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Dr. Meenakshi S Kher, M.D.S
Leading specialist in clinical pediatric dentistry in India.
A graduate of the Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai (1991).
Dr. Meenakshi Sivasankar Kher received her Master’s degree in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry from the Nair
Hospital Dental College, Mumbai. In 1995 she established the ‘HAPPY TOOTH CLINIC
FOR KIDS’ in Mumbai city.
One of the first of its kinds in the country, the practice is dedicated exclusively to managing the oral health needs of children from infancy to 18 years. Dr. Meenakshi’s passion and commitment to children’s oral health has ensured that thousands of children have successfully received quality dental care at the center.
She takes a special interest in the fields of minimally invasive dentistry, dental traumatology, treating children with disabilities and in the efficient use of soft tissue lasers in children. Dr. Meenakshi loves trekking with husband Udatta and their son Saatvik. She is passionate about Indian classical music and tries to make time in her schedule for the continuation of her study in vocal music.
Dedicated to children from Infancy
through adolescence
Dedicated to children from Infancy through adolescence
The Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids is one of the first, exclusive pediatric dental practices in India
Concerned by the inadequate focus on pediatric oral & dental health care in Mumbai city, Dr Meenakshi S. Kher established the centre in 1995. Today the practice looks after the oral and dental needs of thousands of children in the city and beyond.
Children from infancy through adolescence (18 years) are offered treatment in a warm, happy and child-friendly environment that reassures both children and their parents. We believe that we have successfully treated a patient when the child receives age-appropriate, evidence-based quality care. Simultaneously, the child develops a healthy and positive attitude to oral care and to dental treatment.
Our Facilities
Infant & Toddler
Anxiety Free Treatment &
Happy Gas
Cavities, Tongue Ties, Tooth Fractures, Crooked Teeth and More
Preventive Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry
Disabilities & Special Needs
Orthodontics
General
Anesthesia
Infant & Toddler
Infants
Infants with neonatal and natal teeth will require our care early.
Treating an infant with a tongue tie is not just about releasing the tie alone. Success after tongue tie and lip tie surgery is also dependent on wound stretches & management, and on working with the dyad to improve the latch and help with difficulties in lactation. Our in-house team of lactation professional and pediatric dentists are invaluable in helping families reach their feeding goals post tongue and lip tie surgeries!
Toddlers
Pleasant and reassuring dental experiences as a young child, lead to a positive attitude to dental care through adulthood.. At the “Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids’, we believe that your toddler’s initial visits contribute to a lifetime of good oral health.
The first dental visit should coincide with the eruption of the first milk tooth and latest by your child’s first birthday. We counsel you on appropriate brushing techniques and infant feeding habits. This can go a long way in preventing severe early childhood caries.
Preventive Dentistry
Tooth Decay or Cavities can be prevented. So can a lot of other dental disease. The preventive dental needs of every child vary depending on the family’s diet, oral hygiene habits etc. We work with you to devise a customized preventive dental program for your child. This includes helping the family make dietary modifications and establish a good oral hygiene regimen at home. We perform fluoride varnish applications, and pit & fissure sealants to support good prevention against tooth decay.
We work with families to diagnose and treat Mb>mouth breathing, incorrect tongue posture and improper function of the muscles of the face. All of these can lead to poor quality sleep, poor growth of the face and malalignment of teeth. You can read more in the Sleep Dentistry section.
We make Sports Guards for children who play contact sports, to protect teeth from trauma.
Disabilities & Special Needs
Many children with medical, physical, developmental or cognitive disability will find undergoing dental treatment extremely challenging. Our passion as a team lies in modifying oral hygiene techniques and diets to suit the distinct needs of each child. We work with children and their families to customise a prevention program. The good news is that if dental care is followed conscientiously, your child can enjoy a healthy smile. Dental disease in most cases is preventable!
As pediatric dentists, we receive advanced training that focuses on care for children with physical, medical and cognitive disabilities. We modify and deliver treatment plans to suit the specific needs of every child. Since cooperation for operative procedures (drilling and filling) can be difficult for many children, minimally invasive techniques such as the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Hand Burs are invaluable adjuncts. While some children with special needs may cooperate with Behaviour Management Techniques, for more complicated procedures, many children would require treatment under General Anesthesia.
