Let Us Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Dental Habits

Small Smiles is an independent, locally owned and operated dental clinic in Reno, NV. We have been serving our community and caring for the children of the Truckee Meadows since 2005.

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Our team knows that nothing in the world gives parents more joy than seeing a warm smile spread across their children's faces. We want your kids to have everything in the world, so they can smile unabashedly, confidently, and beautifully. At Small Smiles, we have the passion, dedication, commitment, and knowledge to make that happen.

To provide the best service to every child in the area, we cheerfully accept the Nevada Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid FFS, in addition to private insurance and cash payments.  Small Smiles is also an approved National Health Service Corps site and offers a Sliding Fee Scale for our patients without insurance who may be experiencing financial difficulties.

Our Mission

At Small Smiles, our mission is to give our community's kids the smiles they deserve.

Helpful Tips

With our assistance, you can help your children develop great dental care habits. We provide useful information about topics such as how to handle your baby’s teething time, how to get your kids to brush their teeth regularly, and how to promote a good flossing practice.

  • Brushing

    Two is the magic number when it comes to healthy teeth. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day—in the morning and just before bedtime—for at least two minutes.

    To help children focus on brushing their teeth for at least two minutes, play their favorite song for them to brush along to. Most songs are about three minutes, and this helps make the event more fun for your kids!
    Alternatively, you can use a basic sand or kitchen timer. Some electric toothbrushes also have built-in timers or play a tune when the child has brushed for at least two minutes.

  • Flossing

    As soon as the spaces between the teeth have closed, toothbrushes can no longer adequately clean these areas, which is why flossing is required. This usually occurs between ages 2 – 3 when all of the primary teeth have erupted.

    It usually helps to teach your kids how to floss early on so you can help your child become accustomed to the routine. You can let them use standard floss or flossers, which are available in fun colors and shapes.

  • Fluoride

    The groundwater in Truckee Meadows is naturally optimally fluoridated. However, people using city water only get their water after all of the fluoride has been screened out of it. Fluoride is important during the developing dentition as it helps promote healthy teeth and prevent early tooth decay, one of the most common childhood diseases.

    If you use well water, we can help you get your water tested to check the amount of fluoride present. Parents who give their children bottled water only should check the label to be sure that it is fluoridated. It may also be helpful to come prepared with questions about fluoride during your child’s next dental visit.

  • Sealants

    Sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect teeth from decay. These are applied to the grooves on teeth to keep out germs and food particles.

    The best time to apply the first sealants is just after the first permanent molars come up and before decay starts to occur at about age 5 or 6. As your child gets older and more permanent teeth erupt, your dentist will recommend that these new teeth receive sealants as well.

  • Primary or Baby Teeth

    Your child should eventually have 20 primary teeth erupt. Each one is important for helping them speak normally and chew naturally. Baby teeth also control the growth pattern of the face and hold space for permanent teeth to come in properly. When the first tooth appears, schedule a pediatric dental visit and begin using a soft-bristle, age-appropriate toothbrush twice a day.

  • Sippy Cup or Bottle Use

    Children and parents love sippy cups and bottles because they are familiar and because these containers prevent spills. We recommend that children are weaned from the sippy cup and bottle by age 1. If your child uses either after that age, be sure that it is only for water. Drinks that contain juice, soda, or other sweet liquids encourage more frequent use and greatly increase the risk for cavities.

  • Gingivitis

    Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, affects both children and adults. Some of the symptoms of this condition include bleeding, red, or swollen gums, bad breath that doesn't seem to go away, as well as loose, flapping gums. If caught early enough, this infection is treatable.

  • Tooth Decay

    Tooth decay is the result of a bacterial infection of the teeth and must be treated by a dental professional. Fillings may be used to restore limited decay on teeth. Severe or multi-surface decay may require a crown, root canal, or removal of the tooth.

    Tooth decay and cavities can be avoided if children receive regular dental checkups beginning by age 1. You should also promote a healthy diet as well as daily brushing and flossing.

  • Grinding

    Teeth grinding or bruxism may sound scary coming from young mouths, but it usually isn’t harmful. Grinding is common in children under age 7 and typically stops when their six-year permanent molars come through. There are many reasons why a child might grind their teeth, but fortunately, most kids will outgrow their habit.

    Tell your dentist if you have noticed any occurrences of your child grinding their teeth because this can cause your child's teeth to wear down faster. Most grinding will not require any additional treatment on the baby teeth.

    Your dentist will observe and monitor your child's teeth grinding at each recall visit until the habit ceases. If it continues into the permanent dentition, your dentist might recommend that a night guard be worn.

  • Tooth Injuries

    Any trauma resulting in a tooth injury will require a trip to the dentist. If you have children, it is a good idea to always have some Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) on-hand in case they lose a tooth.

    If a tooth is knocked out completely, rinse it under warm water, gently push it back in the socket, and hold it there. You may also place it in a cup of HBSS or milk. Never scrub the tooth or remove attached tissue and remember to bring the tooth with you during your next dental appointment.

    For a broken tooth, gently clean the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses on the face to decrease swelling.

  • Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use

    To prevent alterations in the eruption of the permanent dentition, your child should stop any thumb-sucking or pacifier habits prior to their fourth birthday. Most children will outgrow these habits by age 5, but if it continues after permanent teeth start coming in, dental or speech problems may occur. Children can develop a lisp or teeth that stick out or don’t align properly. Ask your dentist for advice on how to break this habit.