Dental Kidz Club - Brea

If you're looking for a dentist for your children, have you considered pediatric dentistry instead of family practice? Children's dental needs change significantly as they grow from infant to teenager, and a pediatric dentist has specific training in caring for these needs throughout each life stage. Dental Kidz Club has a team of friendly, experienced pediatric dentists led by Jihee Chun, DDS, at its locations in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California. Call the practice to schedule an appointment. Pediatric Dentistry Q & A What is pediatric dentistry? When you compare a child's dentistry needs to an adult's, it's easy to see the two are significantly different. Pediatric dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses specifically on children's dental needs, from infant to teenager. A pediatric dentist has the same qualifications as a family dentist with an additional two to three years of training in child-specific study. This training equips them with an understanding of child psychology and behaviors, so they can create a treatment environment that even the most boisterous or anxious child feels comfortable in. The team at Dental Kidz Club does all they can to give their young patients a wonderful experience at every visit. What treatments come under pediatric dentistry? Dental Kidz Club offers the full range of dental services children might need while growing up. They include: Oral health exams Cavity repair Orthodontic assessments Preventive dental care Treatment for dental injuries Gum disease management Tooth extraction The team also offers habit counseling to children reluctant to give up thumb sucking or pacifier use and treats dental issues that occur as a side-effect of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. What makes a pediatric dentist different from a family dentist? A pediatric dentist treats only children, and you see this from the moment you arrive at any of the Dental Kidz Club offices. The friendly team greets every child with a big smile and warm welcome, and each location has bright, fun décor and plenty of activities to do while a child waits. The team itself has full training in working with children: how to relate to them, to quickly build rapport, and to explain things in a way a child understands. While a family practice team may have years of dentistry experience, they won't have the specialized skills and expertise that a pediatric dentist has. Pediatric treatment differs from family dentistry treatment too. The team uses child-friendly dentistry equipment, smaller than the tools used on adults, and treatment is typically non- or minimally-invasive. Dental care is never more important than during childhood; it can shape your dental health for life. Give your child the best start by choosing a pediatric dentist — call Dental Kidz Club to make an appointment today.

Children typically cut their first tooth by the time they turn one. However, early dental care should begin even sooner. Jihee Chun, DDS, and the team at Dental Kidz Club encourage parents to practice gum care until their child starts teething, which is when children should have their first dental appointment. Dental Kidz Club has offices in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California. Call the practice today to schedule your tot's early dental care appointment. When should I begin early dental care with my child? Many people wait until their child cuts their first tooth before they think about early dental care, but did you know that you can begin looking after your child's teeth before they even have any? The team at Dental Kidz Club recommends that all children see a dentist by the time they celebrate their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. While this may seem early, these appointments are an essential part of your child's dental health and help with the following: Identifying dental issues when they're easier to correct Providing helpful advice to parents and guardians Reducing the chances of dental pain and infection Creating familiarity with the dental team from a young age It's never too early to learn about dental health. Taking the first steps now makes it easier as your child gets older. How do I practice early dental care when my child has no teeth? Feeling something unusual in their mouth can feel alien to a child, and it's typical for them to reject it. The earlier you can get them used to the sensation, the easier it will be for you to brush their teeth once they have them. You can do this by wiping around your child's mouth with a clean cloth after each feeding and gently massaging their gums with a clean finger or gauze pad. How do I introduce teeth cleaning as part of early dental care? Once your child cuts their first tooth, begin brushing twice a day using a finger brush or soft-bristled baby toothbrush. You can even use a grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, but don't use any more than this as children under three can't spit it out. Once your child has two teeth side by side, you can begin flossing as well. Your provider at Dental Kidz Club will also try to brush your child's teeth at their regular checkups. Don't worry if your child wiggles around or refuses to open their mouth at the first few appointments — that's perfectly normal. But the more you practice at home, the less daunting your child will find it. The team at Dental Kidz Club has years of experience in making their youngest patients feel welcome and safe. Take the first steps to healthy, happy smiles today. Call the practice to make an appointment.

