Pediatric Cleanings & Exams
Many parents worry about cavities, missed dental problems, or their child feeling anxious during dental visits. At UP Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric cleanings and exams in Nashville, TN are designed to make preventive care simple and comfortable while helping detect issues early. We provide gentle checkups, professional cleanings, and personalized guidance to keep your child’s smile healthy at every stage of growth.

Why Should I Choose Pediatric Cleanings & Exams?
Regular dental cleanings and exams are an important part of keeping your child’s smile healthy as they grow. Routine visits help detect early signs of cavities, monitor dental development, and provide guidance for better oral hygiene habits at home. With pediatric cleanings and exams at UP Kids Dentist, families receive personalized preventive care designed to protect their child’s teeth and support a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Did You Know?
Children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears.
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.

Strong Foundations for Healthy Smiles
Regular pediatric cleanings and exams help protect your child’s teeth, detect dental concerns early, and support healthy oral habits as they grow.
What We Provide
Professional Dental Cleanings
Comprehensive Dental Exams

Benefits of Pediatric Cleanings & Exams
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular exams help identify cavities and other concerns early, allowing for timely preventive care.
Healthier Teeth & Gums
Professional cleanings remove plaque and buildup that can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Monitoring Smile Development
Routine visits allow our team to track your child’s tooth growth and overall dental development.
Building Positive Dental Habits
Consistent appointments help children feel comfortable with dental care and develop healthy routines.
Personalized Oral Health Guidance
Parents receive recommendations based on their child’s specific dental needs and habits.
Long-Term Smile Protection
Preventive cleanings and exams help support a healthy smile throughout childhood and beyond.

What We Provide
Professional Dental Cleanings
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Strong Foundations for Healthy Smiles
Regular pediatric cleanings and exams help protect your child’s teeth, detect dental concerns early, and support healthy oral habits as they grow.
Pediatric Cleanings & Exams Process
Comprehensive Smile Evaluation
We begin by examining your child’s teeth, gums, and overall oral development to identify any areas that need attention.
Gentle Professional Cleaning
Our team carefully removes plaque and buildup to help keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy.
Personalized Care Recommendations
We discuss our findings with parents and provide guidance to support healthy brushing habits and long-term oral health.
Reviews From Nashville Families
Why Parents Trust Up Pediatric Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Children should begin dental visits when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early cleanings and exams help monitor development and establish healthy oral care habits.
Most children benefit from dental cleanings and exams every six months. Regular visits help detect concerns early and keep your child’s smile healthy as they grow.
During the visit, our team gently cleans your child’s teeth, checks their oral health, evaluates development, and provides guidance to support healthy teeth and gums.
Yes, pediatric dental cleanings are designed to be gentle and comfortable. Our team creates a positive environment where children can feel relaxed during their appointments.
Regular exams help identify cavities, monitor tooth growth, and address concerns before they become bigger problems. They also help children develop lifelong healthy dental habits.
Convenient Pediatric Cleanings & Exams Near You
Keeping your child’s smile healthy starts with regular preventive dental care. At UP Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle pediatric cleanings and exams in Nashville, TN, in a comfortable and child-friendly environment where children feel relaxed and parents feel confident about their care.
Our team focuses on making every visit positive and personalized by monitoring your child’s dental development, detecting concerns early, and providing guidance for healthy habits at home. Whether your child needs a routine cleaning or a comprehensive dental checkup, we are here to help protect their smile at every stage of growth.


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