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.
❗️🦷 Did you know the very first toothbrush used bristles made from wild boar hair?
A fascinating moment in dental history 📜
The first true toothbrush appeared in China during the 1400s, featuring stiff bristles made from wild boar hair inserted into bamboo or bone handles 🐗🎋. This early design became the foundation for brushing tools used for centuries. In 1938, soft nylon bristles were introduced 🪥, shaping the modern toothbrushes families use today to support healthy smiles worldwide 🌍✨
Did this piece of dental history surprise you, or have you heard it before? 💬 We love sharing facts that help kids and parents connect with oral health in a fun way.
Have questions about toothbrush choices or brushing habits for your child? 📞 Contact our office and our team will be happy to help 😊
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💙 Gentle care, trusted guidance, and smiles shaped through time.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DentalHistory #HealthySmiles #OralHealthEducation
"❗️🦷 By age five, nearly 60% of children have already had at least one cavity. 😳
That number surprises many parents 👀
Baby teeth have enamel that is about 50% thinner than adult teeth 🦷, which means cavities can spread twice as fast once they begin ⚡. This is why early dental visits and daily habits matter so much during the preschool years ✨. Protecting baby teeth early helps support comfort, development, and healthier smiles as kids grow 🌱
Did this statistic surprise you, or have you heard it before? 💬
We’d love to hear what parents are noticing or wondering about early cavities 🤍
Have questions about cavity prevention or want guidance for your child? 📞
Reach out to our office and our team will be happy to help 😊
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💙 Gentle care, early guidance, and growing smiles every step of the way.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #CavityPrevention #HealthySmiles #EarlyDentalCare"
✨Smile transformation alert—wait for it! ✨
Teen orthodontics can boost kids` confidence! 🦷💫
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our orthodontic care reflects our vision of beautiful and heathy smiles that are functional and esthetically pleasing for life!
When do you think the right time is for a teen orthodontic check? 👀👇
📞 Call (310) 837-6453
📧 Email info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💙 Growing smiles with care, comfort, and heart.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EarlyOrthodontics #HealthyBites #GrowingSmiles
❗️🦷 Why would a two-year-old already need dental surgery?
It’s a question that surprises many parents 👀
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we often see how frequent juice or sweetened milk in a sippy cup, especially at night 🌙, can harm baby teeth faster than candy. When sugars sit on teeth for long periods, cavities can develop quickly. One small change can make a big difference ✨. Gradually diluting juice with water over two weeks 💧, then offering only water, helps lower cavity risk and protect little smiles early.
Have you seen this happen before or heard about it from another parent? 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have questions about early dental care or want guidance for your child? 📞 Contact our office to schedule a visit. Our team is happy to help.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
💙 Gentle care, thoughtful guidance, and healthy smiles from the very beginning.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EarlyDentalCare #HealthySmiles #ParentEducation
🦷 Where Pediatric Dentistry Needs to Be: From Fixing Teeth to Guiding Health
Dr. Reem, our founder at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, shares a heartfelt reflection on the evolving future of children’s oral care.
Even with amazing technology, many families still wait too long for dental support , often because simple questions go unanswered. 💭
This blog explores how earlier, gentler guidance can shift pediatric dentistry from reactive fixes to nurturing development and lifelong oral health. Click below to read Dr. Reem’s insights on whole-child care, virtual support, and compassionate guidance. 🌱✨
👉 Read more: https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/early-pediatric-dental-care
What’s one question you wished someone had answered sooner about your child’s oral health? Share below! 👇
Curious about early dental guidance or pediatric virtual care? contact our office, we would love to help!
Contact Information:
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Thoughtful guidance. Growing healthy smiles together. 😊
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist#PediatricDentist#PediatricOrthodontist#WestLosAngeles
#EarlyDentalCare#ChildrensOralHealth#TeethCare
Brushing battles at home? Here’s a simple hack to turn them into smiles! 🪥😁
Want to end toothbrush struggles? Let your child pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste! When they choose, the fight disappears — and brushing becomes fun again. 💛
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, Dr. Reem and our team believe that creating positive habits early makes all the difference. Gentle encouragement and a little independence go a long way toward healthy, happy smiles. 🌈
Parents — would this work in your house? Tell us below! 💬
Or contact us to learn how we make brushing fun for kids at every visit.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. ✨
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BrushingTips #HealthyHabits
Happy Holidays from all of us at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics! 🎁✨
This season, we’re celebrating bright smiles, big laughter, and the little moments that make family time so special. 💕
Thank you to all the wonderful families who’ve trusted us to care for your children’s smiles this year — your support means the world to our team. 🦷🌈
Here’s to more giggles, healthy teeth, and joyful smiles in the new year ahead! 💫
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #HappyHolidays #HealthySmiles
Here are 3 hidden signs your baby might be teething — and it’s not just drooling! 👶🦷
1️⃣ Chewing on everything — Babies often gnaw on toys, fingers, or even crib rails to relieve gum pressure.
2️⃣ Irritability and fussiness — Sore gums can make little ones extra cranky, especially around nap or bedtime.
3️⃣ Changes in eating or sleeping habits — Some babies nurse or bottle-feed less, or wake more often at night.
Pro tip: A chilled teething ring or a clean, cool washcloth can help soothe sore gums and bring comfort. 💛
If you’re unsure whether your baby’s teething or something else is causing discomfort, our gental team is here to help guide you through every stage of your little one’s smile journey. 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BabyTeething #TeethingTips
