PEDIATRIC Dentistry in Atherton & the Bay Area
Gentle Pediatric Dentistry in Atherton
At Dental Center of Atherton, we believe every child deserves a positive start to lifelong oral health. Our pediatric dental care is designed to make every visit comfortable, educational, and even entertaining. From routine cleanings to advanced treatments, we tailor every dental appointment to your child’s needs, building trust, confidence, and healthy smiles that last a lifetime. We’re proud to care for families from Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto and across the Bay Area.
Who Is Pediatric Dentistry For?
Pediatric dentistry is designed to support children at every stage of growth and development. Our dental care is tailored for:
Infants & Toddlers - establishing early healthy habits and first dental visits
School-age children - cleanings, sealants, and cavity prevention
Pre-teens and adolescents - transitional care, protective treatments, and preparation for adult dentistry
Families seeking a gentle, education-focused dental experience for children of all ages
What to Expect
At Dental Center of Atherton, we believe healthy habits begin early. Our team combines advanced technology with a warm, family-friendly environment to support your child’s smile at every stage. With a strong focus on prevention — including regular checkups, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments — we guide children (and parents!) in building healthy routines, confident habits, and long-term oral health.
First Visit
We welcome children for their first check-up as soon as their first tooth appears or by age one, helping establish a “dental home” and build comfort.
Routine Visits
Check-ups every six months (or as recommended) include cleanings, exam, fluoride, and sealant review.
Treatment Plan When Needed
If a child needs a pulpotomy, space maintainer, or crown, we walk parents through options clearly and compassionately.
Ongoing Care & Monitoring
We guide families on diet, brushing/flossing technique, monitoring growth and jaw development, and plan for transitions to adult dental care.
Pediatric Dental Services
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Dental Exam & Cleaning
Gentle, thorough cleanings and exams help us monitor your child’s dental development and prevent cavities from an early age.
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Dental Sealants
A quick, painless coating on molars that prevents bacteria from settling into hard-to-reach grooves, ideal for children.
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Fluoride Treatments
Strengthening enamel early helps protect young teeth from decay and sets the foundation for lasting health.
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Tooth-Colored Fillings
We use safe, durable, tooth-colored restorations to treat cavities and keep smiles healthy and natural-looking. Our pediatric fillings strengthen the tooth and help prevent future decay.
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Pulpotomies (Baby Root Canals)
When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, a pulpotomy gently removes the affected tissue to relieve pain and preserve the tooth until it’s naturally ready to fall out.
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Stainless Steel Crowns
Durable crowns used to protect baby teeth with large cavities or damage, keeping them functional until adult teeth emerge.
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Laser Dentistry
Advanced, anesthesia-free treatments using Solea® laser technology for cavity removal, gum contouring, and more — with minimal discomfort and quick recovery.
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Space Maintainers
Custom-made devices that hold space for permanent teeth after a baby tooth is lost early, helping ensure proper alignment and healthy development.
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Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards protect children’s teeth and jaw during sports, offering a comfortable fit and better protection than store-bought versions.
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Why Choose Us for Pediatric Dentistry
Families seeking a gentle, education-focused dental experience for children choose Dental Center of Atherton for our calm approach, compassionate care, and commitment to lifelong oral health.
What Sets Us Apart:
Pediatric expertise: Led by Dr. Courtney Brooks, pediatric dentist, our team has specialized training in caring for children and families.
Calm, gentle visits. We explain every step, use gentle techniques, and create positive, comfortable experiences.
Education-first care: We provide comprehensive guidance. We don’t just fix teeth, we teach children and parents how to care for their smiles.
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Book Your Pediatric Dental Appointment in Atherton
Proudly serving families in Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto and the greater Bay Area, Dental Center of Atherton is committed to compassionate, expert care for every member of your family.
FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
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We recommend a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits help us monitor development, introduce healthy habits, and ensure your child feels comfortable in a dental setting.
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Baby teeth may be temporary, but they’re essential for your child’s health and development. They help children chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain confidence. Baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth—losing them too early can lead to crowding or alignment issues. Treating cavities prevents pain and infection, and early care builds healthy habits that support lifelong oral health.
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Keep your tone positive and explanations simple. A simple, upbeat explanation of dental visits as a routine activity like—“Visiting the dentist helps keep your teeth strong and healthy”—goes a long way. Our team uses gentle, age appropriate language, distraction techniques, and a supportive approach to help children learn how to navigate this new experience and feel at ease.
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Yes. We use low-dose digital imaging and protective shielding to ensure safety. X-rays are taken only when necessary to evaluate growth, check for cavities, or monitor developing teeth.
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Night guards are typically not recommended for most children because their teeth and jaws are still developing, and grinding is often part of normal growth.
Sports mouthguards, however, are highly recommended for active kids. Custom mouthguards help protect the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw during sports like soccer, basketball, football, martial arts, and skating. They offer better protection and comfort than over-the-counter versions.
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Pulpotomy (often called a “baby root canal”) is recommended when a cavity reaches the nerve of a baby tooth. It removes the affected tissue, relieves discomfort, and preserves the tooth until it naturally falls out. This is a treatment to prevent an abscess and it requires an additional procedure at the same time to restore the structure of the tooth.
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Yes. Stainless steel crowns are durable, BPA-free, and routinely used in pediatric dentistry. They protect baby teeth with large cavities or structural damage and help maintain proper function until the adult tooth comes in.
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If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer helps keep the room open for the adult tooth. This reduces the risk of crowding and helps permanent teeth erupt in the right position.
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We encourage parent assisted twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and regular dental visits. Children should be drinking water and eating snacks primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt. Sealants and fluoride treatments can also provide added protection for growing smiles.
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Yes. Laser dentistry is gentle, quiet, and can be less intimidating than traditional drills, making it an excellent option for children and teens. As with all procedures we provide, we can discuss all the options available for your child. We welcome families from Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and beyond.
Our Dental Services
