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Sports Dentistry · 

Sports Dentistry · 

Sports Dentistry · 

Sports Dentistry · 

Sports Dentistry · 

Welcome to the world of Sports Dentistry, where oral well-being meets athletic excitement! As parents, we cheer from the sidelines, celebrating every goal, touchdown and achievement but also hope our kids can avoid falls, bumps and bruises. Protective gear is essential for promoting an atmosphere of athletic well-being. When kids feel safe, they can play with confidence. When parents know that their precious athlete is safeguarded, they can relax and focus on enjoying their child’s sports experience.

According to the World Dental Federation (FDI), Sports medicine contributes to healthier athletes and better performance. The FDI recognizes Sports Dentistry as a key element of Sports Medicine and supports its role in the prevention and management of sports-related orofacial injuries and associated oral diseases. Smiles promotes athletic safety and encourages coaches to consider mouthguards a team requirement to protect the health of all athletes.

Sports Dentistry and Dental Health:

Studies have demonstrated the link between dental health and athletic performance. Young athletes who are dealing with dental challenges are fatigued and have slower recovery time. Dental well-being isn’t just about a beautiful smile. It is about keeping our young athletes at their very best and about protecting their growing smiles.

The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) recently issued a series of guidelines for prevention of traumatic dental injuries in youth sports. These guidelines highlight the key role that dental professionals can play in dental trauma prevention in terms of offering guidance on safety measures and providing skilled emergency care when needed. They also outline the criteria for ideal, custom mouthguard fabrication in terms of design and function.

If an athlete is involved in dental trauma, it is important to educate them and their family about taking some time off to allow proper healing, to advise on the need for future protection of any vulnerable teeth and to clarify the time when sports participation can be resumed.

Protecting Growing Smiles:

At Smiles, we are dedicated to honoring dental health. Injuries like tooth fractures, avulsions, maxillofacial injuries and even concussions are preventable with the use of a powerful game-changer: a custom fitted mouthguard. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes are 60 times more likely to experience dental injuries when not wearing a protective mouthguard.

We support the use of dental protection whether the type of mouthguard is a stock, boil-and-bite, custom fitted or instrumented mouthguard. Athletes play best when they are comfortable and able to communicate clearly. An adapted mouthguard that does not fall out or move around in the athlete’s mouth is ideal. Instrumented mouthguards such as the Orb system are equipped with sensors that track an athletes performance and have been shown to improve athletic endurance.

A healthy team is a strong team! When the entire team wears their mouthguards, it becomes a routine that everyone can follow. Our in-house mouthguards are 3D printed using the latest dental printing technologies. They are designed, fabricated and reproduced digitally using a digital impression (an oral scan).

Partnering for Smiles:

At Smiles, we are your team’s biggest fans! We are here to support healthy, safe and confident athletes. From Custom fit mouthguard to emergency dental care, we are ready to support your young athlete play in joy and comfort. We are also committed to educating our athletes, their parents and coaches on the topic of Sports Dentistry to ensure that everyone understands its importance and relevance in today’s world. We are available to partner with teams to help promote the benefits of mouthguards and have sponsored several of our Smiles Champion’s teams over the years. Our team continues to collaborate with youth athletes to foster dental wellness.

Conner, an athlete who plays baseball, shares why he loves to keep coming back to Smiles.

The Smiles Tips for athlete dental well-being:

Hover or tap to reveal steps

1
Schedule regular dental well-being check ups.

 

2
Outfit your young athlete with a comfortable custom mouthguard that is checked for its fit at routine dental visits.

 

 

3
Teach proper mouthguard care: Clean, store in its case, maintain.

 

 

4
Safety first: Review safety practices and protective gear wear.

 

 

 

5
Be ready if bumps and falls occur: Have a first aid kit near by to address minor issues.

 

 

6
Have a game plan in case of a dental bump: Collaborate with your team on how to handle emergencies and keep our office info handy!

1
Schedule regular dental well-being check ups.

 

2
Outfit your young athlete with a comfortable custom mouthguard that is checked for its fit at routine dental visits.

 

 

3
Teach proper mouthguard care: Clean, store in its case, maintain.

 

 

4
Safety first: Review safety practices and protective gear wear.

 

 

 

5
Be ready if bumps and falls occur: Have a first aid kit near by to address minor issues.

 

 

6
Have a game plan in case of a dental bump: Collaborate with your team on how to handle emergencies and keep our office info handy!

FAQ for Sports Dentistry:

How is a custom mouthguard made for my child?

