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.

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 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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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.

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.

National Children's Dental Health Month

Public awareness about children’s oral health is celebrated in the month of February, throughout the country.

Baby teeth are very important in a child’s dental development because they help guide the permanent teeth into place. Furthermore, because baby teeth have their own nerves, if a child develops deep cavities tooth-pain and infection may be the result. There is nothing worse than a toothache!

For that reason and more, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all children see the dentist by their first birthday.  The dentist can guide parents through the child’s formative years and provide guidance in tooth-brushing, flossing, thumb-sucking, braces and many other topics.  Parents may obtain valuable information on teething, preventative care such as application of sealants and the importance of topical fluoride (this information may accessed through links in our website:

Many children have access to sweets in many forms.  Candy and soda or sugar in baked goods are prevalent and most common in the diet.  If the child is out of balance by not brushing well to remove plaque or not flossing, they are at a higher risk for tooth decay.  If the child is not brushing with a fluoridated tooth paste, their risk goes even higher.

Children, teens and young adults should see their dentist for their dental check-up twice a year. This is important, especially if the child is undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Though it is important to maintain good oral health throughout the year, February is the time of year we rededicate ourselves to optimal oral health. Please let our doctors or team members know if you have any questions.

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.

Your First Visit

We offer pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for children, teens, and patients with special healthcare needs. With years of education, hands-on training, and experience, our doctors and staff are uniquely able to meet the specific dental needs of our young patients.

We strive to make your child’s first dental visit an enjoyable one. Young children receive a personalized storybook in which their name appears throughout the story. Our intention in providing this book is to familiarize your child with our dental office.

The storybook contains the doctor’s as well as staff members’ names. Knowing who they will meet and what to expect allows your child to feel more at ease and somewhat curious for this new experience. Perhaps the most exciting part of this book is the back page that has a place for our signatures, stickers, and the picture of your child’s first visit with us. This is a keepsake for our new patients.

When Should Your Child’s First Dental Visit Be? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend 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.

Giving Back at Pediatric Dental Specialist

At Pediatric Dental Specialist, we believe giving back to our community and around the world is part of who we are. The way we give back is through our charitable giving program that’s so easy for everyone to participate. This month, we are supporting our International Fund for Animal Welfare! Every time you Check-in on Facebook from our office, a donation is made on your behalf. It’s that simple, you check-in with a photo, status update or review and we make the donation on your behalf. Every month we will feature a new charity organization that are near to our hearts. They will be local and national charity organization that make a difference.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s vision is a world where animals are respected and protected. The international organization rescues individual animals, safeguard populations, preserve habitat, and advocate for a better future. Founded in 1969, IFAW has provided almost 50 years of global leadership, innovation and hands-on assistance to animals and communities in need.

Common Questions

1. When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

2. What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special healthcare needs.

3. Are baby's teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

4. What should I do if my child has a toothache?
See a dentist as soon as possible.

5. What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
A toothbrush will remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day and for sure at bedtime.

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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Giving Back to Build Healthy Communities

At Pediatric Dental Specialist, we believe that giving back is essential to building healthy communities. This month we are supporting the non-profit organization From Maddi’s Closet! Every time you check-in with us at our office, a donation is made to From Maddi's Closet. Benefiting children with cancer at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and beyond; bringing love, hope, and joy into their lives and their families.

“From Maddi’s Closet is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that supports families through special projects, providing funds for hospital staff for children with special needs not being met by other assistance programs, raising public awareness, and supporting pediatric cancer research.

From Maddi’s Closet was established in December 2004; two months after the loss of Madison in October.  Madison had battled bravely for eleven months, living nine months longer than her initial prognosis.  During these eleven months, she quietly raised her family’s awareness of the “sick children” around her, pointing out ones who had no one sitting by their bedside, or one who have been having an especially hard day.  Often she would take a toy with her when she went in for treatment and give it to a child who she felt needed something to play with.

Our projects are varied, ranging from distributing new toys and hand-made blankets to each pediatric cancer patient, sharing TLC gift bags with the tending moms, and sponsoring a Craft Play Day in the cancer ward.

The funds raised by From Maddi’s Closet are used to support the special monthly projects and response to special needs through financial donations to the Pediatric Cancer Ward Emergency fund at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Our dream is that there will be a “cure” that puts an end to children’s cancer.  We hold on to that dream and as we continue our journey, we work to support the medical community seeking better treatments and greatly improved mental and physical outcomes for these little patients.”

How can you join us in supporting From Maddi’s Closet?

Because we are a check-in 4 charity member, you can show support by simply checking-in on Facebook at our office. Each time you check-in, you participate in our donation to From Maddi’s Closet in May.

Learn more about the From Maddi’s Closet by visiting their website and social media at http://www.frommaddiscloset.org/

January Charity of the Month - Children's Dental Health Clinic

With the new year in full swing, we’re excited to announce our Check-In 4 Charity of the month – the Children’s Dental Health Clinic!

The Children's Dental Health Clinic is a remarkable non-profit organization serving both children and young adults in the Greater Long Beach and South Bay areas who are economically disadvantaged or have issues accessing care.  They are dedicated to providing quality basic and specialty dental treatment, as well as preventive services. Their ultimate vision is to see that all children grow up with healthy, confident smiles.

Over their 85-year history, they have evolved into a comprehensive, hospital-based facility on the campus of the Miller Children's Hospital in the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. They also have a satellite clinic in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. Today, the Children’s Dental Health Clinic is an independent community-based organization serving more than 10,000 underserved children through 33,000 visits annually.

To learn more about the history of this great organization and the services they provide, visit their website at: https://www.cdhc.org/

Please join all of us in supporting this local charity during the month of January. All you have to do is check-in on Facebook during your appointments – it’s that simple!

Out With The Old & In With The New

With cold and flu season starting, germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the office cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape by replacing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. You may be thinking "My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it”. While that could be true, did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

1.     Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.

2.     Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3.     Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Germs and bacteria in your mouth require brushing twice a day, every day.

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution! Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes! Make sure to mark your calendar as a reminder to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months. If you need a few tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, make sure to ask at your next appointment with us! 

Spotlight on This Months Check-In 4 Charity: Breast Cancer Research Foundation

This month with your help, we are supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The mission of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. The only way to achieve this goal is through research. Research is revolutionizing our understanding of cancer. Research is leading us to the core of this insidious disease. Research is transforming lives every day as women and men get the help they need. They believe research—and research alone—has the power to bring an end to cancer. They have more than 275 researchers urgently working on solutions to one of the world’s greatest problems.

Since their founding in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, BCRF has raised more than half a billion dollars for lifesaving research. Through a unique and streamlined grants program, they seek out the brightest minds in science and medicine and give them the necessary resources to pursue their best ideas. As a result, researchers are able to make discoveries and design new approaches to address all aspects of breast cancer—and do so in record time.

Breast cancer knows no age, gender, or race. As the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall, it remains a fact of life. The thousands of women and men suffering from breast cancer today depend on us. No institution can conquer this disease alone. Together, we can. 

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Pediatric Dental Specialists of Long Beach takes part in the Check-In 4 Charity program. Whenever you check-in at our office on Facebook, a donation will be generated for the charity of the month. Be sure to check-in at your next appointment and together we can give back to this amazing charity during the month of October.