FAQS

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth.

Early dental visits help in preventing dental problems, educate parents on proper oral care, and establish a positive relationship between the child and the dentist.

We recommend regular check-ups every six months. However, Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil may suggest more frequent visits based on your child’s specific needs.

The first visit is usually a gentle introduction to our dental office. Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil will examine your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw and provide guidance on oral care practices at home.

Once you have visited one of our locations, your child will be expected to return every six months. Kids with oral health concerns may need to visit more frequently for their regular appointment. These twice-yearly appointments count as preventative cleanings, and give our pediatric dentists the best opportunity to check up on the status of your little one’s smile.

Choose a pediatric dentist experienced in working with children, maintain a positive attitude, and consider bringing comfort items such as a favorite toy or blanket to help your child feel at ease. At Alligator Dental, our pediatric dentists have extensive experience working with children and will help make every dental visit the best!

Teething can cause irritability, drooling, and discomfort. Provide a clean, cool teething ring or a cold washcloth for your child to chew on. Consult your pediatric dentist for safe teething remedies.

Most children naturally outgrow these habits, but prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can affect dental development. Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil can guide you in breaking these habits if they persist.

Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water. Clean your child’s gums and teeth after feeding, and encourage drinking from a regular cup as soon as they can manage.

Our pediatric dentists use digital X-rays, which emit significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays. They are safe and crucial for detecting dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Talk positively about the dentist, read books about dental visits, and explain the process in a simple and age-appropriate manner. Avoid using words that may cause fear or anxiety.

Caring for your child’s teeth is important. Parents should clean their baby’s gums with a soft cloth before their teeth erupt. Once teeth appear, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water. Around the age of 2, you can introduce a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a rice grain).

Encourage a balanced diet, limit sugary snacks and beverages, promote regular brushing and flossing, and schedule regular dental check-ups at Alligator Dental.

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay. They are recommended for children when their permanent molars erupt, usually around age 6.

Fluoride is essential for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Dr. Alfred Burns, Dr. Anas Hakimeh, Dr. Dorothy Causey, Dr. Hennah Shamji, or Dr. Israel Saintil may recommend fluoride treatments or supplements based on your child’s risk of cavities.

Contact Alligator Dental immediately. Rinse the tooth gently for knocked-out teeth and try to reinsert it into the socket. You can call our office and schedule an emergency appointment for other emergencies, such as a toothache or broken tooth.

We recommend orthodontic evaluations around the age of 7. Early intervention can help identify and address potential issues, leading to more effective and shorter orthodontic treatment if necessary.

Absolutely! Alligator Dental gladly accepts all dental insurance plans. We firmly believe every child deserves top-notch dental care, irrespective of their coverage. Our dedicated team is committed to diligently working to create a lasting legacy of joyful smiles tailored to meet your little one’s needs rather than being restricted by the provisions of your insurance provider.

It’s essential to clarify that our pediatric dental office doesn’t hold contracts with any specific insurance company. While we operate as an out-of-network provider within your insurance network, it’s reassuring to know that preventative treatments and care are frequently covered up to 100%. To maximize the value of your premium, our efficient staff electronically submits all codes, ensuring that your child receives the optimum benefits from your insurance coverage.

Our practice believes in providing the highest level of care to every child in need. Alligator Dental proudly accepts Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, and we can work with you to generate the best possible outcome for your little one’s oral health.