As your family’s dental home for child and teenage dentistry, we aim to nurture your children’s dental health as they grow into their adolescent years. We are passionate about evolving dental experiences as kids transition from childhood into their tween and teenage years. Creating an age-appropriate, personally tailored dental experience for each of our guests is our goal for every dental experience we engage in.
Child & Teen Dentistry ·
Child & Teen Dentistry ·
Child & Teen Dentistry ·
Child & Teen Dentistry ·
Child & Teen Dentistry ·
A Dental Visit To Look Forward To:
For any of us to look forward to an event, a good feeling needs to be associated with it. Good feelings range from feeling safe and honored to feelings of interest, fun and excitement. The formula is different for each of us and is also ever-changing. A positive dental experience has a lot to do with mindful listening, understanding and prioritizing. It requires open, heartfelt discussions with you and your family. We believe in creating positive dental experiences that build trust and encourage self empowerment.
Promoting Dental Education:
We believe in nurturing dental awareness in kids of all ages through communication and education. Dental-conscious children understand the reasoning behind the self care that we promote as adults. They become willing partners and self-advocates for what fosters their personal well-being. Guiding our children through knowledge and scientific data, answering their questions and teaching them how to ensure their dental well-being is essential for dental health that lasts a lifetime. They might even surprise you in leading the way to the whole family’s dental thriving!
A Pediatric Dentist From Childhood To Young Adulthood:
We view your children and teenagers as family and look forward to watching them grow in our practice. We feel that this continuity of care is integral to nurturing the bond of trust between our team, you, and your family. Understanding your children’s preferences, activities and lifestyles helps us collaborate with your family to guide their dental development in a healthy direction. It also allows us to empower them to celebrate their continued dental well-being.
Comprehensive Services For Child/Teen Dentistry:
The Smiles Steps to Infant oral health:
Hover or tap to reveal steps
1
Cultivate the good habit of brushing and flossing morning and night. A toothbrush and floss go together like salt and pepper!
2
Add a daily mouthwash at nighttime to supercharge saliva with mineralizing ions that fortify the dentition during the hours of slumber.
3
Promote healthy eating patterns understanding how habits, different foods and beverages, or practices can affect our dental wellness.
4
Pair up routine dental checkups with any needed orthodontic adventures as a comprehensive dental wellness approach.
5
Consider additional dental cleanings during orthodontic care.
6
Nurture collaborations with other specialists such as your pediatrician, a speech therapist, a myofunctional or occupational therapist to enhance oral and general well-being.
7
Approach teenage esthetic desires with mindfulness
8
Keep the conversations open-hearted. All questions are welcome!
FAQs for Child/Teen Dental Care:
What are the benefits of continuing with a pediatric dentist from early childhood to late teenage years?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy in the nineties defining the “medical home” This concept means finding a healthcare facility that offers comprehensive, continuously accessible, family centered, coordinated, compassionate care for your child
The “dental home” policy was issued by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in 2001. A dental home ensures comprehensive oral care that evolves as your child grows and develops. Continuity of excellent care not only promotes dental health but also allows kids the opportunity to feel safe and well cared for.
Our office’s pride and joy is caring for our clients from infancy into their late teenage years. We celebrate achievements from starting preschool to collage acceptances along with our families! Our Smiles Champions are the teenagers that have grown up in our practice. You can learn about a few of them and their experiences with us on the page dedicated to them. Each of our champions (those featured here and those not) holds a special place in our hearts.
What is the Smiles approach of Dental Salutogenesis about?
Salutogenesis is a term coined by the Social Scientist Aaron Antonovsky in 1979. The theory focuses on the origins of health and factors that promote well-being rather than those that cause disease. The term comes from the Latin word salus (health) and the Greek word genesis (origin).
Our goal at Smiles is to cultivate dental health and well-being by educating families about how to be and stay healthy. We teach how to prevent issues from arising and intervene with minimally involved tactics, when needed, to quickly reverse early challenges and promote the return to well-being.
Do I need to help my child brush their teeth?
