Welcome to North Scottsdale Pediatrics!

Thank you for visiting the website of North Scottsdale Pediatrics, a leader in pediatric medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona. Established in 1988, we strive to provide excellent care to our patients – from infancy to young adulthood!

Our mission is to create:

• Confidence... that your child will receive the very best health care without unnecessary tests, procedures or medicines.
• Comfort... in a warm, attractive atmosphere where you and your child will feel comfortable.
• Understanding... through open and direct communication with our experienced staff, who take the time to help you understand your children’s health, development, behavior and illness.
• Convenience... through our location, office hours, accessible parking, and nearby pharmacy, X-ray and laboratory.

Among the best pediatricians in the nation, our providers obtained their degrees from top schools and training programs in the country. They share a passion for caring for patients and have dedicated their careers to treating children. In fact, our providers are proud to be consistently voted by their peers as “Top Docs” in Phoenix Magazine multiple times over many years.

We love our families, and we even provide services for parents before your baby is born! Once you’re expecting, we encourage you to schedule a prenatal visit and tour our office. We can provide you with hospital and delivery information as well as recommended readings to help you prepare for your special delivery. Once your baby arrives if you are struggling with breastfeeding, Dr. Caplan, an official lactation consultant, can help and schedules lactation visits for any babies in our practice. And of course we are experts at newborn care.

We know that choosing the right pediatric practice is an important decision, and we appreciate your confidence in us. Welcome to our practice!

Teething Tips

Teething is the emergence of the first or primary teeth through a child’s gums. Teething can begin as early as three to four months. Some babies are bothered by teething symptoms, which may be a result of tender or swollen gums. Teething can also affect the sleep of a child who was previously giving his parents some longer stretches of nighttime bliss.

There are several options that may help to provide your child with some relief during this time. A wet washcloth that has been chilled in the refrigerator or freezer can be soothing for little gnawers to chew on. If you have introduced solids to your baby, you could try frozen fruit, a frozen bagel, or a frozen waffle to chew on as well. Solid teething rings that have been chilled work well too. Take caution with soft teethers that are fluid filled as they have been known to be punctured by teeth. For parents that are concerned about plastic use for their children, try silicone or latex options. You can also try using a clean, cool finger to massage your child’s gums. This may be especially helpful for breastfeeding mothers prior to nursing if your child has recently starting biting your nipples! If your child is older than 6 months you can offer some chilled water via a straw or sippy cup that can be soothing as well.

It is important to avoid natural teething tablets as well as viscous lidocaine or Orajel (benzocaine) in infants and small children. Homeopathic teething tablets often contain belladonna, which can be potentially toxic. There have been case reports of small children overdosing on viscous lidocaine which can produce symptoms including seizures, vomiting, changes in vision, confusion, and lethargy. Benzocaine products including Orajel can cause a rare but potentially fatal condition known as methemoglobinemia (a condition that affects the oxygen carrying capability of the blood).

Your pediatrician will check for the emergence of teeth at your child’s well visit and direct you on general care and hygiene as well.