Dr. Natalie Gardner Blog

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.

The anticipation of losing baby teeth is a common phase in a child’s growth, marked by the excitement of a visit from the tooth fairy. While this is a natural and expected part of their development, the prospect of a loose tooth can still trigger anxiety in some children. However, there’s no need for concern. Continue reading to explore three strategies to help ease your child’s apprehensions about losing a tooth, turning it into a positive and memorable experience.

As Halloween approaches, the thrill of costumes, spooky decorations, and candy galore fill the air. But amidst the festivities, there’s a lurking specter: the risk of cavities. With an influx of sugary treats, it’s prime time for those pesky cavity-causing bacteria. But fear not! By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your child enjoys Halloween without compromising their oral health.

As parents, it’s exciting to watch our children pass all of life’s milestones—their first words, the first time they take a step, their first day of school, and of course, the emergence of their very first tooth! Dental development is a significant and lengthy process that all kids will go through, some more easily than others—and understanding exactly what’s happening inside your kiddo’s mouth will allow you to provide the appropriate amount of support. Here’s some useful information from your trusted pediatric dentist about baby teeth and a few tips for helping you keep your little one’s smile in tip-top shape.

Like many parents, you might have occasionally given your baby a pacifier. That’s only natural – the device is a great way to soothe fussy infants and help them calm down. However, you might wonder, “Will a pacifier affect your baby’s teeth?” After all, one can easily think it’d alter a still-forming smile. Well, your Fort Washington dentist is here to answer your question. Read on to learn how pacifiers put baby teeth at risk and how to use them responsibly.