Supervising tooth brushing for small children is important to ensure that the job is well accomplished. Small kids also need help with flossing. Children improve their dexterity skills as they grow but even teenagers sometimes need help achieving good oral hygiene practices.
Part of each dental visit is dedicated to educating you and your child or teen about how they are doing with oral hygiene and what to do if changes are needed. We are very “hand-on” with health-promoting practices that the whole family can enjoy and benefit from.
What causes cavities?
To understand how cavities form, we need to understand the science of the oral microbiome. Our mouths are homes to an intricate oral flora ecosystem that is constantly equilibrating depending on a variety of influencing factors. The balance of this flora can shift in the direction of dental health or its opposite. Changes depend on the populations and types of microorganisms and their dominance in the oral flora.
Friendly oral flora is favorable for tooth structure preservation and mineralization while caries-causing flora can destruct teeth. Cavities or dental caries are holes in teeth that are caused by a group of germs that create an unfavorable dental environment. These groups of bacteria feed on sugar that is introduced to the mouth by dietary intake and thrive on frequent sugar exposure.
What makes these types of germs damaging is that they produce acids that damage the structure of teeth by depleting the calcium in the enamel and dentin. They also create plaque, which is a glue-like layer that allows more bacteria to stick to the tooth surfaces. It appears as a yellowish film that builds up on teeth and contains enamel-eroding acids.
This is why meticulous oral hygiene helps to keep teeth healthy and safe. Toothbrushing and flossing go hand in hand in removing dental plaque. Dental Sealants can further protect deep grooves and crevices on the chewing surfaces of molars that are too deep for toothbrush bristles to reach.
Where does the cavity-causing bacteria come from?
Babies are not born with bacteria in their mouths. They develop their oral and gut flora as they enter into the world and interact with their family. When they are exposed to someone who already has high levels of cavity-causing bacteria, like a mother, father or caregiver, they can acquire similar strains of germs. A sibling who has a high cavity rate can also be involved. Eating from the same spoon as the baby or sharing a toy or toothbrush are common forms of transmission. The easiest way to cultivate dental well-being for our children is to make sure that we, the parents, maintain optimum oral health levels.
What does a cavity look like?
The first stage to a cavity is caused by the sticky film of plaque that has been in contact with a tooth surface for an extended period of time. It appears as a chalky white spot and represents an area of enamel that has lost mineral content, rendering it dull in appearance and weaker in structure. If left untreated, this chalky area will lose enough mineral contact to the point of collapsing and creating a hole known as a cavity.
Many parents don’t notice these stages of the disease and are only able to visualize the cavity when the damage is severe or if it eventually turns dark in color. Treating the first sign of cavities means we are able to manage the disease before we have to deal with what the disease is causing, which is the actual cavities. This approach is called the medical approach to dental disease and represents a progressive paradigm shift in dental caries management.
Chalky spots or “white spot lesions” are treatable with a multitude of dental agents that can help recharge the mineral content loss. These treatments are topical, easy and successful. They include remineralizing products, antibacterial rinses, Fluoride treatments, silver diamine fluoride care and resin infiltrations.
How will my child’s cavities be treated?
If your child is diagnosed with cavities, a comprehensive treatment plan will be presented. Because the cause of the disease is bacterial, restoring the cavities is only the first step toward achieving optimum oral health. The treatment plan must identify the steps for prevention of future decay and it must also address shifting the oral microbiome to a balance favoring oral harmony and dental well-being.
The age of your child is also very important. The younger your child is, or the more treatment they need, the more challenging it is for them to sit for long periods of time and allow meticulous dental care. This is when our sedation suite can offer wonderful solutions to keep children and teenagers comfortable and happy while allowing us to deliver excellent dental care.
Our Solea Laser is a state-of-the-art device that treats dental caries very comfortably. It is not only an incredible disinfectant, it allows gentle dental restorative procedures without the need to use local anesthetic. Solea is ideal for children of all ages from childhood to teenage years.
What is gingivitis and what is going on with my teenagers gums?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is usually caused by oral hygiene challenges. Any area that kids do not brush or floss will harbor plaque and gingivitis causing bacteria. Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis which is a more severe condition that includes inflammation of the tooth’s supporting tissues of bone and ligament.
