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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.

Every sip of juice begins a cycle that affects enamel 🍊
After sugar is consumed, bacteria create acids that temporarily soften the surface of the teeth. This process can last around 20 to 30 minutes.
When sipping happens throughout the day, that cycle continues repeatedly, giving teeth less time to recover 💧
Spacing drinks and choosing water in between helps the mouth return to balance.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on small daily habits that support long term oral health ✨
We’re here to help you build simple routines that protect your child’s smile
To schedule a visit, contact our office 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Thoughtful care for every stage of growth 🌱
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #acidattack #cavities #sugarandteeth #oralhealth

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Great care begins with great collaboration. 🤝✨

We were honored to welcome an inspiring group of pediatric colleagues to Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for our first Pediatricians Evening—an evening dedicated to strengthening the partnership between pediatric medicine and pediatric dentistry.

As the CSPD Liaison to AAP Chapter 2, our founder, Dr. Reem, is incredibly passionate about fostering these meaningful connections. Together, we shared ideas, toured our office, and explored opportunities for future collaboration—including the possibility of a webinar or podcast-style Q&A to continue these conversations for the benefit of the children and families we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful guests and team:

Dr. Alexander Alcaraz (Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC)
@ostrowusc

Dr. Blake Alban (UCLA Health)
@UCLAHealth

Dr. Noël Salyer, Dr. Karina Eastman, and Dr. Lily Marouf (Pacific Ocean Pediatrics)
@PacificOceanPediatrics

Dr. Ivy Vuong (Our amazing Smiles orthodontist)
@dr.ivyortho 

Our fantastic team members, Sejal Thapa and Jocelyn Papaqui

Dr. Reem’s daughter, Isabel, who proudly welcomed our guests and gave tours of Smiles with so much warmth and enthusiasm!

A special thank you to Dr. Reem’s AAP Chapter 2 counterpart, Dr. Thomas Torices, for your encouragement and support of this collaboration. Although you couldn’t join us in person, your message beautifully reflected the spirit of the evening. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

This is just the beginning. Here’s to building stronger relationships, sharing knowledge across disciplines, and working together to help every child thrive. 🦷🚀

#PediatricDentistry #Pediatrics #InterdisciplinaryCare #Collaboration #ChildHealth #CSPD #AAP #USCDentistry #UCLAHealth #PacificOceanPediatrics #SmilesPediatricDentistry

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🦷 PrintiSmile™ A Gentle, 3D-Printed Solution for Missing Baby Front Teeth
 Losing a front baby tooth from an accident or infection can be emotional for both children and parents. 💛
 At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our founder, Dr. Reem Kabbarah, developed PrintiSmile™—an innovative, digitally designed, 3D-printed solution that gently replaces missing baby front teeth.
 Using advanced digital scanning, custom CAD design, and in-house 3D printing, every PrintiSmile™ appliance is made specifically for your child for a comfortable, natural-looking fit. ✨
 In her latest blog, Dr. Reem explains:
 🦷 What PrintiSmile™ is
 💻 How digital scanning and 3D printing work together
 👨‍👩‍👧 How families are involved every step of the way
 😊 How PrintiSmile™ helps restore confidence while waiting for permanent teeth to grow in
 📖 Read the full article here:
 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/printismile-3d-printed-baby-front-teeth
 ________________________________________
 🏥 About Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides compassionate, technology-driven dental and orthodontic care for infants, children, teens, and patients with special healthcare needs.
 Founded by Dr. Reem Kabbarah, our West Los Angeles practice combines advanced digital dentistry with a gentle, child-centered approach to help every child smile with confidence. 💙
 📍 West Los Angeles, CA
 📞 (310) 837-6453
 🌐 https://smilesla.com
 
 
 #PrintiSmile #PediatricDentistry #PediatricDentist #3DPrintedDentistry #MissingBabyTeeth #LosAngelesPediatricDentist
#babyteethreplacement
#3dprinted
#sprintray

@exocadofficial 
@sprintray 
@cadcamspecialist 
@iteroscanner

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Teeth form in layers over time 🦷🌿
As teeth develop, they build layer by layer, similar to growth rings.
These layers can reflect stages of development and give insight into how teeth formed. Changes in tooth development can affect the final formation of the tooth in either shape or hardness, something we would like to address as early as a tooth begins erupting into the mouth. 
This is one of the reasons dental checkups are so important during childhood.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on early detection and gentle guidance to support healthy development ✨
Did you know teeth form in layers like this? Share what surprised you below 💬
If you’d like to learn more about your child’s dental development, contact our office to schedule a visit 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Supporting healthy smiles every step of the way 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#toothdevelopment
#enamel
#oralhealth

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Saliva does more than keep the mouth comfortable 💧🦷
It contains calcium and phosphate, natural minerals that help repair and strengthen early areas of enamel before damage progresses.
This process, called remineralization, supports the teeth throughout the day in a quiet and continuous way.
When the mouth has time to rest between eating, saliva can work more effectively to restore balance.
Simple habits like staying well hydrated and allowing breaks between snacks can support this natural protection.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on supporting the body’s natural ability to care for and protect your child’s smile ✨
Our team is here to guide you with thoughtful care that feels calm, supportive, and clear
To schedule a visit, contact our office 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Helping little smiles stay strong in natural ways 🌿
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #saliva #remineralization #oralhealth #cavityprevention

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3 1
Molars are where cavities most often begin 🦷🍬
Molars have deep grooves and pits designed to help grind food.
But those same grooves can trap food particles and bacteria, making them harder to clean.
Even with brushing, those tiny grooves can hold onto plaque longer than smoother surfaces.
That’s why molars are more cavity-prone, especially in children.
Dental sealants help protect these areas by sealing the grooves and blocking bacteria from settling in ✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on protecting these high-risk areas early 🌿
Did you know molars are the most cavity-prone teeth? Share below 💬
If you’d like to protect your child’s teeth early, contact our office to schedule a visit 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Protecting smiles with thoughtful care 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#molars
#cavities
#dentalsealants
#toothdecay

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Teeth can last for thousands of years 🦷⏳
Because enamel is highly mineralized, it can remain long after other parts of the body have broken down. Scientists have discovered teeth that are over a million years old.
This is one of the reasons teeth are studied to understand early human life and environments 🌍
That same natural strength protects your child’s smile every day with the right care and support.
Here are three simple things to help your child’s teeth to last
• Creating consistent gentle brushing routines morning and night
• Offering foods like cheese after meals to help neutralize acids and support enamel
• Encouraging water throughout the day and keeping regular dental checkups
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on preserving that strength through thoughtful preventive care at every stage of growth ✨
Our team is here to support your child’s smile with warmth, clarity, and guidance
To schedule a visit, contact our office 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Nurturing strong, healthy smiles with gentle care 🌿
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #toothenamel #cavityprevention #oralhealth #healthysmiles

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Teeth follow a timeline 🦷⏳
Each tooth erupts at a general stage of development, creating a pattern dentists can read.
By looking at which teeth are present and how they’re developing, we can estimate age and monitor growth.
This helps us identify early changes, spacing concerns, or delays in development 🌿
It’s one of the ways pediatric dentistry focuses on prevention before problems begin.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use these patterns to guide healthy growth and support every stage of development ✨
Did you know teeth can reveal age like this? Share your thoughts below 💬
If you’d like to learn more about your child’s development, contact our office to schedule a visit 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring for every stage of your child’s smile 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#tootheruption
#dentalage
#childdevelopment
#growth

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