Dentist for Child

once they get all their teeth in so right about age 3. I take my older kid to a regular dentist and my younger one who has sensory issues to a pediatric dentist. it just depends on how the kid reacts to it

I take my kids to Children's Dental Care in Stoneham.
370 Main St
Stoneham, MA 02180-3515
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They are really wonderful. My daughter loves the dentist and she has no problem at all, but my son screams the entire time and these people are terrific! They are used to it and they are great with kids. My kids first visit was when they turned 2. Good luck with your search. Hope this helps!

I wondered the same thing. I like my dentist as well but thought should I go pediatric dentistry first? Well my decision was pediatric dentist and the reason why is that they are more prepared and suited for children of young ages who are more scared and frightened going to the dentist. It is common for little ones to cry often and/or loud and that office is used to that and knows how to work with it .. more easily. SO I took my first son after age 3 to Dr. Mickey in Stoneham (right on Montvale Ave). They were very nice in there. They "count" the teeth on the first visit and then try brushing them if the child will do it. My son got his teeth counted and that was it. I booked another appointment to do the teeth cleaning and then went back again. It gets a little easier each time. He got a big tooth to tape on the wall (for no cavities) on his visit. Then they give him a little baggy with some stickers and tooth brush/floss. He loved that. So it's ultimately your choice and your comfort. I think that while they are young... maybe dealing with those more used to handling young children could be easier on your child.

You can always check out the offices yourself as well to see how you feel at them too.

Thanks
T.

Hi M., My personal opinion is that you should have your child go to the same dentist as Mom and Dad. That way, the child sees Mom & Dad sitting in the same chair having the same dentist/hygeinist work on them, etc. General protocol is to have the child start going at 3 years old. By the time there might be need for anything other than cleanings, the child is very comfortable going there. If you are looking for a dentist who is very child-friendly, I highly recommend Dr. John Herzog who lives in Danvers and has his office in Beverly at 78 McKay St. just before the Cummings Cntr. It is in a house just across from a pond - nice setting. The office and staff are friendly and "homey", complete with your choice of TV, movie or music while you are in the chair!! Dr. Herzog himself is witty and very knowledgable in his field, and is constantly attending seminars on the latest info. He has impressive equipment. On the personal side, he has 3 children, the youngest of whom is 6 months old - so he is very child-friendly. His ph # is: ###-###-####. I am sure you are welcome to bring your child in to meet him to see if he would be comfortable going there. Good Luck. E. Taft ____@____.com ###-###-####

Hi M.:
Good advise: I have 4 children. 11, 14, 17, & 19. I've done both. The only difference I saw was the price. Pedi dentists cost more. My advise to you is not to let a dentist fill your child's first teeth if they will be losing them within 2 years. Unless it is real bad, a small cavity will just come out with the tooth. I've had them fill some and some I've let go for about 2 years that just fell out and everything was fine. They may tell you that you need to have it filled. Don't waste your money.
It's good to play dentist with your child and brush their teeth every couple of days yourself. Make a game out of it and let them be the dentist to you too. The importance is that they brush well. They can lay down on the floor or the couch. First have them check your teeth and be the dentist. They should enjoy it. If their teeth look fine with a flashlight, they should be. Hold off on taking them until about age 5 or 6. Let them come to the dentist with you while you get a cleaning to see that it is fine. They will understand how to play dentist too. Don't give them an apt. that day. My children have very good teeth now that they are older with only 2 fillings out of all 4 children.
Good luck,
Sue

My advice is to go to a pediatric dentist. This will be the first experience with a dentist which will set the tone for all future visits...and we know how many people have dentist "issues". A good pediatric dentist makes it a totally fun experience. We go to Children's Dental in Everett - www.echildrensdental.com . They have a playstation room while waiting, choice of cartoon channels on the ceiling while laying in the chair, headphones, cool sunglasses so the light doesn't bother their eyes, they get a small toy at the end, and the best part, the whole staff is GREAT! My daughter started crying during the xray and they sweetly said, "We don't have to do it if you don't want to, no need to cry at the dentist, it's supposed to be fun!" Good luck with whatever you choose!

Is your dentist's office geared to children (i.e. lots of toys/books for them to play with while waiting for the appointment, decor, kid "treats" for after the appointment). If not, then I would suggest a pediatric dentist, not only are they specially trained to work with children, their office is set up with them in mind. Also, if your child has difficulty during the appointment (crying, screaming) it will probably be better tolerated and the staff will be more patient. I would bring in your child now for at least a consultation. I use Dr. Mickey & Associates in Woburn for my daugther, he is really great.

Good Luck,
J.

Hello. I think it's a personal preference. I take my 2 boys to my own dentist, and they have received wonderful care. Although I was initially worried about how they would do at their first visit (I didn't have high expectations), both boys surprised me and were excellent. Both continue to enjoy going. Our hygenist is very patient with them, which makes a big difference. The only 'problem' one of my sons had was having his initial x-rays (I don't think it worked until he was 7 years old). He had a strong gag reflex and couldn't get the film pieces to stay in his mouth without gagging. But, now its not an issue. We have a pediatric dentist locally that I would have tried if my children did not do well at their visits with my dentist/hygenist. If you're really concerned about how your child will react, maybe you can set an appointment to meet with a dentist (or discuss your concerns by phone). The initial visit the we had was so easy--basically counting the teach and introducing them to the water spout, the chair, and the various tools. My dentist recommended that the children come sometime between 3 and 3 1/2 years of age, but I have a friend whose dentist said to bring them as soon as the first tooth erupted (that seemed extreme to me!). Good luck to you and your son!
--S.

I think it depends on the child. If your child has special needs - I would suggest a Pediatric dentist. Otherwise, I would just take him to a regular dentist.

M.,
I have gone to a pediatric dentist for my children until they were about 9-10 years old. I think they are typically better able to handle the different circumstances with small children and toddlers than a "regular" dentist.
There is a wonderful practice in Lexington, Dr. Michael Coppe on Muzzey Street if you are interested.
http://www.drcoppe.com/
I believe the recommended age is 3 for first trips to the dentist.
hope this helps!

I go to a Pediatric Dentist. I think that they are more patient with my kids. Once all of the their teeth are in they can go. With the exception of some of the older year molars. Good luck with your decisions.