The cause of gingivitis and periodontitis is bacterial but the groups of germs creating these problems are different than those that cause dental decay. The good news is that improving oral hygiene with an individualized dental plan and frequent dental cleanings are proven tactics in reversing this type of oral problem.
Are dental X-rays necessary?
Radiographs (x-rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s dental examination. Without them, certain dental conditions can go unseen and opportunities of reversing early changes can be missed. Radiographs are also needed to evaluate healthy development and plan orthodontic care safely and effectively.
Smiles adopts the “Image Gently” paradigm. We do not take dental images every visit unless there is sound reasoning to do so. We follow the guidelines of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and use mindful evaluation on a case to case basis.
Our office is set up with an impressive lineup of State-of-the-art dental imaging units. We use Dexis imaging digital sensors, the Nomad imaging unit and the latest Dexis OP 3D LX CBCT imaging unit with its ultra-low dose option that is suitable for pediatric use.
Sugar doesn’t directly cause cavities 🍭🦷
Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks. As they break down these sugars, they produce acids that slowly weaken tooth enamel.
Each time your child eats or drinks something sugary, this acid attack can last for about 20–30 minutes ⏳
If these acid attacks happen frequently throughout the day, enamel begins to lose minerals faster than it can repair itself.
Over time, this process can lead to cavities.
That’s why it’s not just how much sugar children eat — it’s how often they are exposed to it.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on helping families reduce frequent sugar exposure, encourage water between snacks, and build strong daily hygiene habits ✨
Did this change the way you think about sugar and cavities? Share your thoughts below 💬
If you’d like personalized guidance for your child’s oral health, contact our office to schedule a visit 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Helping families build healthy smiles with care 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#cavities
#toothdecay
#sugarandteeth
#oralbacteria
🏆 Exciting news from Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics!
🦷 Our Founder Dr. Reem Kabbarah is proud to be a Certified Sports Team Dentist through the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), a distinction that reflects her commitment to protecting and supporting athletes through every stage of growth and development.
⚽ When most people think of sports dentistry, they think of sports mouthguards. While custom sports mouthguards are an important part of injury prevention, sports dentistry extends far beyond protective equipment. Today`s athletes benefit from a comprehensive approach that includes preventive dental care, digital monitoring, injury prevention strategies, oral health evaluations, and customized treatment planning.
💛 In this blog, Dr. Reem shares her perspective on the important connection between oral health and athlete wellness. She also highlights her conversation with Louis, a collegiate athlete and longtime patient whose journey reflects the value of supporting young athletes both on and off the field.
🦷 Through advanced digital dentistry technologies, including intraoral scanning, digital imaging, and custom sports guard fabrication, our team helps athletes maintain healthy smiles while reducing the risk of sports-related dental injuries.
⚽ Whether competing in youth sports, high school athletics, or collegiate programs, athletes deserve a healthcare team that considers every aspect of their well-being—including oral health.
⭐ Read the full blog:
https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/teen-sports-dentistry-sports-mouthguard
🧡 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📍 Los Angeles, California
@SprintRay
🏆 Certified Sports Team Dentistry
🦷 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
⚽ Custom Sports Mouthguards
💛 Athlete Wellness & Injury Prevention
⭐ 3D Digital Dentistry
#SportsDentistry #SportsTeamDentist #SportsMouthguard #CustomSportsGuards #AthleteWellness #AthleteOralHealth #DigitalDentistry #PediatricDentistry #SprintRay
@sprintray
@louisbond12
@louisbond_23
Most odor-causing bacteria live on the tongue 👅🦷
The tongue is covered in tiny structures that trap bacteria and food particles throughout the day.
When this buildup stays on the tongue, it can contribute to bad breath and imbalance in the mouth.