Anxiety Free Treatment & Happy Gas
Anxiety Free Treatment
As pediatric dentists, we love looking after children and their oral health needs.
We are specially trained in helping anxious children feel secure during dental treatment. Our pediatric dental office is designed especially with children in mind and our team enjoys working with kids. So most children are calm, comfortable and confident in our practice. However, undergoing dental treatment requires voluntary cooperation from the child and some phases of dental treatment can be unpleasant for children. The Behaviour Guidance Techniques that we use help guide children through the dental experience and make it a pleasant one. Often these techniques alone enable us to obtain cooperation from a fearful and reluctant child.
Minimal Sedation - Happy Gas
Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids, is one of the first pediatric dentistry facilities in India to offer treatment under Nitrous Oxide Oxygen Inhalation Sedation, for delivery of comfortable dental care to children. In this Safe and Child – friendly form of minimal sedation, the child breathes Happy or Sweet Gas during treatment. This helps the child feel calm and relaxed while undergoing dental treatment, making it easier for the child to cope with difficult treatment. The proven safety of this sedation technique also ensures the child leaves the practice straight after treatment, ready to pursue the rest of the day’s routine. Midazolam Oral Sedation is used in toddlers to help make them calm and relaxed for simple treatment procedures.
In little children requiring extensive dental treatment and for many Children with Special Needs, effective treatment may need the use of General Anesthesia.
Cavities, Tongue Ties, Tooth Fractures, Crooked Teeth and More
Cavities or Tooth Decay
We treat Dental Caries in milk teeth and permanent teeth, by arresting cavities with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Filling, teeth with suitable materials, placing Crowns (Caps) on teeth, performing Pulp Therapy (Root Canal Treatment), Extractions & Space Maintainers. What treatment is best for a tooth in a child’s mouth depends on the age of the child, how prone the child is to tooth decay, whether the tooth is a milk tooth or a permanent tooth, among other factors. All options for treatment are discussed with the caregivers and with older children.
Tongue Ties & Laser
Tongue Ties can affect breast feeding in infants. It can also affect how well your child eats. Tongue ties may affect speech clarity and lead to poor quality sleep. We release tongue ties in all children from infancy through adolescence with a soft tissue laser. This makes the procedure bloodless, without stitches and general anesthesia. We also treat lip ties, mucoceles and other lesions of the gums and mouth with the laser.
Tooth fractures
Your child may injure or fracture their front tooth in an accident. Please get them to see us as soon as possible.
If the permanent tooth is chipped, look for the broken piece, keep it safely in water and see us immediately.
If the whole permanent tooth is knocked out, it can be placed back in its socket (replanted). You must immediately apply ice to stop the bleeding. Look for the tooth. If soiled, gently wash tooth in a bowl of water holding the tooth by the crown. Do not touch or scrub the root of the tooth. It is best if you can place it back in the socket from where it was knocked out and bite on a clean napkin and rush to us. If this is difficult, place the tooth in a cup soaked you your child’s saliva (if they can spit into the cup), cold milk or coconut water. Rush to us.
Rush to us for all other types of tooth and mouth injuries first making sure you child is well otherwise and has not vomited or fainted.
Crooked Teeth
In growing children, we intercept teeth and jaws from growing poorly, so that malocclusions (crowding, buck teeth etc) are reduced and stopped. This also includes assisting the child and family in breaking a thumb or lip sucking habit , etc. Growth modification appliances are used in children with some permanent teeth and sometimes in the baby teeth. Fixed braces and Invisalign aligners are used in older children and teenagers.
More...
Children may have Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH), a Mesiodens, Amelogenesis Imperfecta and other situations. We have solutions for everything!
General Anesthesia
In growing children, we intercept teeth and jaws from growing poorly, so that malocclusions (crowding, buck teeth etc) are reduced and stopped. This also includes assisting the child and family in breaking a thumb or lip sucking habit, etc. Growth modification appliances are used in children with some permanent teeth and sometimes in the baby teeth. In the growing years, not just the teeth but the growth of the jaws can be influenced to produce pleasing and balanced facial profiles.
At the ‘Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids’, we pride ourselves at being one of the most experienced teams India has to offer. Our anesthesiologist, Dr. S. Salyankar has close to four decades of experience in neonatal (new born) and pediatric anesthesiology. He forms the backbone of the operating team. We operate out of a fully equipped operation theatre, part of a 25 – bed pediatric nursing home that includes an NICU. The pediatricians and pediatric nursing staff are on call at all times and the theatre is equipped with a complete dental inventory.
