Excellent dental hygiene habits are important to your child’s overall health now and for their future. Regular dental check-ups, along with proper home care, will help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and bite issues that can lead to other problems like speech and eating difficulties, headaches, and even problems concentrating.

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday—usually when their first tooth comes in. And, we agree! Forming good habits and introducing children to the dental office at an early age sets them up for success from the start!

Our office specializes in gentle, compassionate, quality care for children from birth through adolescence. Our staff are experts at making kids happy and comfortable during their visits. Check out our FAQ to learn more about your child’s first visit, explore our services, join us for an orientation, or schedule your first appointment.

All Dental Services Under One Roof:

  • Cleanings, X-Rays, and Preventative Care
  • Orthodontics
  • Laser Frenectomy
  • Sedation
  • Sealants
  • Education

Gentle, Comprehensive Dental and Orthodontic Care

  • Full-service dental care for children and adolescents
  • On-site anesthesiologist and orthodontist for your convenience
  • Long-term, experienced staff (averaging 18 years with the practice)
  • Bilingual staff (English/Spanish)
  • Digital x-rays used with smaller, kid-friendly sensor sizes
  • State-of-the-art soft tissue laser treatments

Friendly, Comfortable Environment for Young People

  • Nitrous oxide and sedation for patient comfort
  • Games, books, and toys in the waiting area
  • Ceiling TVs for patient enjoyment
  • A cozy, cheerful atmosphere designed to promote a positive dental experience

Cleanings and Prevention

Starting after you child cuts their first tooth, the American Dental Association recommends that they receive regular professional cleanings and check-ups every six months. Prevention and early detection of problems will help to create a solid foundation for your child’s adult teeth and set good habits for their future health.

We will gently check your child’s teeth, gums and bite to ensure that they are healthy and developing properly. The exam may include x-rays, and a fluoride treatment. Then, our friendly and experienced team will thoroughly clean and polish every surface of each tooth. After the exam, Dr. Chan will review your child’s care plan with you—discussing any recommendations and answering any questions.

The Magic of “Sting-Free” Local Anesthetic

Is it possible to make local anesthetic sting-free? Yes! Our team uses cutting edge science to “buffer” the local anesthetic just before use. This greatly reduces the sting and produces numbness more quickly for a more comfortable dental experience!

How does buffering local anesthetic work?

Local anesthetic cartridges, like lidocaine, have a pH of about 3.5. That is about the same pH as lemon juice which stings as it enters the body. Buffering the local anesthetic lets us instantly raise the pH of lidocaine before injecting to a pH of around 7.4 which is the body’s natural pH. This allows a 6000 fold improvement in numbing onset time and effectiveness. Like magic, get numb quicker and more effectively!

It is our mission to provide the best experience for each and every child. Buffered local anesthetic is one way we use leading edge science to do this. If you know someone looking for a more comfortable dental experience or who is afraid of shots? Refer them to us!

GETTING NUMB JUST GOT EASIER!

No sting. No wait. No problem.

Healthy Grins OnSet Icon

Dr. Chan uses a
special process to
take the sting out of shots.

The special buffering process also helps the anesthetic work faster and more efficiently.

We’re currently the only dental office in San Diego that offers this service

Orthodontics

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should receive their first orthodontic exam by the age of 7. This allows us to spot potential problems early while your child is still developing, which can lead to treatments that are shorter and results that are easier to maintain in the long run. Treatment may include: guiding jaw growth to accommodate permanent teeth, monitoring protruded front teeth, easing permanent teeth into more favorable positions, and improving how the lips meet. Early evaluation and treatment will give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile. We are a full service dental home for your family. Our orthodontic team is ready and available to care for your family’s growth and development needs, offering you the best in convenience, streamlined care and service.

Laser Frenectomy

Children may be born with a combination of conditions called a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) and/or a lip-tie causing restrictions in movement that can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, and in some instances, other health problems like dental decay or spacing, speech and airway difficulties, and digestive issues. These issues can generally be corrected with a laser frenectomy— a simple procedure performed in-office with our soft tissue laser, which releases the frenum under the tongue or upper lip to allow for better range of motion.

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Sedation

Dr. Chan and her team have many years of experience in working with children. In dentistry, experience matters, especially with children. If in your case, sedation is something you have decided that your child would benefit from, we can customize a plan to meet your needs.

Sealants

Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth that help prevent tooth decay. They shield delicate back teeth, which have deep pits and grooves, from germs and damaging foods like those with high acid and sugar content.

sealant

Patient Education

Home Care Education

With the help of some of our stuffed and fluffy friends, our staff will show your kids the best way to care for their teeth. From brushing and flossing technique to how long to brush, our highly-trained staff will make sure your kids understand the importance of clean teeth and a healthy mouth.

School Presentations

We love taking Scooter, our stuffed animal ambassador, to schools throughout East Country to educate kids about the importance of great dental hygiene. These funny, interactive presentations last 20-30 minutes and include a short video, a demonstration of effective cleaning, and lots of fun for the kids! We’ve visited thousands of kids in hundreds of schools, make yours the next one! Inquire here.

Parent Groups/Toddler Play Groups

Does your group have questions about your kids’ dental health? Do you wish you could just sit with the doctor and get some answers? You can! Our relaxed Q&A sessions, allow parents to ask Dr. Chan about everything from pacifier use to tongue-tie to proper hygiene. Schedule a time to have Dr. Chan visit your group. Inquire here.

Community Organizations

We are proud to serve our community and we’re committed to contributing to its well-being. We are happy to present to local, child-focused organizations. Would you like us to present to your organization? Inquire here.

Office Orientations

Would you like to get a feel for our office and meet our staff before your child comes for their appointment? Connect with us and see the Healthy Grins difference for yourself. We look forward to meeting you and your kids! Take our virtual tour or schedule an appointment.

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