Dental Health Insights for kids, teens, and families in South Los Angeles

What Happens If My Child Doesn’t Get Braces? Many parents ask, what happens if my child doesn’t get braces and whether orthodontic treatment can safely wait until they are older. While some spacing issues are normal during mixed dentition, most orthodontic problems do not correct themselves over time. While some spacing and shifting are normal, many orthodontic problems do not correct themselves over time. In fact, untreated misalignment can lead to long-term dental and heal

Parents handle plenty of everyday bumps, fevers, and late-night surprises — but dental issues often create a different kind of stress. A child wakes up with a toothache, falls at school, or suddenly shows swelling in the cheek. At that moment, most parents are unsure what qualifies as a dental emergency  and what can safely wait. This guide explains what counts as a pediatric dental emergency , how to respond, and when to seek help — without panic or guesswork. What Is a Pedi

Dental sealants for kids are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent childhood cavities. Applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, sealants act as a protective barrier—keeping bacteria, sugars, and acids out of deep grooves where cavities form. Cavities are one of the most common chronic childhood health conditions — yet they’re also one of the most preventable. Even kids who brush twice a day, floss regularly, and keep up with routine dental cleanings  can s

Early Signs Your Child Needs Braces Many parents are surprised to learn that early signs your child needs braces  can appear as early as age 6 or 7 , even before all permanent teeth come in. Orthodontic issues often begin quietly. When left untreated, they can lead to crowding, jaw pain, gum disease, or even tooth decay later on. Catching problems early usually means simpler and shorter treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have

Visiting the dentist shouldn’t feel stressful — not for kids and definitely not for parents trying to figure out how much everything costs. In Los Angeles, thousands of families search for “affordable kids dentist” every month, not because they want the cheapest option, but because they want quality care without financial surprises. The problem? Dental insurance can feel confusing. Some procedures are fully covered, others are partially covered, and some terms (like “medicall

Introduction: Orthodontics Is About More Than Straight Teeth When parents think about orthodontics, they often picture metal braces and perfect smiles. But there’s much more to orthodontic care — especially for children. Properly aligned teeth and jaws don’t just look better; they also improve speech, chewing, and overall confidence . At Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics , we’ve seen countless kids transform not just their smiles, but their self-esteem and communication skill

Introduction: A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles Begins Early When parents think about oral health, they often picture braces or cavity fillings for older kids. But good oral health starts early —long before a child has a full set of teeth. Oral hygiene should begin as soon as the first tooth appears, and even before that! At Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics , we’ve seen how baby teeth care  shapes a child’s dental future. From brushing routines to early dental checkups, small hab

Introduction Finding the best pediatric dentist in Los Angeles is a big decision for any family. When parents search for ways to find the best pediatric dentist in Los Angeles , they often look for trust, comfort, and dental health expertise. At Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics , families throughout South Los Angeles  trust our team to provide high-quality, gentle care for kids, teens, and young adults. Parents consistently share how our calm approach, welcoming staff, and br

Introduction Many parents wonder: When should my child see a dentist for the first time? What is the best age to start taking kids to the dentist? When do kids start going to the dentist? The truth is surprisingly simple:👉 Your child should see a dentist by age one, or within six months after the first tooth appears. This early start is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry , the leading authority in children’s oral health. But why so early ?Because earl

What an incredible day! Our annual SOLAFEST  brought together more than 300 attendees  from the South LA community — and it was nothing short of amazing! The event was packed with laughter, music, and bright smiles as families, patients, and friends joined us for a fun-filled celebration of community and healthy smiles. This year’s SOLAFEST featured exciting games, creative costumes, and a lively photo booth that captured so many unforgettable moments. From little ones dresse

By Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics Introduction: Where Smiles Start Early in South Los Angeles Finding the right dental care for kids in South LA  can feel like a big decision — and it should. Parents want more than just clean teeth; they want a dental home where their children feel comfortable, cared for, and understood. At Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics , we’ve built our reputation around exactly that — creating positive experiences that help kids grow up with confidence a

Finding a kids dentist near me that accepts Medi-Cal  is one of the most common searches for parents in Los Angeles — and for good reason. Families want quality care for their children without worrying about cost, coverage, or hidden fees. At Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics , we believe every child deserves access to gentle, compassionate, and affordable dental care. Our mission is to make every visit comfortable and enjoyable — while helping parents feel confident about th

Introduction For many California families, orthodontic care isn’t just about creating a beautiful smile—it’s about improving a child’s...

For parents in Los Angeles, finding the best dentist near LA for kids and teens  can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of dental offices...

Introduction At Sola Kids Dental & Orthodontics, we know that searching for the best pediatric dentist near Los Angeles  is about more...

Introduction If your child has dental issues like cavities or missing teeth, you might wonder: Can kids get braces in this situation?  The short answer is yes—with clear planning and coordination. In this guide, we’ll explain: Why cavities or gaps don’t automatically rule out braces treatment How we manage and treat these issues before or during orthodontic care What challenges may arise, and how our team handles them 1. Can Cavities Be Present When Getting Braces? Before pl

Introduction If your child is getting braces, it’s natural to wonder, “How long will this take?” The average orthodontic treatment lasts 12 to 24 months, but it can vary depending  on bite problems, jaw growth, cooperation, and the type of braces  used. Some cases finish in just 6 months, while others may take 3 years or more. This guide explains what affects treatment length, common causes of delays in braces , how to keep your child on track, and what happens after braces

One of the most common questions parents ask is:  “Is it normal for my child to still have baby teeth at age 7?” Short answer: Yes, it usually is.  But we understand the worry. You want to make sure your child’s dental development is on track. While every child follows a slightly different timeline, knowing what’s normal and what’s not can give you peace of mind and help you decide when it’s time to talk to your pediatric dentist. In this guide, we’ll explain: Normal tooth er

When you first get your braces, your teeth and mouth will feel tender for a few days. During this time, stick to soft foods and avoid anything tough, chewy, or crunchy. As you adjust, you’ll be able to eat most foods again—but some foods should always be avoided to protect your braces. Foods to Avoid Ice (even if you think you’re careful) Hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Snickers, etc.) Gum of any kind Hard chips (like Doritos) Carrots, apples, pears—unless cut into small

When most people think of orthodontics, they envision perfect, straight smiles. But the value of orthodontic treatment runs much deeper. It plays a crucial role  in overall health. It impacts how children chew, speak, clean their teeth, and feel about themselves. From correcting bite alignment and improving speech clarity to enhancing oral hygiene and boosting confidence— the benefits of orthodontics  reach far beyond appearance. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry  that su