Gently brushing or cleaning the tongue helps remove this layer and supports a cleaner, healthier oral environment ✨
It’s a simple step that can make a noticeable difference in your child’s daily routine.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Reem and her team focus on complete oral care — supporting healthy habits that go beyond brushing alone 🌿
Did you know the tongue plays such an important role in oral health? Share your thoughts below 💬
If you’d like guidance on your child’s oral care routine, contact our office to schedule a visit 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Healthy habits create confident smiles 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#TongueCleaning
#FreshBreathKids
#OralHealthTips
#HealthySmilesLA"
🏐 Happy World Sports Dentistry Day!
Today, we celebrate the important role sports dentistry plays in protecting growing smiles and helping young athletes stay safe on and off the field.
Every young athlete has a story. This reel shares a glimpse of Mila`s journey, from sports injury to recovery, and highlights how custom sports mouthguards and advanced digital dentistry can help protect active kids when it matters most.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we`re passionate about helping young athletes stay confident, protected, and ready to get back to doing what they love. From prevention and protection to treatment and recovery, sports dentistry plays an important role in keeping healthy smiles in the game.
We`re also proud to recognize our founder, Dr. Reem , a Certified Sports Team Dentist through the Academy for Sports Dentistry.
📢 Coming Soon
🦷 "Beyond the Mouthguard: The Role of a Sports Team Dentist"
Written by Dr. Reem
📅 We`ll keep you posted when the blog goes live on July 1st!
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
🌐 smilesla.com
#WorldSportsDentistryDay #SportsDentistry #PediatricDentistry #YouthSports #SportsSafety #SprintRay #Mouthguards #HealthySmiles
Chewing crunchy foods helps build strong growing jaws 🍎🥕
Foods that require more chewing, like apples, carrots, and cucumbers, stimulate the muscles that support jaw growth.
This natural chewing motion helps guide proper development of facial structure and dental alignment over time.
Softer processed foods don’t require as much effort, which means less stimulation for those important muscles.
Including crunchy fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet supports both nutrition and oral development 🌱✨.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe small daily habits can make a big difference in long-term dental health.
What are your child’s favorite crunchy snacks? Share below 💬
If you have questions about your child’s growth and development, our team is here to help 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Nurturing healthy smiles through every stage 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#HealthyEatingKids
#JawDevelopment
#KidsNutrition
"
Cavities don’t begin as holes 🦷
They start as small areas where enamel begins to lose minerals. These early white spots are often difficult to see without a careful dental exam.
At this stage, enamel can still be strengthened through remineralization, helping prevent a cavity from forming ✨
This is why early checkups and gentle preventive care make such a meaningful difference.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, every visit is designed to support your child’s smile in a calm and caring way 🌿
If you ever notice changes or have questions, our team is here to help guide you
To schedule a visit, contact our office 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Supporting healthy smiles with kindness and care 🌸
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #cavities #toothdecay #remineralization #preventivedentistry"
Teeth do more than help kids chew — they help them speak 🗣️🦷
As children learn language, their teeth guide how air flows and where the tongue rests when forming sounds.
Sounds like “s,” “f,” and “th” depend on proper positioning between the tongue and front teeth.
When teeth develop in balanced positions, they support clearer pronunciation and speech development 🌟.
This is one reason why early dental care and monitoring are so important during childhood.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we look at the full picture of oral development — not just teeth, but how they support overall growth.
Did you know teeth play a role in speech? Tell us what surprised you most 💬
Have questions about your child’s dental development? Our team is here to help 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Supporting confident smiles and growing voices 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#SpeechDevelopment
#GrowingSmiles
#ChildDevelopment
#KidsHealthLA"
The oldest human tooth ever found is about 1.8 million years old 🦷⏳
Discoveries like this help scientists understand early human life and how people moved across different parts of the world 🌍
Teeth last this long because enamel is one of the most durable materials in the human body.
That same strength protects your child’s smile every day, and with the right care, it can stay strong for a lifetime ✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on gentle prevention and supportive care to help every child grow a healthy, confident smile.
If you’re ever wondering how to better protect your child’s teeth, our team is always here to support you 💬
To schedule a visit or ask a question, contact our office 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care, loving support, and healthy smiles every step of the way 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #toothenamel #dentalfacts #oralhealth #humanhistory"
