Dr. Nick Brajevich graduated from UCLA before earning his dental degree, with honors, from USC. He went on to complete his Pediatric Dental Residency at USC, Long Beach Memorial/Miller Children's Hospital, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

In practice for over 20 years, Dr. Brajevich is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, California Dental Association, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Western Los Angeles Dental Association, Southern California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the USC Pediatric Dental Alumni Association and is past president of the USC Pediatric Dental Alumni.

Dr. Brajevich and his wife, Liann, have two children. The kids enjoy performing arts and musical theater. The family is active in local charity and community activities. Liann is a leader in Bible Study Fellowship.

Dr. Grant Shandler graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. He earned his dental degree at USC School of Dentistry, where he was honored with the Floyd E. Hogeboom award for excellence in pediatric dentistry. He went on to complete his Pediatric Dental Residency at USC, Long Beach Memorial/Miller Children's Hospital. During his residency, he was selected to serve with the programs directors as the student liaison to the Student Professionalism and Ethics Committee.

Dr. Grant and his fiance, Alison, grew up in the South Bay, where they met in high school. They love being outdoors, hiking and skiing in Mammoth, and golfing around the South Bay. Theyre excited to get married and have kids too! .

Your child won't keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesn't mean those tiny pearly whites don't need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health now will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve some extremely important functions.

For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth, holding the space into which these new teeth will erupt. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.

What's more, your child's primary teeth will be there for most of childhood, helping your child to bite, chew and speak. For the first six or so years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth exclusively to perform these important functions. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally when it's time.

Your child's 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Sometimes your baby can experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, let us know and we will advise you as to the best course of action.

Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until about the age of 6.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you bring your child in to see us by his/her first birthday. Though this may sound early, we can teach you proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental problems.

There are a number of forms of tooth decay that can affect babies and small children. Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) can develop rapidly, progressing from the hard, outer enamel layer of a tooth into the softer, inner dentin in six months or less.

Topical Fluoride Fluoride incorporates into the enamel of teeth, making it harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and in some drinking water supplies, we can apply a higher concentration onto your child's teeth for maximum protection (Watch Preventing Cavities in Kids Video).

Dental Sealants We can apply a plastic coating that prevents cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as pits and fissures. These little crevices become the perfect environments for decay-causing bacteria. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and therefore less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection (Watch Dental Sealant Video).

Root Canal Treatment Perhaps you have had a root canal treatment yourself, to save an injured or severely decayed tooth. Well, sometimes children need root canals, too. As mentioned above, baby teeth are important guides to the permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your child's gums. Therefore, saving them from premature loss can help prevent a malocclusion (mal bad; occlusion bite) that requires orthodontic treatment.

Bonding Chips and minor fractures to front teeth common childhood occurrences can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials. These lifelike resins made of plastic and glass can be used on baby teeth as well as permanent teeth and last until the youngster has completed facial growth (Watch Dental Bonding Video).

By around age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can help direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for later treatment. There are many orthodontic problems that can be detected early and are examples of why a trained professional should evaluate your child during his/her growth and development.

Dentistry and Oral Health for Children Dear Doctor magazine brings you this wide-ranging overview of milestones and transitions in your child's dental development. Learn how to protect your children from tooth decay, dental injuries, and unhealthy habits while getting them started on the road to a lifetime of oral health and general well-being... Read Article

Pregnancy & Oral Health Pregnancy is generally thought of as the time when a woman strives to be particularly aware of the need for better health. Many women, though, may not be aware of the link that exists between their oral health and their systemic (general) health, as well as the impact this can have on a developing child. Learn about how to care for yourself and your baby... Read Article

How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health Proper oral health habits are easy to learn and lead to behaviors that result in lifelong dental health. And the time to begin is as soon as your child's first baby teeth appear. From toothbrushing for your toddler to helping your teenager stay away from tobacco, Dear Doctor magazine offers the most important tips for healthy habit formation through childhood and beyond... Read Article

Top 10 Oral Health Tips for Children There's no need to wait until your baby actually has teeth to lay the foundations for good oral or general health. In fact, good nutrition and oral hygiene can start right away. It is up to you to develop the routines that will help protect your child from tooth decay and other oral health problems. So let's get started... Read Article