Pediatric Dental Care Services

A Healthy Start for Happy Smiles

Early dental care is essential to lifelong oral health. Pediatric dentistry is not just about preventing cavities—it’s about establishing a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here at Kangaroo Smiles in Lowell and Methuen, we are dedicated to ensuring that each visit to the dentist is a positive, educational, and engaging experience for both you and your child.

Why Choose Kangaroo Smiles?

Choosing the right dentist for your child is crucial. At Kangaroo Smiles, we provide a secure and welcoming environment that caters to the unique needs of young patients. Our clinic is designed with children in mind, from the playful décor to the gentle approach of our staff, making sure that your child feels comfortable and relaxed.

Our team consists of pediatric dental specialists who are not only highly skilled but also passionate about pediatric dental care. With years of specialized training, our dentists have the expertise to handle the dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

At Kangaroo Smiles in Lowell and Methuen, we focus on preventative care to ensure your child’s long-term oral health and are equipped to handle everything from routine check-ups to complex procedures with the utmost care.

Comprehensive Dental Services

At Kangaroo Smiles, we offer a wide range of pediatric dental services designed to promote the oral health of your child from their very first tooth. Here’s a closer look at our comprehensive dental care offerings:

Routine Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining your child’s oral health. Starting from their first year, we recommend a dental visit every six months. These regular visits allow us to monitor the growth and development of your child’s teeth and gums, catch potential issues early, and guide you on proper home care.

During each check-up, our pediatric dentists perform a thorough examination and discuss any concerns you might have about your child’s dental health.

Preventive Treatments

Fluoride Treatments
To strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent cavities, we apply a safe and effective fluoride varnish. This treatment not only helps harden the tooth enamel but also reverses early signs of tooth decay.

Dental Sealants
Sealants are a quick, pain-free way to protect your child’s back teeth (molars) from decay. We apply a clear protective coating that seals the deep grooves in their molars, blocking out food particles and bacteria that are hard to reach with brushing alone.

Restorative Services

Tooth-Colored Fillings
When cavities occur, our tooth-colored fillings restore the health and aesthetics of your child’s teeth. Made from durable composite materials, these fillings blend seamlessly with the natural tooth, ensuring that your child’s smile remains beautiful.

Baby Tooth Root Canals (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy)
For teeth severely affected by decay, we may recommend a baby tooth root canal to save the tooth and prevent further issues. This procedure involves removing damaged pulp and sealing the tooth, which is then covered with a protective crown.

Stainless Steel Crowns
For teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings, we use stainless steel crowns to cover and protect the tooth. These crowns are durable, cost-effective, and are especially useful for preserving a tooth until it naturally falls out.

Tooth Extractions

In cases where a tooth is too damaged to save, extraction might be necessary. At Kangaroo Smiles, we consider extraction a last resort. Our pediatric dentists ensure that the procedure is as pain-free as possible, using gentle techniques and the latest anesthesia options to minimize discomfort and anxiety for your child.

When Extractions Become Necessary

  • Severe Decay: When a tooth is so extensively decayed that fillings or crowns cannot restore it.
  • Infection Risk: If there’s a risk of infection spreading to other parts of the mouth or body.
  • Orthodontic Reasons: To make space for other teeth as part of an orthodontic treatment plan.
  • Impacted Teeth: When a tooth is stuck and cannot break through the gum because there is not enough room.
  • Damage from Trauma: When a tooth is fractured or damaged beyond repair due to an injury.

Specialized Pediatric Treatments

At Kangaroo Smiles, we go beyond basic dental care by offering specialized treatments tailored to the unique needs of children. These services not only enhance oral health but also address specific conditions and situations that are common in pediatric patients. Here’s a detailed look at our specialized pediatric treatments:

For young athletes, protection is key—not just for their bodies but also for their smiles. Participating in sports, especially contact sports, increases the risk of dental injuries. To mitigate this, we provide custom-made athletic mouthguards.

Our mouthguards are designed to fit snugly over your child’s teeth, providing optimal protection against impacts that could cause tooth damage, such as chipping, fracturing, or knocking out a tooth. Beyond protecting the teeth, our mouthguards also help reduce the risk of concussions and other head and neck injuries by absorbing and dispersing impact forces.

Losing baby teeth early can lead to dental alignment issues when permanent teeth start to erupt. To prevent such complications, we recommend space maintainers. These devices are essential in preserving the space left by a prematurely lost tooth until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.

Custom-made from durable materials like stainless steel and acrylic, space maintainers fit discreetly in your child’s mouth, ensuring that surrounding teeth do not shift into the gap and disrupt the natural growth pattern of their permanent teeth. This proactive approach helps avoid more extensive orthodontic treatments in the future.

Cosmetic and Additional Services

At Kangaroo Smiles, we understand that pediatric dental care encompasses more than just health; it also includes ensuring that your child’s smile is bright and confident. To this end, we offer a range of cosmetic and additional services that cater specifically to the aesthetics and long-term maintenance of your child’s dental health.
As children grow older and all the baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, some might feel self-conscious about discoloration. Our tooth whitening treatments are designed for older children and teens who want to enhance the brightness of their smiles. These procedures are safe, effective, and can make a significant difference in your child’s self-esteem. Whether it’s for a special occasion like a school dance or to boost confidence after braces, our whitening treatments provide that extra sparkle safely under professional supervision.

