Pediatric Dentistry In Yuma - Gentle Care For Kids

Building Healthy Smiles For Life


Starting dental care early gives your child the best foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Arizona Avenue Dentistry, we create a welcoming, comfortable environment where kids feel safe and even excited about visiting the dentist.

Dr. Grady and our team understand that every child is unique. We take the time to meet your child where they are, whether it's their very first visit or they're coming in with specific concerns. Our goal is to build trust, make the experience positive and teach your child good habits that will last a lifetime.

Serving families throughout Yuma County, AZ, we offer comprehensive pediatric dental services in a caring, judgment-free environment. Call (928) 782-3685 to schedule your child's appointment today.

 

When Should My Child First Visit The Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever happens first.

Early visits help us:

  • Catch potential problems before they become bigger issues
  • Monitor tooth development and jaw growth
  • Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques
  • Build a positive relationship with the dentist early on
  • Answer your questions about teething, pacifiers and oral care

Even if your child doesn't have teeth yet, we can check their gums, talk about what to expect and help you feel confident about caring for their oral health. Starting early means your child grows up thinking of dental visits as a normal, positive part of life.

 

Pediatric Dental Services We Offer

We provide complete dental care for infants, toddlers, children and teenagers. Our services include:

Well-Child Dental Exams

Comprehensive checkups to monitor tooth development, check for cavities and identify any concerns early. We examine teeth, gums, bite alignment and jaw growth.

Professional Cleanings

Gentle, thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We use age-appropriate techniques and make the experience comfortable for even the youngest patients.

Fluoride Treatment

Quick, painless fluoride application to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. We offer flavored fluoride treatments kids actually enjoy. Learn More About Fluoride Treatment.

Dental Sealants

Protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities in hard-to-brush areas. Especially beneficial for kids ages 6-14. Learn More About Dental Sealants.

Cavity Fillings

Tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally with your child's teeth, not silver fillings. We use modern materials that look great and are safe for kids.

Emergency Dental Care For Kids

Same-day appointments for dental emergencies including knocked-out teeth, toothaches, broken teeth and injuries. We're here when your child needs us most. Learn More About Emergency Dental Care.

 

Special Needs Dentistry

We provide compassionate dental care for children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs. Dr. Grady has specialized training to work with children who need extra patience, accommodations, or a different approach. Learn more about our Special Needs Dentistry Services.

 

Making Dental Visits Fun And Fear-Free

We know that many kids (and adults!) feel anxious about going to the dentist. That's why we've designed our entire approach around making visits positive, comfortable, and even fun.

Here's how we help kids feel at ease:

Kid-Friendly Language

We use simple, positive words to explain what we're doing. The "tooth counter" instead of the explorer. The "water straw" instead of the suction. No scary dental jargon.

Gentle, Patient Approach

We move at your child's pace. If they need to take a break, that's okay. If they want to see and touch the tools first, we show them. Building trust matters more than rushing.

Positive Reinforcement

We celebrate every success, big or small. Your child will leave feeling proud of themselves and excited to come back next time.

 

Teaching Kids Good Oral Hygiene

One of the most important things we do is teach your child how to take care of their teeth at home. Good habits formed early can prevent cavities, gum disease and other problems down the road.

During your child's visit, we'll cover:

  • Proper Brushing Technique: We demonstrate the right way to brush, including how long to brush (two minutes) and which areas need extra attention. 
  • Flossing Made Easy: We show kids how to floss correctly and explain why it matters, even for baby teeth.
  • Healthy Food Choices: We talk about which foods help keep teeth strong (like cheese, apples, and water) and which ones to enjoy in moderation (sugary snacks and drinks).
  • Why Baby Teeth Matter: We help kids understand that even though baby teeth will fall out, taking care of them now protects the permanent teeth coming in later.

We send kids home with tools and tips to make brushing fun, like timers, brushing charts and recommendations for age-appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste.

 

What To Expect At Your Child's First Visit

Not sure what happens at a pediatric dental appointment? Here's what you can expect when you bring your child to Arizona Avenue Dentistry:

Before The Appointment

Talk to your child in a positive way about visiting the dentist. Avoid using words like "hurt," "pain" or "shot." Instead, tell them the dentist will count their teeth and make sure they're healthy and strong.

Bring any questions you have about your child's oral health, diet, thumb-sucking, pacifier use or teething. We're here to help.

During The Visit

We'll start by getting to know your child and making them comfortable. Then we'll:

  • Examine their teeth and gums
  • Check for cavities or developmental concerns
  • Perform a gentle cleaning (if appropriate)
  • Apply fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
  • Demonstrate brushing and flossing

How Long Does It Take? Most first visits take 30-45 minutes. We move at your child's pace and never rush.

Can I Stay With My Child? Absolutely. You're welcome to stay in the room during the entire appointment. For older kids who want to feel more independent, you can wait in our comfortable reception area.

 

Dental Emergencies For Kids

Kids are active, and accidents happen. If your child experiences a dental emergency, stay calm and contact us right away. We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible.

Common pediatric dental emergencies include:

Knocked-Out Tooth

For Permanent Teeth: Find the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently with water and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, keep it in a cup of milk. Call us immediately, because time is critical.

For Baby Teeth: Do not try to put a baby tooth back in the socket. Call us to schedule an appointment so we can check for damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Severe Toothache

Rinse your child's mouth with warm water and check for any food stuck between their teeth. You can give age-appropriate pain relief (like children's ibuprofen) and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Call us to schedule an exam, because toothaches often signal cavities or other problems.

Broken Or Chipped Tooth

Rinse your child's mouth with warm water. If the tooth is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Save any pieces of the tooth if you can find them, and call us right away. We can often repair chips and breaks with tooth-colored fillings or bonding.

When To Call Immediately

Contact us right away if your child has severe pain, bleeding that won't stop, a knocked-out permanent tooth, a broken tooth with sharp edges, swelling or signs of infection (fever, pus, bad taste in mouth). We're here to help.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentistry

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Schedule Your Child's Dental Appointment Today

Give your child the gift of a healthy smile. Call (928) 782-3685 or request an appointment online. We're here to make dental care easy, comfortable and positive for your entire family.

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Compassionate Care, Proven Results

We're proud of the care we give, but hearing from our patients means everything. Read the reviews that reflect our commitment to comfort, compassion and exceptional dentistry.