Drilling and filling isn’t the only solution on the market today for treating cavities. At Dental Kidz Club in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California, Jihee Chun, DDS, and the pediatric dentistry team offer treatments of silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, as a way to fight back against tooth decay. To learn more about how silver diamine fluoride can help keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy, schedule an appointment today by calling the office. What is silver diamine fluoride? Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is an antibiotic liquid used in dental procedures to help prevent the formation, growth, and spread of cavities. It consists of: Silver, which kills bacteria and reinforces your dentin, the protective layer of your teeth Fluoride, which helps your teeth rebuild themselves in a process called remineralization Ammonia, which keeps the solution concentrated Water, which acts as a liquid base Silver diamine fluoride has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States since 2014. What does silver diamine fluoride do? The chemicals in SDF work to eliminate the bacteria that cause tooth decay and also prevent decay from spreading to other teeth. This makes SDF an excellent treatment for preventing cavities, but it can also help to stop their development once they’ve already formed. The benefits of SDF are numerous and include: Painless and non-invasive A quick and simple procedure Effective in preventing cavities Effective in halting tooth decay For patients with considerable dental anxiety, SDF provides an excellent alternative to treating cavities with a more traditional drilling procedure. It also provides a cavity treatment option for patients whose special healthcare needs prevent them from being able to be drilled. What does a silver diamine fluoride treatment look like? SDF is applied directly to the surface of the teeth in a gentle, non-invasive procedure. When your child comes in for an SDF treatment, your dentist first brushes and rinses their teeth without toothpaste and removes any visible plaque. They then place cotton or gauze near your child’s affected teeth to keep them dry and remove any remaining moisture from the teeth with a vacuum suction tool. Once your child’s teeth are completely dry, the dentist applies the SDF solution to the affected teeth using a micro brush. After the solution is given a few minutes to cure, the treatment is complete. To allow the solution to further cure, Dental Kidz Club advises your child to wait at least an hour before eating or drinking. If you’re interested in learning more about how silver diamine fluoride can improve your child’s oral health, schedule a consultation at Dental Kidz Club by calling the office.

If your child needs a dental procedure or has a fear of dentists generally, you might be tempted to put off what could be a scary experience. But before you do, reach out to Dental Kidz Club. Pediatric dentist Jihee Chun, DDS, and the skilled team have years of experience in calming anxious children. One method involves using nitrous oxide — an extremely safe sedative that promotes a feeling of calm and euphoria. Dental Kidz Club has offices in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California. Call any office to find out more and request a consultation. Nitrous Oxide Q & A What is nitrous oxide? Nitrous oxide/oxygen is an extremely safe sedative, two-parts oxygen to one-part nitrogen, that dental professionals use to help soothe a child when undergoing treatment. It allows the child to remain calm while fully conscious and able to communicate with their dental team. When is nitrous oxide used? Many children feel anxious when at the dentist. Fear may cause them to have a bad experience, which can have a lasting effect. Nitrous oxide safely calms them down and encourages positive feelings ahead of the next appointment. The team at Dental Kidz Club may also use nitrous oxide if your child has a strong gag reflex. Many children hate having something placed in their mouth, and a gag reflex can interfere with treatment. Nitrous oxide prevents this reaction, allowing the dentist to complete an examination quickly, with no interruptions. Is nitrous oxide safe? Nitrous oxide is extremely safe — many dentists consider it the safest sedative. It takes effect quickly, is easy to administer in appropriate dosages, is reversible, and doesn't cause an allergic reaction. Your child remains conscious the whole time and in full control of their breathing and body movements. They can also talk and respond to questions or instructions. Nitrous oxide can also be used with other sedatives, and the team at Dental Kidz Club may combine it with oral sedation if appropriate. How does nitrous oxide make a child feel? Preparing a child for nitrous oxide means they know what to expect on the day, which can ease any worries they may have. Your dentist places a mask over your child's nose and encourages them to take deep breaths. As your child breathes in the nitrous oxide, they'll smell a pleasant, sweet aroma and gradually feel sleepy and dreamy. Although still aware of everything going on around them, they'll be in a state of warm relaxation and may feel a tingling in their arms and legs. Many children become forgetful and don't even remember the procedure afterward. It's common for parents or guardians to feel anxious or uncomfortable about the thought of their child having sedation. Nitrous oxide is a safe way for a child to have a great experience when having dental treatment. Call Dental Kidz Club today to find out more and request an appointment.

