How Functional Frenectomy Supports Holistic Development

How Functional Frenectomy Supports Holistic Development

When it comes to your child’s health, oral function plays a bigger role than most parents realize. A simple tongue tie or restricted oral tissue can affect feeding, speech, sleep, and overall development. That’s why families are turning to a holistic pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, CA, who looks beyond teeth to ensure comprehensive care.

But first, what do we mean by “holistic pediatric dentist? ” In healthcare, the word “holistic” means different things to different people. For some, “holistic” means “derived from nature,” as opposed to artificial or high-tech. For others, “holistic” means “alternative approaches,” rather than conventional practices. Yet another definition of “holistic” is “traditional” (i.e., based on centuries of human experience), as opposed to the latest technologies, which may be unfamiliar or subject to concerns about safety or efficacy.

Also, what do we mean by “functional care? ” In simple terms, functional care aims to ensure that the body’s anatomy and physiology perform in harmony, the way nature intended, to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Holistic and functional care are complementary, because both approaches consider how the whole body—its cells, tissues, organs, and systems—work together and influence each other to support good health and performance.

Understanding Functional Frenectomy

A functional frenectomy is a specialized procedure that releases tight or restrictive oral tissues, such as a tongue tie or lip tie. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on surgical correction, a holistic pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems evaluates the functional impact of oral restrictions. This includes how restrictions influence:

Feeding and nutrition
Speech development
Oral posture and alignment
Breathing behavior and sleep quality

Sleep and Breathing: A Key Focus

Oral restrictions can lead to sleep disruptions and breathing difficulties in children. That’s why a sleep and breathing assessment by a pediatric dentist is essential. Evaluating airway function helps identify potential issues early, preventing long-term complications and supporting optimal growth and development.

Integrating Myofunctional Therapy

After a frenectomy, myofunctional therapy is often recommended. This therapeutic approach retrains the muscles of the tongue, lips, and face to promote proper function. When combined with a functional frenectomy, it can help children develop better swallowing patterns, improved speech, and enhanced facial growth. Performance of a frenectomy without following a recommended program of follow-up myofunctional exercises can result in suboptimal outcomes.

Benefits of Functional Frenectomy and Myofunctional Therapy

Enhanced feeding and swallowing
Improved speech clarity
Better sleep and reduced snoring
Support for proper oral and facial development
Long-term oral health benefits

Choosing the Right Holistic Pediatric Dentist

Parents in Los Angeles, CA, seeking a holistic pediatric dentist should look for one who integrates surgical care, functional assessments, and therapeutic support. By combining early intervention with a focus on overall wellness, children can experience benefits that extend far beyond a simple tongue-tie release.

Functional frenectomy is more than just a procedure—it’s an investment in your child’s lifelong health and development. Partnering with a knowledgeable pediatric dentist ensures your child gets the comprehensive care that he or she deserves.

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

First Tooth, First Threat: Preventing Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

The arrival of a baby’s first tooth is a milestone, but it also marks the beginning of his or her vulnerability to dental decay. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a significant and common dental problem among young children, yet it’s largely preventable. With the right care and habits, you can protect your child’s smile from the very start. Here is what a pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems on the Westside of Los Angeles has to say about ECC.

Understanding Early Childhood Caries

Early Childhood Caries, sometimes known as “baby bottle tooth decay,” is a severe form of tooth decay that affects the teeth of infants and toddlers. The condition is primarily caused by frequent and prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to sugary liquids, including milk, formula, and fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. If left untreated, ECC can lead to pain, infection, and problems with eating and speaking. Not yet able to speak, infants may express their oral discomfort by resisting feedings, crying, or being especially sensitive around the mouth.

Simple Steps to Prevent ECC

Prevention is straightforward and begins at home.

Oral Hygiene: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings. Once the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste.

Dietary Habits: Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Encourage drinking from a cup as your child approaches his or her first birthday.

Dental Check-Ups: Schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth emerges or by the first birthday. If your infant is experiencing problems with breastfeeding or feeding, it is appropriate to see a pediatric dentist even in the earliest time of infancy. Early check-ups are crucial for catching potential problems, some of which may be related to oral tissues (for example, tongue restrictions), rather than to the teeth

Find a Pediatric Dentist Near You

A pediatric dentist has specialized training to handle the unique dental needs of children. For families seeking a pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems on the Westside of Los Angeles or throughout the Greater Los Angeles area (and beyond!), finding a specialist who can provide compassionate care is essential. Early intervention and professional guidance are your best defense against ECC.

