April is National Facial Protection Month

Pediatric Dental Specialists

The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists wants to remind our athletes to play it safe by wearing a mouth guard during recreational and organized sports.  

A mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age. Mouth guards prevent injuries to the bone and tissues around the teeth. They also help prevent injuries to the lower jaw and temporomandibular joint in the jaw.

A properly fitted mouth guard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

There are three types of mouth guards:

1. Stock mouth guards come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and drug stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit.

2. Boil and bite mouth guards can also be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth guards. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.

3. Custom-fitted mouth guards are individually designed and made in a dental or orthodontic office. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, a custom-made mouth guard may be more expensive than the other types of mouth guards, but a custom-made mouth guard provides the most comfort and protection.

Mouth guards should be used by anyone playing contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in non-contact sports (gymnastics) and any recreational activity (skateboarding or mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.

If you are an athlete and a patient at Pediatric Dental Specialists, talk to our doctors about selecting a mouth guard that will provide the right protection for you.

Also, if you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports. For more information give us a call our Long Beach Office at (562) 377-1375. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Gum Disease Awareness Month

February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. More than 80 percent of Americans are living with periodontal or gum disease, which most often than not, goes unnoticed. Because the symptoms are barely noticeable at first and there is no pain involved, it can be tough

According to the American Association of Periodontology (AAP), you may have gum disease, even if it's in its early stages, if:

• your gums are red, swollen and sore to the touch.
• your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss.
• you see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth.
• your gums look as if they are "pulling away" from the teeth.
• you frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth.
• or some of your teeth are loose, or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.

A great oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are the absolute best way to take a preventative measure against gum disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) site recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, so it reaches every tooth surface adequately. Be sure to floss everyday to ensure your gums are healthy and pink.

New Year, New Habits

Happy New Year! With so many creating resolutions in the new year, we hope your resolutions include taking care of your smile, inside and out. It is never to early to begin a healthy oral health routine, especially a healthy routine you can pass on to your children.

At Pediatric Dental Specialist, we love to encourage our patients to add healthy routines that can add a drastic value to your smile. Here are 4 healthy habits to implement in the new year.

Floss - Floss, floss and more floss. We have all heard how flossing is beneficial, let’s all pledge to floss more in 2020. Getting kids involved in flossing will help them understand from a young age the importance of this healthy routine.

Change Your Toothbrush - When was the last time you switched out your toothbrush? American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. By switching out our toothbrushes, we can prevent bacteria, keep our mouth fresh and healthy.

Mouthwash - There are different types of mouthwashes, each with a different function. We recommend you utilize one to wash away bacteria and keep your breath smelling fresh.

Mouthguards - Mouthguards are often unnoticed, yet can be important when it comes to playing sports and keeping children’s teeth safe from injuries and hard contact sports.

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Life is too short to hide your smile! Beautiful😍smile Sara. 😃 #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients #BeautifulSmile.

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Contact our office for for more information about special mouth guards, to protect your smile during sports. If it’s been six months since your last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

Thank You 2019

What a fantastic year 2019 was! We are all so grateful to all our patients, vendors and folks who referred their friends and family members to our practice, we strive daily to exceed your expectations in pediatric and orthodontic care at Pediatric Dental Specialists. Your confidence in our practice is truly appreciated.

Dr. Cortez, Dr. Sanchez, Dr. Planells and all of the team members wish you, your family and friends a great holiday season.

Let's all have a fantastic year in 2020!!

Holiday Foods that are Not Braces Friendly

The holidays are here and whether you are cozying up with hot chocolate or baking cookies, you may be wondering if there are any types of treats you should steer clear from, especially if you have braces. The answer is yes! Here are a few holiday treats that are not braces-friendly.

• Candy Canes
• Fudge
• Popcorn
• Peanut Brittle
• Anything with nuts or crunchy crusts
• Caramel - avoid this sticky treat that can easily get caught up in your braces

Thumbsucking and Consequences

Thumbsucking has been a reflex for kids to soothe themselves, feel comfortable, secure or happy. Yet this can have some consequences on the child's permanent teeth. Thumbsucking and sucking on a pacifier can have the same consequences such as problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

According to the American Dental Health Association, children usually stop sucking between the ages of two and four years old.

If you would like to help your child stop sucking their thumb, you can try a few things.

• Praise your child for not sucking.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping. 
• We can also offer encouragement to your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.

If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, or are concerned about your child’s thumbsucking consult your dentist. If you have any questions, please contact us at (562) 377-1375

Four Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid if You have Braces

Thanksgiving is a great time for family, reflecting on what we are thankful for and of course, celebrating around food. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care. Whether it is braces, Invisalign or preventive care, you should always take care of your smile.

If you have braces, there are a few foods you may want to stay away from during Thanksgiving.

1. Uncooked Vegetables - uncooked vegetables, in their raw form are too hard to bite and chew and may damage braces. Instead, cook or steam your vegetables, which will be much softer for your teeth.

2. Corn on the Cob - on the cob, corn can do some damage to braces, but there is no problem if it is cut off. Just be sure to floss, so it does not get stuck to your teeth.

3. Nuts - nuts is an obvious food to avoid because it can damage brackets and cause wires to come loose. Watch out for nuts, often found in pies and other desserts.

4. Caramel - caramel is another obvious dessert to stay away from on Thanksgiving (and beyond during the holidays). It is sticky and can get easily stuck to your braces.

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!

Two Braces Friendly Treats for Halloween

If you have visited any of the fun pumpkin patches near Long Beach, you’ll see all the family activities and be reminded of the fun Halloween is with all the costumes, trick-or-treating and endless treats, all making this time of year a fun time.

