Dr. Natalie Gardner Blog

Has your child sustained an injury or eaten something too sticky, hard, or crunchy, and lost one of their teeth? It’s natural to wonder whether a missing primary tooth counts as a dental emergency since they will eventually fall out on their own, anyway.

However, it’s best to contact your child’s pediatric dentist right away to avoid potentially worsening concerns. Depending on the underlying cause, there may still be gum disease, cavities, or other issues to address. Continue reading to learn 4 steps to take to get your child help if they’ve knocked out a baby tooth!

Whether it’s a baby tooth that wouldn’t fall out on its own or a decayed tooth that needed to come out, tooth extractions can be a little scary for both kids and parents. While the procedure itself is usually quick and safe, healing properly afterward is key to preventing discomfort or complications. Here are six simple and effective ways to help your child heal smoothly after a tooth extraction.

Did you know that some studies suggest that anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents experience high levels of dental anxiety? That means if your kid seems scared or frustrated about an upcoming appointment, they’re not alone. Many youths worry that their dental appointment might hurt, whether they need a routine checkup and cleaning or a more invasive procedure.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide nitrous oxide sedation to help them feel calm and comfortable throughout their visit. Continue reading to learn more about this medication to decide if it’s right for your child!

Are you the parent or guardian of a small child or infant? If so, one of your greatest responsibilities is to monitor and maintain your child’s dental condition. However, many well-meaning caregivers are equipped with misinformation about what’s appropriate for still-developing teeth and gums.

Continue reading to learn 3 common misunderstandings about pediatric dentistry so you can help your kid develop healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime!

Does it seem like you’re hearing more and more people talk about their children having lip and tongue-ties? If so, it’s not some strange or random occurrence that has suddenly appeared with no explanation. Instead, there is a clear reason why this unfortunate problem is becoming increasingly common within pediatric dental offices throughout the nation – breastfeeding. Read on to find out more about the connection between nursing and lip and tongue-ties and what you can do should you discover your little one is exhibiting symptoms.

Every year, countless babies are born with a lip or tongue tie. As a concerned parent, you may turn to the internet to learn about these conditions. While doing so, you may come across several conflicting ideas! You might even be led to believe in some common myths. What is the truth behind common misconceptions about these conditions? This blog post explains.

Now that summer’s finally here, there’s a lot to look forward to. Barbecues, days at the beach, and even long vacations can all make this season one to celebrate. However, in the summertime there are also dangers that could damage you or your child’s teeth.

For that reason, it’s important to be conscientious about the risks to your family’s oral health this time of year and what you can do to prevent a dental emergency. Here are a few tips that can potentially help you in this regard.

If your child has an intellectual or physical disability and finds dental visits stressful, it can be difficult to stick to the biannual checkup recommendation. You know professional cleanings and screenings are important, and you know your child would benefit from some accommodation. But maybe you don’t know what services to look for, or which ones are safe.

Fortunately, your pediatric dentist can help you find a solution. Laughing gas is one effective and reliable possibility that’s worth diving into. Keep reading to find out if this dental sedation option is right for your child.

As a parent, you work hard to try to make the right choices for your child’s dental health. Some of them are easy, like limiting the amount of soda or candy they have access to. However, it’s harder than ever to figure out the healthy options for kids. So, could you unknowingly be contributing to their cavities?

Continue reading to learn about some popular drinks your child may be consuming and how they might not be great for dental health.

As a parent of a child with special needs, you’re probably acquainted with the challenges of ensuring their health remains top-notch. The same goes for their oral health. Consequently, there are numerous dental concerns that are prevalent for children in this demographic, but luckily, there are ways to keep them at bay. Keep reading to explore these common issues and discover ways to assist your child in maintaining a healthy smile.