The rooms that your child will occupy for a few hours after treatment are child friendly and pleasant.
Orthodontics
In growing children, we intercept teeth and jaws from growing poorly, so that malocclusions (crowding, buck teeth etc) are reduced and stopped. This also includes assisting the child and family in breaking a thumb or lip sucking habit, etc. Growth modification appliances are used in children with some permanent teeth and sometimes in the baby teeth. In the growing years, not just the teeth but the growth of the jaws can be influenced to produce pleasing and balanced facial profiles.
In teenagers and young adults, we offer fixed braces (coloured and ceramic) and Invisalign invisible aligners to correct irregularly positioned, crowded and protruded teeth.
Sleep Dentistry
Breathing through the nose or nasal breathing provides good oxygenation to the body. When breathing through the nose is difficult because of allergies, enlarged adenoid & tonsils etc, the child is forced to breathe through the mouth. Mouth Breathing or leaving the lips apart and mouth open during sleep or in the day, leads to poor oxygenation, poor quality sleep, lack of focus & hyperactivity by day, improper tongue posture and poor jaw development & crooked teeth. We work with families early, to achieve improvements in the quality of life for the child and prevent a future increase in severity of symptoms.
When we suspect a child to have ‘Sleep Disordered Breathing’, we access severity with the help of a specially curated questionnaire. As a part of our multidisciplinary approach, we provide adequate referrals to Pediatrician and ENT colleagues so the breathing passage can be assessed and looked after. Simultaneously, we introduce exercises to improve breathing, posture and function of the lips, tongue and muscles of the face. Our team is trained in providing myofunctional exercise therapy (Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy). Additional myofunctional appliance therapy is also provided when needed.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Mitali Bhatia Kochar, MDS
Dr. Mitali has been an integral part of the Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids, since she received her master’s degree in Pediatric... Read more
Dr. Veerale Baadkar, MDS, ACLP
Dr. Veerale brings with her the breath of fresh air that an established pediatric practice thrives on. A graduate of the Nair... Read more
Dr. Rohit Mehrotra, MDS
Dr. Rohit Mehrotra, M.D.S (Orthodontics) has been an invaluable part of the ‘Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids’ team for two decades. ... Read more
Dr. Sukumar S. Salyankar, MD, DA, MCPS, PGDHHM
Dr. Salyankar received his Master’s degree in anesthesiology in 1983. from the University.... Read more
Dr. Rohit Mehrotra, MDS
Dr. Rohit Mehrotra, M.D.S (Orthodontics) has been an invaluable part of the ‘Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids’ team for two decades. He received his dental degree from the Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai followed by a Masters in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics from the Government Dental College & Hospital, Chennai in the year 2000.
Apart from a successful private practice designing smiles, Dr. Mehrotra’s decade long experience in academia saw him hold a faculty position in the Department of Orthodontics, Terna Dental College & Hospital, Navi Mumbai where he served as Professor & Head, in the year 2010. Dr. Rohit’s excellence in academics has seen him being a rank holder right through his student days. He enjoys sharing this experience and motivating young patients who wish to pursue the medical and allied subjects.
At the Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids, his focus is on timely intervention to correct malocclusions and modifying growth to produce pleasing and balanced facial profiles. His expertise lies in fixed metal and ceramic braces as well as in Clear Aligners. Being a certified Invisalign provider, the Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids routinely offers Invisalign for correction of malocclusions, thanks to Dr. Rohit’s expertise.
Dr. Mitali Bhatia Kochar, MDS
Dr. Mitali has been an integral part of the Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids, since she received her master’s degree in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in 2011 form the Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune.
Proficient in both the restorative and preventive aspects of pediatric dental care, her experience in the effective use of behaviour management techniques and sedation dentistry make delivery of care an effective, seamless and happy experience for our patients. Dr Mitali’s cheerful and friendly demeanour is infectious and children love being in her care.
In her spare time, Dr Mitali enjoys culinary experiments and loves travelling with husband Zameer and their lovely daughter Ayanna.
Dr. Veerale Baadkar, MDS, ACLP
Dr. Veerale brings with her the breath of fresh air that an established pediatric practice thrives on. A graduate of the Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, she received her master’s degree in Pediatric and Preventive dentistry from Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai. Dr. Veerale also has to her credit an ACLP (Advanced Certified Lactation Professional) certification.
As a pediatric dentist cum lactation professional, her expertise is invaluable in assisting young parents, infants & toddlers improve feeding outcomes before and after tongue tie release surgeries. She has also undergone specialised training in providing Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy to help children with sleep disordered breathing. A rank holder through her academic career, Dr. Veerale has a keen interest in dental research and publishes actively in national and international journals.
In her free time, she loves exploring her artistic side with pencils and charcoal. A foodie at heart, Veerale and husband Rushabh, enjoy travel and experiencing various cuisines and cultures.
Dr. S. S. Salyankar, MD, DA, MCPS, PGDHHM
Dr. Salyankar is the Consultant Anesthesiologist at the Happy Tooth Clinic for Kids. Dr. Salyankar received his Master’s degree in anesthesiology in 1983 from the University of Mumbai. He also has to his credit a Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital & Healthcare Management. He is an Honorary Anesthesiologist at the Holy Family Hospital, Guru Nanak Hospital and Surya Hospital, Mumbai. He is also an Assessor for the National accreditation board for hospital and health care providers (NABH).
For over four decades, Dr. Salyankar has been a practicing anesthesiologist with a special interest in paediatric anesthesia. He is one of the most respected names in the city as his expertise in the field of anesthesia for neonates and children is well acknowledged.
His competence and expertise being a huge asset, Dr. Salyankar forms the “Back Bone” of the operating team for all general anesthesia procedures. Further, his gentle and reassuring personality are what families and kids we treat, find most calming.
Note to the parent
Do read this before your first visit to us.
Dear Parent,
You may recall your childhood dental visits with anxiety or even fear. Many people continue to dread dental visits as adults and avoid them, to their own detriment.
Fortunately, dental medicine has progressed extensively over the years. Our children can now benefit from new knowledge, techniques, tools and materials. These enable us to provide safe, pleasant and effective treatment in a reassuring environment, with minimal pain and discomfort. While we understand that you are anxious about your child’s initial visits, we request you to not let your anxiety show. Your perceptive child will sense that you are worried and will presume that there is a reason for fear. This can be a false start
Instead, prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist so there are no surprises. Let them look forward to a new experience that will excite them. Explain in an easy going manner, that the dentist will have a look at their teeth, count them, teach them how to keep teeth clean and perhaps even take some photographs of their teeth. This enables children to view their dental visit as an opportunity to meet some new people who want to help them stay healthy. For most children, this will be an interesting and even happy occasion.
All the people in our team enjoy children and know how to work with them. We invite you to partner us in developing a positive and proactive attitude towards dental health in your child. Your co-operation will go a long way in your child enjoying a pleasant and successful dental experience
Sincerely,
Dr. Meenakshi S Kher
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The experience I have had with Dr. Kher has been nothing less than awesome and that's from a parents perspective. My 6 year old loves going, if a child wakes up early because she has a dentist appointment it is self explanatory of how comfortable the team makes the child feel. From the word go you are met with professionalism and warmth which makes the place a pleasure to visit. During COVID time due diligence was followed with all the safety procedures in place. Mr. Dino is the highlight of the clinic which makes a child so comfortable and not apprehensive on the treatment to be carried out!! Thank you Dr. Meenakshi, Dr. Mitali and all the didis at Happy Tooth Clinic, we surely are happy with healthy teeth!!!
Monisha Rishi
July 15, 2021Dr. Meenakshi Kher is an outstanding Pediatric Dentist. The manner in which she treats, handles the kids is just terrific. Her staff and assistant Doctors too are very good. It is an excellent team effort. My daughter has been her patient for last 4 years and has always benefitted with the treatments. We are very happy that we met her.