Halloween can also be a tricky time if you have braces and while there are certain foods you should stay away, there are some types of candies you can eat on Halloween, that won’t damage your braces. Here are two Halloween braces-friendly treats you can eat on Halloween night.

1. Brownies:
A sweet treat that is braces-friendly is brownies. Brownies or other soft pastries won’t damage your braces and are an enjoyable treat on Halloween. Softness is key because your wires and brackets won’t be damaged. Be sure to brush up after eating treats and stick to your oral hygiene routine.

2. Chocolate:
Sugary treats affect our teeth in different ways, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment and the overall health of our teeth and our oral hygiene routine. Chocolate that has no nuts, is not hard or has additional sticky stuff is the best route to go on Halloween night (and beyond). Chocolate is so delicious, and one of the most popular types of candy given out on Halloween. Chocolate washes off your teeth easier than any other type of candy. Dark chocolate also has less sugar than regular milk chocolate.

Minimize sugary treats and foods and stick to oral hygiene routines. Check out more information here on what to do if a loose or poking archwires happen or brackets become loose. It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or lose wires and brackets.

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

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

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National Gum Care Month: 3 Ways to Protect Your Gums

September is National Gum Care Month! Our gums are an important function of our health and teeth. When we think of gum disease, we often think about it only affecting adults. The truth is teenagers and young children can form a milder form of gum disease, gingivitis. According to the American Dental Association, “cases of gum disease in individuals under 18 can add to the estimated 50 percent of adults who have the disease if they are not treated correctly.”

Gum disease is caused by bacteria and food debris that build upon and around your teeth. They form a sticky substance called plaque. As children grow older and gingivitis remains untreated, severe forms of gum disease form and can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, damage to the soft tissues and bones underneath the teeth.

The earliest symptoms of gum disease are puffy, swollen or red gums. In honor of National Gum Care Month, here are three ways to protect your gums.

1. Brushing
The first step in preventing your child from getting gum disease is to encourage a good dental hygiene routine. Your child should brush his teeth at least twice a day. It’s important to brush your teeth and keep a healthy routine of flossing, brushing your teeth and using a mouthwash.

2. Flossing 
If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces. Flossing is a great way to prevent any form of gum disease from forming.

Check your child's mouth for signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath. These are important signs to look out for yourself, to prevent gum disease.

3. Regular Visits
Regular dental care is extremely important in helping to keep your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist for routine care — especially cleaning — at least twice a year. Your dentist can remove hardened plaque and any tartar that you're not getting to with brushing or flossing.

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Making A Great First Impression, without the GOOP or GAG! #iTero #3DModel #Scan #Images #Dentist #Orthodontics #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

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The #1 Summer Tip to Take into Fall in Long Beach California

Summer is officially over and as a new season approaches, we are excited for new smiles and new seasons. We shared some great tips for a bright summer smile. As fall rolls into Long Beach and our surrounding communities, here is the #1 tip to take into fall.

Switch out Your Toothbrush:
Switching out your toothbrush is an often overlooked tip that can make a difference in our smile. It is recommended to switch out your toothbrush every 3-4 months. As a new season rolls around, this is a perfect opportunity to switch out toothbrushes for the whole family.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, switching out the toothbrush head is recommended.

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. The clinical staff members are all registered dental assistants and are certified with coronal polishing and X-ray licenses by the Department of California – Department of Consumer Affairs. Schedule an appointment today.

Registered Dental Assistant Jessica helping Sophya get prepared to enter preschool with pearly whites. pic.twitter.com/3N2XD1JOp4

— PDSLongBeach (@PDSLongBeach) August 29, 2019

National Tooth Fairy Day

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! Today can be a great time to get your kids engaged in following an oral hygiene routine. To keep your children’s teeth healthy, brush them for two minutes, twice a day.

In honor of National Tooth Fairy Day, here are five facts about teeth you may not know about teeth.

1. Did you know the average American spends 38.5 total days brushing their teeth over a lifetime? It’s important to brush your teeth and keep a healthy routine of flossing, brushing your teeth and using a mouthwash.

2. If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces. Make sure you brush and floss twice a day! Lack of flossing can contribute to silent symptoms of gum disease, which ultimately leads to decay.

3. Did you know according to the American Dental Association, kids in prehistoric times likely did not suffer from tooth decay. The American Dental Association says this is because sugar was not a part of their diet.

4. Tooth decay is actually classified as an infectious disease because it is caused by a particular strain of bacteria passed between multiple people.

5. The blueprint for your teeth is present the day you’re born. 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.

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Carly was so excited to become a brace face today! 👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽😬#PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez • • • • • • #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

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Happy National Fresh Breath Day

Happy National Fresh Breath Day! Today is National Fresh Breath Day, a perfect reminder to keep our smiles healthy and smelling fresh. Did you know the average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day, the recommended amount of time is 2-3 minutes?

One incredible way to keep your smile healthy that is often overlooked is by utilizing a type of mouthwash. Using mouthwash, especially during orthodontic treatment makes an oral hygiene routine easy. You can easily remove food debris from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. After brushing and flossing, you can swish it around your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will remove any lingering bacteria and will even help with inflammation of the gum if gum disease is prevalent

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The Choi Family are all smiles 😀 after their great check ups with Dr. Sanchez. #PediatricDentalSpecialistsLongBeach #DrPlanells #DrSanchez #DrCortez #PDSLongBeach #LongBeachDentist #LongBeachCalifornia #LongBeach #PediatricDentist #KidsDentist #Orthodontist #Smile #KidsSmile #WeLoveOurPatients

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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!

Oral Health Month

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 2 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.

Kids Need to Floss: 
It doesn't matter if you clean between ​your child's teeth before or after they brush as long as you clean between any teeth that touch. You can use child-friendly plastic flossing tools to more easily clean between your child’s teeth until your child learns to do it.

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.

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.