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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.

The Problem with Sports Drinks

Sports drinks contain ...

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.

The Effects on Teeth and Bite

Extended ...

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. 

Oral Health ...

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 letting ...

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 five ...

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, and ...

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! 

The Back-to-School Dental Checklist

Here's what your Scottsdale pediatric dentist wants you to think about as your kids head back to school.

#1 Recharge Your Home Care Routine

While you're shopping for school supplies, ...

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 ...

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 feel ...

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 for ...