Protect Your Child’s Smile

Protecting your child from Early Childhood Caries starts with the first tooth. By establishing good oral hygiene, making smart dietary choices, and seeking regular professional care from a pediatric dentist for early childhood dental problems, you can ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy smiles.

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

Finding a Naturopathic Pediatric Dentist in Los Angeles & Santa Monica (2025 Parent’s Guide)

Naturopathic healthcare, also known as naturopathy, applies modern, scientific and evidence-based principles in the use of natural treatments that may facilitate the human body’s innate ability to heal itself. Practitioners of naturopathy, commonly referred to as naturopaths, are professionally trained to seek the root cause of ailments, bodily dysfunctions and conditions and to consider treatment approaches that may help to restore wellbeing as gently and naturally as possible.

Naturopathy has gained greater attention among parents who are seeking alternative, holistic, or integrative treatments for their children, as a natural complement to conventional pediatric medicine and pediatric dentistry.

What Makes Naturopathic Pediatric Dentistry Different?

Even as pediatric dentistry has become more specialized and “high tech,” there is growing recognition among both pediatric dentists and parents of the use of natural substances, such as herbs and essential oils, that have a long tradition of use, dating back to times before modern pharmacology.

In the U.S., there is also increasing interest in “traditional remedies” that remain widely used in Europe (where naturopathy as a discipline originated) and in traditional Chinese medicine.

Naturopathic pediatric dentists apply the scientific principles and methods of naturopathy specifically to children’s oral healthcare. It’s important to emphasize that this is offered as a complement to conventional pediatric dentistry, not a replacement, based on a case-by-case evaluation in consultation with parents and the child’s medical history.

A naturopathic pediatric dentist considers the child’s whole health picture, including:

Medical and dental history
Developmental milestones
Behavioral factors
Prior treatment experiences
Age-appropriate techniques

They may also integrate environmental and lifestyle factors, offering a whole-child approach rather than treating symptoms alone.

How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for your Child

Many families from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Westwood/Century City seek out Dr. Hila Robbins, who is highly regarded for her specialized, personalized approach to care, including the integration of naturopathic principles into pediatric dentistry.

Looking for a trusted naturopathic pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and beyond? Schedule a visitor consultation with Dr. Hila Robbins today and experience a holistic, child-centered approach to care.

August 26, 2025August 27, 2025

Tips for Choosing Pediatric Dentistry Near Beverly Hills, CA (2025 Guide)

Choosing the right dentist for your child means more than excellent care; it’s also about ensuring they have a welcoming, positive, super-friendly experience that establishes and reinforces healthy habits for life. When searching for pediatric dentistry near Beverly Hills, CA, parents should look for practices that combine specialized expertise, a child-centric environment, ease of accessibility (on-site parking, ground-floor office (no stairs, no elevator)), and forward-thinking approaches to children’s dental health.

In 2025, here are the top qualities parents value most when selecting a pediatric dentist:

Child-Friendly Experience

A great pediatric dentist designs her office around kids. Think play areas, dental chairs and equipment designed specifically for children, and staff who truly understand child psychology. Some offices also provide options to reduce anxiety and provide sensory relaxation, not only for little ones but also for parents and caregivers!

Preventive & Personalized Care

Today’s most innovative pediatric dentists focus on early assessment, diagnosis, and intervention as early as infancy (especially if there are feeding issues). Look for a specialist who emphasizes developmental, integrative, and biological dentistry, which considers the “whole body” and draws upon the expertise from a wide range of pediatric healthcare specialists.

Advanced Technology

Modern pediatric dentists may use various types of lasers, needle-free local anesthesia, sound therapy, vibration therapy, and other methods to make dental procedures more calming, to reduce perception of pain, and to relax the senses.

Communication & Patience

Parents appreciate dental teams that take time to explain procedures in simple terms. easing both child and parent anxiety. A supportive, compassionate staff makes all the difference.

Whole-Child Approach

Today’s leading dentists recognize that oral health impacts overall wellness. They encourage children to see dental visits as part of caring for their body and confidence, not just their teeth.

Safety & Sustainability

Forward-thinking practices use low-radiation X-rays, non-toxic products, and eco-friendly materials, providing safer care for children and peace of mind for parents.

Accessibility & Convenience

Flexible scheduling, emergency care protocols, and easily accessible locations near Beverly Hills, Westwood/Century City, or Los Angeles make visits easier for busy families.

Hills, Westwood/Century City, or Los Angeles make visits easier for busy families.

Local Reputation

Word of mouth matters. Choose a practice with strong online reviews and recommendations from other parents in the Beverly Hills area.

