Tatum Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. James Guymon

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(602) 788-4873

Tatum Pediatric Dentistry

4835 E Cactus Rd., #110
Scottsdale, AZ

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Tatum Pediatric Dentistry > Services > Cleanings and Exams

Cleanings and exams are like a spa day for your child’s teeth! We’ll give those little chompers a sparkling polish, check for cavities, and send your kiddo home with a bright smile.

Children's Dental Cleanings & Exams in Scottsdale

A bright, clean smile is your child’s ultimate superpower, but they need consistent care. Regular dental cleanings and exams are the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. We’ve designed every visit to be fun, stress-free, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. From our friendly team to the kid-friendly amenities like TVs and iPads in the play area, your child’s comfort and happiness are our top priorities. Five mushrooms in the grass

Why Baby Teeth Matter: Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Smile

Baby teeth might be small, but they play a big role in your child’s oral health and development. These tiny teeth are placeholders for adult teeth, guiding them into the correct position as your child grows. They’re also essential for chewing, speaking, and showing off those adorable grins in family photos.

Taking care of baby teeth is super important because if they get cavities, it can make things tricky for the grown-up teeth waiting to shine. That’s why regular cleanings and checkups are like a magic shield for your child’s smile—they keep baby teeth strong and healthy. Dr. Guymon also monitors and helps guide jaw development, including preparation and referrals for orthodontic care.

Why Do Kids Need Regular Cleanings and Exams?

Your child's smile is precious, and we're here to help your little one enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Here are some benefits of regular cleanings and exams in Phoenix, AZ.

Cavity Prevention

Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home can miss. Stopping cavities before they start helps keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.

Healthy Habits for Life

Routine dental visits teach kids the importance of oral hygiene and having healthy habits. Starting early helps them build habits that will protect their teeth for years to come.

Catch Problems Early

From cavities to bite issues, cleanings and exams allow us to spot potential problems before they become big concerns. Early detection means easier, more effective treatment.

Confidence in the Dentist’s Chair

A positive experience at the dentist sets the tone for a lifetime of good oral health. We make every visit fun and friendly, so kids look forward to their next appointment.

A Sparkling Smile

There’s nothing like the fresh, clean feeling after a professional cleaning. It’s the ultimate boost for your child’s smile and confidence!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental cleaning and exam take for kids?

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!

How do I prepare my child for their first dentist visit?

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!

How Routine Cleanings and Exams Protect Baby Teeth

Regular dental visits are like giving your child’s teeth a superhero shield against cavities and other issues. During cleanings, we remove plaque and tartar buildup that toothbrushes can’t always reach. Exams allow Dr. Guymon to catch any potential problems early, whether it’s a tiny cavity or an alignment issue. Healthy baby teeth mean a healthier future smile, so let’s keep those tiny teeth sparkling and strong with regular cleanings and exams. Two mushrooms and blue butterflies

What Happens During a Cleaning and Exam?

When your child visits our Scottsdale, AZ, dental office for a cleaning and exam, they’re stepping into a world where dental care feels like an adventure. Here’s what to expect:

Tooth Cleaning Time — Our hygienists use special tools to clean away plaque and tartar. We call it tooth tickling—it’s painless, quick, and leaves teeth squeaky clean!
Sparkle Polish — We use tasty kid-approved toothpaste to polish those pearly whites until they shine like stars.
Cavity Check — Dr. Guymon will examine your child’s teeth and gums to ensure everything is healthy and cavity-free.
X-Ray Fun — If needed, we’ll take quick, low-radiation x-rays to spot anything hiding beneath the surface.
Prize and High-Five — Every visit ends with a fun reward because bravery deserves a celebration!

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. James Guymon

Dr. Guymon grew up in Glendale and now lives just up the street in Desert Ridge. After high school, he spent two years in the Dominican Republic as a missionary for his church (where he ...

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Dr. Claire Carney

Dr. Carney is originally from Southern California and is excited to be living in Arizona! She has hopped coast to coast throughout her education as she went to Duke for college, UCLA for dental school, ...

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Cleanings and Exams Technology

Noise-Canceling Headphones

For extra comfort, we offer noise-canceling headphones that turn dental visits into peaceful getaways. Your child can tune out the sounds, listen to their favorite music or shows, and enjoy a more stress-free visit.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Fun for Kids, Easy for Parents

We know parents want the best care for their little ones without any added stress. That’s why we’ve made everything about Tatum Pediatric Dentistry kid-focused and parent-friendly. Our flexible scheduling, a welcoming environment, and a variety of payment options make dental care easy for families throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Schedule Your Child’s Next Cleaning and Exam Today!

Schedule a cleaning and exam at Tatum Pediatric Dentistry today. We’re proud to serve kids and families in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and beyond. Call us or book online to start your child’s journey to a lifetime of sparkling smiles!

Blogs

July 7, 2025

When Should Your Child First See the Dentist? Scottsdale Parents' Guide

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 First Visit

We recommend scheduling a dental visit for your child by the time they turn one or when they get their first tooth, whichever happens first. This early visit is ...

Keeping Little Smiles Healthy, One Tooth at a Time!