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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 Pacifier Graduation! 🎉💛

Ready to help your toddler say goodbye to their binky? Pacifier weaning can feel like a big transition, but small steps and comforting new routines can make process easier. 🌟

Pacifier use is a form of "nonnutritive sucking", and knowing when and how to begin weaning can support healthy oral development. 🦷✨

From a favorite stuffed animal 🧸 to a special bedtime story 📖 or a little “binky graduation” ritual 🎓, replacing pacifier comfort with something new can help your toddler feel secure.

Read our full guide for 5 easy pacifier-weaning steps:
https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/pacifier-binky-weaning-tips-toddlers

💛 One little milestone at a time!

#PacifierWeaning #ToddlerPacifier #NonnutritiveSucking #ToddlerOralHealth #PediatricDentistry #BinkyWeaning"

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🌎✨ PART 3 | Dr. Reem Kabbarah’s Presentation for Latin American Pediatric Dentists

In Part 3 of her presentation, our founder, Dr. Reem Kabbarah, continues discussing how digital technology has become part of everyday care at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 🦷💻

From digital photography and smartphone technology to completely digital impressions and intraoral scanning, Dr. Reem explains how her practice uses technology in ways that are efficient, comfortable, and adaptable for children of all ages.

Her practice also utilizes digital X-rays and imaging, along with CBCT technology for orthodontic treatment planning. By integrating these digital tools, the team can capture detailed information and use it throughout diagnosis and treatment planning. ✨

@alop_odontopediatria 

📍 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
🌐 smilesla.com

#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #DrReemKabbarah #PediatricDentistry #DigitalPediatricDentistry #DigitalDentistry #CBCT #Orthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist

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Did you know there's a way to treat cavities with LIGHT? ✨🦷 Our Solea laser uses precise beams of light instead of a needle or a traditional drill to treat many cavities gently and comfortably. It's fast, it's quiet, and for a lot of kids, it barely feels like anything happened at all. This is the kind of technology that sounds like science fiction, and it's part of everyday care at Smiles 🚀 Would your kid think treating a cavity with light is the coolest thing ever? We think so too. Tell us below! 💬 Curious if Solea is right for your child? 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 smiles with heart 🦷✨ 
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #SoleaLaserDentistry #FutureOfDentistry #PainlessDentistryLA #PediatricDentistWestLA

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🌎✨ PART 2 | Dr. Reem Kabbarah’s Presentation for Latin American Pediatric Dentists
Our founder, Dr. Reem Kabbarah, continues her virtual presentation for the Latin American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, sharing her philosophy and approach to digital pediatric dentistry. 🦷💻
Dr. Reem believes children deserve the same level of clinical excellence, precision technology, and thoughtful treatment planning expected in adult dentistry, while care must be thoughtfully adapted to each child’s growth, development, and individual needs.
In this segment, she explains how digital tools such as photography, intraoral scanning, and computer-aided design help her team capture information, understand each child’s dental needs, communicate treatment with families, and create customized aesthetic and restorative solutions.
Technology allows us to better understand each child’s story while giving our team greater control throughout the treatment process. ✨
Follow along for Part 3 of Dr. Reem’s presentation. 🌎🦷
📍 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
📞 (310) 837-6453

@alop_odontopediatria 
@dr.reem_kabbarah 

📧 info@smilesla.com
🌐 smilesla.com
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #DrReemKabbarah #PediatricDentistry #DigitalPediatricDentistry #LatinAmericanPediatricDentistry #LosAngelesPediatricDentist

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🌎✨ PART 1 | Dr. Reem Kabbarah’s Presentation for Latin American Pediatric Dentists

We are proud to share a special moment from our founder, Dr. Reem Kabbarah, who was invited to present virtually for the Latin American Association of Pediatric Dentistry. 🦷💻

In this first video, Dr. Reem introduces herself and shares the journey that led her into pediatric dentistry, digital care, technology, and education.

Growing up in Damascus, Syria 🇸🇾, completing her residency at the University of Southern California, practicing pediatric dentistry in the Middle East and Dubai, and eventually returning to Los Angeles, Dr. Reem’s international experience has helped shape her approach to pediatric and teen dentistry.

Today, Dr. Reem is a pediatric dentist, sports pediatric dentist, digital pediatric dentistry educator, Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, USC faculty member, and founder of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Los Angeles. ✨

Follow along as we share more from Dr. Reem’s presentation and explore her work in digital pediatric dentistry. 🌎🦷

📍 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 [info@smilesla.com](mailto:info@smilesla.com)
🌐 smilesla.com

@alop_odontopediatria 

#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #DrReemKabbarah #PediatricDentistry #DigitalPediatricDentistry #SportsPediatricDentistry #LatinAmericanPediatricDentistry #WestLAPediatricDentist

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Enamel Crystals 1,000x Thinner Than Hair 🔬 Tooth enamel is made of hydroxyapatite crystals so small they're measured in nanometers, roughly 1,000x thinner than a human hair. 🦷 On the Mohs hardness scale, enamel scores close to 5, harder than iron, but it has no living cells, so it can't regenerate once damaged. That's why when we do need to restore a tooth, we try to preserve as much of that natural enamel as possible rather than removing more than necessary. Something fun to talk about at your next visit.
 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Phone: (310) 837-6453 Email: info@smilesla.com Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
 Tiny Crystals, Mighty Strength 🔬
 #SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #ToothEnamelFacts #DentalScience #PediatricDentistWestLA

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🦷✨ Hi there! I’m Dr. Reem, founder of Smiles and a board-certified pediatric dentist in West Los Angeles.
If you’re a parent looking for newer solutions in pediatric dentistry and early orthodontics, we’d love to welcome you to Smiles. We’re using innovative 3D-printed CAD/CAM technology—computer-aided design and manufacturing—to help address restorative and aesthetic needs for children and teens.
These minimally involved, often no-prep and conservative designs can help preserve natural tooth structure while creating beautiful, functional results. We’ve spent years adapting exciting advancements from adult aesthetic dentistry for our younger patients. 💙
If you’re curious about whether these options may be right for your child, come join us and learn more!
📍 Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics | West Los Angeles
📞 Contact us to schedule a consultation.

#PediatricDentistry #EarlyOrthodontics #3DPrintedDentistry #CADCAMDentistry #MinimallyInvasiveDentistry #WestLADentist

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A jaw click at dinner can actually tell us something about development. 🦷👂 TMJ signs in kids often start small, clicking, tightness, or discomfort while chewing, and they're frequently linked to posture or how the jaw is growing. We take a whole-child approach here, not just teeth, but jaw, posture, and comfort, sometimes even using laser or red-light therapy to help 🌿 Has your child ever mentioned jaw clicking? Tell us below! 💬 Curious what it could mean? Contact our office for an evaluation 📞
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Phone: (310) 837-6453 Email: info@smilesla.com Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 
Smile with us!🧡
 #SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #TMJKids #PediatricJawHealth #WholeChildDentistry #WestLADentist

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