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
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.
Which baby tooth usually appears first? 🤔👶
It`s one of the first signs that your little one is growing fast — but do you know which tooth shows up first?
➡️ Swipe to find out the answer and what to expect next!
📲 Need support through teething or baby’s first visit?
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA is here for you every step of the way.
📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
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#BabyTeeth #FirstTooth #TeethingTips #SmilesPediatricDentistryOrthodontics #LittleSmiles #ParentTips #WestLA #PediatricDentist #HealthySmiles

👋✨ Hello Los Angeles!
We’re beyond excited to introduce the amazing heart and smile behind Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – our very own Dr. Reem Kabbarah (or as we all call her, Dr. Reem!) 💖
Not only is she a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and USC faculty member 🎓, but she also runs a thriving private practice right here in West LA — all driven by her passion for creating gentle, positive dental experiences for kids. 💫
Today, Dr. Reem is thrilled to share something truly exciting: the Solea® laser! 🚀
She calls it “a revolutionary instrument in pediatric dentistry” — and we couldn’t agree more!
So what makes it so special?
✨ Many treatments don’t need numbing
✨ Shorter, quieter visits
✨ Less anxiety
✨ More comfort
✨ Happier little smiles walking out our door 😄
From fillings to soft tissue procedures, the Solea laser helps us treat your child with unmatched precision and gentleness. It`s a game-changer for little ones who may feel nervous about dental visits — helping build trust and healthy habits that last a lifetime. 🤗
At Smiles, we believe in compassion, innovation, and creating joyful dental memories. Dr. Reem’s commitment to advanced care like Solea reflects our mission to offer the best, most comforting experience possible.
🌟 Ready for your child to experience the future of pediatric dentistry with Dr. Reem and our caring team?
📞 Call us today at (310) 837-6453 to schedule or learn more!
We can`t wait to welcome you to our dental family! 💕🦷
#DrReem #SmilesPediatricDentistry #MeetTheDentist #PediatricDentistLA #SoleaLaser #RevolutionaryDentistry #LAParents #USCDentistry #GentleDentalCare #AdvancedTechnology #HealthySmilesHappyKids #WestLADentist #CulverCityKids #AnxietyFreeDentistry #CallUsToday

When do babies’ teeth really start developing? 👶🦷
It might be earlier than you think...
➡️ Swipe to find out when those tiny teeth begin forming!
📲 Have questions about your baby’s oral health?
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA is here for you — from the very first tooth and beyond!
📧 info@smilesla.com
📞 Call (310) 837-6453
#BabyTeeth #PediatricDentalCare #SmilesPediatricDentistryOrthodontics #EarlyOralHealth #HealthySmiles #ParentTips #LittleSmiles #WestLA

USC Pediatric Residents + Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics = A perfect combo for fun and surprises! 😄🎉
We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming future pediatric dentists from USC into our practice — and they brought the energy, compassion, and curiosity that make this field so special! 🦷💫
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we believe learning should be hands-on, joyful, and filled with smiles — whether you`re a student, a patient, or a parent. Our team loves mentoring the next generation of dental professionals while creating a warm, uplifting space for families.
📞 Want your child to experience compassionate, forward-thinking care in a place that inspires future dentists too?
Call (310) 837-6453 to schedule your visit today!
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#USCDentistry, #USCPediatricResidents, #FutureDentists, #PediatricDentistry, #WestLA, #SmilesPediatricDentistry, #DentalMentorship, #HandsOnLearning, #PediatricDentalCare, #FamilyDentistWestLA, #KidsDentistLA, #DentalEducation, #MentoringFutureDentists, #CompassionateDentalCare, #ModernPediatricDentistry

🍼 Did you know most parents underestimate this number? 🦷 🦷 🦷
“How many baby teeth do children have?” might seem simple — but the answer surprises a lot of people!
👀 Swipe to find out — and learn why these little teeth matter more than you think.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, where tiny teeth get top-tier care. 💛
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#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLA #BabyTeethFacts #PediatricDentistWestLA #KidsDentalCare #ChildrensOralHealth #ToothTrivia #HealthySmilesStartYoung

Besties get tooth glam at Smiles! ✨🦷
Chloe Alivia (@chloealivia8073) came in with her bestie Izzy (Dr. Reem’s daughter!) — and got an amazing smile sparkle from Dr. Reem herself 💫
Mom Adora (@jercha385) joined for the visit too, making it a full heart, full smile kind of day 💖
We’re all about turning dental care into a confident, joyful experience — especially when it’s shared with friends ✨
📞 Want your child to experience personalized, tech-forward care in a warm, family-friendly space?
Call (310) 837-6453 or DM us to schedule your visit with Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA.
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#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLA #PediatricDentistLA #KidsDentalCare #FamilyDentistWestLA #ChloeAlivia #ToothGlam #ModernPediatricDentistry

🪥💡 Manual vs. electric: Which toothbrush wins for kids?
It`s a question we hear from parents all the time — and the answer might surprise you!
Hint: it’s not just about the brush — it’s about how it’s used 😉
👉👉 👉 Swipe to find out what we recommend at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA
Follow for more dental health care tips!
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#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLA #KidsToothbrushTips #ElectricVsManualtoothbrush #PediatricDentistLA #OralHealthForKids #BrushingHabits #FamilyDentistWestLA #DentalTipsForParents

CAD and 3D printing in pediatric dentistry, everything you ever wanted to know- Blog 😍👇
https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/cad-computer-aided-design-3d-printing-technologies-pediatric-dentistry-west-la/
Custom, same-day dental care for kids and teens is now possible with leading-edge CAD and 3D printing in pediatric dentistry 🦷✨ — bringing comfort, precision, and speed to every smile.
Say goodbye to messy impressions and hello to digital scans, beautifully fitted appliances, and treatments designed just for your child 💻🖨️ — from mouthguards to space maintainers and more, at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA
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#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLA
#PediatricDentistLA #3DPrintingInDentistry #KidsDentalCare #ChildrensDentistLA #DigitalDentistry #FamilyDentistWestLA #DentalInnovation #3DPediatricCare #CAD
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Pediatric Dentist explains CAD and 3D Printing
