At Smiles, we view our infant and toddler visits as seed planting visits for a lifetime of dental health. We will expertly guide you in navigating how to care for your infant’s mouth and your toddler’s newly erupted teeth. Establishing a dental home soon after your baby’s birth is a major step towards dental well-being and we are excited to welcome you!
Infant & Toddler Dentistry ·
Infant & Toddler Dentistry ·
Infant & Toddler Dentistry ·
Infant & Toddler Dentistry ·
Infant & Toddler Dentistry ·
Best Dental Care for Infants:
If you are wondering about how to best care for your infant’s mouth, the simple answer is: Start early! Research shows that promoting oral health for expecting mothers gives their babies a better opportunity in cultivating dental well-being. Fathers and siblings are also key players in the family’s dental health. A baby born in a dental-conscious family has a lesser chance of exposure to caries-causing bacteria through their home environment.
Oral Microbiome Health:
With the emerging science of oral microbiome, we are better understanding the importance of the equilibrium of oral flora and how its balance affects our oral and general health. Studies have proven that embracing healthy dental routines fosters healthy oral flora and general well-being. Parents with a healthy oral flora pave the path for better dental health for their children. When babies are born, getting them used to oral cleansing and establishing a scheduled feeding pattern will help promote friendly oral flora and an oral environment that is favorable for tooth structure preservation and mineralization.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommendations:
According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recommended timing of the first dental visit is when a baby gets their first tooth or by their first birthday. The AAPD also supports that oral guidance may be needed before these noted milestones. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenges due to tethered oral tissues, like a tongue tie or a lip tie, are key examples. Teaming up with your lactation consultant and pediatrician, our team mindfully councils on tethered oral tissues and helps to nurture your earliest connections with your beloved baby.
Early Dental Visits:
During early dental visits, we discuss how to care for your infant’s mouth, what to expect when teething occurs, how to avoid trauma as your child learns to crawl and take those first steps, how to brush your toddler’s teeth, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, pacifiers, oral habits and more.
Lip tie/Tongue tie:
Every newborn is born with a lingual frenulum and a labial frenulum. These are tissues that help to support the oral structures and connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the lip to the gums above the front teeth.
In utero, the tongue first forms attached to the floor of the mouth. As development progresses, it detaches leaving behind a connective tissue remnant called a frenulum. When this process of detachment is incomplete, a baby can be born with a tongue tie or what is known as ankyloglossia. If the labial frenulum remains very thick and tight, the upper lip can be restricted causing a lip tie.
True tongue ties and lip ties can impact both the baby and the nursing mother with a variety of symptoms. When these tissues are tight and short, the range of motion achieved by the tongue and the lip can be limited causing challenges in breastfeeding, bottle feeding, breathing and oral motor development.
Knowledgeable diagnosis and thoughtful consideration are the hallmarks of our infant and toddler dental care approach. The size, shape, and position of frenulums vary. Our gentle management is based on a clear understanding of what is considered to be normal anatomy and a heartfelt desire to support new parents in mindful decision making. We encourage a team approach with a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and a feeding specialist to ensure a positive outcome.
The release of a tongue-tie or a lip-tie is a minor surgical procedure called a frenotomy/frenulotomy. Using topical anesthesia and our state-of-the-art Solea Co2 dental laser, the procedure is completed in less than a minute. Photobiomodultion or Light Therapy is introduced to enhance healing and comfort. Daily tissue stretches and team follow ups are necessary to ensure success.
What To Expect At My Child’s First Dental Visit:
Smiles’ Recommendations for Infant/Toddler Dental Visits:
The Smiles Steps to Infant oral health:
Hover or tap to reveal steps
1
Clean your baby’s mouth and gum pads with a soft, wet cloth after feeding to get them used to routine oral care. This will also help your baby to separate eating and sleeping.
2
Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gum pads, and move from side to side in their mouth. You will notice that your baby’s tongue follows your finger. This is a good tongue exercise and helps comfort babies during teething.
3
Give your baby chewing toys to help simulate their jaw muscles for future chewing.
