Dr. Natalie Gardner Blog

Many parents know that encouraging their kids to brush and floss twice daily can help prevent oral issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, it’s also important to remember that their diet can also significantly impact their dental condition.

For instance, if they drink too many sugary beverages, they are more prone to developing tooth decay. Continue reading to learn which drinks can potentially be harmful, so you can help your child build and maintain a beautiful, healthy grin!

Children are well known for loving sugary snacks that can be absolutely horrible for their teeth, and overindulging in candy, starchy foods, and acidic beverages can lead to staining, cavities, and gum disease. Thankfully, there are a few excellent treats that can be delicious and beneficial for a kid’s oral health. Here’s a quick look at a few great snacks that can help your child keep their grin in great shape.

It’s easy to forget how different things were in the past. You may know they were, but the how can still surprise you! There are countless things you can take a deep dive into, but one that may fascinate you is how pediatric dentistry came to be. Before, you might not have been able to take your child to a specialist who knows all about growing smiles. Here’s just a peek into the history of this part of the field.

Losing a tooth is a big milestone for children, and it’s often a mix of excitement and curiosity. One way to make the moment even more magical is by welcoming the Tooth Fairy with fun traditions and creative ideas. Celebrating this childhood rite of passage can help your child feel proud of their growing smile while creating memories the whole family will treasure. Here are five fun ways to welcome the Tooth Fairy into your home.

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.