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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.

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

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🦷😴 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

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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

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🦷✨ 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

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The first toothpaste was made of crushed bones and oyster shells 🦷✨

Long before modern toothpaste, ancient Egyptians around 5000 BC cleaned their teeth using powdered ox hooves, burnt eggshells, and pumice. Centuries later, Romans added charcoal and bark flavoring to improve taste and cleaning power. By the 1800s, toothpaste evolved into smoother pastes stored in jars, and by 1950, fluoride transformed dental care into the protective toothpaste families use today.

What started as gritty mixtures eventually became one of the most important daily habits for healthy smiles.

💬 Did any of these toothpaste facts surprise you? Tell us which one you found most interesting or share what brushing routines work best for your family.

📩 Send us a DM or contact our office if you have questions about your child’s brushing habits or oral health routine.

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Healthy habits start early. Gentle care for growing smiles 💛

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #ToothpasteHistory #OralHealthEducation

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✨ Enter for a Chance to Win FREE Invisalign® Treatment! ✨

✨ A New Invisalign® Smile ✨

Start with an Invisalign® Oral Health Scan at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to see a digital preview of your child’s future smile. Patients who complete an Invisalign Smile Scan consultation during the promotional period will be eligible for a chance to win FREE Invisalign treatment. No purchase necessary. Eligibility and official sweepstakes rules apply.

Contact Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today to schedule your child’s Invisalign® Smile Scan and see how a future confident smile could look.

Our West Los Angeles pediatric orthodontic team uses advanced Invisalign technology to gently guide growing smiles with comfort, flexibility, and a nearly invisible orthodontic experience designed for kids and teens.

📞 Call our office today: (310) 837-6453
🌐 https://smilesla.com/
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Schedule your Invisalign Smile Scan consultation and your child will be eligible for a chance to win FREE Invisalign treatment during the sweepstakes period.Patients who complete an Invisalign Smile Scan consultation between February 2, 2026 and March 22, 2026 will be eligible for a chance to win FREE Invisalign treatment. No purchase necessary

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #InvisalignKids #InvisalignSmile #ClearAlignersLA

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Our Founder, Dr. Reem Shares What Every Parent Should Know About Pediatric Dental Trauma 🦷✨

A child’s dental injury can happen in an instant,  during sports, playtime, or even a simple moment at home ⚽. In this newly released blog, Dr. Reem, walks parents through exactly what to do when a child chips, displaces, or knocks out a tooth. Her goal is to help families feel prepared, calm, and supported when unexpected dental emergencies occur.

Grounded in modern evidence-based pediatric dentistry, Dr. Reem explains how timing, proper handling of injured teeth, and early communication with a pediatric dental team can significantly improve outcomes. The blog also highlights differences between baby teeth and permanent teeth injuries, how teledentistry offers immediate guidance, and why prevention through custom mouthguards plays an important role in protecting growing smiles ❤️.

📖 To learn more about how to respond confidently during a dental emergency, read our blog below:
https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/pediatric-dental-trauma-in-los-angeles-chipped-displaced-knocked-out-teeth

💬 Has your child ever experienced a dental accident? What questions came up in that moment? Share your story or ask us below — your experience may help another parent feel prepared 🤍

📲 If your child experiences a dental injury, contact our office right away so our team can guide you step-by-step with gentle, expert care.

Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Contact Information:
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com

Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

🌸 Gentle care. Supportive guidance. Healthy smiles that grow with confidence.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DentalTraumaCare #KidsDentalEmergency #LosAngelesPediatricDentist #HealthyKidsSmiles

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Why do some kids suddenly look like they have shark teeth? 🦈🦷

Sometimes permanent teeth begin growing in before baby teeth fall out. For a short period, this can create two rows of teeth. It may look surprising, but many times this phase is temporary and self-correcting as normal growth continues.

Noticing this stage often brings questions. Learning how smiles naturally develop can bring reassurance 📘

If you have questions about your child’s dental development, our team is happy to help.

Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com

Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Gentle education. Caring guidance. Smiles supported every step 🌱

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SharkTeeth #ExtraTeeth #ToothDevelopment #BabyTeeth

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