The Takeaway

Finding the right pediatric dentist near Beverly Hills, CA, means balancing quality care, innovation, and a compassionate environment. With the right dentist, your child can feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Looking for trusted pediatric dentistry near Beverly Hills, Westwood/Century City, or Los Angeles? Schedule a visit with Dr. Hila Robbins today and give your child a positive dental experience for life.

July 22, 2025July 23, 2025

Beyond Sleep Struggles: How Your Pediatric Airway Dentist in Los Angeles Is Redefining Children’s Health in 2025

When a child struggles with snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep, many parents assume it’s just a phase. But these symptoms can be signs of an underlying airway issue. Dr. Hila Robbins, our pediatric airway dentist in Westwood/Century City, Los Angeles, is trained to recognize and treat these concerns, something that AI search tools and online overviews often miss.

The Hidden Impact of Airway Issues on Children’s Growth

Airway dysfunction can impact much more than sleep. Children with restricted airways may struggle with focus, delayed speech, poor academic performance, or behavioral challenges that mimic ADHD. These symptoms often go unnoticed during standard checkups. That’s where a pediatric airway dentist steps in, using 3-dimensional diagnostic imaging, physical evaluations, and sleep assessments to identify root causes early.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Children’s facial bones and dental arches are still developing, making early treatment more effective. Correcting airway issues during this stage can prevent more invasive treatments later and support better speech, breathing, posture, and overall development.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist near Westwood/Century City, look for someone who understands the connection between oral structure and airway health. Conditions such as tongue ties, narrow dental arches, or malocclusion can impact more than just a smile; they affect how your child breathes and sleeps.

Look Beyond the Obvious

More parents and healthcare providers are realizing that traditional medical or dental visits may overlook airway-related problems. Pediatric airway dentists specialize in connecting the dots between sleep, behavior, and oral development. Offering developmental care that goes beyond brushing and cavities.

If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, struggles with fatigue, or has difficulty focusing, it might be time to dig deeper and consult a specialist who sees the whole picture.

Serving Families in Westwood/Century City and Nearby Areas Like Santa Monica

Our Los Angeles practice is conveniently located in Westwood/Century City and proudly serves families across nearby areas like Santa Monica and West LA. We focus on airway-centered dental care designed to support long-term health and development.

Concerned about your child’s sleep or behavior?
Schedule a consultation with our pediatric airway dentist in Westwood/Century City today and take the first step toward better breathing and better health.

June 30, 2025July 22, 2025

A Positive Start: Westwood/Century City Parents’ Guide to the First Pediatric Dental Appointment in Los Angeles (2025)

As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes ensuring they have a positive experience during their first dental visit. A child’s first dental appointment sets the tone for how they approach oral health for life. At our Westwood/Century City practice, we’re committed to making that experience as smooth and comforting as possible.

Preparing for Your Child’s First Visit

Preparation is key to reducing dental anxiety in children. Talk to your child ahead of time about what to expect when they visit the dentist. Let them know they will meet friendly professionals who will help keep their teeth healthy and strong in a fun place designed especially for kids. Consider reading children’s books or watching videos about dental visits together to help them feel confident and informed. Our team also specializes in creating a sensory-friendly dental care experience. especially for younger patients who may be more sensitive to new environments.

Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist in Westwood/Century City

Finding the right children’s dentist can make all the difference, especially for kids who may have special needs. If your child has autism or sensory processing differences, a pediatric dentist for autism in Los Angeles/Century City can offer tailored care that respects their comfort and individual needs. Our specialists are trained in compassionate communication, behavior guidance, and environmental adjustments and use of specialized technologies that ease the experience for both child and parent.

When to Consider a Pediatric Airway Dentist

If your child has trouble sleeping, snores at night, or frequently wakes up tired, it It might be time to see a pediatric airway dentist. Our dental professionals focus on how the oro-facial anatomy, tongue, and airway impact sleep and breathing. Conditions such as pediatric sleep-disordered breathing can have long-term effects on overall health, behavior, and growth.

Early detection and treatment can help your child sleep better, breathe easier, and thrive in their daily lives.

By choosing a pediatric dentist who aligns with your child’s needs, whether for general care, sensory support, or airway health, you will help ensure their first A dental appointment is a positive milestone.

Call Us Today!

Looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Westwood or Los Angeles?

Schedule your child’s first dental visit with Dr. Hila Robbins today, where Smiles, comfort, and compassionate care come first.

June 9, 2025June 10, 2025

A Parent’s Guide to Laser Frenectomy for Children in Los Angeles, CA

If your infant or toddler struggles with tongue-tie or lip-tie, a laser frenectomy might be the ideal solution. This safe, minimally invasive procedure, offered by pediatric dental specialists in Los Angeles, CA, can improve feeding, speech, airway function, and oral health. In this brief guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your child’s frenectomy and ensure a smooth recovery.

