Your Safety is our First Concern

Pediatric Dental Specialists

We hope you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

To ensure the safety of our patients we have also invested in a hospital grade Advanced HEPA filtration system (AF400-NP by Quatro) for our treatment rooms to help remove airborne microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungal spores).

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

• Our doctors and team members will be screened and their temperature taken each day prior to entering the office. 
• Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office. 
• We have touchless hand sanitizer dispensers that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed. 
• You may see that our waiting room/game room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys or video games, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. 
• The waiting room will have a Honeywell True HEPA Console air purifier. 
• Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. 
• We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. 
• Forms will be digital and will be texted or emailed so you can complete them prior to your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. 

Thank you for being our patients. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back to our office in the near future.

    

If you have any questions about our re-opening procedures and the steps we have taken to ensure our patients safety please do not hesitate to call our Long Beach office at (562) 377-1375. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

World Smile Day in Long Beach, California

Today is World Smile Day. A day that celebrates smiles on everyone. A smile is the universal language and can transform lives. Here are some of our amazing patients and their extraordinary smiles.

Did you know a third of each tooth is underneath your gums? This is why keeping your gums healthy is as important as making sure your teeth are well cared for. Your gums should always be pink in color, and firm.

Our staff is a strong team of compassionate and highly trained individuals who are committed to lifelong good oral health for our patients. You will find each of them caring and knowledgeable. This team is made up of clerical and clinical staff. Schedule an appointment today.

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Put on your best SMILE everyday! #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients #Smile

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Pediatric Dental Specialists would like to welcome Elise to our dental practice. #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients #Cute #SelfieStation

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Registered Dental Assistant Jessica helping Sophya get prepared to enter preschool with pearly whites. • • • • • • #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

A post shared by Pediatric Dental Specialists (@pdslongbeach) on Aug 29, 2019 at 9:39am PDT

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Isabelle is ❤️loving 👏🏽🙌🏽 her orthodontic 😬results! • • • • • • #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

A post shared by Pediatric Dental Specialists (@pdslongbeach) on Sep 17, 2019 at 2:39pm PDT

3 Dental Summer Tips

Summer in Long Beach is finally here! That means summer vacation, kids are at home and some free time for your family. Summer is the perfect time to schedule dental appointments or to begin any dental work in kids. Summer can also be a hard time to keep up with oral hygiene routines. According to a nationwide survey by Delta Dental, nearly 30% of parents say summer vacation is the most difficult time to get their children to keep up good oral health.

Here are three tips to help keep your smile and teeth healthy all summer long in Long Beach.

Replace Your Toothbrush - Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, so summer is the perfect opportunity to get a new one. A new toothbrush will help you ensure your teeth are being brushed and cleaned properly.

Stock Healthy Snacks - With kids at home and some free time, sugary treats are bound to end up in our diet. Stay ahead of the curve and stock some healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables already cut up and within reach. Additionally, avoid sugary drinks such as soda, lemonade and sports drinks which can damage your teeth.

Travel Set: Heading to LAX or a road trip, grab a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to keep handy for vacations, slumber parties, and day trips.

We have been serving patients in Long Beach and surrounding cities for over 30 years. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming your children into the Pediatric Dental Specialists family!

3 Facts Parents Should Know: Baby's First Tooth

Preparing for a newborn is no easy task. It is an ever changing list of duties and things to prepare for. That does not stop once he or she arrives home. As new parents, we often do not think of our childs teeth until they begin teething and all the growing pains begin.

Baby teeth are essential, as they act as placeholders for our adult teeth and effect the way we speak and eat. Here are three facts parents should know about their baby’s first tooth.

1. Most babies will develop teeth between 6 and 12 months.
There is a wide range of variability of when a first tooth may appear—some babies may not have any teeth by their first birthday! Around 3 months of age, babies will begin exploring the world with their mouth and have increased saliva and start to put their hands in their mouth. Many parents question whether or not this means that their baby is teething, but a first tooth usually appears around 6 months old. Typically, the first teeth to come in are almost always the lower front teeth (the lower central incisors), and most children will usually have all of their baby teeth by age 3.

2. Schedule an Appointment by their First Birthday: 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants be seen shortly after the first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. This first visit will help establish a dental home for your child.

