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 > Preventive Care

From cleanings and checkups to fluoride treatments, we give your child’s smile the superhero strength it needs to fight off cavities.

Preventive Care in Scottsdale, AZ

A row of butterflies Preventive dentistry is like giving your child’s teeth a superhero cape, ready to defend against cavities, decay, and all those pesky dental villains that try to sneak in. At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that healthy habits and regular visits can transform your child’s smile into a powerhouse of strength and confidence. With our fun, kid-focused approach, we make every checkup feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. From fluoride treatments to dental cleanings, we equip your child’s teeth with everything they need to stay strong, shiny, and ready for anything!

Why Is Preventive Care So Important?

Think of preventive dentistry as a team effort: we handle the cleanings and checkups, and you and your kiddo handle the brushing and flossing at home. Together, we can keep those pearly whites in cavity-fighting shape. Regular dental visits aren’t just about cleaning teeth; they also help catch small problems early before they turn into bigger ones. Plus, starting good habits now sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Guymon also monitors and helps guide jaw development, including preparation and referrals for orthodontic care.

5 Ways We Protect Growing Smiles

Preventive dental care is the foundation of a healthy, happy smile. With regular cleanings, gentle checkups, and fun tips for home care, we make protecting your little one’s smile simple and stress-free. Here's how we care for growing smiles at our dental office in Scottsdale, AZ.

Sparkly Cleanings

Our gentle cleanings scrub away plaque and tartar that toothbrushes just can’t handle. Bonus: Kids love the tickly feeling and picking their favorite toothpaste flavor!

Fluoride Magic

Fluoride is like a shield for teeth, making them extra strong and cavity-resistant. Quick, easy, and totally painless. It’s like a power-up for their smile!

Shield Teeth with Sealants

Sealants are thin coatings that go on the back teeth to keep food and bacteria out of those tricky-to-clean spots. It’s like putting a shield over their molars.

Easygoing X-Rays

Our safe, digital x-rays let us see what’s happening beneath the surface, like sneaky cavities or teeth that might need extra attention.

Tooth Care Tips

We turn brushing and flossing lessons into a mini adventure, teaching kids how to keep their teeth squeaky clean. We might even throw in some jokes or fun challenges!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my child visit the dentist for preventive care?

We recommend bringing your child in for a checkup and cleaning every six months. Think of it as a little spa day for their smile! These regular visits are how we catch small problems before they become big ones.

Why Every Six Months?

When it comes to growing teeth, a lot can happen in half a year. Plaque and tartar can sneak in; even the most dedicated little brushers might miss a spot or two. During these visits, we gently remove buildup, check for cavities, and make sure everything is growing just as it should. Dr. Guymon also monitors and helps guide jaw development, including preparation and referrals for orthodontic care.

These visits are a great time to talk about brushing, flossing, and healthy eating in a way that makes kids feel like smile superheroes. They also help build confidence. Visiting us regularly helps your child get comfortable with the dentist, and dental care then becomes a more fun, normal part of life. They’ll leave each appointment with a shiny smile, the tools to keep it that way, and maybe even a special prize!

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Checkup

Ready to mark your calendar for those twice-a-year visits? Regular preventive care in Phoenix is the key to lifelong healthy habits and happy smiles. Call us today for an appointment.

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!

What Happens During a Visit?

We know some kids feel nervous about visiting the dentist, so we’ve made our office a fun and friendly place where smiles come naturally. Here’s what your child can expect:

A Friendly Welcome — We greet every kiddo with big smiles (and maybe even a high-five or fist bump!) to help them feel at home.
Gentle Cleaning — Our team uses kid-approved tools and techniques to make cleaning teeth easy and comfortable.
Thorough Checkup — Dr. Guymon takes a close look at your child’s teeth and gums, making sure everything looks A-OK.
Fun Education — We’ll show your little one how to brush like a pro and floss like a champ. We might even turn it into a game!

5 Tips to Keep Up the Good Work at Home

Healthy teeth start with good habits at home. Here’s how you can help your child keep their smile in great shape:

Brush twice a day with a fun, kid-sized toothbrush. Bonus points if it lights up or plays music!
Floss those tiny spaces where food likes to hide. Pro tip: Make it a team effort!
Choose tooth-friendly snacks like crunchy apples or string cheese instead of sugary treats.
Keep water handy. It’s great for rinsing away food and sugar.
Visit us every six months for checkups and cleanings.

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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Preventive Care Technology

TVs in Treatment Rooms

Our TVs in treatment rooms turn dental check-ups into mini movie days! Kids can watch their favorite shows or movies while we work, making the experience fun and distraction-free.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Stop Cavities in Their Tracks and Call Our Pediatric Dentist in Scottsdale

Dental visits should be something kids get excited about! That’s why we’ve created a fun, welcoming space where smiles shine and worries disappear. From our friendly team to our fun, kid-focused approach, everything we do is designed to make your child feel comfortable and cared for. Preventive care is the foundation of a healthy, happy smile, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Please give us a call today at (602) 788-4873 or book online.

We can’t wait to see your little one’s smile light up the room!

Blogs

A group of laughing children holding up toothbrushes and a dental model

August 23, 2025

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