Before the Laser Frenectomy Procedure

Pediatric Dental Consultation
Your first step is to schedule a consultation with a pediatric dentist or a pediatric laser dentist specialist in Los Angeles. The provider will examine your child to determine if a frenectomy is recommended. The specialist will conduct an oral exam of the child and ask questions about feeding experience, possible issues with breathing or disrupted sleep, speech, drooling, etc.
Ask Questions & Understand Expectations
Use the consultation to ask questions like:
- How is tongue-tie or lip-tie determined and measured?
- What are the treatment options?
- What are the benefits of laser frenectomy for children?
- Is any type of anesthesia or sedation required?
- What are the risks and recovery expectations?
Preparing Your Child at Home
For younger children who are old enough to understand, explain the procedure gently and simply. Let them know it is quick and helps to make eating, breathing, and speaking easier.

What to Expect During a Child’s Frenectomy in Los Angeles

On the day of the procedure:

Comfortable and Quick Treatment
The pediatric dentist will use a precise dental laser with a specialized handpiece to gently release the restricted frenulum (soft tissue that causes restricted movement of the tongue or lip). The use of a laser typically results in less bleeding, no stitches, and faster healing compared to traditional methods (use of surgical scissors or a scalpel).
Sedation or Anesthesia
Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, local (topical) anesthesia or mild, conscious sedation may be used by the pediatric dental team.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
You will receive instructions on how to clean the area and what to watch for during healing.

Aftercare: Helping Your Child Heal Comfortably

Managing Discomfort
Mild soreness is common. Use dentist-recommended, over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.
Healing Stretches
To prevent the frenulum from reattaching, the dentist may recommend post-frenectomy stretches. These are gentle and only take a few seconds. The goal of these exercises is to ensure that healing tissues move freely and function optimally.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend all scheduled follow-ups so that the pediatric dentist specialist can ensure proper healing and answer any concerns.

FAQs About Laser Frenectomy for Kids

Is laser frenectomy painful for children?
Most children feel only brief and mild discomfort. The laser allows for faster recovery and minimal bleeding.
How soon can my child eat after the procedure?
Many children can eat soft food within a few hours. Your dentist will give personalized advice.
What are the long-term benefits?
Laser frenectomy can improve breastfeeding (better latching, less pain for Mom), speech development, and oral function, especially when performed early.

Partner With a Trusted Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist
Choosing a specially trained, certified and experienced provider for laser frenectomy for children in Los Angeles, CA, is crucial for your child’s comfort and long-term success. Look for specialists in pediatric laser dentistry who welcome open communication with parents.

For expert care or consultations, visit our Pediatric Dental Services page or contact our team today. We are here to support your child’s healthy smile every step of the way.

May 16, 2025June 9, 2025

What You Need to Know about Frenectomy for Children in Los Angeles, CA

Is your child struggling with breastfeeding, breathing, sleep, speech development, eating, or oral hygiene? A pediatric dentist specializing in integrative dentistry, airway assessment, and specialized treatments may recommend a frenectomy (or frenotomy), a simple procedure that can help address these issues. If you are in Los Angeles, CA, consider consulting a pediatric dentist experienced in frenectomies for children.

Frenectomy Explained

A frenectomy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed by a pediatric dental specialist to release a tight or thick frenulum, the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (tongue-tie) or the upper lip to the gums (lip-tie). These conditions can limit oral movement and may cause difficulty with breastfeeding, breathing and restful sleep, speech, eating, and proper oral hygiene.

Signs Your Child May Need a Frenectomy

Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
Speech delays or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
Inability to lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth
Gaps or spaces between the front teeth
Difficulty while eating
Gum recession or tooth misalignment

Benefits of Frenectomy for Children

By addressing tongue-tie or lip-tie through a frenectomy, your child can experience a range of benefits, including:

Improved breastfeeding success and comfort for both the baby and the mother.
Easier breathing and more restful sleep
Enhanced speech development and articulation.
Better oral hygiene and reduced risk of dental issues.
Improved chewing and swallowing
Improved self-esteem and confidence as your child grows.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think your child may need a frenectomy, do not wait to seek professional advice from
pediatric dental specialists. The experienced team at HILA ROBBINS, DMD, INC., specializes in pediatric dental care and can assess whether your child could benefit from this procedure. Their gentle, expert approach ensures your child receives the best treatment for their oral health and overall well-being.

