Infant Oral Health

Your baby’s mouth changes quickly during the first years of life. Even before all of the baby teeth appear, parents can begin building habits that support healthy teeth and gums. Early dental visits allow Dr. Barnes to check how your baby’s mouth and teeth are developing, look for early signs of dental concerns, and help you understand how to care for new teeth at home.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home when the first tooth appears or no later than your child’s first birthday. Starting early also gives parents reliable guidance before concerns such as cavities, feeding habits, or oral habits become harder to manage.

Dr. Breanna Barnes’s journey into dentistry is one of rediscovery and passion, deeply rooted in her childhood in Olathe, Kansas. Growing up as the daughter of a pediatric dentist, she spent summers immersed in the day-to-day operations of her father’s practice. While initially envisioning a future in medical science or interior design, it wasn’t until college that she realized how dentistry uniquely combines her love of science, creativity, and helping others.

After graduating with honors from Southern Methodist University, Dr. Barnes went on to earn her dental and public health degrees at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Her dedication to specialized pediatric care led her to complete a residency at the University of Tennessee, where she also earned a Master of Dental Science. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Barnes has advanced training in infant frenectomies, laser dentistry, and esthetic restorations like zirconia crowns, enabling her to provide gentle, comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs.

Driven by a vision to provide compassionate, quality-focused care, Dr. Barnes opened Songbird Pediatric Dentistry to create a welcoming, patient-first practice. Recognizing a need in Fairview, she established the area’s first pediatric dental office, adopting a mom-run, non-corporate approach to dental care. Shortly after, she acquired Up Pediatric Dentistry, where she continues to make exceptional pediatric dental care available to her community. At both of her practices, her goal is to create an environment where every family feels genuinely valued and supported.

Dr. Barnes is particularly passionate about serving children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, and infants experiencing nursing challenges due to lip or tongue ties. Her holistic philosophy extends beyond treating dental concerns to addressing underlying causes and preventing future issues. Her mission is to make every child’s dental visit a positive, fun, and supportive experience.

Outside of the office, Dr. Barnes is a wife and proud mother of two toddlers. She enjoys baking gluten-free desserts, exploring antique shops, staying active, and spending time in nature. Both her professional expertise and personal experiences as a parent influence her warm, empathetic approach to pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Sara Ahmed was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is proud to now call Nashville home after relocating from Boston, Massachusetts. Before moving to Nashville, she served as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Dentistry at Boston Children’s Hospital and as an Instructor in Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Ahmed completed her pediatric dental residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with honors in community service, and received her Bachelor of Science degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan.

As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Ahmed has extensive experience caring for children with complex medical and special healthcare needs. She is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care and has had the opportunity to lecture on pediatric dental topics both locally and nationally. She is also fluent in Arabic and Urdu.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ahmed loves cooking, practicing yoga, and exploring everything Nashville has to offer. She is always excited to discover a new restaurant or coffee shop and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Most of all, she loves being a mom and is grateful to be putting down roots and building a life with her family in Nashville.

Your baby’s first dental visits help set the foundation for healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Barnes gently checks your baby’s oral development while answering questions about teething, brushing, feeding habits, fluoride, and cavity prevention. We make early visits simple, comfortable, and helpful for both babies and parents.

Up Pediatric Dentistry is conveniently located at 2829 Columbine Pl, Nashville, TN 37204, making it easy for families throughout Nashville and nearby communities to access specialized pediatric dental care. Our office proudly serves infants, children, teens, and children with special healthcare needs, providing comprehensive dental services in a comfortable and child-friendly environment.

Families from 12 South, Berry Hill, Belmont, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village, West End, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities can easily reach our practice for routine checkups, preventive care, emergency dental visits, and specialized pediatric treatments. Our team is committed to providing convenient, personalized dental care close to home while helping children build healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

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