When should my child first see a dentist?

We recommend a first visit by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth. Early visits build comfort and help prevent cavities.

How often do kids need checkups?

Most children benefit from exams and cleanings every six months. If your child is cavity‑prone, we may recommend more frequent visits.

What if my child is nervous?

That’s common. We take a gentle, talk‑through approach and move at your child’s pace to create positive experiences.

Do you offer fluoride or sealants?

Yes. We can recommend fluoride, sealants, and diet coaching based on your child’s risk factors.

Do you treat teens and orthodontic concerns?

Yes. We monitor growth, bite development, and can discuss Invisalign for teens when appropriate.

Pediatric Dentist in Palo Alto

Looking for a pediatric dentist in Palo Alto who treats your child like family? Dr. Christopher B. Wong and our team provide gentle, preventative care for infants, kids, and teens. We focus on building confidence early so dental visits feel normal—not scary.

Children’s teeth change quickly. Early checkups let us monitor growth, spot cavities sooner, and teach kids (and parents) practical habits that reduce decay. We keep visits upbeat and age‑appropriate, with plenty of time for questions.

Many families visit us from Menlo Park. If you’re searching for a Menlo Park family dentist, our Palo Alto office is nearby and we’ll help you schedule kids’ and adult care with one consistent team.

What happens at a pediatric dental visit

Visits include a gentle cleaning, cavity check, and gum evaluation. We show kids how to brush and floss in ways that make sense for their age and coordination. If your child has crowded teeth or bite concerns, we track development and can discuss timing for orthodontic care.

We also counsel on diet, snacking habits, and fluoride needs. For many kids, simple changes prevent most cavities.

A calm, family‑friendly environment

Parents are welcome in the room whenever helpful. Our goal is to create steady routines that keep children comfortable. If your child has had a tough dental experience elsewhere, let us know—we’ll take extra time to rebuild trust.

Preventing cavities as kids grow

Children are more prone to cavities because enamel is thinner and brushing habits are still developing. We focus on prevention first: careful cleanings, coaching on brushing and flossing, and age‑appropriate nutrition tips that fit real family life. If a child has deep grooves on the chewing surfaces, sealants can add extra protection where toothbrushes miss.

We also monitor how baby teeth are spacing and when permanent teeth are likely to appear. Catching crowding or bite issues early gives families more options later, whether that’s simple monitoring or orthodontic planning.

Care for teens and young adults

As kids become teens, their dental needs change. We help manage sports mouthguard fit, wisdom‑tooth monitoring, and habits like grinding or heavy snacking that can affect enamel. For many families, clear aligners are an appealing way to straighten teeth without braces. We’ll explain timing and expectations so treatment works smoothly with school and activities.