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.

Open Wide and Say BOOO!

Halloween is around the corner and kids of all ages will be tempted to indulge in sugary treats. Here are some timely ‘tricks’ to safely enjoy those tempting ‘treats.’

Say ‘boo’ to sticky and chewy snacks such as caramel, gummies, taffy, jelly beans, bubblegum and popcorn.  Even if you don’t wear braces, aligners or other orthodontic “appliances,” be careful with these types of treats to prevent damage to your teeth.

While some candy is permissible, such as soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties, please remember to enjoy these goodies in moderation during the Halloween season and throughout the year.  Find orthodontic-friendly alternatives at https://www.aaoinfo.org/1/recipes

It’s also important to be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing during any holiday or celebration when you’ll be eating more sweets than usual.

Halloween falls during National Orthodontic Health Month and the American Association of Orthodontists and I encourage everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Eating With Braces

Now that you have your braces, what foods can you still enjoy? While some foods are off limits, don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.

Foods to AVOID with braces:

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice

Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice

Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum

Hard foods — nuts, hard candies

Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks

Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts

Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice

Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats

Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes

Spotlight on This Months Check-In 4 Charity: Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach

Just like that the warm summer months are winding down and September is here! For all of us at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Long Beach, this also means a new charity of the month! With your help we will be supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach.

ABOUT THE CHARITY
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach, comprised of 13 distinct facilities across the city, has been helping underprivileged youth reach their full personal and academic potential since 1939. One of the oldest, most successful youth organizations in the area, the BGCLB has served more than 220,000 youth, ages 6-18 in its 76-year history. Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as caring, responsible, and productive citizens. Their proven impact supports all aspects of positive youth development: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LONG BEACH

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 September.

What is the iTero Scanner?

It’s time to say goodbye to those messy molds associated with beginning orthodontic treatment and say hello to the iTero Intraoral Scanner. The iTero Intraoral Scanner is a more comfortable procedure that can capture an extremely accurate digital impression of teeth within minutes. Once complete, we can use this model to start your orthodontic treatment and help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Also, the 3D digital impression can be used with all Invisalign related services.

One of the fun parts about the iTero scanner is that you can actually see your own mouth on the monitor and see what can be done to it by the different views and manipulation of digital images. You can even have the images sent to your personal email.

Our office believes the incorporation of scanner technology in this regard is the present and future of dentistry in all forms, and orthodontics in particular.

If you’re interested in beginning orthodontic treatment for your child or teen, contact Pediatric Dental Specialists of Long Beach today at (562) 377-1375.

We Support World Autism Month

Pediatric Dental Specialists is taking part in the world-wide support for Autism this month! If you’re unaware, April is WOLRD AUTISM MONTH, so we want to go full force with our patients to support the amazing charity Autism Speaks. 

What is Autism Speaks?

Autism Speaks is a charity with the goal to increase the public understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder.  Aside from the amazing outcome of this charity, they are famous for their “Light It Up Blue” campaign. Wear blue to your appointments in April to show your support for Autism Speaks.

What is Autism? The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional.

Autism is defined as, "a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts."

Facts about autism according to Autism Speaks

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls.
• An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year.
• Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal.
• Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability.
• Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias.

How can you join us in supporting Autism Speaks?

Because Pediatric Dental Specialists is a check-in 4 charity member, you can show support for Autism speaks by checking-in on Facebook at our office. Each time you check-in participate in our donation to Autism Speaks in April. Another fun way to get involved is to wear blue at your April appointments! 

Pediatric Dental Specialists want to know: This Memorial Day, what are you up to?

Make no mistake about it: Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up in school or work spells sweet relief.

At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we know Memorial Day weekend is also a great time to pack up and hit the road. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun next weekend, our staff would like to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

Might you be a teeth whitening addict?

In an age—and culture—where looks matter as much as anything in life, and at a time when a set of beautiful white teeth might be the difference between getting that great job, more and more people want to look and feel great. But can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening? Dentists everywhere are reporting a spike in patients' complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, translucent teeth and excessive teeth sensitivity, especially to cold food and drink items.

Our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction. Or you may give us a call for more info!

Ask Pediatric Dental Specialists: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Drs. Planells, Sanchez and Cortez call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment at Pediatric Dental Specialists may be necessary to correct the issue.

Drs. Planells, Sanchez and Cortez will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion.
At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

What are patients saying about Pediatric Dental Specialists?

Drs. Planells, Sanchez and Cortez deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment here in Long Beach. Our dedicated team makes orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Dr. Planells understands and is comforting to children who get stressed out at the dentist's office." ~ Karen B.

"Dr. Sanchez is professional and friendly. The kids are very comfortable with her." ~ Anna S.

"I like the friendly staff. The dentists are very professional." ~ Justin C.

"My children are comfortable at the office and with their dentist. They have received excellent dental care and have not had any cavities." ~ Nicholas B.

Keep the great reviews coming! You may post a review of us on our Google Local page or on our social networks! We appreciate all of our patients!

Pediatric Dental Specialists, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

For 60 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Drs. Sanchez, Planells and Cortez, as well as thousands of other dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Our staff wants you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Pediatric Dental Specialists the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

The importance of mouth guards, from Pediatric Dental Specialists

At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Our team also knows sports-related injuries are common among children. (According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports).

That’s why the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. In fact, our staff will do impressions that will look like exact replicas of your mouth!

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Pediatric Dental Specialists.

24/7 access to your account at Pediatric Dental Specialists

At Pediatric Dental Specialists, Drs. Cortez, Sanchez and Planells embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental and orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Long Beach and serving surrounding communities.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what a few of our patients are saying about this service!

"Provides service for the busy working parents and is perceived as state of the art in the dental business." ~ Remy S.

"Not all dentists have this fast convenient service to check everything online. You don't need an actual person on a phone when your in a hurry. Thanks." ~ Sebastian P.

"It's great...I enjoyed the reading the info. on the doctors and that is has the appointments, financial info., etc. What a great idea. I wish every Doctor's office would do it!!!!! Kudos to you!!!" ~ Lori M.

"Quick and easy." ~ Joshua G.

You may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please call the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists if you have any questions!

What puts you at ease at Pediatric Dental Specialists?

Dr. Planells understands not everyone is thrilled to see their dentist. But she wants you to know that our team strives to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Pediatric Dental Specialists that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Pediatric Dental Specialists want to know: What are you up to in January?

The New Year is here, and, believe it or not, we’re only a couple months away from spring! The doctors and our staff at Pediatric Dental Specialists want to know: What are you doing in January? Any big winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! We also hope you all had a happy and safe holiday season!

Have a great rest of the week!

A great article about changes in dentistry, from Pediatric Dental Specialists

The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists know the world around us is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! Recently, we read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Drs. Cortez, Sanchez and Planells are at the forefront of changes in dentistry. Call us today to learn more about more changes in this exciting and ever-evolving field!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from Pediatric Dental Specialists

The holiday season is upon us, and as the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--From Drs. Cortez, Sanchez and Planells.

Pediatric Dental Specialists want to know: How was your Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving has once again come and gone, but the calories remain. The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists want to know: What did you do? Where did you go? Anything exciting? Also, what are you up to in December? We’d love an update!

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our offices and ask how.
--Dr. Cortez and team