Dear PDS Patients and Parents,
Our office remains CLOSED due to the COVID19 Pandemic. At this time our office will remain closed until May 1, 2020 or until we are cleared to open for normal business hours by government and healthcare organizations.
Please disregard any appointment reminders notices you may have received prior to today.
If you have an urgent need during this time, we will continue to be available for EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS ONLY. Please call our office so we may determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
We look forward to seeing you back in our office soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cortez, Dr. Sanchez, and Dr. Planells
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
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.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
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.
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!
Friday, December 27, 2019
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!!
Thursday, December 19, 2019
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
Friday, November 22, 2019
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
Thursday, November 14, 2019
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.
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!
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