Abhijeet Patki
July 15, 2021Excellent
Rupesh Rajveer23
July 15, 2021 -
Happy Tooth is indeed a happy place in the true sense!! My daughter’s Teeth get the best possible care, while she is actually having fun!! And that’s possible because Dr. Meenakshi and her team have taken care of every minute detail- right from the most updated treatment methods, the ambience that instantly puts the kids to ease! The warmth and understanding that the ‘happy tooth’ brings makes the dental treatment a happy outing. Infact it is often my daughter who reminds me to take her for her visit! Apart from world class facilities, Dr. Meenakshi’s commitment to excellence makes parents like me trust her completely! She not only takes care of the teeth, but all related matters thinking for the kids’ welfare in the long run. She has advised my daughter regarding mouth breathing and potential sleep disturbance! Thank you so much ‘happy tooth’
Priya Viswanathan
April 23, 2022My son had major tooth problems when he was 4yrs old. He was operated by Dr.Meenakshi and it went super smooth. She did a fabulous job. Ever since we only go to happy tooth for my son. He is 8yrs now and only feels comfortable with Doctors in Happy tooth. Their staff is also very caring and loving towards kids. The ambience is perfect it doesn't feel like a doctor's visit at all. We love Happy tooth❤❤
Iman Khan
June 23, 2022The best paediatric dentist would say!!!
KaZhai
July 15, 2020 -
For 14 years I'm coming here to this Dentistry. From a Accident at home which caused my upper teeth to misalign, to braces and finally retainers. Dr. Mitali, Dr. Meenakshi, Dr. Rohit, Receptionists Priya, Movin, every Doctor, Nurse and Receptionists are amazing and friendly! They love doing their jobs, and their environment is open and uplifting! You will always leave with a smile Also congratulations on the new and bigger clinic! It's amazing to see them to expand!
Yash Dudani
March 15, 2022Best dentist for kids!! Her clinic is fab with toys and books and games!! Top notch.. my 6 year old daughter got a tooth extraction done from her and she made it so smooth and easy for her. She is so mindful of the child's feelings.. very gentle.. she's got an awesome tv screen on the ceiling for kids to watch their fav show while she does the procedure.. she also gives the child a sticker and a balloon after the dental work.. she is simply too good! I only wish I could be a child again and have my teeth checked by Dr. Meenakshi Kher
Kruti Desai
June 23, 2022Best place i have been to most kid friendly dentist clinic they let ur kids watch cartoon while the treatment is going on and they have fun floride flavours right now due to covid there no toys in the waiting lounge but otherwise it is filled with toys and books your child can play with and keep them busy until they wait their turn.All the doctors are really skilled and they know what there doing any tooth related issue this is the place to be.
Kayin Mehta
July 15, 2021 -
Happy tooth clinic really did make us Happy! 🙂 I took my 3 year old for fillings and Dr Meenakshi and her team made the whole process so easy and fun. I had not thought that it would be possible to do a dental treatment workout tantrums and breakdowns but it was! I would highly recommend happy tooth clinic to all mums and dads 🙂
Avantika Agarwal
June 23, 2022Dr Kher and team are the best paediatric dental care available in Mumbai. My daughter having had many surgeries and health issues had tooth decay resulting from medication that often is full of sugar. We have been seeing dr kier and team since she was 6 and since then she has had 4 extractions, numerous fillings and 2 space maintainers put in with all of this extensive work not one tear shed!!! It is the best a parent could ask for. My advice leave your own dental worries aside let your child follow the instructions and protocols of a world class expert team and have a happy pain free experience!
Chrisann Creado
July 15, 2021Dr Meenakshi and her team are the best.Could not have asked for better care for my child.Even painful procedures are done with such care and finesse that the child goes smiling and is happy to come back again.Highly recommend Happy Tooth Clinic to everyone
Dr RAHUL S DUTTA
May 23, 2022 -
amazing and very professional.
Avahan Masih
June 23, 2022It was the BEST EXPERIENCE for my 4 year old daughter's FIRST time at a Dental Clinic. The way DR. MITALI handled my first timer and gave her the Confidence and took Care of her was just AMAZING .. THANK YOU SO MUCH DR. MITALI and the entire Team at HAPPY TOOTH CLINIC .
shilpa joshi
June 23, 2022I took my 6 year old daughter for a tooth extraction to happy tooth. Dr. Meenakshi explained the whole process to us as well as my daughter. She made her very comfortable through out the process. She then after it was over rewarded her with stickers, ice cream and a box for her tooth. It was an amazing experience. My daughter didn't feel any pain and came home very happy which o was not expecting. Dr Meenakshi is amazing!!
Shreekant Khaitan
June 23, 2022