4
Your baby will begin to drool more often as their salivary glands mature and they get ready for teething. An organic moisturizer will help to keep their cheeks rash-free.
5
Start reducing the use of pacifiers as your baby approaches six months of age.
6
Begin using a toothbrush to clean newly erupted teeth as soon as they come in. Nighttime cleanings are super important to allow your baby to sleep with a clean mouth.
7
A tiny, rice-size amount of fluoride-free, baby/toddler toothpaste can make toothbrushing extra fun for your baby.
8
Book your first dental appointment!
FAQs for Infant/Toddler Dental Care:
How is the oral microbiome in infants and toddlers related to early childhood caries prevention?
Research has proven that the earlier a baby is exposed to cavity-causing bacteria, the higher chances they have of experiencing early childhood caries. Babies acquire oral bacteria by exposure to older individuals’ bacteria. As family members, we culture each other with our oral flora. This can also occur between children by sharing foods, utensils or toys.
A healthy microbiome is predominantly composed of friendly oral bacterial strains that live in harmony with our bodies rather than cause acid build up and tooth decay. When we promote our own healthy microbiome, we not only live a healthier life, but we also promote health for our young family members.
Good strategies to create a balanced microbiome include excellent oral hygiene, routine dental checkups and cleanings, healthy eating/snacking habits, limiting surgery foods and beverages, and eating whole food rich in nitrogen such as leafy greens.
What is the role of parents in preventing early childhood caries?
Understanding the habits that cultivate excellent oral health are important to promote dental well-being for ourselves and our children. Caring for our little ones’ mouths and nurturing health-conscious oral practices and routines are instrumental in preventing early childhood caries.
Structured feeding schedules are important for infants. As teeth begin emerging and infants start solid foods, it is time to set up a consistent oral hygiene regimen. Allowing a baby to sleep with a bottle is a well-known cause of baby bottle tooth decay, but less known is that on-demand nighttime breastfeeding can also compromise newly erupted teeth. Helping your baby separate sleeping and eating is a milestone that allows ease and comfort for the whole family. Cleaning baby’s mouth after a meal helps to create a prompt for this process in addition to promoting dental health.
What should I do if my baby has a lip tie or a tongue tie?
Lip and tongue frenula present in a wide variety of anatomical variations and clinical presentations. Not every shorter lip or tongue frenulum needs to be released. The benefits will depend on the size, shape, structure and position of the frenulum and how it is expected to adjust over time.
If feeding comfort is compromised, a team approach with a Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a feeding specialist will be needed. For babies that will benefit from a frenulum release or a frenulecomty, the procedure is completed with our state-of-the-art Solea Co2 laser, in less than a minute, after applying a topical anesthetic gel. Daily stretches and gentle tissue care will be needed for 2-3 weeks after the procedure to ensure successful results.
What oral hygiene products are recommended for infants?
A good practice is to clean your infant’s mouth with a wet terrycloth washcloth. This usually creates a pleasing sensation for babies. They enjoy sucking on the cloth and experiencing its nubby texture. It is also an effective way to clean the oral tissues. Alternatively, baby oral wipes can also be used. These come in a wide variety and usually contain flavorings and Xylitol, which acts as a tooth-safe sweetener.
Some teething rings have silicone bristles that babies enjoy. These can be used early on but once teeth begin to come in, we recommend a baby/toddler toothbrush with bristles to effectively remove plaque.
At what age should we let go of the pacifier?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that pacifier use be limited starting six months of age. As teeth come in, the pacifier can cause occlusion and tooth coupling changes. Some babies become very attached to their pacifiers, so a gradual weening process is helpful. The goal is to let go of the pacifier before or by baby’s first birthday.
Here is a plan to reduce pacifier use:
- Limit the total number of pacifiers in the home to two
- Poke a hole in the tip of the nipple of both pacifiers using manicure scissors to help deflate the nipple
- Over the course of the next few days/weeks, progressively snip the tip of the pacifier nipple (do this to both pacifiers at the same time for consistency).
- With time, your baby will lose interest in the snipped nipple and the process allows for a gradual emotional release from the pacifier.
What should I do when my baby is teething?
