Caring for your infant's teeth begins before a tooth is visible. From birth until about 6 months of age, you should clean your child's gums by gently rubbing a damp cloth over the gums after each meal.
Between 6 months and one year, usually teeth begin to appear. Now is the time to brush the teeth twice each day with a smear of non-fluoridated toothpaste or plain water. If your child does not like the feel of a toothbrush, continue using a damp cloth. As soon as two teeth are touching, you should floss them every day, preferably before bedtime.
It is recommended that you not put your child to bed with a bottle. Other liquids, such as formula or fruit juice, can pool around the teeth, causing decay. This condition, known as early childhood caries or baby bottle syndrome, can be painful, cause decay, and have a serious impact on your child's teeth and health. If your child sleeps with a bottle, fill it only with water.
From 12 to 24 months, most of your child's baby teeth should have erupted. Continue to brush twice each day with a soft toothbrush and a smear of non-fluoridated toothpaste, and floss at least once each day.
We want to examine your child sometime between the first tooth and the first birthday. If we see any problems, we can discuss early intervention that can prevent complicated and expensive procedures in the future.
Each month, check your child's teeth for signs of early decay. Look for any white spots, especially at the gumline. Look for brown spots anywhere on the chewing surface or sides of the teeth. Tell us if you suspect decay may be starting. We may want to examine your child before their regular six-month check-ups.
Depending on several factors, we might recommend a fluoride treatment and discuss other prevention methods.
The first visit to the dentist should not be when your child is in pain. Coming to see us before there are any problems will make future visits more successful.
The best way to care for your infant's teeth is to take good care of your own teeth. If you have cavities or you are at high risk of decay, you can infect your child. During infancy, a child can receive cavity-causing bacteria directly from an adult with whom they are in close contact. Do not share anything from your mouth to your child's, such as an eating utensil or straw.
Baby teeth are important. Taking care of them now can help reduce problems for years to come and keep your child healthy.
Dr. Rehder and the entire staff are friendly and compassionate. They accommodate my needs as a patient and treat me as a personal friend. Professionally, they provide the utmost care and advice, the patient always comes first. I can’t say enough positive comments about this practice.
~Review by Eileen S.
Dr. Rehder is very professional, yet not too serious as he is doing your teeth. He makes it relaxing and is able to keep your mind away from his work (I have never liked going to the dentist, but Dr. Rehder makes the experience as close to pleasant as a dentist visit can be).
~Review by Mary Ellen M.
Thank you Dr. Rehder and Christine for the "always exciting" and "never a dull moment" orthodontist appointment. See you in two weeks to do it all over again. Ok maybe-not ALL over again.
~Review by Elena C.
I had a great experience with Dr. Rehder. He is very informative and professional. All of the staff were so nice and helpful. My overall experience was one of the best I had with a dental office. I would definitely recommend people to come here.
~Review by Paulina C.
Professional staff. Makes you feel at ease, would highly recommend.
~Review by Diane S.
Always wonderful visits at Pinefield Dental. I've been a patient since the very early 90s. The staff is my extended family & takes care of my teeth with the utmost professionalism. This is my dental home.
~Review by Kenneth C.
The doctor and staff were wonderful. My experience is always great. The staff is very caring and always professional. The hours are very convenient as well. They will be able to accommodate anyone's schedule.
~Review by Amanda C.
Richard F. Gittleson, DDS Reviews No one likes/enjoys going to the dentist, but our dentist (Dr. Gittleson) and his staff are so pleasant they help relieve a patient fears.
~Review by Patricia L.
Highly recommended, I’ve been a patient since 1983.
~Review by Charles G.
Excellent.
~Review by Dom J.
