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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.

❓🪥 Why can juice damage your toddler’s teeth faster than candy? 🤔
It catches many parents off guard.

Constant sipping on juice or sweetened drinks can keep sugar on teeth throughout the day 🧃⏳. Unlike candy, which is usually eaten all at once, frequent sipping allows sugars to linger, giving cavity-causing bacteria more time to do harm 🦠. This repeated exposure increases cavity risk, especially for toddlers whose enamel is still developing. Small shifts, like offering water between meals 🚰 and limiting juice, can help protect growing smiles early on.

Was this something you already knew, or is this new information for you? 💭
We love learning what parents are discovering along the way 💛

Have questions about drinks, snacks, or cavity prevention for your toddler? ☎️
Reach out to our office and our team will be happy to help.

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com

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

🌈 Gentle care, everyday guidance, and smiles that grow strong.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #ToddlerTeeth #CavityPrevention #HealthySmiles

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🦷 Did you know baby teeth start forming before a child is even born? 🤍
It happens much earlier than most parents realize.

Baby teeth begin developing as early as six weeks into pregnancy 🤰✨. Long before a child’s first smile appears, the foundation for healthy teeth is already forming beneath the surface. This early development is one reason prenatal health, nutrition, and early dental care matter so much. Once baby teeth erupt, they play an important role in chewing, speech development, and guiding permanent teeth into place as children grow 🌱🦷

Did this surprise you, or have you heard this before? 💬
We love sharing facts that help parents understand just how early oral health begins 🤍

Have questions about baby teeth or early dental visits? 📞
Contact our office and our team will be happy to support your child’s smile from the very start 😊

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com

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

💙 Gentle care, early guidance, and healthy smiles growing every day.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BabyTeeth #EarlyDentalCare #HealthySmiles

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❗️🦷 Did you know some kids actually grow EXTRA teeth? 😲
Yes, it really happens.

Some children develop what are called supernumerary teeth, which means extra teeth that form in addition to the normal set 🦷➕. These teeth sometimes appear right in the middle of the smile or behind baby teeth, where they can block permanent teeth from coming in properly. When that happens, removing the extra tooth may help guide adult teeth into a healthier, straighter position over time ✨. Early evaluation makes a big difference in planning the best next steps for a growing smile.

Have you ever heard of extra teeth before, or does this surprise you? 💬
We’d love to hear what parents are curious about when it comes to tooth development 🤍

Have questions about your child’s smile or want an evaluation? 📞
Contact our office and our team will be happy to help guide you.

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com

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

💙 Gentle care, thoughtful planning, and smiles supported as they grow.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DentalFunFacts #GrowingSmiles #EarlyDentalCare

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❗️🦷 Did you know the very first toothbrush used bristles made from wild boar hair?
A fascinating moment in dental history 📜

The first true toothbrush appeared in China during the 1400s, featuring stiff bristles made from wild boar hair inserted into bamboo or bone handles 🐗🎋. This early design became the foundation for brushing tools used for centuries. In 1938, soft nylon bristles were introduced 🪥, shaping the modern toothbrushes families use today to support healthy smiles worldwide 🌍✨

Did this piece of dental history surprise you, or have you heard it before? 💬 We love sharing facts that help kids and parents connect with oral health in a fun way.

Have questions about toothbrush choices or brushing habits for your child? 📞 Contact our office and our team will be happy to help 😊

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com

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

💙 Gentle care, trusted guidance, and smiles shaped through time.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #DentalHistory #HealthySmiles #OralHealthEducation

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"❗️🦷 By age five, nearly 60% of children have already had at least one cavity. 😳
That number surprises many parents 👀

Baby teeth have enamel that is about 50% thinner than adult teeth 🦷, which means cavities can spread twice as fast once they begin ⚡. This is why early dental visits and daily habits matter so much during the preschool years ✨. Protecting baby teeth early helps support comfort, development, and healthier smiles as kids grow 🌱

Did this statistic surprise you, or have you heard it before? 💬
We’d love to hear what parents are noticing or wondering about early cavities 🤍

Have questions about cavity prevention or want guidance for your child? 📞
Reach out to our office and our team will be happy to help 😊

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com

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

💙 Gentle care, early guidance, and growing smiles every step of the way.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #CavityPrevention #HealthySmiles #EarlyDentalCare"

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✨Smile transformation alert—wait for it! ✨
Teen orthodontics can boost kids' confidence! 🦷💫
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our orthodontic care reflects our vision of beautiful and heathy smiles that are functional and esthetically pleasing for life! 

When do you think the right time is for a teen orthodontic check? 👀👇

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

📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

💙 Growing smiles with care, comfort, and heart.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EarlyOrthodontics #HealthyBites #GrowingSmiles

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❗️🦷 Why would a two-year-old already need dental surgery?
It’s a question that surprises many parents 👀

At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we often see how frequent juice or sweetened milk in a sippy cup, especially at night 🌙, can harm baby teeth faster than candy. When sugars sit on teeth for long periods, cavities can develop quickly. One small change can make a big difference ✨. Gradually diluting juice with water over two weeks 💧, then offering only water, helps lower cavity risk and protect little smiles early.

Have you seen this happen before or heard about it from another parent? 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have questions about early dental care or want guidance for your child? 📞 Contact our office to schedule a visit. Our team is happy to help.

📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com

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

💙 Gentle care, thoughtful guidance, and healthy smiles from the very beginning.

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #EarlyDentalCare #HealthySmiles #ParentEducation

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🦷 Where Pediatric Dentistry Needs to Be: From Fixing Teeth to Guiding Health

Dr. Reem, our founder at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, shares a heartfelt reflection on the evolving future of children’s oral care. 
Even with amazing technology, many families still wait too long for dental support ,  often because simple questions go unanswered. 💭
This blog explores how earlier, gentler guidance can shift pediatric dentistry from reactive fixes to nurturing development and lifelong oral health. Click below to read Dr. Reem’s insights on whole-child care, virtual support, and compassionate guidance. 🌱✨

👉 Read more: https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/early-pediatric-dental-care
What’s one question you wished someone had answered sooner about your child’s oral health? Share below! 👇

Curious about early dental guidance or pediatric virtual care? contact our office, we would love to help!
Contact Information:
📞 (310) 837-6453
✉️ info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Thoughtful guidance. Growing healthy smiles together. 😊

#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics
#kidsdentist#PediatricDentist#PediatricOrthodontist#WestLosAngeles
#EarlyDentalCare#ChildrensOralHealth#TeethCare

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