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First Year First Visit

First Year First Visit

First Year First Visit

Your child's first birthday

When should you first take your child to the dentist? Sometime between when your baby's teeth come in and your child's first birthday.

One reason is cost savings. If you bring your child to the dentist by the first birthday, studies show you will spend less money on your child's dental care than parents who delay their child's visit until after the first birthday.

But the main reason is because baby teeth are important. They help your child eat nutritious foods, speak clearly and look good. They also hold space for the permanent teeth that will come in.

Preventive dentistry

The first check-up is usually just to make sure your child's teeth, mouth and airways are growing normally. We also check for plaque and early decay. We would rather prevent a problem than fix one, and it's important we see your child before there is a problem.

What to expect

Most children do better in the morning, so you may want to schedule your visit for early in the day after they've had a good breakfast. However, if the child becomes overly anxious or fussy, we can finish the exam another day. The first visit should not be when your child is in pain.

In the exam room, we might put a bib on your child and offer a pair of sunglasses. There may even be a ride in the dental chair.

We will talk to you about homecare, including brushing and flossing techniques and nutrition. We will also discuss your child's oral health, how it affects a child's overall health and how you can help prevent decay.

When we are done, your child will get to choose a special toothbrush and a toy to take home.

Give your child the gift of good dental health early for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy teeth.

Patient Reviews

  • 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.

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