Our Team specializes in little smiles

Choosing a pediatric dentist in Huntington Beach rather than a general dentist means your child is being treated by a specialist with two to three additional years of training focused exclusively on the oral health, growth, and behavior of children — from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric dentists like Dr. Beanca Chu at Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics are trained not just in clinical dental procedures, but in child psychology, behavior management, and age-appropriate communication techniques that make dental visits less stressful and more effective for young patients. A local Huntington Beach pediatric dental office also means your child builds a relationship with a consistent care team right in your community — one that knows your child's dental history, tracks their development over time, and can respond quickly when an urgent situation arises. For children with anxiety, special needs, or complex treatment needs, the difference between a generalist and a specialist can be especially significant.

Yes — Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers Angel Clear Aligners for teens and children in Huntington Beach through our in-house orthodontist, Dr. Shawn Yu, a certified clear aligner provider. Clear aligners work by wearing a series of custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment — with no metal brackets, no wires, and none of the dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. For teens who are responsible about wearing their aligners consistently — ideally 20 to 22 hours per day — clear aligners can be an excellent alternative to braces, particularly for cases involving crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite issues. Younger children are typically not candidates until enough permanent teeth have come in, but an orthodontic evaluation at our office will determine the right time and the right option for your child's specific situation.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday — or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. At Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we welcome infants for these early appointments, which are designed to be gentle, brief, and focused on your baby's comfort and your confidence as a parent. The first visit is not about extensive dental work — it is about letting your child become familiar with the dental environment, ensuring that their gum tissue and incoming teeth are developing normally, and giving you personalized guidance on feeding habits, brushing, and cavity prevention from day one. Starting early also means your baby grows up knowing the dental office as a safe, friendly place, which makes every future visit significantly easier for everyone.

For children under age 3, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Once your child turns 3, you can increase to a pea-sized amount, which is all that is needed for effective cavity protection. Many families wait too long to introduce fluoride toothpaste out of concern about safety, but using the correct amount by age is both safe and highly beneficial for developing enamel. Fluoride strengthens teeth and helps them resist the acid attacks caused by bacteria and sugar — making it one of the most powerful cavity-prevention tools available. At Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we walk every family through toothpaste use for babies and toddlers in Huntington Beach at each early visit so you always know exactly what to use and how much.

Good oral hygiene for your baby starts even before their first tooth arrives. Before any teeth come in, gently wipe your baby's gums after every feeding using a clean, soft, damp washcloth or a silicone finger brush — this removes milk residue and bacteria that can accumulate on the gum tissue. Once the first baby teeth appear, switch to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and brush in small, gentle circular motions, making sure to cover all surfaces of each tooth including the back. Use a rice-grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste from the moment that first tooth comes in. Brush at least twice a day — morning and before bed — and make the bedtime brushing non-negotiable, since teeth are most vulnerable to decay overnight when saliva flow decreases. At Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team demonstrates proper baby tooth brushing technique in Huntington Beach at your child's first visit so you can feel fully confident caring for your baby's smile at home.

A family dentist and pediatric dentist can both provide high-quality care for your family. However, the most significant difference between the two is how they approach dental care and who they treat. A family dentist is like a general dentist and provides a range of dental services and treatments to patients of all ages. At Brookhurst Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our pediatric doctors, led by Dr. Beanca Chu are board-certified pediatric dentists in Huntington Beach — meaning the entire office, from the kid-friendly environment and the therapy dog to the clinical protocols and sedation options, is built specifically around making children feel safe and cared for. For young patients especially, that specialized environment and expertise makes a meaningful difference in both the quality of care and the long-term relationship your child develops with dental health.