Teething is a natural physiological process that is a new experience for babies. Signs that your baby is getting ready to teeth include drooling or gum rubbing and tender oral tissues. The desire to chew on a teething ring is very natural and can help the tooth to surface through the gums. Babies do not typically get sick because of teething, but they can be susceptible to picking up germs and viruses as they put their hands and other objects into the mouths.
We recommend a clean, chilled teething ring to help soothe your baby and numb sore gums. Homeopathic teething remedies or occasional Tylenol (please follow package instructions) can be added in the case of severe discomfort.
What oral hygiene products are recommended for toddlers?
As more teeth begin to come into your toddler’s mouth, you can continue using an appropriate bristle brush (manual or electric), adding floss to the regimen to keep closed contacts clean and consider introducing fluoridated toothpaste at nighttime. The amount of toothpaste recommended for toddlers by the AAPD is an amount equal to the size of a grain of rice up to a small green pea.
How can I make brushing fun for my toddler?
Place your toddler in a position that makes brushing easy. We like leaning toddlers back on the changing table or laying them on a bed. This way, you will be able to see well and complete good brushing. For squirmy toddlers, two adults are needed. One to brush and one to help hold your toddler’s hands. Do this gently while signing songs, clapping hands and being fun and positive. Anything that relaxes your toddler and helps keep them content is a good strategy.
Consider exploring fun toothpaste flavors to get your toddler excited about brushing. Most importantly, even if your toddler fusses, know that you are helping them by cleaning their teeth. It is an important part of keeping them healthy and loved. With some time and gentle persistence, they will soon enjoy the process!
What should I do about thumb or finger sucking?
Sucking is a natural instinct that humans are born with. It is very soothing for infants to suck on their fingers, thumbs and pacifiers in the early months of life. Many toddlers continue to suck their fingers as they enter preschool and beyond. We find that a palliative approach of gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement works best to help your child gradually lose interest in their sucking habit.
Nap time and nighttime are preferred times for finger and thumb sucking. There are plenty of devices that act as barriers to thumb sucking on the market today. You can try one of these if your child is up to it. During the day, keeping your toddler’s hands busy with activities is helpful. For kids who find it challenging to let go of their sucking habit and are starting to get their permanent teeth, orthodontic appliances can act as obstacles to sucking and can also improve the position of teeth that have shifted due to the sucking habit.
How many teeth should my toddler have?
Babies begin teething around the age of 6 months. The first teeth to come in are typically the lower incisors followed by the upper incisors. Teething patterns differ from one population to another but in general, the baby molars and canines will progressively follow the incisors resulting in a set of ten upper and ten lower primary teeth by the time your child is about three years of age.
How can I prevent oral trauma during toddlerhood?
Exploration is part of toddlerhood! New walking skills and a natural sense of curiosity makes keeping a close eye on toddlers a challenge. Creating a suitable playing environment is a great strategy to encourage safe independence. Soft pillows, cushions and padded flooring are great ideas. When it comes to the outdoors, grass is preferred to concrete. Adult supervision is needed on park equipment, steps and stoops where is is easy for toddlers to trip and fall.
What should I do if my toddler has an oral injury?
Stay as calm as possible. It is very common for toddlers to fall and bump their mouths. Check to see if your toddler’s head was bumped and go to the nearest emergency room if it was. If the trauma is limited to the mouth and teeth, use a wet washcloth to clean the mouth gently and slow down any bleeding. Lift your toddler’s lips to see if any teeth have been lost or displaced and contact our office to help you with the next steps. Thankfully, most cases of primary tooth trauma heal with some time and don’t typically impact the permanent dentition.
✨ Our Founder, Dr. Reem Kabbarah, Shares the Heart and Vision Behind Our Practice 🦷💛
Dr. Reem Kabbarah, founder of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, is often asked what truly guides the philosophy of the practice and the care provided to every child and family. 🌸
At the heart of the answer is a commitment to promoting health and well-being. In healthcare, many professionals become focused on solving problems and finding treatments. While those solutions matter, the deeper mission of pediatric dentistry centers on helping children experience the joy of a healthy smile from the very beginning. When children learn that caring for their teeth and mouth supports confidence, comfort, and overall wellness, they begin to see their smile as something valuable they can enjoy and protect throughout life. 😊✨
The goal at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is to empower children and families with knowledge, encouragement, and compassionate care so every child can grow up understanding that enjoying a healthy smile is something they deserve from the start. 🪥🌈
💬 What does a healthy smile mean to you or your child? Share your thoughts with us below!
