Children's Dentistry in Mobile, AL

We recommend the first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Starting early allows us to monitor dental development, catch any early decay in baby teeth, and help your child build a positive relationship with dental care from the beginning. Early visits are short, gentle, and low-key.

For very young children, the first visit is mostly a gentle introduction — we count their teeth, check how things are coming in, look for any early concerns, and talk with you about brushing, diet, and what to expect as they grow. For older kids we'll do a full exam, take any necessary X-rays, and clean their teeth. We'll always walk you through what we find before we recommend anything.

Yes — very much. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and guide them into proper position. Losing a baby tooth too early due to decay can cause neighboring teeth to shift, creating crowding problems later. Cavities in baby teeth can also cause pain and infection. And building good dental habits early sets children up for a lifetime of healthier smiles.

Most children benefit from a cleaning and exam every six months. Children who are cavity-prone or have other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits. At your child's first appointment, we'll assess their current dental health and recommend the right schedule for them specifically.

X-rays for children are taken as needed based on their age, risk level, and dental history — not on a fixed schedule. Our digital X-ray system uses significantly less radiation than traditional film. We'll only take X-rays when they provide information we can't get from a visual exam alone, such as checking for cavities between teeth or monitoring the development of permanent teeth.

Yes. Fluoride has been studied extensively for decades and is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing cavities. It strengthens tooth enamel and helps teeth resist the acid produced by bacteria. The amount used in dental treatment and community water supplies is carefully regulated and well within safe limits. Like anything, excessive amounts aren't good — but at the levels used in dentistry and public water, fluoride is safe and beneficial. If you have specific concerns, we're happy to talk through them at your visit.

Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth — the spots where cavities are most likely to develop. They're one of the most effective preventive tools we have for kids, especially once the permanent molars come in around age 6 and 12. We'll let you know if your child is a good candidate at their exam.

We see a lot of kids who've had a bad experience somewhere else or who are just nervous about something new. We go slow, explain everything before we do it, and never force a child through something they're not ready for. Our goal for a first visit is just to make it a good experience — that matters more than getting everything done in one appointment. Most kids leave in a much better mood than they arrived.

Usually yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help your child chew and speak properly. An untreated cavity can spread, cause pain, lead to infection, and affect the developing permanent tooth underneath. The timing depends on how deep the cavity is and how soon the tooth is expected to fall out naturally — we'll walk you through the options.

Yes — any contact sport or activity with a risk of falls or collisions puts teeth at risk. A custom-fitted mouthguard from our office offers much better protection than a store-bought boil-and-bite. If your child plays football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, martial arts, or similar sports, ask us about a mouthguard at their next visit.

Most orthodontists recommend a first evaluation around age seven, when enough permanent teeth are in for an orthodontist to assess jaw growth and tooth alignment. During your child's regular exams, we monitor their bite and tooth development and will let you know if we think an orthodontic consultation makes sense. We're happy to provide a referral when the time comes.

Most children naturally stop between ages 2 and 4. If the habit continues past age 4, it can start to affect how the teeth and jaw develop — particularly causing an open bite or narrow palate. We'll monitor this at your child's visits and let you know if we're seeing any changes. There's no need to stress about it before age 4.

No — they are general dentists who welcome patients of all ages, including children. Pediatric dentists complete specialty training focused exclusively on kids' dental care. While Dr. Gegzna and Dr. Shipp don't have that specialty designation, they have extensive experience treating children and genuinely enjoy it. They are the right fit for most healthy children. If your child ever needs a level of specialized care that goes beyond what a general dentist provides, we will refer you to a trusted pediatric specialist.

Silver Diamine Fluoride is a liquid we apply directly to a cavity to stop it from progressing. It's quick, painless, and doesn't require drilling or anesthesia — which makes it a great option for young children, anxious patients, or situations where a cavity needs to be stabilized before it can be properly restored. One thing to know upfront: SDF turns the decayed area black. The black is the arrested decay — it means it's working. Healthy tooth structure doesn't change color. We always warn parents before we use it so nobody is surprised at home, but it can be startling if you're not expecting it.

Curodont Repair is a treatment that uses a biomimetic peptide to help remineralize early cavities — essentially encouraging the tooth to repair itself before a filling is needed. We use it on small, early lesions that haven't fully broken through the enamel yet. It's painless, takes just a few minutes, and can sometimes help us avoid drilling altogether. Not every cavity qualifies, but when we catch decay early enough it's a great option to try first.

Yes — we accept BCBS and the Alabama Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP / ALL Kids) for pediatric patients. We do not currently accept Medicaid. If you are unsure whether your child's plan is accepted, call us at (251) 308-0584 and we will verify your benefits before your appointment.