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 brushing alone won’t fix bad breath? 👃🦷✨
Fresh breath starts with gentle care, not harsh routines. Brushing teeth is important, but most odor-causing bacteria actually live on the tongue, not the teeth. Teaching children to gently clean their tongue each day helps remove buildup and supports the mouth’s natural freshness.
Another possible cause of persistent bad breath can be inflamed or enlarged tonsils. If you notice ongoing concerns, checking with your child’s pediatrician can help ensure tonsils are healthy and not contributing to odor.
Healthy habits, gentle guidance, and daily care all work together for happy breathing and confident smiles.
💬 Did you know tongue cleaning plays such an important role in fresh breath? Tell us what brushing habits work best in your home or ask your questions below.
📩 Send us a DM or contact our office if you’d like guidance on healthy brushing routines for your child.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Happy breathing. Growing smiles 💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #KidsOralHealth #FreshBreathTips
🦷😴 Night Guard Hack for Teens: Protecting Smiles While They Sleep
Parents, want to help keep your teen’s jaw and teeth healthy and happy?
Night grinding often goes unnoticed while slowly wearing enamel and creating jaw strain, even during early teen years. Our pediatric dental and orthodontic office in West Los Angeles creates custom 3D printed night guards tailored for growing smiles. Each guard feels comfortable, cushions pressure, and shields enamel through the night. Teeth remain protected, jaws ease, and mornings start peacefully.
Has your teen mentioned jaw soreness, headaches, or waking up feeling tense? 👂💬 Share your experience or a question in the comments so other parents feel supported too.
If nighttime grinding feels like a concern or you want guidance for a growing smile, contact our caring team at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Early support helps prevent long term wear and discomfort.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle solutions that protect growing teeth and support calm, healthy sleep. 🌙🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #TeenNightGrinding #TeenNightGuard #TeethGrindingTeens #JawClenchingTeens
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Reem 🦷✨
Dr. Reem, founder of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, shares a behind-the-scenes look before a deep sedation appointment.
During this visit, Dr. Reem explains that canines are the pointy teeth at the corners of the mouth. In today’s case, a young patient has baby canines that are in the way while the permanent canines are positioned further behind them than they should be. The patient has already completed early orthodontic treatment and arch expansion, and today Dr. Reem is preparing to gently remove the baby canines.
Working together with Dr. Mary, Smiles`s anesthesiologist, the patient will take a comfortable nap under deep sedation while treatment is completed. The goal for today’s visit is simply to move the baby canines out of the way while keeping the experience calm, gentle, and supportive.
💬 Have you ever wondered what canine teeth are or why children sometimes need dental treatment under sedation? Share your questions or experiences in the comments below.
📩 Send us a DM or contact our office to learn more about pediatric dental care and early orthodontic guidance.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Supportive visits. Growing smiles. 💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #CanineTeeth #DeepSedation
🦷✨ Beneath every baby tooth, new ones are already developing.
Digital imaging allows our pediatric dental team to see those hidden tooth buds clearly and safely. Early imaging helps spot crowding, missing teeth, or alignment issues long before they surface, guiding natural growth and keeping every smile on the right path from the very start.
What surprises you most about how early a child’s smile begins forming?
👶💬 Share a thought, a question, or a personal experience in the comments so other parents can learn alongside you.
If you have questions about early dental imaging or would like gentle guidance, contact our caring team at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Early insight supports confident smiles for years ahead. 🦷💙
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Where little smiles grow with gentle care, loving support, and a soft reassuring touch. ✨😊
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #ChildrensDentalCare #EarlyDentalCare #GentleDentistry #BabyTeethMatter
The first toothpaste was made of crushed bones and oyster shells 🦷✨
Long before modern toothpaste, ancient Egyptians around 5000 BC cleaned their teeth using powdered ox hooves, burnt eggshells, and pumice. Centuries later, Romans added charcoal and bark flavoring to improve taste and cleaning power. By the 1800s, toothpaste evolved into smoother pastes stored in jars, and by 1950, fluoride transformed dental care into the protective toothpaste families use today.
What started as gritty mixtures eventually became one of the most important daily habits for healthy smiles.
💬 Did any of these toothpaste facts surprise you? Tell us which one you found most interesting or share what brushing routines work best for your family.
📩 Send us a DM or contact our office if you have questions about your child’s brushing habits or oral health routine.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Healthy habits start early. Gentle care for growing smiles 💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #ToothpasteHistory #OralHealthEducation
✨ Enter for a Chance to Win FREE Invisalign® Treatment! ✨
✨ A New Invisalign® Smile ✨
Start with an Invisalign® Oral Health Scan at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to see a digital preview of your child’s future smile. Patients who complete an Invisalign Smile Scan consultation during the promotional period will be eligible for a chance to win FREE Invisalign treatment. No purchase necessary. Eligibility and official sweepstakes rules apply.
Contact Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s Invisalign® Smile Scan and see how a future confident smile could look.
Our West Los Angeles pediatric orthodontic team uses advanced Invisalign technology to gently guide growing smiles with comfort, flexibility, and a nearly invisible orthodontic experience designed for kids and teens.
📞 Call our office today: (310) 837-6453
🌐 https://smilesla.com/
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Schedule your Invisalign Smile Scan consultation and your child will be eligible for a chance to win FREE Invisalign treatment during the sweepstakes period.Patients who complete an Invisalign Smile Scan consultation between February 2, 2026 and March 22, 2026 will be eligible for a chance to win FREE Invisalign treatment. No purchase necessary
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #InvisalignKids #InvisalignSmile #ClearAlignersLA
Our Founder, Dr. Reem Shares What Every Parent Should Know About Pediatric Dental Trauma 🦷✨
A child’s dental injury can happen in an instant, during sports, playtime, or even a simple moment at home ⚽. In this newly released blog, Dr. Reem, walks parents through exactly what to do when a child chips, displaces, or knocks out a tooth. Her goal is to help families feel prepared, calm, and supported when unexpected dental emergencies occur.
Grounded in modern evidence-based pediatric dentistry, Dr. Reem explains how timing, proper handling of injured teeth, and early communication with a pediatric dental team can significantly improve outcomes. The blog also highlights differences between baby teeth and permanent teeth injuries, how teledentistry offers immediate guidance, and why prevention through custom mouthguards plays an important role in protecting growing smiles ❤️.
📖 To learn more about how to respond confidently during a dental emergency, read our blog below:
https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/pediatric-dental-trauma-in-los-angeles-chipped-displaced-knocked-out-teeth
💬 Has your child ever experienced a dental accident? What questions came up in that moment? Share your story or ask us below — your experience may help another parent feel prepared 🤍
📲 If your child experiences a dental injury, contact our office right away so our team can guide you step-by-step with gentle, expert care.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Contact Information:
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
🌸 Gentle care. Supportive guidance. Healthy smiles that grow with confidence.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DentalTraumaCare #KidsDentalEmergency #LosAngelesPediatricDentist #HealthyKidsSmiles
Why do some kids suddenly look like they have shark teeth? 🦈🦷
Sometimes permanent teeth begin growing in before baby teeth fall out. For a short period, this can create two rows of teeth. It may look surprising, but many times this phase is temporary and self-correcting as normal growth continues.
Noticing this stage often brings questions. Learning how smiles naturally develop can bring reassurance 📘
If you have questions about your child’s dental development, our team is happy to help.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle education. Caring guidance. Smiles supported every step 🌱
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SharkTeeth #ExtraTeeth #ToothDevelopment #BabyTeeth
