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 in the Community

The doctors of Pediatric Dental Specialists—Drs. Cortez, Planells and Sanchez—are actively involved in many community-service activities, charitable organizations and child advocacy endeavors because they believe strongly in giving back. Living out of the philosophy, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

The doctors go to great lengths to ensure that their specialty is being used to the fullest to educate, advocate and care for all children in our community. They also participate in dental missions around the world, serving children in need. During their entire careers they have and continue to donate many clinical hours each year volunteering at dental clinics, mobile dental clinics, special events and dental missions.

Some of the education aspects of their service include being advisers to the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, Head Start Program and the Stramski Center. Lecturing at USC and UCLA schools of dentistry and many dental organizations are part of their dedication to mentoring and caring for the profession.

The doctors are very involved in their professional organizations, spending many hours as leaders working to inform our lawmakers of the condition of oral health care in our children and to promote change.

Not only are our doctors involved but they encourage and inspire their staff to reach out wherever possible to do the same.

To learn more about Pediatric Dental Specialists in the greater Los Angeles community, please give us a call. Happy Monday!

Patient reviews for Pediatric Dental Specialists

Pediatric Dental Specialists, serving Long Beach and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient testimonials lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Cortez and team! Have a great week!

"Exceptional service and commitment to making the child's experience positive." ~ Sheila T.

"He is very concerned about his patients. Works well to help both the child and parent. He has performed excellent work for both of my sons." ~ Richard G.

"I love Dr. Cortez and how he provides information that I am able to understands. I have referred so many people over to Dr. Cortez, I know that they would love his work. He takes pride in working with children. Also he makes you feel welcome." ~ Ryan K.

"He seems to be professional and have a generous heart toward children and understands parent concerns. His education and strive to help others is inspiring to anyone. He seems to be a great role model for children. Many may even become dentists....." ~ John B.

"Dr. Cortez and his staff have always been great! I have been coming here since I was a little tyke and it is always great. I am always very happy to be there. I especially like their most recent edition of "Sesame"! In two words : THEY ROCK !!!!!" ~ Andrew T.

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

A great braces-friendly fall recipe! From Pediatric Dental Specialists

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at Pediatric Dental Specialists just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
•¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
•¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•¼ cup sliced garlic
•½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
•Sea salt, preferably gray salt
•½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
•Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great week!
--From the team at Pediatric Dental Specialists

Getting you through flu season, from Pediatric Dental Specialists

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms Pediatric Dental Specialists are taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy!