists tonight. Did…

Brittany Schmidt
Brittany Schmidt4 months ago
★★★★★

Very welcoming staff. The hygienist was patient, kind, and explained everything that was occurring. The…

Melony Killian
Melony Killian4 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent service and friendly staff

Kelly Nelson
Kelly Nelson4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Messer & her dental care team are very knowledgeable and have taken excellent care…

Alan Holewinski
Alan Holewinski6 months ago
★★★★★

Relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Don’t mind stopping there at all!

Frequently Asked Pediatric Questions
By age 1 or within 6 months of the very first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. This primary standard comes directly from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Early visits establish a secure dental home, catch developmental variations early, and build a positive relationship before any treatment is ever required.
 
Every 6 months is the standard recommendation for most children. For children presenting with a higher baseline cavity risk index or rapid plaque buildup, we may suggest more frequent supportive visits (every 3 to 4 months). We tailor the recall interval to your child's unique risk level at each exam.
 
Yes. Modern digital dental X-rays utilize exceptionally low radiation doses, and we always protect your child using lead-lined aprons and thyroid collars. We capture radiographs strictly when clinically indicated, not as a blanket rule. The clinical value of detecting hidden decay between touching teeth far outweighs the minimal exposure.
 
Schedule a pressure-free "happy visit" first — a brief, no-treatment appointment focused entirely on meeting our team, sitting in the dental chair, and exploring the tools with zero pressure. Our pediatric operators are extensively experienced with anxious children and use specific, gentle behavioral techniques to build comfort slowly. Stating this beforehand allows us to prepare.

Related services

Dental sealants

A simple, highly effective preventative coating applied directly to permanent molars as soon as they erupt to lock out cavity-causing bacteria.

Pediatric restorations

If structural decay is located during an exam, we treat it quickly and gently using child-focused techniques to restore full dental health.

Early orthodontics

Orthodontic diagnostic tracking forms a standard part of every exam — we refer for early structural jaw evaluation when indicate by growth.

Open for Appointments

Schedule your visit with our friendly dental team today.