When a child loses a tooth before their permanent teeth come through, it can cause significant problems later. With no tooth in place, the remaining teeth move to fill the space, which means there's not enough room for other teeth to come through. Space maintainers are orthodontic devices that prevent this from happening, and they're one of the many services offered by Jihee Chun, DDS, and the team at Dental Kidz Club. Call one of their office locations in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Chino, Ontario, and Riverside, California, to request an appointment and begin your child's preventive care today. Space Maintainers Q & A What are space maintainers? If your child loses a tooth before a permanent tooth grows in to replace it, your provider at Dental Kidz Club uses a space maintainer — an orthodontic device — to prevent the remaining teeth from moving into the gap left behind by the removed tooth. Maintaining this gap is essential as the permanent tooth needs to have space to erupt once it’s ready. A child may need a space maintainer for several reasons, including tooth loss because of injury or trauma, or early tooth extraction because of tooth decay or overcrowding. How do space maintainers work? Space maintainers steady the teeth on either side of the gap left by the extracted tooth. Without it, the teeth could drift or tilt, creating an overcrowded jaw, which means permanent teeth come in crooked. This can lead to extensive orthodontic treatment when your child is older. Space maintainers are either fixed or removable. A fixed space maintainer is cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap and can be removed only by your dentist. A removable space maintainer resembles a retainer and may have a false tooth attached. Removable space maintainers are more suited to older children, while fixed space maintainers are typically used for younger children so they can’t accidentally pull it out. What are the different types of space maintainers? Fixed space maintainers are custom-made and fitted to your child’s mouth. There are several different types available. Band-and-loop A band-and-loop device is a metal wire held in place with orthodontic bands, which leaves the permanent tooth room to erupt. It’s suitable for when a child loses one or more molars in one dental arch. Distal shoe appliance This device has a metal “shoe” that fits over the adjacent molar and a wire extension that prevents the teeth on either side of the gap from closing in. Lingual holding arch A lingual holding arch is a horseshoe-shaped device that maintains space for the lower back teeth on both sides of a dental arch. Transpalatal arch A transpalatal arch fits onto the upper dental arch and maintains space for the back molars. Space maintainers are an effective, inexpensive, and gentle way of maintaining aligned teeth. If your child needs one, the team at Dental Kidz Club can talk you through your options. Call your nearest office today to book an appointment.

The teenage years are when dental care can go awry, but it's a time when taking care of your teeth is more important than ever if you want to maintain healthy permanent teeth. Jihee Chun, DDS, and the team at Dental Kidz Club offer teen dentistry services: services that focus specifically on dental concerns common among adolescents. Request an appointment for your teen today by calling one of the office locations in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California. Why is teen dentistry important? When your child enters their teenage years, there are many more health concerns you need to be aware of, and dental care is no different. One of the greatest challenges is that most parents or guardians stop supervising their teen’s dental routine, and it can become inconsistent and sporadic. Teens tend to have unhealthier eating or drinking habits, which makes them more at risk of cavities. They may also take up smoking, which is another habit that can have a detrimental effect on dental health. The team at Dental Kidz Club works collaboratively with their teenage patients to help educate and empower them to take control of their dental health at home. What are common teen dentistry procedures? As children get older, their dental needs change. Some of the procedures that are more common among teenagers than younger children include: Wisdom tooth extraction Root canal treatment Tooth fillings Veneers Crowns Teeth whitening Braces Dental bonding Teenagers tend to feel much more self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. Scheduling regular dental checkups can assure them that their teeth look their best at all times. What can you do at home to support teen dentistry care? An important part of teen dentistry is how your teen cares for their teeth at home. There are plenty of things you can do to support them. Avoid piercings Oral piercings — tongue, cheeks, and lips — can cause cracked or chipped teeth, receding gums, infection, tongue swelling, breathing difficulties, and blood poisoning. The American Dental Association recommends you avoid them entirely. Avoid tobacco Smoking and chewing tobacco are addictive and can cause oral cancer. Watch out for the signs that your teen is smoking and discuss the dangers with them. Limit soda Sugary drinks can contain as much as 18 teaspoons of sugar and are the leading cause of tooth decay in teens. Encourage your child to switch to water and sugar-free drinks. Avoid sharing toothbrushes Bacteria cause gum disease and cavities. Unfortunately, it can transfer from one person to another if you share a toothbrush. Make sure your teen knows the risks and keeps their toothbrush to themselves. Getting into the habit of practicing good dental habits during the teenage years can have lifelong benefits. Make an appointment at one of the Dental Kidz Club locations today — call the office today.