📲 Looking for a supportive dental home for your child? Contact our office to learn how we help kids grow up confident in their smiles.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
🌸 Gentle care for growing smiles.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #HealthyKidsSmiles #PediatricDentalCare #KidsOralHealth #SmileConfidence
✨ Pediatric dentistry at its core is about guiding a child’s smile as they grow 🦷🌟
Dr. Reem, founder of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, shares a thoughtful perspective on treatment planning rooted in innovation, evidence based care, and whole child health.
Children’s smiles are constantly changing. Teeth erupt, spacing shifts, and facial development continues year after year. Pediatric dentistry is not focused on a single moment. It considers how each decision today will influence a child’s future smile and overall wellbeing.
At Smiles, treatment planning blends clinical experience with research and the values of each family. This partnership creates care that feels personal, intentional, and supportive at every stage.
With digital scanning and 3D visualization 🖥️✨, families can better understand what is happening as their child grows. This clarity builds trust 🤝 and helps parents feel more confident in the decisions they make for their child.
Dr. Reem’s philosophy centers on whole child health 🌱 where comfort, emotional experience, and long term wellness matter just as much as clinical outcomes. Because in the end, it is never just about dentistry. It is about the child.
🔗 Read the full blog here
https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/pediatric-dentist-core-treatment-planning-innovation-evidence-based-care-whole-child-health
💬 What matters most to you when making decisions about your child’s dental care
📞 Ready to support your child’s smile with gentle and thoughtful care
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837 6453 ☎️
Email: info@smilesla.com 📧
Address: 10582 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90064 📍
🌼 Gentle care growing smiles with comfort and connection
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EvidenceBasedCare #WholeChildHealth #DigitalDentistry #HealthySmiles
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
@solea
@sprintray
@usc.pedsdentistry
@iteroscanner
@cadcamspecialist
@exocadofficial
@zyrisisolite
🦷✨ SmileKeeper™ Space Maintainer: Protecting Room for Future Teeth
Some baby molars are far too damaged to keep in a child’s mouth. But removing a baby molar early means that its space needs to be maintained because there is a future permanent tooth developing underneath. Our 3D-printed SmileKeeper™ metal-free space maintainer gently holds room for incoming teeth while guiding natural jaw growth. This simple, metal-free and comfortable solution can prevent complex orthodontic treatments later, helping a child’s smile grow beautifully on its own. Early prevention truly creates lifelong confidence.
Has your child lost a baby tooth earlier than expected or been told space maintenance might help? 💬 Share a question or experience in the comments so other parents feel informed and supported.
If you would like guidance on space maintainers or early orthodontic prevention, contact our caring team at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Early planning helps protect future smiles.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle prevention, supportive care, and confident smiles growing naturally every step forward. 🌱🦷
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SpaceMaintainer #ChildSpaceMaintainer #BabyMolarLoss #EarlyOrthodonticCare
Why is the mouth one of the most common places kids get injured? ⚽🦷
Falls, sports, playground adventures, and rough play make chipped or knocked teeth more common than many parents expect. Active kids need protection designed specifically for growing smiles.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our custom 3D-printed mouth guards are created for comfort, durability, and maximum protection. These pediatric dentist-designed guards cushion impact, help prevent fractures, and protect developing teeth during every game, tumble, and big kid adventure. Kids can play confidently while parents feel reassured their smiles stay safe.
💬 Does your child play sports or have an active lifestyle? Tell us what activities keep your kids moving or ask us when a mouth guard is recommended.
📩 Send us a DM or contact our office to learn how a custom mouth guard can help protect your child’s smile.
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Protecting growing smiles through every adventure 💛
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