The process of creating a custom mouthguard starts with a digital impression (an oral scan) of your child’s mouth. This is a comfortable experience that takes less than five minutes to complete. Once we have the digital data, we can begin designing the appliance in our CAD/CAM suite. We use more than one dental software to create the best fit for your child’s guard. We will then 3D print the appliance using our digital printing units or thermoform it over a 3D printed model of your child’s teeth.

How long with a custom mouthguard last?

Young athlete and their dentition are actively growing. Custom mouthguards need to be checked at every six month visit to ensure proper fit and function. If the fit has been altered, the mouthguard will need replacing. However, the process of doing so is streamlined and simple.

What is the mouthguard made out of?

The mouthguard is made out of an FDA approved resin that is fully cured outside of the mouth. Our SprintRay printing units are highly accurate and precise. Their ecosystem of compatible resins and curing units make the fabrication process a breeze.

Will you still check my child’s boil-and-bite mouthguard?

Our mission is to keep our young athletes safe! We are more than happy to check any mouthguard that your child is willing to wear.

What should I do if my child gets a tooth bumped on the field?

It is a great idea to have a prepared first aid kit at sporting events. These kits can be stocked with instant icepacks, gauze, wraps and bandaids for quick access. Use a clean wet cloth to stop any bleeding and assess the area. Check for loose teeth, displaced teeth and check to see if you can find the pieces of any fractured teeth in the area. These can be bonded back on, so please keep them! Place an instant ice pack on any soft tissues that are starting to swell and call our office to arrange follow up.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth get knocked out?

Account for the knocked out baby tooth and keep it so that we can examine it. Knocked out baby teeth are not typically replanted as the body tends to consider them foreign objects and will expel them over time. Depending on the development of the replacement, permanent tooth, restorative solutions can be offered if they are needed. Most kids playing sports are in the mixed dentition phase and their primary teeth are actively being switched out for permanent ones. If you suspect any head trauma or your child feels unwell, head to the nearest emergency room for comprehensive evaluation.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth gets knocked out?

For any permanent teeth that are dislodged or knocked out, the best course of action is to place the tooth right back in its socket. Try not to handle the root and hold the tooth by it’s crown placing it back in its original location. Don’t worry about a perfect fit. Milk is the next best storage medium for avulsed teeth. As a third option, there are commercial tooth preservation kits like the “Save-A-Tooth” preservation kit. This is a small container filled with preserving saline to store a knocked out tooth in safely until it is replanted. It is important to never leave an avulsed tooth dry because this will reduce it’s chances of a successful replantation.

If you suspect any head trauma or your child feels unwell, head to the nearest emergency room for comprehensive evaluation. Please note that permanent tooth avulsions are very time sensitive. The first hour post avulsion is the most critical when it comes to the success of replantation.

Sippy cup hack every parent should know! 🍼💧

Want to protect your toddler’s teeth from sippy cup cavities? Start by swapping juice for water in their sippy cup. You can dilute the juice a little more each day until it’s water only — and always brush before bedtime. 🦷✨

Sippy cups are great for independence, but constant sipping on juice can cause early tooth decay. This simple sippy cup tip helps keep smiles healthy and bright. 🌈

Parents — would you try this tonight? 💛

Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com

📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Caring hearts. Growing smiles. A gentler way to shine. 💕

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SippyCupHack #SippyCupCavities

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Did you know that prolonged thumb or finger sucking can gently reshape how a child’s mouth and jaw grow? 👶🦷

Early orthodontics can not only help correct this but can also assist with stopping the habit. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, We take a compassionate, child-centered approach to guiding healthy oral development and supporting kids through every stage of growth. 💛

Did your kids ever struggle with this? We’d love to hear your experience below — or contact us to learn how early orthodontics can help your child’s smile grow beautifully and naturally. 💬

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 #ThumbSucking #EarlyOrthodontics

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Parents always ask — why see a dentist at age one? 👶🦷

Because a healthy smile starts early! The best time to build lifelong oral health is right at the beginning of your child’s journey. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, Dr. Reem and our team love guiding parents through their baby’s first dentist visit — making it gentle, positive, and fun. 💛

Early dental visits help prevent cavities, create good habits, and make future appointments easy and comfortable. Teaching parents how to care for their baby’s mouth is truly where healthy smiles begin. 🌈

What age was your child’s first dental 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 #FirstDentalVisit #BabyDentist

