Pediatric Dentist in Methuen, MA
Happy Smiles Grow Here!
Happy Hoppers Dental Methuen isn’t just a practice, it’s a family caring for families! With a husband-and-wife duo specializing in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, we bring expert care and a personal touch to every smile.
Why Choose Us
Family-Owned, Family-Focused
Run by a husband-and-wife team who truly care
Kid-Friendly
Environment
Bright, cheerful, and welcoming for children of all ages
Certified Pediatric & Orthodontic Experts
Specialized care for growing smiles
Easy Online
Scheduling
Book anytime, with flexible appointment options
Gentle, Fear-Free Dentistry
We make dental visits stress-free and fun
Happy Hoppers Dental Methuen
At Happy Hoppers Dental, our mission is to make every child’s dental care journey as positive and comfortable as possible. Founded by Dr. Vaibhav Jagad and Dr. Bhoomi Kotak, our trusted pediatric dental practice in Methuen, MA offers quality dental services focused on prevention, education, and long-term oral health. From your child’s first baby tooth to their teenage years, we ensure they grow up with strong and healthy smiles.
As ADA (American Dental Association) members with additional training in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, we understand the unique needs of patients of all ages — especially young ones. We help prevent cavities, treat toothaches, place dental sealants on molars, and provide early interceptive care for proper growth and development.
Our dental office is conveniently located in Methuen, MA and is a short drive from nearby communities like Haverhill, Dracut, Tewksbury, North Andover, Andover, Salem, Lawrence, and Lowell. Families from all these areas trust us to deliver expert pediatric dental care that promotes beautiful smiles, healthy teeth, and a positive dental experience for both parents and children.
We recommend dental checkups every six months to ensure healthy teeth, catch problems early, and foster a positive dental experience from the start. From general dentistry to early orthodontics, we’re here to educate the child, keep their smile on track, and make visits as comfortable as possible.
Schedule your appointment today and give your child’s smile the care it deserves.
Our Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontic Services
- Cleanings & Preventive Care
- Fillings, Sealants & Fluoride Treatments
- Dental Crowns for Baby Teeth
- Tooth Extractions & Emergency Visits
- Sedation Dentistry for Nervous Kids
- SDF – Silver Diamine Fluoride (Cavity Arrest Treatment)
- Sealants to Prevent Cavities in Molars
- Mouthguards for Sports & Nighttime Grinding
- Space Maintainers for Tooth Loss
- Habit Counseling (Thumb Sucking, Grinding)
Bite Correction (Overbite, Crossbite, Open Bite)
Space Maintainers & Growth Monitoring
Meet Our Team
Dr. Vaibhav Jagad
Dr. Jagad is passionate about helping kids feel safe, seen, and cared for. With advanced training in pediatric dentistry and hospital-based dental care, he makes even the most nervous children feel comfortable.
Whether it’s a routine checkup or a complex dental need, he’s here to help every child smile with confidence.
Dr. Bhoomi Kotak
Dr. Bhoomi Kotak brings a gentle touch and a keen eye for detail when it comes to shaping young smiles.
With extensive experience in early orthodontic treatment and Invisalign® for teens and adults, she takes pride in creating treatment plans that work — for both aesthetics and function.
Insurance & Payment Plans
We accept most dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options for treatments like Invisalign and braces. Ask us about Masshealth, In office payment plans available.
What Everyone Wants to Know!
Pediatric Dentistry
Thumb sucking is a common habit among young children and is usually not a concern for children under the age of 4. However, if the habit persists beyond this age, it can affect the alignment of teeth and the development of the palate. Encourage your child to stop by offering positive reinforcement and distractions. If the habit continues, schedule a consultation with us for further guidance and potential interventions like a habit-breaking appliance.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is relatively common in children and may occur during sleep. While many children outgrow this habit, prolonged grinding can cause wear on the teeth or jaw discomfort. A pediatric dentist can evaluate your child’s teeth and recommend solutions if necessary.
If you think your child actively grinds their teeth, get in touch with us.
Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first. This is a good opportunity for new parents to get their questions about caring for their child’s oral health answered. Early dental visits help establish a positive relationship with the dentist, monitor oral development, and provide parents with guidance on proper oral care.
To know more about first dental visits, read more here.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Dentists use advanced, low-radiation technology, and protective gear such as lead aprons and thyroid collars to ensure minimal exposure. X-rays are essential for diagnosing issues like cavities, crowded teeth, or problems below the gum line that aren’t visible during a regular exam.
Start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear using a soft, damp cloth or a small, soft-bristled finger toothbrush designed for infants. Use a smear (rice grain-sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years old. For older children, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Ensure you supervise brushing to make sure they don’t swallow the toothpaste.
Both are effective when used correctly. Electric toothbrushes make brushing easier for kids with features like timers and rotating bristles that enhance cleaning. Manual toothbrushes are affordable, simple, and helpful for teaching proper techniques. Ultimately, the key is ensuring your child brushes twice daily with the right technique.
Braces Orthodontics
- Underbite: Underbite is when the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth.
- Overbite: This is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. While a slight overbite is normal, a deep overbite may require correction.
- Open Bite: This happens when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap. Open bites are often caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Each of these bite issues can impact chewing, speech, and jaw health
Brushing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Brush at a 45-degree angle to clean above and below the brackets, and take your time to cover all surfaces of each tooth. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent white spots.
Flossing
Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to guide the floss under the wires. Gently floss between teeth to remove food particles and plaque. Water flossers can also be a convenient option. Remember to brush and floss at least twice a day and after meals for the best oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.
To protect your braces and ensure effective treatment, it’s important to avoid foods that can damage brackets, wires, or other components. Here’s a list of foods to avoid when you have braces in place:
In case you are in an emergency with braces, here’s what you can do until you reach your orthodontist’s office:
- Loose brackets or bands: Apply orthodontic wax to the area to prevent irritation and schedule a visit with your orthodontist.
- Poking wire: Use a clean nail clipper to trim the wire if it’s too long, or cover it with orthodontic wax for comfort.
- Severe pain or injury: Call your orthodontist immediately for guidance.
- Lost elastics or bands: Replace them with extras provided by your orthodontist, or contact the office for replacements.
Elastics (rubber bands) are used in braces to correct the alignment of the teeth and jaw. They apply gentle but constant pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Follow these tips when wearing elastics:
- Wear them exactly as instructed by your orthodontist, including duration.
- Replace elastics daily to maintain consistent tension.
- Carry extras with you in case one breaks.
- Remove them only when eating or brushing if advised.
