Do you use a pediatric dentist for your toddler?

[Anonymous]

Dr. Alan Kuwabara (in Friendship Heights) is wonderful. I also hear a lot of good recs for Dana Greenwald (sp?).

[Anonymous]

Take your child NOW! I waited until age 4, because my pediatrician said it was OK and was also confused about what type of dentist to use. It turns out my little boy has cavities - which could have been controlled had I taken him earlier. I am kicking myself.

Also, we took him to a dentist that sees adults but is also a pediatric dentist and sells the dentist as being good with kids. I was terrified to take him to get a cavity filled. He had a great time. I repeat. The dentist was so good with kids that my son had FUN getting a cavity filled. There was a TV, she let him play with the instruments, she and her staff were so good with him, that he didn't even look at me the entire time (and my son is usually clingy).

This was Arlington Smile in Falls Church.

[Anonymous]

For regular checkups, a family dentist is probably fine. But if your child is nervous or frightened at ALL, the pediatric dentist is much better. My family dentist found a cavity in my son's tooth and recommended, since he was stressed about the visit, we go to a pediatric dentist. We did and what a difference! It's like preschool - everyone is an expert at dealing with children. They have great ways of explaining things and keep the kids occupied with stories, talking, showing them the office, etc. I was very very pleased and thought it was worth the extra money...

BTW, they recommended taking kids to the dentist as soon as they have a full set of teeth (around age 2), just to get the kids used to the office. Also gave me great tips for brushing kids teeth more thoroughly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Alan Kuwabara (in Friendship Heights) is wonderful. I also hear a lot of good recs for Dana Greenwald (sp?).

Yes, we see Dr. Kuwabara, and he is everything one could hope for. Just terrific.

I also heard good things about Greenwald, but she doesn't take any insurance. Kuwabara does, and his front office staff is great.

[Anonymous]

Our pediatrician told us to go at age 3, so I don't think you're late OP.

[Anonymous]

I have been going to the same Dentist since I was 5 years old (he is not a pediatric dentist). He became a good friend of my parents over the years and even came to my wedding.

My son is 5 and he's been to see him 3 times...we are due again. Apparently, a lot of stuff they market to parents, e.g., certain kid sealants, etc. are completely unwarranted and costly. i never had any of those things as a kid...never had braces or wisdom teeth pulled...and have straight, fairly white, healthy teeth. 40 and nothing other than one cavity and regular cleanings.

I am going to take my younger son when he turns 3 this Spring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been going to the same Dentist since I was 5 years old (he is not a pediatric dentist). He became a good friend of my parents over the years and even came to my wedding.

My son is 5 and he's been to see him 3 times...we are due again. Apparently, a lot of stuff they market to parents, e.g., certain kid sealants, etc. are completely unwarranted and costly. i never had any of those things as a kid...never had braces or wisdom teeth pulled...and have straight, fairly white, healthy teeth. 40 and nothing other than one cavity and regular cleanings.

I am going to take my younger son when he turns 3 this Spring.

The funny thing is (poster above) was that my son has always been terrified of the Barber/haircut so his first visit to the dentist I thought would be a complete disaster. I went first and then he went...he was fascinated by everything there and didn't mind one bit (this was at 3 yold). He loves going and talks about 'grandpa's friend'.

[Anonymous]

This is an old thread but timely for us. DS is only 18 months but has at least one cavity. I saw what looked like brown discoloration on the back of one of his front teeth (left incisor, i think). Pediatrician had originally said we could take him at 3 but when we called about the cavity she recommended several pediatric dentists. Kuwabara and Greenwald were both on her list as being gentle and fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've taken our children to Dr. Sarah Ganjavi, a ped dentist, in Vienna. She is very gentle and good with little ones; she makes it fun and the kids actually like going to see Dr. G. I first brought the kids there when they turned 2 years old. I don't think it's necessary to start that early. A big part of me scheduling these early dental visits is to help my kids avoid the cavities I had growing up. So far, so good.

Love her and her team! My 4-year old actually got upset the other day when he learned that only his brother had an appointment with Mr G! They really enjoy going there.

[Anonymous]

My toddler sees our family dentist in Bethesda- Dr. Bui. He's been great with him.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Camps Pediatric Dentistry in Silver Spring is the greatest!! When my daughter was 2 or 3 they use to use the plauque dye to paint her fingernails! She loved it. Also they are very good at letting the kids feel everything on the hand before they go into the mouth. No surprises!