How can we help you?
Have questions about your child’s dental care? You’re in the right place! Our FAQ page is packed with answers to help you feel confident and informed about everything from first visits to treatments.
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If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our friendly team is just a call away and happy to help!
Cleanings and Exams
Our Scottsdale pediatric dentists believe preparing kids for their first dental visit starts at home. Ultimately, we all want your little one to have a calm and positive experience where they feel comfortable and excited to visit.
Tips for Creating a Happy Dental Visit
First, we recommend talking to your child about the dentist using simple, happy language. So, please never use words like “drill,” “shot,” or “pain,” as this can scare them. You can even explain that they’ll get to sit in a big, comfy chair while the friendly dentist counts their teeth and helps keep their smile healthy.
Many parents even watch short videos or read books about visiting the dentist, and this really seems to work wonders! You can even play pretend at home, where your child is the dentist and you’re the patient. This can show them that it isn’t scary, and it can actually be fun.
As parents ourselves, we recommend bringing your child when they’re well-rested and fed so they’re more comfortable and less likely to be cranky or tired—this helps the visit go much more smoothly.
Book Your Child’s Next Dental Visit
At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, our team goes the extra mile to make your child’s first visit welcoming, gentle, and fun. We can’t wait to meet your little one!
A typical cleaning and exam for kids takes about 15-20 minutes, which is just enough time to get those pearly whites sparkling without losing their attention. At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we make every minute count by keeping things fun, comfortable, and efficient.
What Happens During the Visit?
- A Warm Welcome — From the moment your child walks in, our friendly team sets the tone with big smiles and a cheerful hello.
- Gentle Cleaning — We carefully remove plaque and tartar, polish their teeth until they shine, and finish with a gentle flossing. Many kids say the tickly cleaning tools feel fun!
- Thorough Checkup — Dr. Guymon will check teeth, gums, and bite alignment to ensure everything is growing and functioning just right.
- Fun Education — We teach kids the importance of brushing and flossing, sharing tips and tricks in a way they’ll love.
Dr. Guymon also monitors and helps guide jaw development, including preparation and referrals for orthodontic care.
Time for Some Smiles and Fun
We always leave room for extras like answering questions, sharing a few laughs, and letting your child choose a fun prize from our treasure chest. It’s all part of making dental care something they’ll look forward to!
Why Regular Cleanings Matter
These cleanings every six months make a big difference in your child’s oral health. Regular cleanings prevent cavities, catch minor issues early, and help your child develop positive feelings about visiting the dentist.
Book Your Child's Appointment Today
Ready to keep your child’s smile bright and healthy? Call Tatum Pediatric Dentistry to schedule their next cleaning and exam. We’ll ensure they leave with a happy smile and maybe even a new favorite sticker or toy!
Baby teeth are vital to your child’s oral development. They help with speech and chewing. Additionally, baby teeth hold spaces for adult teeth. If your child loses these teeth too soon, their permanent teeth may not erupt correctly, or they may have orthodontic issues later on.
Damaged or decayed teeth can also cause pain, making it difficult for your child to chew and concentrate. A severely damaged tooth can even disrupt sleep.
Treating a Baby Tooth with Our Scottsdale Children’s Dentist
Your child’s pediatric dentist will evaluate the damaged or decayed tooth to determine whether it requires extraction (if it is close to the time when your child doesn’t need the tooth), a tooth filling, or a dental crown.
The dentist will discuss the options with you so that you can make an informed decision for your child’s care.
Lowering Tooth Decay Risks
To lower your child’s risk of tooth decay and damage, be sure to bring them to the dentist twice yearly for checkups. We can also provide guidance on at-home oral hygiene, nutrition, and more.
We believe that your child’s dental health is a collaboration between you and our dental team.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Visit
For more information or to schedule an appointment with the dentist, call us today.