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What if a little 3D magic could help your child’s smile grow just right? ✨🦷
We’re so excited to introduce SmileKeeper™ — a next-generation, 3D printed, metal-free space maintainer made just for kids! 💫
Created by our founder, Dr. Reem, at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, SmileKeeper™ combines digital precision with gentle care to protect space for growing teeth when a baby tooth is lost too early.
No metal. No discomfort. Just a soft, custom fit and a happier smile. 💖
This is more than technology — it’s how we care for kids with compassion, creativity, and love.
👇 Read our new blog to see how Dr. Reem and our team are shaping the future of pediatric dentistry with SmileKeeper™!
👉 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/pediatric-space-maintainer-3dprinted-smilekeeper
Parents — has your child ever lost a baby tooth early? Share your story or drop your questions below! 💬✨

Want to learn if SmileKeeper™ is right for your child?
Call or message us today to schedule a gentle, easy visit. We’re here to make every child’s dental experience comfortable and fun! 🌈💛

Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring hearts. Growing smiles. A gentler way to shine. 💕

#PediatricSpaceMaintainer#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #SmileKeeper #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #3DPrintedKidsSpaceMaintainer #kidstoothloss

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Part 2 of 2 🍼💛 Pacifier

Here’s how to help your toddler say goodbye to the pacifier — gently and successfully. 🌈

Step 1: Downsize. Keep just one or two pacifiers and get rid of the rest.
Step 2: Use a clean pair of scissors to snip a tiny hole in the tip — this allows the pacifier to start collapsing. ✂️
Step 3: Every few nights, trim a little more off the tip. Tell your toddler their teeth must be super sharp and might be “nibbling” at it while they sleep — this keeps it lighthearted and positive. 💛
Step 4: Continue trimming until there’s no nipple left. The pacifier will slowly lose its comfort, helping your toddler let go naturally.

And just like that — it’s a happy pacifier graduation! 🧡🎓

Have you tried weaning your child off the pacifier yet? 💬
Share your experience or tips below — your story might help another parent!

Need gentle guidance for your child’s smile journey? 📲 Send us a DM or call today to schedule a visit.

📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com

📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing healthy habits together. 💛🧡

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#KidsDentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#HealthySmiles
#PacifierWeaning

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3 surprising things that can happen when baby teeth come in 🦷💛
One — Mild rash around the mouth: Caused by extra drooling that can irritate the skin.
Two — Rubbing gums: A natural response that helps teeth break through and soothes tender gums.
Three — Slight elevation of temperature: Sometimes happens when little ones eat or drink less during teething.
Pro tip: Keep a soft bib handy and apply a gentle moisturizer to help prevent rashes from drool. 💧🧡
Did any of these surprise you? 💬 Share your little one’s teething story below — we love hearing from our Smiles families!
Have questions about your baby’s first teeth? 📲 Send us a DM or call today to schedule a visit.
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Healthy habits from the first tooth. 💛🧡
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#KidsDentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#BabyTeeth
#TeethingTips
#HealthySmiles

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Part 1 of 2 🍼💛

Ever wonder how long your child should keep their pacifier?
It starts as comfort — but over time, it can quietly change how little teeth and jaws grow.

In this video, Dr. Reem explains what happens when pacifier use continues into toddlerhood. The pacifier begins to act almost like an orthodontic appliance, changing the balance between the tongue, cheeks, and dental arches. 🦷✨

This shift can lead to what’s called a “Binky bite,” where the upper arch narrows, front teeth flare out, and back teeth collapse inward. Understanding this early helps protect your child’s developing smile. 🌈

Stay tuned for part 2, where Dr. Reem shares gentle, effective ways to help your toddler wean off the pacifier with love and success. 💛

Have you started the pacifier transition yet? 💬
Share your experience below — you might help another parent going through it too!

Need personalized guidance for your little one? 📲 Send us a DM or call today to schedule a visit.

📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com

📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing healthy habits together. 💛🧡

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#KidsDentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#HealthySmiles
#PacifierWeaning #binkybite
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pediatric dentist in west LA explains pacifier weaning

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Did you know babies grow 20 tiny teeth — and the first one often appears around 6 months? 🦷✨ Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months, though every little smile has its own timing. The bottom front teeth usually pop up first, followed by those adorable top ones. By age 3, most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth! 🌈

Pro tip: Start early! Wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth helps build healthy oral habits even before that first tooth arrives. 💧💛

When did your baby’s first tooth make its debut? Share your milestone moment below — we’d love to celebrate with you! 💬

Have questions about caring for your baby’s smile? 📲 Send us a DM or call today to schedule a visit.

📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com

📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Gentle care. Bright smiles. Healthy habits from the very first tooth. 🌼

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#KidsDentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#BabyTeeth
#TeethingTips

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