Children’s Dentistry
Dental Home
At River Dental Arts, we recognize the importance of establishing a Dental Home for children at a very young age. Creating a Dental Home includes building a relationship or “home base” where children can get to know the dental team, and receive regular check-ups and anticipatory guidance as they grow. When appropriate, this can include referrals to dental specialists.
One of Dr. Zeisler’s favorite aspects of caring for patients in a small general practice setting is the opportunity to get to know entire families. Often, children are able to have visits at the same time as their parents. Some even come along to observe an older sibling or parent before they have their first cleaning.
First Dental Visit
At River Dental Arts, we begin providing pediatric dental guidance to our patients who are new parents as soon as the little one arrives. We normally see children for their first check-up around the age of 2 or 3. At the first visit, Dr. Zeisler will evaluate the child’s teeth and soft tissue. Our friendly dental hygienists will clean the child’s teeth and go over oral hygiene and diet instruction with parents. Most importantly, the first visit allows the child to establish a friendship with our team and begin to familiarize themselves with the sights and sounds of a visit to the dentist.
Children’s Fluoride
Having fluoride applied to your children’s teeth will help mineralize and strengthen the enamel, and prevent the progression of decay. Fluoride application can be useful at many different phases of a child’s dental development. Children who are at higher risk of dental decay, such as those with a history of cavities, or those undergoing orthodontic treatment may benefit from more frequent fluoride application or even a prescription toothpaste that can help them avoid the “white spots” that are often the result of softened enamel around orthodontic brackets.
Sealants
We offer sealants to help prevent decay in vulnerable teeth. Sealants are a conservative procedure in which we bond resin material to the areas at most risk of decay. When children's permanent molars erupt, they are most at risk for decay in the deep grooves and anatomy of the biting surfaces of the teeth. We are often able to offer this service to our patients at check-up visits so that newly erupted teeth can be protected.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
Our skilled hygienists take time to educate parents and children at every routine dental visit. We offer guidance on how to most effectively achieve good oral hygiene at home, through various phases of a child’s development-- from a toddler’s newly erupting tooth, to the oral hygiene challenges that older children face during orthodontic treatment. Our caring hygienists educate and encourage both parents and children on tips and tricks to maximize oral health with great at-home habits.
