Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry, a mother-daughter team who are committed to excellent care and being the friendliest dentists in the area. Learn all about Tori, a Bedford Mom, and her awesome practice below!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Victoria (Tori) Spindel Rubin. I live with my sports addict husband Jeff and my adorable 2.5 year old daughter Summer and 5 month old son Archie. I am a dentist during the day, but love to cook, bake (i’ve got a secret sweet tooth), and create art in my free time! Before dentistry, I worked as a fashion designer for Isaac Mizrahi and Kate Spade, but you could never tell because I wear sweatpants all around town. I enjoy visiting Lake Winnipesaukee during the summer and skiing in the winter. I love to spend time with my family doing anything and everything!
Tell us about your practice!
I work with my mother, Elizabeth Spindel, at Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry in the North end of Manchester. She was the first female dentist in Manchester and we believe we are the first mother-daughter team in the area! We pride ourselves on being the friendliest dentists we can be and treat many wonderful families of all ages! We do anything from cleanings, to fillings, to root canals, to sleep apnea appliances, to implant supported dentures. I love to use my artistic background to sculpt and design teeth and help to make people feel more confident in their smile. I also love treating children and helping them love visiting the dentist! Our patients are our family and we hope to give them the best care!
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
We see patients at 7:30-5. We typically have a different patient every 30-60 minutes where we are treating them for dental pain, cavities, cosmetic procedures and restoring their smile and dental health. We have great hygienists who will clean your teeth and educate you on keeping your mouth healthy. We know going to the dentist can be scary so we work hard to make sure you are comfortable during your appointment. Every day is different and exciting because we have different patients with all sorts of dental needs!
What are your favorites local spots in town?
I love bringing my daughter to the children’s programs at the library and art class with Ms. Jen at town hall. We love feeding the animals at Joppa Hill Farm and going to the playground. We always meet such great people there! I love Pressed Cafe and Flight. I love a night outside at the firepit in the fall at Bedford Village inn.
When should parents bring their child to the dentist for the first time?
Your child’s first dental visit should take place after the first tooth appears, but no later than your child’s first birthday. As soon as your baby has teeth, they can get cavities. Starting early helps keep their smile healthy for life!
How can parents help their child prepare for their first dentist appointment?
To get your child ready to visit the dentist, start by reading books or watching videos about a child’s first dental visit. Practice role playing dentist with your child, have them look into your mouth and count your teeth. We love using the play doh dentist sets too! Having parents who like the dentist and talk positively about it always helps too! Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething, sucking his or her thumb or using a pacifier too much, your dentist can offer some advice.
What will my child’s first visit be like?
The dentist will examine your child to make sure their mouth and teeth are developing in the way they should. You may sit in the chair with your child on your lap, or they can sit alone. The dentist will count the teeth, check for cavities, clean the teeth and apply fluoride. It’s normal for a child to cry during their first visit but they normally get better every time!
How can parents make brushing more fun?
Singing songs about toothbrushing, having a fun timer on the counter, giving stickers as rewards, or watching videos on a phone are all ways to help make brushing more fun! We love to use “Elsa sparkles” as toothpaste and brush away the monkeys or elephants or bananas we find in kids’ mouths. Some new toothbrushes hook up to your phone and you can brush away the monsters on your teeth and track your brushing like a video game!
When should kids start flossing?
You should start flossing as soon as two teeth are touching and there isn’t a space between them.
When should kids start using toothpaste?
It is now recommended to use a “grain of rice” size of fluoride toothpaste as soon as you begin brushing!
When should kids start using mouthwash?
Once children can swish and spit without swallowing, you may begin to use mouthwash.
What is your best piece of advice for people looking to start a business?
I can’t give much advice on this because I just followed in the footsteps of my awesome mom, but she would say to find something you love, treat your patients or customers as if they are family and the right things will fall into place!
How can people connect with you and follow your business?
Our website is elizabethspindel.com and we have a Facebook page: Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our phone number is 603-669-9049 and we are always accepting new patients.