Lap to Lap Exams Under Age 1The Importance of a Baby Dental Exam Before Age 1 in Marysville, WAWhen it comes to your baby's health, early dental care plays a major role in setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child's first dental visit should take place by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting. At Grove Street Family Dentistry, we proudly offer lap to lap dental exams for infants to help parents in Marysville, WA introduce their babies to the dentist in a safe, comforting, and effective way. 
What Is the Lap-to-Lap Technique?The lap-to-lap technique, also called a lap visit, is a simple but highly effective way to conduct a dental exam for infants and toddlers. Your child begins the visit by sitting on your lap, facing you. Then, you and the dentist sit knee-to-knee. Gently, your baby is laid back so that their head rests in the dentist's lap while their legs remain on yours. This position allows your child to maintain eye contact with you, hold your hands, and feel your presence throughout the exam. This reassurance helps them stay calm and makes it easier for the dentist to perform a quick, yet thorough check-up. It's a positive, stress-reducing experience that introduces your child to oral care in a way that's emotionally supportive and developmentally appropriate. Even if your child is fussy or nervous, the lap visit is still productive. It provides an important opportunity to get them used to the dental environment and allows us to monitor early tooth and gum development. With regular six-month visits, your child will build comfort and familiarity with our office and team. Benefits of Lap VisitsGoing to the dentist can feel intimidating for anyone, but especially for children under age three who may not understand what's happening or be able to communicate their feelings. That's why our team at Grove Street Family Dentistry uses the gentle and effective lap-to-lap technique for a baby dental exam in Marysville, WA. This method makes a child's first dental visit before age one much easier by keeping them close to their parent during the exam. Rather than lying alone in a dental chair, your baby will sit on your lap and lean back into the lap of our pediatric dentist. This allows your child to feel safe while giving the dentist a clear view of their developing teeth. Lap-to-lap dental exams are one of the most effective ways to introduce your child to the dentist. Here are some of the key benefits:
Great for Kids—and ParentsWe understand that it's not just children who feel nervous about dental visits—parents can, too. Bringing your infant in for their first dental visit before age one can feel stressful. But with the lap-to-lap technique, you'll see firsthand how compassionate, gentle, and professional our pediatric dental team is. You'll be right there, providing comfort and learning how to take care of your child's oral health from the very beginning. Over time, this leads to less dental anxiety for both you and your child - and healthier habits that can last a lifetime. Why a First Dental Visit Before Age One MattersMany parents are surprised to hear that babies should see a dentist before their first birthday. After all, how much can really go wrong with just one or two tiny teeth? The truth is, dental problems can begin as soon as teeth appear. Baby teeth are susceptible to cavities just like adult teeth. Issues such as bottle decay, gum irritation, or even trauma from falls can all affect your baby's oral health. Early dental visits allow us to:
What to Expect During a Lap-to-Lap AppointmentDuring your child's baby dental exam at Grove Street Family Dentistry in Marysville, WA, here's what you can expect:
How to Prepare for Your Child's First Lap VisitA successful lap visit starts at home. Talk to your child about what to expect using positive, reassuring language. Keep it simple and calm. You can even practice by playing "dentist" at home with a stuffed animal or by gently brushing their teeth in front of a mirror. When you arrive at Grove Street Family Dentistry, our experienced pediatric dental team will take it from there. We only proceed when your child feels safe and ready. Our focus is always on comfort, care, and creating a positive foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Schedule Your Baby Dental Exam in Marysville, WAIf your baby is approaching their first birthday—or already has their first tooth—it's time for their first dental visit. At Grove Street Family Dentistry, we specialize in lap-to-lap dental exams for infants, making early dental care a calm and nurturing experience for both parents and children. To schedule your baby's lap-to-lap dental exam in Marysville, WA, give us a call at (360) 659-3200. Our friendly staff is happy to help you get started. |
Contact Information4825 Grove Street Marysville, WA 98270-4474 (360) 659-3200 office@grovestreetdentist.com Follow UsHours Mon-Thurs: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm Our office is closed for lunch between 12pm - 1pm Book AppointmentNew Patients Existing Patients |
