Your child’s first birthday marks an incredible milestone, and it’s the perfect time to schedule their one-year-old dental exam Washington families trust at Little Smiles. Dr. Jaime Orrick, Dr. Corey Hastings, and Dr. Matt Freihofer understand that early dental visits set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Starting dental care early helps your little one become comfortable with the dentist while allowing our team to monitor their oral development from the beginning.
Many parents wonder why their baby needs to see a dentist before they have all their teeth. The answer is simple: prevention beats treatment every time. Early exams catch potential issues before they become problems, and they give you the tools to protect those precious baby teeth as they emerge.
Why Your Baby’s First Dental Visit Matters
That first one-year-old dental exam parents bring their children to isn’t just about checking teeth. It’s about building trust, establishing good habits, and giving you confidence as a parent. Our team at Little Smiles creates a welcoming environment where even the youngest patients feel safe and comfortable.
During this initial visit, our pediatric dentists assess your child’s oral health, check for early signs of decay, and evaluate their bite development. We also discuss important topics like teething, thumb-sucking, and proper nutrition for dental health. Dr. Jaime Orrick and her colleagues take time to answer every question you have because informed parents raise children with healthier smiles.
What Happens During Your Child’s First Exam
We keep first visits short and sweet because toddlers have limited patience. Here’s what you can expect:
The Welcome: Your child sits on your lap in the dental chair, creating a sense of security. We never rush or force anything that makes your little one uncomfortable.
The Gentle Exam: Our dentists carefully examine emerging teeth, gums, jaw development, and oral tissues. We look for signs of early childhood cavities and check that everything develops properly.
The Education: We demonstrate proper brushing techniques for baby teeth and discuss fluoride use, dietary habits, and how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
Dr. Corey Hastings specializes in making these early experiences positive. His gentle approach helps children view dental visits as fun adventures rather than scary appointments. This positive association encourages better dental cleanings and exams throughout childhood.
Expert Pediatric Care Across Multiple Locations
Little Smiles serves families in Washington, Dardenne Prairie, and Hazelwood with the same commitment to excellence. Our board-certified pediatric dentists have completed additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on children’s dental needs from infancy through adolescence.
Dr. Matt Freihofer brings years of experience working with young patients, understanding that each child develops independently. The techniques used for a one-year-old dental exam in Washington differ significantly from adult dentistry. We use child-sized equipment, speak in age-appropriate language, and move at your child’s speed.
Building Healthy Habits From Day One
Early dental visits aren’t just about examining teeth. They’re about education and prevention. Our preventative care philosophy emphasizes stopping problems before they start. During your appointment, we’ll discuss:
- Proper brushing techniques for baby teeth
- When and how to introduce flossing
- Nutrition choices that support dental health
- Managing teething discomfort naturally
- Breaking habits like pacifier use or thumb-sucking
These early lessons make a tremendous difference. Children who start dental visits at age one typically have fewer cavities throughout childhood and less anxiety about dental care as they grow.
Making Dental Care Accessible
We believe every child deserves quality dental care, regardless of insurance status. That’s why Little Smiles offers the Smile Savers Plan, an affordable membership program for families without dental insurance. This plan covers preventative visits, exams, and cleanings at a predictable annual cost.
Our compassionate dental care approach ensures that financial concerns never prevent families from accessing the necessary services. We work with various insurance plans and offer flexible payment options because your child’s health comes first.
Comprehensive Services as Your Child Grows
While your appointment for a one-year-old dental exam in Washington focuses on early prevention and education, Little Smiles grows with your family. Our comprehensive dental services for kids cover everything from routine cleanings to specialized treatments. As your child ages, we’re here for every milestone, from losing that first tooth to getting braces.
The relationship you build with our team starting at age one creates continuity of care that benefits your child for years. We maintain detailed records, track development patterns, and provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s needs.
One-Year-Old Dental Exam in Washington
Don’t wait until problems develop. That one-year-old dental exam Washington parents schedule at Little Smiles gives your child the best possible start for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our experienced team makes first visits comfortable for both children and parents, answering questions and providing practical guidance you can use at home.Contact Little Smiles today to schedule an appointment at our Washington, Dardenne Prairie, or Hazelwood location. Let Dr. Jaime Orrick, Dr. Corey Hastings, or Dr. Matt Freihofer show you why families throughout the region trust us with their children’s dental care. Your baby’s smile deserves the very best, and we’re here to help protect it from that first tooth.