If your child is anxious about going to the dentist, you’re not alone – and you’re not wrong to feel concerned. Many parents tell us they’ve put off dental visits out of fear that their child might be rushed, overwhelmed, traumatized or sedated. At Medford’s Natural Dentist, we believe there’s a better way, one that puts your child’s comfort, trust, and long-term wellness first.
Dr. Nathan Tanner is more than a holistic dentist- he’s also a father of five. He knows how sensitive children can be in a dental setting and how important it is to create a calm, compassionate environment where they feel seen and safe. Our entire team is trained to gently support each child, giving them time to feel comfortable and respected.
Unlike many conventional dental offices, we avoid routine use of sedation or nitrous oxide for kids. Instead, we take a thoughtful, patient-first approach, using natural strategies, gentle language, and a warm presence to help even the most nervous little ones feel at ease.
Supporting Healthy Smiles, Naturally
We focus on prevention, education, and the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Here are a few key tips for parents to support natural dental health at home:
Brushing Basics – Use a soft-bristled brush and mineral-rich toothpaste. Brush gently in circular motions and make it fun with a song or timer.
Smart Snacks or skip snacks – Avoid sticky or starchy foods that cling to teeth and skip snacking whenever possible. Instead, offer healthy filling meals and crunchy fruits and veggies that naturally help clean and strengthen enamel.
Water Wins – Encourage water between meals instead of juice. It helps rinse food debris and supports natural saliva flow, your mouth’s built-in defense system. Water tip- Filtered water is great! But filtering can take out important minerals, adding beneficial minerals back into your filtered water will help your teeth and body stay healthy.
Tongue Awareness – Help your child practice resting their tongue on the roof of the mouth with lips closed and breathing through the nose. This simple habit encourages nasal breathing, proper oral posture and jaw development and can even help reduce dental crowding over time.
A Dental Experience You Can Feel Good About
At Medford’s Natural Dentist, we’re proud to offer a space that feels more like a family than a traditional dental office. We don’t rush appointments, if more time is needed than available, we can always reschedule. We take time to explain everything to parents and their children. Most importantly, we treat every child like one of our own.
Whether it’s your child’s first visit or you’re looking for a more holistic approach to your family’s care, we’d love to meet you!
