As a parent or caregiver, you’re concerned about your child’s teeth. You take them to the dentist and help with brushing and oral care. You may not know that preserving baby teeth until they’re ready to come out on their own is vital to dental health.
As a pediatric dentist in Phoenix, AZ, I provide preventive dental care for little …
It is common, and even a good sign, to have spaces between your baby’s teeth.
Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t worry:
You’re already learning a thousand new things about your baby. Then your lactation consultant says two words you weren’t expecting: “tongue-tie.”
Suddenly, your brain starts racing:
If …
Are you concerned that your child has too many cavities, at least one at every dental checkup?
Tooth decay is common in children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that:
"Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the US, affecting over 20% of children aged 2–5 and over 50% of children aged 6–8."
Fortunately, there …
For some children, visiting the dentist is easy. For others, it can feel a little overwhelming. Dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, and lengthy procedures can be tough on kids. Our Scottsdale pediatric dentists help make treatment a more positive and comfortable experience.
Our goal is to help every child (and their parents!) feel comfortable, confident, and supported during every dental …
When it comes to your child's smile, some teeth make a grand entrance. Others? Not so much!
When a tooth doesn't erupt through the gums as expected, we call that an "impacted tooth." While that may sound concerning, impacted teeth are fairly common in children and are often easier to manage when we catch them early.
Dental technology continues to improve the way children experience oral healthcare. One such advancement, pediatric laser dentistry, offers a calmer, gentler, and more precise approach for certain dental procedures, helping many young patients feel more comfortable during treatment.
Families exploring laser dentistry for kids in Phoenix, AZ, often appreciate how this technology supports a calmer and more positive dental experience. …
Many childhood growth changes and habits are completely normal and run their courses. Some, however, overstay their welcome and begin to affect how a child’s teeth, jaws, and airway develop. Take thumb sucking, chronic mouth breathing, and visible crowding, whose mere presence isn't a sure sign that something is wrong. At the same time, they're not bad reasons for a …
If your child participates in any kind of athletic activities, you know how common sports drinks are. Companies market them for hydration, so you may assume they're a reasonable choice during and after physical activity.
From your dentist’s perspective, however, sports drinks are one of the more damaging beverages children's teeth are exposed to regularly.
…
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common comfort habits for infants and young children. These behaviors are normal during the first few years of life. In the long run, however, they can affect tooth alignment and bite development. Understanding how these habits influence oral health helps parents support their children’s smiles while minimizing potential complications.
A new year brings renewed focus on health, growth, and positive routines. This is especially true for children. While nutrition, sleep, and activity often take center stage, oral health plays a critical role in kids’ overall wellness. Starting the year with a focus on your child’s smile sets the tone for healthy habits that last for decades to come.
The holiday season brings sugary snacks, packed schedules, and, for kids, lengthy breaks from school. Put it all together, and it can be tough to keep your young ones’ smiles healthy.
Fortunately, however, with a bit of planning and effort, parents can help kids enjoy the season without increasing their risk of cavities. How to protect growing teeth while still …
Halloween is nearly here, and while trick-or-treating is a tradition parents can’t say no to, not all candy treats are created equally when it comes to your child's dental health. As your pediatric dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, we want to help you make informed choices so your kids can enjoy the holiday in the healthiest possible way.
Here are the …
A child’s first dental visit is a significant milestone in their overall health journey. Unfortunately, it can also bring some nerves. Parents often ask us how to make their child’s early experiences at the dentist as positive and stress-free as possible. Tatum Pediatric Dentistry is here to help!
With proper preparation, both you and your child can feel confident, relaxed, …
While you may be thinking of school supplies and new shoes, did you know that "Back to School" is also the perfect time to focus on oral health? It's true!
Here's what your Scottsdale pediatric dentist wants you to think about as your kids head back to school.
While you're …
Boo-boos aren’t just for knees; sometimes, they’re for teeth too! At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we love our little patients, and we know kids can be adventurous and occasionally accident-prone. While we’re always here to handle dental emergencies with expert care and big smiles, we also want to help you prevent those “uh-oh” moments before they happen.
Here are the top …
Your child’s first smile is unforgettable, and at Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we want to ensure their first dental visit is too! We understand the importance of early preventive care, and we’ll do whatever we can to make your little one’s visits fun and educational.
So, when should your child first see the dentist? Let’s explore the importance of early care.
Your child's dentist just mentioned tooth extraction, and suddenly your mind is racing. Will it hurt? Is it really necessary? How will your little one handle the procedure? These concerns are completely natural—no parent wants to see their child go through any dental procedure, especially one that sounds as serious as tooth extraction.
Here's everything you need to know to …
When it comes to building healthy dental habits, it all starts with the basics, and toothpaste is a big part of that. If you're a parent of a toddler, you've likely stood in the toothpaste aisle overwhelmed by choices. Bright colors, bold claims, and every cartoon character under the sun can make it hard to know what's actually safe and …
Choosing the right dental home for your child isn’t just about cleanings and checkups; it’s about trust, comfort, and care that grows with your family. At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry in Scottsdale, we understand how deeply parents care about their children’s health and happiness.
That’s why so many Scottsdale families choose our pediatric dental office, not just for our expertise, but …