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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 there’s a gum that can actually help teeth?

Not all gum is created equal. Sugar-free gums made with xylitol or calcium phosphate do more than freshen breath — they help enamel heal by reducing the presence of cavity-causing bacteria. These special gums boost saliva flow, neutralize acids, and help make minerals that rebuild weak spots be bioavailable. Chewing these gums after meals for 5 minutes is a great way to benefit. ✨🪥💧🦷

Saliva plays an important role in protecting teeth. Increased saliva flow helps wash away food particles while supporting a healthier balance in the mouth. For many children and adults, chewing sugar-free gum after meals can be a helpful addition to daily oral care habits when brushing right away is not possible. 🌱😊

💬 Have you or your child tried xylitol gum before? Do you keep sugar-free gum handy after meals? Share your thoughts below!

📲 Have questions about protecting your child’s enamel or preventing cavities? Our team is here to help guide every growing smile.

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 #Xylitol #CavityPrevention #HealthyKidsSmiles #KidsDentalHealth

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🦷🤯 Did you know some kids’ teeth actually develop fused together?

Sometimes during early development, two growing teeth join together and form one larger tooth structure. This rare condition, called fusion, creates a visible line where both teeth developed together. On dental images and during exams, dentists can see this connection and determine how it may affect surrounding teeth. 🔬🦷✨

Because the fusion line often has an irregular shape, it can be harder for children to clean thoroughly. That small groove may trap plaque and food particles more easily than typical tooth surfaces. Early dental care helps monitor these areas, support proper hygiene habits, and guide eruption of nearby teeth as a child’s smile continues developing. 🌱😁

With careful monitoring and preventive care, most children with fused teeth grow up with healthy, balanced smiles. Pediatric dental visits allow families to understand what is happening and ensure every tooth develops comfortably and safely. 💛🪥

💬 Have you ever heard of fused teeth before? Or has your child had a unique dental development? Share your questions or experiences below — we love helping families learn about growing smiles! 👇😊

📲 Have questions about your child’s dental development? Contact our office for a gentle evaluation and guidance.

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 #FusedTeeth #KidsDentalHealth #GrowingSmiles #PediatricDentalCare

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🦷🔬 Science has found the health of your mouth predicts the health of your entire body.

The mouth tells the story of the whole body’s well-being. More than 700 kinds of bacteria live in the mouth, some protect, some create imbalance. When gums are healthy, the entire body flourishes and organs are happy. Heart, brain, and immune system thrive in harmony in the absence of inflammation. This is the knowledge that helps our kids understand the importance of their oral health. ❤️🧠✨🪥🌱

💬 Did you know oral health connects so closely with the rest of the body? What habits help keep your child’s smile healthy every day? Share below! 😊

📲 Have questions about protecting your child’s oral health? Our team is here to help support every growing smile.

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 #OralHealth #HealthyKidsSmiles #KidsDentalHealth #WholeBodyHealth

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🦷✨ Why do baby teeth fall out on their own?

It may look simple when a child wiggles a loose tooth, yet something fascinating happens beneath gums long before that moment. As adult teeth begin forming under baby teeth, specialized cells gradually dissolve baby-tooth roots. On dental images (x-rays) this process can look almost magical, as if roots slowly melt away. 🔬🦷

Nature follows a precise timeline. As roots dissolve, baby teeth loosen and gently fall out, making space for adult teeth ready to emerge. This natural transition helps guide proper alignment while dental arches continue developing throughout childhood. 🌱😊 When everything progresses in harmony, each new tooth arrives exactly where it belongs in a growing smile.

💬 Did your child get excited when their first tooth became wiggly? Or were they nervous about it falling out? Share your favorite tooth-fairy moment with us below! 🧚‍♀️💫

📲 Have questions about loose teeth, eruption timing, or your child’s smile development? Our team is happy to help guide you through every stage of 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 happy, growing smiles.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BabyTeeth #ToothDevelopment #GrowingSmiles #KidsOralHealth

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🦷⏳ Your teeth are time capsules — they record everything you’ve ever eaten.

Inside each tooth lies something like a biological diary. Layers of dentin quietly store minerals, chemical traces, and even signals connected to stress experienced throughout life. Scientists studying teeth can often uncover remarkable clues about a person’s history. 🔬🦷

From a single molar, researchers may identify where someone grew up, what kinds of foods shaped their diet, and even periods when the body faced illness or environmental stress. Teeth develop in layers over time, and those layers preserve microscopic records of life’s experiences. 🌎✨

Every smile carries more than appearance. Hidden within each tooth exists a small biography of health, growth, and the environments that shaped us along the way. 😊

💬 Did you know teeth could reveal so much about a person’s life? What surprised you most about this dental science fact? Share below!

📲 Have questions about protecting your child’s teeth as they grow? Our team is here to help guide every stage of a healthy smile.

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 #DentalScience #ToothFacts #HealthySmiles #KidsOralHealth

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🦷 Did you know losing baby teeth too early can change your child’s smile?

Baby teeth do more than help children chew and speak. They quietly hold space that guides adult teeth into position while supporting balanced jaw development. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, nearby teeth can drift and arches may narrow. Over time this shift may affect bite balance and overall smile development.

At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our founder Dr. Reem focuses on protecting natural growth whenever possible. Our 3D-printed SmileKeeper™ metal-free space maintainer gently preserves that important space after early tooth loss. This modern digital solution supports proper eruption of adult teeth while helping smiles and facial development grow in harmony ✨

💬 Has your child ever lost a baby tooth earlier than expected? What questions came up for you as a parent? Share your thoughts or experience below. Your story may help another family feel prepared 💛

📲 If you have concerns about early tooth loss, contact our office to learn how we can help protect your child’s developing smile.

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 #SpaceMaintainer #EarlyToothLoss #HealthyKidsSmiles #PediatricDentalCare

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✨ 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

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✨ 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
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@solea 
@sprintray
@usc.pedsdentistry
@iteroscanner 
@cadcamspecialist 
@exocadofficial 
@zyrisisolite

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