To ensure comprehensive dental care, we employ the latest in digital X-ray technology. This advanced tool is crucial for diagnosing underlying issues that aren’t visible during a regular dental exam.

Digital X-rays are not only faster and more comfortable but also use significantly less radiation compared to traditional X-rays, making them a safer choice for children. The immediate availability of images helps our pediatric dentists to explain the dental conditions clearly to both parents and children, enhancing understanding and easing any anxieties.

Emergency Dental Care

At Kangaroo Smiles, we recognize that dental emergencies can occur at any time, often when least expected. Our dedicated team is prepared to handle urgent dental issues promptly and with the utmost care to ensure your child’s comfort and health are restored as quickly as possible.

Rapid Response to Dental Emergencies

We prioritize immediate attention to dental emergencies to prevent further complications and relieve pain. Whether it’s a tooth that has been knocked out, a severe toothache, or a broken tooth, our clinic is equipped to manage these situations efficiently. Our pediatric dentists are skilled in emergency procedures and use gentle techniques tailored to the needs of children.

Common Dental Emergencies and Our Approach

  • Knocked-Out Tooth: If your child’s permanent tooth has been knocked out, it’s crucial to act quickly. We can often reinsert and save the tooth if treated promptly.
  • Severe Toothache: Causes can vary from cavities to infections. We quickly identify the source of pain and provide the appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and address the underlying issue.
  • Chipped or Broken Teeth: Depending on the severity, we can smooth out minor chips or use restorations like crowns for more significant damage.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the lips, gums, or cheeks can cause bleeding and discomfort. We provide immediate care to manage pain and promote healing.

Emergency Contact Information

(978) 425-1496

We encourage parents to contact us immediately if a dental emergency arises. We offer guidance over the phone to manage the situation until you can reach our office for an emergency appointment. For after-hours emergencies, we provide instructions on how to obtain urgent care.

Frequently asked questions

At Kangaroo Smiles, we understand that parents often have questions about pediatric dental care. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, along with our detailed answers, to help you stay informed and prepared for your child’s dental health journey.

Although they will all eventually fall out, primary (baby) teeth are important for:

  • Proper chewing and eating
  • Keeping space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position
  • Allowing normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
  • Development of speech
  • Giving your child the self-confidence they need to succeed in school and other activities


Cavities in baby teeth can cause sensitivity, pain, and sometimes even serious infections. In some situations, they can also directly affect the development of your child’s permanent teeth.

Often times, cavities develop without any pain or other symptoms. That is why it is so important to schedule your child for regular, routine visits with our office. Small cavities that are not painful are always easier to fix than large cavities.

Left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious problems for your child, such as infections in the nerve of the tooth, swellings, and possibly needing to have the tooth removed. Some common symptoms of a larger cavity may include:

1) A painful toothache or swollen gums

2) Pain when chewing or eating hot or cold foods

3) The presence of white spots, tooth discolorations, or holes in teeth

We use dental radiographs, or X-rays, in the dental exams of children of all ages, because many problems with the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen by the naked eye.

X-rays can reveal:

  • Small cavities between teeth
  • Deep cavities
  • Infections in the jaw bones
  • Abscesses or cysts
  • Developmental problems such as missing teeth

 

At Kangaroo Smiles, we use digital X-rays. Digital X-rays are not only more comfortable and accurate than traditional X-rays, but also faster and better for the environment. With no sharp X-ray film and no lengthy chemical processing required, the images can be seen on our computer screen within seconds. Studies have also found that digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays!

Dr. Mona is very familiar with the phrase “accidents happen.”

If your child experiences a dental accident that causes him or her any amount of dental pain, call us immediately. We can talk you through the situation and help relieve your stress. If needed, we will schedule a same-day emergency appointment.

To make an emergency appointment, please click the button below. You can also make an appointment by calling us at (978) 425-1496.

We recommend that children visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning. These visits are essential for maintaining oral health and the early detection of potential problems. Starting these visits around their first birthday allows us to monitor your child’s oral health from an early age, advising on best practices for dental care at home.
Kangaroo Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Making an Appointment

Scheduling an appointment at Kangaroo Smiles is straightforward and designed with your convenience in mind. We are committed to providing accessible and timely dental care for your children. Here’s how you can make an appointment with us:
Visit our website to access our easy-to-use online booking system. Select the service you need, choose a date and time that fits your schedule, and fill out any necessary information about your child. Our system confirms your appointment instantly, and you will receive a reminder as the date approaches.
If you prefer to speak with someone or need more personalized assistance, our friendly reception staff is here to help. Call our office during business hours to schedule your appointment. We can answer any questions you may have about our services, discuss your child’s specific needs, and find a time that works for you.
When you book an appointment, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information about your visit, including what to bring and how to prepare your child. For new patients, we’ll guide you through the process of filling out initial paperwork and discuss any medical history or concerns that our pediatric dentists should be aware of.
We understand that families have busy schedules. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including after-school hours and select weekends, to accommodate your needs. We strive to ensure that getting the dental care your child needs does not have to disrupt your daily routine.
To make your experience as smooth as possible, we offer reminder services via email or SMS. These reminders will ensure you don’t miss your scheduled appointments and help keep your child’s dental care on track.