As a practicing dentist for 17 years, Dr. Meeta Grewal says pediatric dentistry is her life’s calling. It did not begin that way. After graduating in the top 10% of her class at New York University’s College of Dentistry, Grewal began her career as a general dentist. That changed after a high-risk pregnancy with her son reshaped her professional path.
“That experience deepened my love for working with children and inspired me to return for an additional two-year specialty in pediatric dentistry,” Grewal says.
That focus led her to open Canoe Brook Pediatric Dentistry in 2023 after more than a decade practicing in Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Located in Livingston, the practice serves families in Livingston and nearby communities including Short Hills, Millburn, Chatham, Summit, West Orange and Montclair, as well as other towns across Essex and Union counties. Services include infant oral health exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, tooth-colored fillings, crowns, extractions and emergency care.
Grewal says Essex County was a natural choice for her office location.
“Livingston is a vibrant, family-centered community—and since my own children are growing up here, it felt like the perfect place to establish a practice focused on relationships, prevention and trust,” she says. “I wanted families to walk in and feel like they were stepping into a living room, not a clinical space.”
The office is designed to feel warm and welcoming while incorporating modern dental technology, with an emphasis on reducing anxiety for young patients.
Grewal says investing early in dental care plays a major role in a child’s overall health and confidence.
“Investing in your child’s dental health is investing in their overall well-being and confidence. Pediatric dentistry is really about prevention and coping skills,” she says. “That means regular dental visits starting by age one, daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and creating positive routines at home.”
Without early preventive care, children are at higher risk for cavities and infections. Grewal says dental problems can also contribute to difficulty eating and speech issues, which may affect development and self-esteem. She adds that baby teeth play an essential role in guiding permanent teeth and should not be overlooked.
Many parents are surprised to learn how early dental visits should begin.
“Sometimes as early as six months old. Early visits are not just about teeth—they’re about building comfort and trust,” Grewal says. “Many people also don’t realize how closely oral health connects with speech and feeding development. We collaborate with speech therapists and lactation consultants to address breastfeeding and speech concerns as part of a whole-child approach.”
She says parents should schedule a dental visit if they notice tooth pain or sensitivity, bleeding gums, visible spots or discoloration, avoidance of chewing or persistent bad breath.
For children who resist brushing, Grewal recommends making the routine more engaging.
“For fussy brushers, consistency and creativity are key: try letting your child pick their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor, play a favorite two-minute song while brushing, use sticker charts or small rewards, or brush together as a family,” she says.
In addition to private practice, Grewal also teaches and mentors future dentists.
“I often say, ‘I liked being a dentist, but I fell in love with being a pediatric dentist.’ My practice is my dream, and teaching is my purpose,” she says. “As associate program director at NYU Langone’s pediatric residency program, I mentor future pediatric dentists. The combination of private practice and teaching makes me a better doctor and mentor every day.”
For more information, visit canoebrookpediatricdentistry.com.
“Investing in your child’s dental health is investing in their overall well-being and confidence. Pediatric dentistry is really about prevention and coping skills.” - Dr. Meeta Grewal