Preventive Dentistry for Children

Preventive dentistry is the key to keeping your child's smile healthy and helping them avoid the discomfort of toothaches. When children start life with healthy teeth and gums and learn  healthy habits that help support them, they have a better chance of a lifetime filled with good dental health and happy smiles.

Dr. Nicholas Bland and Dr. Stefanie Sotello are experienced pediatric dentists in Phoenix, AZ, who are dedicated to ensuring that children start life with healthy smiles. They have the specialized training, skills, and years of experience to meet your child's ever-changing dental needs at every stage of their development.

The good news is that, if you are insured, childhood dental exams and cleanings are probably covered by your dental insurance! If you have questions about your plan, please give us a call!

Preventive Dentistry Maintains Happy, Healthy Smiles

Dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months are essential for strong, healthy smiles. We follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and recommend bringing kids in for their first visit when their first baby tooth appears but no later than age one.

For your peace of mind, we welcome you to come back to the exam room with your child. There's a lot that Dr. Nicholas and Dr. Stefanie can accomplish simply by seeing your little one every six months! 

  • Detect signs of cavities and gingivitis
  • Monitor tooth and jaw development
  • Check for infections
  • Identify any oral health risks

As your child grows, they will continue to evaluate them every six months and provide prompt treatment if necessary. Please call us at (623) 825-0100 to schedule an appointment!

At-Home Oral Hygiene and Teeth Cleanings with a Hygienist

It's essential for children to brush twice a day and floss once. Dental cleanings for your child back up your oral hygiene efforts at home by removing bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that the brush and floss miss. 

A significant part of our services also includes educating parents about their children's dental needs. With guidance for oral hygiene and issues like bottle feeding, thumb-sucking, and nutrition, we empower you to make healthier decisions and motivate your child to be proactive with their oral health.

We also highly recommend that children have an evaluation at age seven with our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Jesse McGuire. This appointment helps Dr. Jesse predict what, if any, their future orthodontic needs will be.

Treatment Plans Tailored for Your Child's Unique Needs

Our pediatric dentists tailor your child's preventive dental care based on their age and specific needs.

  • Fluoride treatment – Fluoride is a mineral that's essential for protecting children's teeth and preventing cavities. We are pleased to offer standard fluoride treatments and Silver Diamine Fluoride: 
    • Standard fluoride – We use a highly-concentrated solution of fluoride varnish applied to teeth to strengthen them and reduce the risk of cavities.
    • Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) – SDF is a non-invasive fluoride treatment that our dentists apply to teeth to help control cavities and prevent decay from spreading.
  • Dental sealants – Sealants are applied to a tooth's chewing surface and create a protective layer that seals out cavity-causing bacteria and food particles. 
  • Custom mouthguards – A custom mouthguard is essential for children who are very active or participate in sports activities. We customize sports mouthguards using mess-free digital impressions, so they fit your child's smile perfectly. The result is strong, durable protection against dental injuries that are so common with sports.

Time for Your Child's Next Dental Checkup and Cleaning?

At Maryvale Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we treat each child with the same gentle care and compassion we would expect for our own kids. Dr. Stefanie, Dr. Nicholas, Dr. Jesse, and our entire dental team know your child's smile is precious and are as invested in keeping it healthy as you are.

If you live in Phoenix or any surrounding areas, please call us at (623) 236-2474, and we will be happy to help you schedule an appointment for your child.