Kids Dentist

Your family can share one dentist who knows you well. Dr. Shawn Sharma cares for children and teens in the same calm Midtown practice that has looked after Palo Alto families since 1958, so parents and kids are cared for under one roof.

A visit your child looks forward to

We keep children's visits short, unhurried and positive. Dr. Sharma explains each step in words a child understands and never rushes a nervous patient. The goal is simple: a child who leaves proud of their teeth and happy to come back.

Children's dental care in Palo Alto

• Checkups and cleanings with a gentle look at teeth, gums and bite as your child grows.
• Fluoride and dental sealants to protect new molars from cavities.
• X rays only when needed, based on your child's cavity risk rather than a fixed schedule.
• Tooth colored fillings when a cavity does appear.
• Custom sports mouthguards for young athletes, from a team dentist for Stanford Sports Medicine.
• Same day care for injuries such as a chipped or knocked out tooth.
• Guidance for teens on wisdom teeth and orthodontic timing, with referral to a trusted orthodontist when it is time.

When should my child first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by the first birthday. Early visits are mostly about prevention: brushing, fluoride, feeding habits and what to expect as new teeth arrive. Call us and we will help you plan the right first visit for your child.

What happens at a checkup?

Most visits include a gentle exam, a cleaning when your child is ready, fluoride and a few minutes with you to talk through home care. We take X rays only when the result will change what we do.

Helping nervous children

Plenty of children are anxious at first. We go at their pace, celebrate every small step and talk with you before and after each visit. If a child would be better served in a pediatric specialty office, Dr. Sharma will tell you plainly and refer you to a colleague he trusts.

If your child has a dental emergency

If your child chips, cracks or knocks out a tooth, call (650) 321-9693 right away. We see dental emergencies the same day Monday through Thursday and Friday mornings. For a knocked out permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and call immediately. Do not try to put a baby tooth back in. More about emergency visits.

One practice for the whole family

Parents, grandparents and children are all welcome here. The practice has cared for Palo Alto families since 1958 and is now led by its third generation of dentists. We file PPO claims for you and explain any costs before treatment begins. Read our history.

Request an appointment for your child or call (650) 321-9693. Families visit us from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Los Altos and Stanford.