Do not let tongue-tie or lip-tie impact your child’s development. Explore trusted options for
frenectomy for children in Los Angeles, CA, and give your child the opportunity to thrive. Early intervention is key to promoting healthy oral function and long-term wellness.

February 29, 2024March 14, 2024

An Innovative Approach to Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles: The ALFAppliance

For today’s kids, going to the pediatric dentist is about so much more than teeth! Proper development of a child’s teeth, gums, oral tissues, jaw, and oro-facial anatomy can influence the proper development and healthful function of the child’s whole body. Consequently, today’s leading pediatric dentists are evaluating children’s oral health and development and creating treatment plans.

The ALF Appliance: A Gentle, Natural Approach to Oral Development

Traditional methods of orthodontic treatment use fixed brackets (attachment points on the teeth) and wires, as well as straightening and aligning teeth, using the external forces of wires to influence the positioning of the teeth. This approach. Innovative alternatives to traditional orthodontics, such as the ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functionals) Appliance, use the natural forces of bone and muscle development to help stimulate and guide optimal oral cavity development and teeth positioning. Rather than relying on externally applied forces, the ALF Appliance acts to stimulate optimal, genetically-determined development and movement of the bones and connective tissues that form the dental arches, the upper and lower maxilla (jaw), and influence tooth positioning, the shape of the upper palate, and the structure (amount of opening) of the upper airway.

The ALF treatment approach is based on the knowledge that the human body is a complex system of interrelated anatomical structures (bones and connective tissues), organs, vessels, and pathways (nerves, airways, etc.) that the alignment of the teeth, jaws, and facial structures can influence. The ALF approach goes well beyond simply straightening teeth; it aims to create harmony among all components of the face, resulting in improved breathing, posture, and whole-body health. For these reasons, the ALF can be thought of as a whole-body approach to dental development.

Key to the ALF approach is the use of ALF appliances. These appliances are customized to each patient’s unique dental and oral anatomy and particular oral health needs and are designed to guide the growth and development of the teeth and jaws in a more natural way. To design and fabricate a customized ALF Appliance, the patient’s dental arches and teeth can often be scanned using a computerized “light wand,” which produces a 3-dimensional, digital model, thereby reducing the discomfort and anxiety associated with the making of traditional dental molds.

Advantages of the ALF Appliance for Children

One of the many advantages of the ALF Appliance is that it is ideal for kids. Children’s dental needs can be complex, and treatment plans can be tailored to the development of their mouth and jaw structures. ALF for kids is gentle and not typically visible to others, making it particularly appealing to children.

To learn more about ALF appliances, look for an ALF dentist in Los Angeles, CA.

January 29, 2024March 14, 2024

Oralase™ Therapy for Children in Los Angeles, CA: Transforming Pediatric Dental Care

Oral health is of utmost importance, especially for children. Regular dental check-ups and timely treatments are crucial in maintaining a healthy smile. Advancements in technology have allowed for innovative Oralase™ therapy for children in Los Angeles, CA. This procedure is gaining popularity among children’s dental specialists and pediatric laser dentistry practitioners as it provides numerous benefits compared to traditional methods.

What is Oralase Therapy?

Oralase therapy is a gentle, non-invasive dental treatment that utilizes laser technology to help relieve pain, muscle tightness, and restricted or “tight” connective tissue (called fascia) and reduce treatment-related anxiety in children. Oralase therapy is a type of photobiomodulation (photo = light; bio = life (or living tissue); modulation = change). Oralase therapy produces calming sensations such as very gentle warming or a feeling of “release” of tight or painful tissue.

Benefits of Oralase Therapy for Children

Precise and Painless: One of the primary benefits of Oralase therapy is its precise and calming nature. Some children may experience anxiety or be fearful during dental procedures. Lasers can provide a more comfortable sensory experience for young patients,
Minimally Invasive: Oralase therapy for children is not invasive, meaning it does not involve the use of any instruments that touch the skin or oral tissues. This is especially helpful for children who are especially sensitive to physical contact.
Reduced Dental Anxiety: Traditional dental treatments can be intimidating for children, leading to dental anxiety. However, Oralase therapy offers a less intimidating experience, making it easier for kids to cooperate during dental procedures.

Choosing a Children’s Dental Specialist in Los Angeles, CA

When considering newer treatment options, such as Oralase therapy for your child, it’s essential to choose a children’s dental specialist who is experienced in pediatric laser dentistry. Look for a reputable kids’ dentist who offers comprehensive oral care services and is well-versed in using laser technology. Consider factors such as their certifications in the use of specific technologies or procedures, referrals from other trusted pediatric specialists, and positive patient reviews (especially “word of mouth”) to ensure your child receives top-quality dental care.