If your child has a particularly tough time at the dentist, sedation dentistry can help them stay calm and relaxed, and give your pediatric dentist the opportunity to provide the thorough care their smile needs. Dental Kidz Club has a team of friendly, experienced pediatric dentists led by Jihee Chun, DDS, who offer safe and effective sedation dentistry to help maximize your child’s treatment time and minimize their discomfort. Book a visit to any of their offices in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California, today by calling the office. What is sedation dentistry? Sedation dentistry is the administration of certain sedatives that help fearful or anxious children cope with their anxieties during dental treatments. It can be used to help the team at Dental Kidz Club give your child effective dental care for a wide variety of procedures, from more complex and invasive to simple teeth cleanings. Sedation dentistry also helps keep nervous or fidgety children still during their treatments, enabling your child’s dentist to provide safer and better care. Is sedation dentistry safe for my child? The caring team at Dental Kidz Club has successfully treated children with sedation dentistry for various dental procedures, all of which are conducted safely and effectively. They’re deeply skilled in treating their sedation patients with extra care and attention and make sure to monitor their wellness throughout the entire procedure. Your child's well-being is the utmost priority of everyone at Dental Kidz Club. While there are other sedation methods available generally, like IV and oral sedation, Dental Kidz Club believes that nitrous oxide is the safest method, which is why this is the only option they offer. What sedation dentistry options are available? Dental Kidz Club offers nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to help ease dental anxiety in children during their visit. Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedative that’s been safely used in dentistry for over a century. It makes your child relaxed without putting them to sleep and is administered through a mask worn over the nose throughout the entire procedure. Nitrous oxide takes only a few minutes to start working, at which point your child will feel calmer and happy. It wears off almost immediately, so there’s no downtime after the procedure. It's natural for a child to feel nervous about sedation, but you can help make the experience easier for them by explaining what they can expect on the day of the procedure and making sure that their airways are clear. If your child has allergies or a blocked nose, decongestants and allergy medicine can help them breathe more easily. The team at Dental Kidz Club will work with you and your child to help them feel comfortable and address their individual psychological, emotional, and dental needs. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, call today.

A dental emergency can be frightening for children and adults alike, so partnering with a dental team that offers prompt treatment in a friendly, welcoming environment provides peace of mind to everyone. The team at Dental Kidz Club understands how important it is to treat serious dental problems as soon as possible, which is why they have emergency dentistry appointments available when you need them most at their five locations in Perris, Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Chino, and Riverside, California. If you have a pediatric dental emergency, call the practice today. What is emergency dentistry? Emergency dentistry is different from a routine appointment or even a non-emergency in that it provides immediate treatment to prevent a dental problem from getting worse or address an urgent issue. Unlike with a routine checkup or minor issue, if your child has an emergency, you can't afford to wait 24-48 hours before your dentist can see you. The team at Dental Kidz Club recognizes the importance of delivering prompt care to minimize the impact of the problem and ease any discomfort your child is feeling. If you think your child needs emergency dental care, call the team right away. They offer advice over the phone and provide you with practical care instructions to follow until you arrive at the office. How do I know if my child needs emergency dentistry? Dental issues in children can cause long-term problems if missed or ignored. But how do you tell the difference between normal tooth development and a cause for concern? The team at Dental Kidz Club encourages parents or guardians to bring their child in for an emergency dental appointment if the child experiences any of the following: A broken or chipped tooth A fractured or cracked tooth A lost filling or crown A fully or partially knocked-out tooth Severe mouth pain Severe, lasting toothache Damage to the cheeks, gums, tongue, or lips An oral infection A bleeding mouth Pain when biting down If your child's mouth pain is caused by a head injury or trauma to the face, Dental Kidz Club advises that you take them to an emergency room or urgent care facility to get checked over before making an appointment — even if there's noticeable damage to your child's mouth. How can I prepare for my child’s emergency dentistry appointment? If your child needs emergency dentistry, there are several things you can do to prepare ahead of their appointment, such as: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort Bring along any insurance documents Place any knocked-out teeth in a cup of milk and bring them with you If your child is in a lot of pain, it may be fine for them to take a pain reliever, but check with Dental Kidz Club first to make sure it won’t affect what treatment they can receive. The team at Dental Kidz Clubs makes your child's dental health their priority. If you have any concerns about unusual mouth pain or appearance, call the practice to make an appointment.