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Oral Habits
The foundation of a healthy smile starts with good oral habits. We’re here to provide guidance and expertise when it comes to your child’s oral health. From hygiene to preventive care, we’ve got you covered.
Why are good oral habits important for kids?
The oral habits your child establishes when they're young will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Great at-home oral hygiene helps prevent common issues like gum disease and cavities, and sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Because of this, it’s really important to make sure your child brushes and flosses regularly, and comes into our office every 6 months for a checkup.
Did You Know?
Kids can usually start brushing their teeth on their own around the age of 5-6, or whenever they can tie their shoes on their own.
Meet Our Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric Dentist, Board-Certified & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Breanna Barnes
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.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Sara Ahmed
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.
Helping Your Child Build Healthy Oral Habits
Understanding and addressing oral habits early can support proper dental development and a healthy growing smile. Our pediatric dental team evaluates habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting while providing gentle guidance for children and parents.
Oral Habit Visit Include
Comprehensive Habit Evaluation
Personalized Parent Guidance
Why Families Choose UP Kids Dentist for Oral Habit Guidance
Child-Focused Dental Approach
Our team provides preventive dental care designed around children’s unique needs, helping them feel comfortable while building healthy habits from an early age.
Early Detection & Personalized Guidance
Regular exams allow our pediatric dental team to identify concerns early and provide guidance tailored to your child’s growth, development, and oral health.
Comfortable Visits for Growing Smiles
We create a welcoming environment where children can feel relaxed during cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments.
Education That Builds Lifelong Habits
We help children and parents understand brushing, nutrition, and daily oral care practices that support a healthy smile for years to come.
The Benefits of Good Oral Habits
Supports Healthy Dental Development
Early evaluation helps monitor how oral habits may affect your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw growth as their smile continues to develop.
Identifies Concerns Early
Our team can recognize habits that may impact oral development and provide guidance before they create long-term dental concerns.
Provides Personalized Recommendations
Every child has unique needs, so we create a personalized approach based on your child’s age, habits, and dental development.
Encourages Healthier Habits
Gentle guidance helps children gradually reduce unhealthy oral habits while building positive routines for better oral health.
Helps Parents Make Informed Decisions
We educate parents about common oral habits and share practical steps to support their child’s dental health at home.
Promotes Long-Term Smile Health
Addressing oral habits at the right time can support proper tooth alignment, oral function, and healthy smile development as your child grows.
Oral Habit Visit Include
Comprehensive Habit Evaluation
Personalized Parent Guidance
Helping Your Child Build Healthy Oral Habits
Understanding and addressing oral habits early can support proper dental development and a healthy growing smile. Our pediatric dental team evaluates habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting while providing gentle guidance for children and parents.
3 Steps Toward Better Oral Habits
Oral Habit Evaluation
Our pediatric dental team reviews your child’s oral habits, dental development, and any concerns that may affect their growing smile.
Personalized Guidance Plan
We provide age-appropriate recommendations and simple strategies to help your child gradually build healthier oral habits.
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
We continue to track your child’s progress and make adjustments when needed to support healthy dental development.
Reviews From Nashville Families
Why Parents Trust Up Pediatric Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Convenient Oral Habit Care for Families in Nashville, TN
UP Pediatric Dentistry is conveniently located at 2829 Columbine Pl, Nashville, TN 37204, making it easy for families throughout Nashville and nearby communities to receive expert guidance for children’s oral habits. Our team provides gentle evaluations and personalized support for concerns like thumb sucking, pacifier use, tongue thrusting, and other habits that may affect dental development.
Families from 12 South, Berry Hill, Belmont, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village, West End, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities can easily access our practice for oral habit evaluations and pediatric dental care. We create comfortable visits where children feel supported while parents receive clear guidance to help encourage healthy oral development at home.