The earlier you start, the better chance we have to prevent any potential problems. In addition to checking for decay and other conditions, our staff will teach you how to clean your child’s teeth properly, identify your child’s risk for cavities, and offer you helpful advice that will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

3. Help Soothe Teething Pain
Babies may show signs of discomfort in the area where the tooth is coming in, the gums around the tooth may be swollen and tender, and the baby may drool a lot more than usual.

Parents can help ease teething pain by massaging their baby's gums with clean fingers, offering solid, not liquid-filled, teething rings, or a clean frozen or wet washcloth.

3 Benefits of Straight Teeth in Long Beach

We have been serving patients in Long Beach and the surrounding areas for over 30 years! We consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. Our practice philosophy is to provide dental education and treatment, as well as orthodontics, for children, teens, and those with special healthcare needs. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health.

Your smile is uniquely yours and it is what makes you YOU! Orthodontics is more than having a straight smile, the health benefits go beyond an aesthetically beautiful smile. Here are 3 benefits of a straight smile.

1. Healthy Gums, Healthy Life: Having healthy gums is a health aspect that everyone should have and so easy to obtain. Healthy gums are also the foundation to a healthy smile, inside and out. Your health is all related, from your mouth to your heart, to your entire body and your gums are an essential foundation. When teeth are spaced out or crowded, it’s possible for gums to be inflamed, which can lead to periodontal disease. Straight teeth aligns your gums to fit well around your teeth.

2. Decrease Risk of Tooth Injury:  Crowded, protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken in the event of an accident, such as playing sports or during an accidental fall.

3. Healthier Bite: Orthodontics is all about a healthy bite. A healthy bite effects the way your child speaks, eats and chews their food and how their teeth fit overall.

Dr. Santos Cortez, Dr. Estela Sanchez, Dr. Ana Planells and Dr. Gabriela Cervantes, as well as our team, are committed to supporting and educating our patients to care for their teeth and gums and help in the prevention of dental disease. We strive to achieve this goal in an environment that is soothing and welcoming to both parents and children of all ages.

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We are so proud 🙌🏽of Isabella for not having any broken brackets. 👍🏽 #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez • • • • • • #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

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Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies

Did you know a baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in their jaws at birth? Those baby teeth that begin coming through the gums around 6 months help set the stage for future smiles by keeping space in the jaw for adult teeth. Starting your child off with good dental care can help protect their teeth for decades to come.

Baby teeth are place holders for adult teeth and help them develop the way they speak, eat and grow. Though baby teeth are place holders, they are still prone to getting cavities and tooth decay, which can cause pain to babies, lead to life threatening infections and can be costly to treat.

“Tooth decay develops when a baby's mouth is infected by acid-producing bacteria.” This most commonly happens when a child's teeth and gums are exposed to liquid and food for a long period of time. “Natural or added sugars in the liquid or food are changed to acid by bacteria in the mouth. This acid then dissolves the outer part of the teeth, causing them to decay. The most common way this happens is when parents put their children to bed with a bottle of formula, milk, juice (even when mixed with water), soft drinks (soda, pop), sugar water, or sugared drinks. It can also occur when children are allowed to frequently drink anything other than water from a sippy cup or bottle during the day or night.”

You can start caring for baby's gums right away. But at first, the care won't involve a toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, take these steps:

• Get a soft, moistened washcloth or piece of gauze.
• Gently wipe down your baby's gums at least twice a day.
• Especially wipe your baby's gums after feedings and before bedtime.
• This will wash off bacteria and prevent them from clinging to gums. Bacteria can leave behind a sticky plaque that damages infant teeth as they come in.

When the first baby teeth start to pop up, you can graduate to the use of a toothbrush. Choose one with a soft brush, small head and large handle.

At first, just wet the toothbrush. As soon as teeth erupt, you can start using a bit of training-toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. You can increase this to a peas sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when your child is 2 years old. Brush gently all around your child's baby teeth, front and back.

You should brush your baby's teeth until he or she is old enough to hold the brush. Continue to supervise the process until your child can rinse and spit without assistance. That usually happens at around age 6.

Facial Protection Month: Types of Mouth Guards

Did you know from the ages of 7 to 11 years old, children are most vulnerable to sports related mouth injuries? The importance of protecting our smile should be stressed enough and should remind our friends and community how easy it is to protect our teeth.

Wearing a mouthguard is the safest way to protect your teeth while playing sports or just enjoying sports related activities. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a teeth related injury if they’re not wearing a mouth guard.

