Kids Dentist
Family dental care for children in Palo Alto focused on prevention, healthy habits and age-appropriate treatment, with pediatric referral when specialty care is needed.
Children benefit from dental care that evolves as they grow. Early visits focus heavily on prevention, development and helping a child become comfortable with the dental environment. As permanent teeth erupt, attention expands to cavity risk, bite development, sports protection and lifelong home-care habits.
When should a child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home early, generally by the first birthday. Early care allows families to discuss feeding habits, fluoride, brushing, tooth eruption and prevention before problems become painful.
What happens at a child's dental visit?
The visit is adapted to age and cooperation. It may include examination of the teeth and gums, assessment of cavity risk and development, preventive cleaning when appropriate, fluoride recommendations and guidance for parents. X rays are based on clinical need rather than taken automatically at every visit.
How can cavities be prevented?
Twice-daily brushing with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste, limiting frequent sugar exposure, regular professional care and sealants on appropriate high-risk pits and fissures can all reduce cavity risk.
What about nervous children?
A calm introduction to dental care can help many children become comfortable over time. Some children have behavioral, developmental or treatment needs that are better managed by a pediatric dentist with additional specialty training. We are comfortable recommending referral when that setting will provide a better experience.
Is Palo Alto Oral Health a pediatric specialty office?
No. Dr. Sharma is a general dentist who provides family dental care, including appropriate care for children. When a child's needs call for pediatric specialty care, we coordinate referral rather than presenting ourselves as a pediatric dental specialty practice.
Children's dental care in Palo Alto
Our goal is to make prevention understandable for both the child and the parent and to avoid unnecessary treatment whenever possible.
Request an appointment for your child.
Guidance
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Preventive Dental Care Guidance
