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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.

🏐 Happy World Sports Dentistry Day!
Today, we celebrate the important role sports dentistry plays in protecting growing smiles and helping young athletes stay safe on and off the field.
Every young athlete has a story. This reel shares a glimpse of Mila's journey, from sports injury to recovery, and highlights how custom sports mouthguards and advanced digital dentistry can help protect active kids when it matters most.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we're passionate about helping young athletes stay confident, protected, and ready to get back to doing what they love. From prevention and protection to treatment and recovery, sports dentistry plays an important role in keeping healthy smiles in the game.
We're also proud to recognize our founder, Dr. Reem , a Certified Sports Team Dentist through the Academy for Sports Dentistry.
📢 Coming Soon
🦷 "Beyond the Mouthguard: The Role of a Sports Team Dentist"
Written by Dr. Reem
📅 We'll keep you posted when the blog goes live on July 1st!
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
🌐 smilesla.com
#WorldSportsDentistryDay #SportsDentistry #PediatricDentistry #YouthSports #SportsSafety #SprintRay #Mouthguards #HealthySmiles

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Chewing crunchy foods helps build strong growing jaws 🍎🥕
Foods that require more chewing, like apples, carrots, and cucumbers, stimulate the muscles that support jaw growth.
This natural chewing motion helps guide proper development of facial structure and dental alignment over time.
Softer processed foods don’t require as much effort, which means less stimulation for those important muscles.
Including crunchy fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet supports both nutrition and oral development 🌱✨.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe small daily habits can make a big difference in long-term dental health.
What are your child’s favorite crunchy snacks? Share below 💬
If you have questions about your child’s growth and development, our team is here to help 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Nurturing healthy smiles through every stage 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#HealthyEatingKids
#JawDevelopment
#KidsNutrition
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3 1
Cavities don’t begin as holes 🦷
They start as small areas where enamel begins to lose minerals. These early white spots are often difficult to see without a careful dental exam.
At this stage, enamel can still be strengthened through remineralization, helping prevent a cavity from forming ✨
This is why early checkups and gentle preventive care make such a meaningful difference.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, every visit is designed to support your child’s smile in a calm and caring way 🌿
If you ever notice changes or have questions, our team is here to help guide you
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
Supporting healthy smiles with kindness and care 🌸
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #cavities #toothdecay #remineralization #preventivedentistry"

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3 1
Teeth do more than help kids chew — they help them speak 🗣️🦷
As children learn language, their teeth guide how air flows and where the tongue rests when forming sounds.
Sounds like “s,” “f,” and “th” depend on proper positioning between the tongue and front teeth.
When teeth develop in balanced positions, they support clearer pronunciation and speech development 🌟.
This is one reason why early dental care and monitoring are so important during childhood.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we look at the full picture of oral development — not just teeth, but how they support overall growth.
Did you know teeth play a role in speech? Tell us what surprised you most 💬
Have questions about your child’s dental development? Our team is here to help 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Supporting confident smiles and growing voices 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#SpeechDevelopment
#GrowingSmiles
#ChildDevelopment
#KidsHealthLA"

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3 1
The oldest human tooth ever found is about 1.8 million years old 🦷⏳
Discoveries like this help scientists understand early human life and how people moved across different parts of the world 🌍
Teeth last this long because enamel is one of the most durable materials in the human body.
That same strength protects your child’s smile every day, and with the right care, it can stay strong for a lifetime ✨
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on gentle prevention and supportive care to help every child grow a healthy, confident smile.
If you’re ever wondering how to better protect your child’s teeth, our team is always here to support you 💬
To schedule a visit or ask a question, contact our office 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care, loving support, and healthy smiles every step of the way 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #toothenamel #dentalfacts #oralhealth #humanhistory"

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4 1
When should your child have their first dental visit? 🦷👶
Earlier than most people think.
Pediatric dentists recommend scheduling a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing.
These early visits are not just about checking teeth. They help children feel comfortable in a dental setting and build confidence over time 🌈.
They also allow parents to receive guidance on brushing techniques, feeding habits, and cavity prevention.
Starting early helps create positive experiences and reduces fear or anxiety about dental care later in life ✨.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on making every child feel safe, supported, and comfortable from the very first visit.
When did your child have their first dental visit? Share your experience below 💬
If you’re planning your child’s first visit, our team would love to welcome you 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
A gentle start for a lifetime of healthy smiles 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#FirstDentalVisit
#BabyDentist
#HealthyKidsSmiles
#ParentTipsLA

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3 1
🦷✨ Humans used toothpicks before they even learned to write!

Archaeologists found toothpick marks on hominin fossils nearly two million years old. Early humans used twigs or bone splinters to clean between teeth long before civilization. Over centuries, gold and ivory versions became symbols of refinement, proving oral care is one of humanity’s oldest habits. 🌿🦷💫

Even ancient humans understood that keeping teeth clean mattered. While oral care tools have evolved over time, healthy smiles have always been important across human history. 😊🌎🪥

💬 Did you know toothpicks existed before written language? What surprised you most about this dental history fact? 👇✨

📲 Have questions about your child’s brushing and flossing habits? Our team is here to help support healthy growing 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 #DentalHistory #OralHealth #HealthyKidsSmiles #KidsDentalCare"

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3 1
Tooth enamel is the strongest material in the human body 🦷✨
It is even stronger than bone and is made primarily of tightly packed mineral crystals called hydroxyapatite. This structure allows enamel to handle constant chewing forces and daily wear.
But here’s something important to understand.
Teeth do not regenerate the way bone or skin does. However, they do have a natural repair process called remineralization 🌿
When enamel begins to weaken in its early stages, minerals like calcium and phosphate,  often supported by fluoride,  can redeposit into the tooth surface and strengthen it again.
This process happens through saliva and healthy habits, especially when the mouth is given time to recover between meals 💧
If damage progresses too far, though, the body cannot rebuild that lost structure on its own.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Reem and her team focus on prevention and early care to support this natural repair process and keep enamel strong throughout childhood into adulthood🌟
Did you know teeth can repair early damage naturally? What surprised you most about remineralization? Share below 💬
If you’d like guidance on protecting your child’s enamel, our team would love to help. 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 strong, healthy smiles every step of the way 💙
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist
#PediatricDentist
#PediatricOrthodontist
#WestLosAngeles
#ToothEnamel
#Remineralization
#HealthyKidsTeeth
#PreventiveCare"

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