Here are the three types of mouth guards you can wear, especially if you are currently in orthodontic treatment.

1. Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly 
2. Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky
3. Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth.







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The Armenta Family enjoying our selfie🤳station. 👏🏽🙌🏽 #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez • • • • #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

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The Lucido Girls showing off their beautiful smiles. #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez * * * * #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

A post shared by Pediatric Dental Specialists (@pdslongbeach) on Apr 18, 2019 at 8:32am PDT

When Should I Take my Child to the Dentist?

Our commitment at Pediatric Dental Specialist is to providing the highest quality oral health care services and education for infants, children and teenagers including those with special needs. Our qualified professional team is dedicated to guiding our patients to obtain optimal oral health in a nurturing and friendly environment.

We recommend that children as young as one-year old have their teeth evaluated by a pediatric dentist. The earlier you start, the better chance we have to prevent any potential problems. In addition to checking for decay and other conditions, our staff will teach you how to clean your child’s teeth properly, identify your child’s risk for cavities, and offer you helpful advice that will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

By 2 1/2 - 3 years old, most children have all their baby teeth in place. This is a perfect time to introduce them to a healthy routine of brushing their teeth, flossing and eating the right foods. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, and they are just as essential for oral hygiene and a key component of maintaining healthy adult teeth.

It is best that kids see us on their first birthday and twice-yearly after that. These combined with the right home care will keep those teeth healthy all through childhood.

During the first exam, we will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine their bite and look for any other potential issues with the gums, jaw and oral tissue.

Back to School Oral Health Basics

The summer days are passing by, and it is almost time to start a new school year.   As you prepare your children for back to school, the health of their teeth and gums may not be be on the top of your list, but good smiles denote: friendliness, good overall health, and confidence. Here are some suggestions that will help in maintaining healthy smiles:

Daily Oral Care Practices 

Educating our children at a young age on oral health practices is key in prevention of decay and gum disease. Here are some recommendations:

• Brushing

Brushing morning and at bedtime with a soft-bristle brush. We recommend using a timer for 2 minutes. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), it is recommended that children be assisted with brushing until the age of 8. At the very least, an inspection by the parent is very helpful. Children may swallow some toothpaste when brushing, these are the recommended amounts of toothpaste based on age: A smear or rice size amount of children’s fluoridated toothpaste is for children less than three years of age, and  a pea-size amount for children three to six years old.

• Flossing

Floss to clean between teeth and remove the plaque a toothbrush can’t reach. Initial supervision by a parent is necessary. There are special flossers with handles to help reach between molars.

Healthy Diet

Healthy snacks are just as important as a good daily hygiene routine. Here are some ideas for healthy options for your child’s teeth: string cheese, fruits, veggies, yogurt, hummus, almonds. Try to avoid sticky snacks such as fruit snacks (fruit roll-ups) and gummies, these can stick to your child’s teeth and may lead to tooth decay.

It is recommended to limit juice. Provide at most 4 ounces daily for toddlers age 1-3; for children age 4-6, fruit juice should be restricted to 4 to 6 ounces daily; and for children ages 7-18, juice intake should be limited to 8 ounces. Encourage water intake.

Schedule a Dental Check-up

Children starting kindergarten or in their first year of public school must have a dental check-up by May 31, according to California law.  A check-up/oral health assessment is important for children of all ages and helps to ensure healthy smiles. Undetected dental problems may be identified before
they become big concerns. Dental disease may result in infection/ pain that makes it difficult for children to eat, speak, and learn in school. Missing days from school as a result of dental disease may be prevented.

For more pediatric dental tips or to schedule your child’s appointment contact us at Pediatric Dental Specialists Long Beach (www.lbpds.net) Phone 562-377-1375

Oral Health Month: A Healthy Foundation

June is Oral Health Month. A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are a few tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:

You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Toothpaste:

Learn how to apply the right amount of toothpaste for your child. 

First Visit: 
Every parent celebrates the milestones in the first year, first words, first steps, first teeth.

We consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. Our practice philosophy is to provide dental education and treatment, as well as orthodontics, for children, teens, and those with special healthcare needs.

All in blue and all smiles! Dr. Cortez and our Registered Dental Assistant Chuy with our happy dental patient Gavin and his mom! 👍#PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach

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Summertime! Dental Tips for Avoiding Mouth/Facial Injuries

Spending time with friends, outdoor adventures, and being out of school make summer an exciting time of year for most children. While the season is filled with good times, it can also present certain risks such as mouth/facial injuries. Our Doctors at Pediatric Dental Specialists in Long Beach, want to help make your child’s summer an enjoyable one by offering the following tips to help prevent mouth/facial injuries. Follow us on our blog www.lbpds.net.

1) Wear a Mouthguard While Playing Sports
Participating in sports is a popular activity. With the beautiful local weather, many children play a variety of outdoor contact sports such as: baseball, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball.  Sports can have risks at times through collisions, accidental elbowing, or being hit with the ball. You want to protect your child’s teeth. Sports related injuries account for 10 to 39 percent of all dental injuries in children. A mouthguard helps to protect teeth by providing an extra layer of cushion to shield their teeth and gums from potential impacts and can greatly reduce your child’s chances of getting a tooth knocked out. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.AAPD.org) encourages mouth guard protection for patients at increased risk for orofacial trauma. Our office can provide a custom fit mouthguard, which is the best fit for your child’s mouth and offers the best protection, while still being comfortable.

2) Pool Safety is Key
It wouldn’t be summer without swimming.  Many of the summer emergencies pediatric dentists treat
are pool-related accidents. You can be prepared and help avoid an emergency room visit by ensuring that your child obeys the “pool rules” whether they are at home, the community pool, or at their friends. Running on slippery pool decks, diving into shallow waters, or bumping the pool ledge with their mouth causes many children to either chip or knock a tooth loose.

3) Jumper Safety
For many families, no party is complete without a jumper. Jumpers often lead to a sudden accident such as colliding with another child, being elbowed or kicked. It is recommended that children steer clear of the net. We recommend an adult supervising the children while in the jumper. No matter the type or severity of the injury to your child’s mouth or teeth, it is important to have our Doctors evaluate your child, or contact us for advice on what to do.


Dental injuries are often stressful and emotional. We are here to help minimize some of the stress you and your child may feel. The Doctors are just a phone call away and take call when the office is closed. If necessary, the Doctors are available to come in for an emergency. Our team is here to help. Wishing you and your family a wonderful and safe summer!

Bad Breath & Braces

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth properly. Simply doing a quick job brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth in great shape, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles leftover after you eat, and this sneaky bacterium creates an unpleasant odor.

We certainly understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it happens to most of us. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. The most common factor for bad breath our patients is almost typically caused by poor oral hygiene.  It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or at least rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash if you aren’t able to brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only having a snack.

If you're new to braces, or simply want to improve your dental hygiene, just ask us for a few helpful tips at your next appointment, we're here to help!

Meet Dr. Cervantes

Dr. Gabriela Cervantes

We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to our qualified team, Dr. Gabriela Cervantes. Dr. Cervantes joins our practice with more than 6 years of experience practicing dentistry in the Los Angeles area, after graduating from the University of California, San Francisco -School of Dentistry in 2008.

Dr. Cervantes was born and raised in Orange County, CA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University, Long Beach with a B.S. in Biology.  She went on to complete her dental degree (DDS) and graduated from the University of California, San Francisco -School of Dentistry in 2008. She completed her General Practice Residency at Harbor- UCLA Medical Center where she was “Resident of the Year”.  After practicing for six years, she was blessed to find her true passion and received her pediatric dental specialty training at the UCLA-School of Dentistry.

Dr. Cervantes is glad to be back in Long Beach serving the community. She shares our practice philosophy of providing comprehensive pediatric dentistry through working with each patient to meet the individual’s distinctive oral health goals. She brings enthusiasm, poise, and a kind, gentle nature with her to our practice. Her interests include singing, cooking, hiking, and biking with her husband and daughter. We are confident you will find Dr. Cervantes’ personality and style to complement our friendly and warm dental team.

The addition of Dr. Cervantes is exciting to us, as it allows us to better serve our patients. In late July, when Dr. Cervantes begins seeing patients, we will be expanding our schedule to provide patients with even more pediatric dental appointment options. Not only will our appointment options expand, but in the near future, Dr. Cervantes will be providing hospital dentistry at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach to serve children with special health care needs who are unable to receive treatment in a dental office.

Please join us in welcoming her to our practice. We trust that the addition of Dr. Cervantes will allow us to not only meet but exceed your expectations. Should you have any questions regarding this important announcement, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your support.