We’ve designed your child’s first visit to be relaxed and fun. They’ll meet our friendly team, explore our cozy, cottage-style office, and enjoy entertaining amenities like video games and wireless headphones. Dr. Peterson will gently examine their teeth and explain everything in kid-friendly terms, helping your child feel at ease and confident in their care.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Starting dental care early helps set the foundation for good oral health habits and prevents potential issues as they grow.
Help your child feel excited about their visit by reading books or watching videos about going to the dentist. Keep the conversation positive, and let them know that our office is a friendly place. Scheduling morning appointments when your child is well-rested can also make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Our gentle cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. We take the time to ensure your child feels comfortable, and we make the process fun and educational.
Digital X-rays help us detect any hidden issues like cavities or misaligned teeth early on. The process is quick, and the radiation exposure is minimal, making it a safe option for children.
Fluoride helps strengthen your child’s teeth and protects against cavities. We apply fluoride treatments during their checkups to keep their teeth healthy and strong as they grow.
Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities often start. Sealants are an effective way to help prevent cavities and ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy for longer.
Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits is an essential part of preventive care. We educate both parents and children on the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet, so your child understands how to care for their teeth from the start.
Even with the best preventive care, children sometimes need restorative treatments. At Woods and Water Family Dental, we provide gentle, child-friendly restorative care to help your child’s smile stay healthy and functional. Our restorative services include:
If your child has a cavity, we use tooth-colored composite fillings to restore their tooth’s appearance while providing a natural, durable solution. These fillings blend seamlessly with your child’s teeth, making them a comfortable option for younger patients.
If a tooth is severely damaged or needs to be removed for other reasons, we provide gentle extractions to minimize discomfort and anxiety. We ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the process and provide aftercare instructions to aid in healing.
If a tooth has significant damage or decay, a crown may be necessary to restore its shape, size, and strength. We use crowns designed to match the natural color of your child’s teeth, so they feel confident smiling again.
If your child loses a baby tooth too early, we may recommend space maintainers to keep the surrounding teeth from shifting. This helps ensure the proper spacing for adult teeth to come in correctly.
If your child is experiencing a toothache, it could be a sign of a cavity, infection, or gum issue. We’ll provide a thorough evaluation and offer a treatment plan to relieve the pain and fix the issue.
Accidents happen, and if your child knocks out a tooth or experiences any dental injury, don’t hesitate to call us. We offer emergency care for injuries like broken teeth, dislodged teeth, or cuts to the mouth, and we’ll act quickly to manage the situation.
If your child’s filling or crown comes loose or falls out, it’s important to address it right away. We can repair or replace it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
With 20+ years of experience, Dr. Wendy Peterson combines her background as a hygienist and dentist to provide expert, personalized care for all ages.
Dr. Peterson believes in clear, honest communication. She takes the time to explain treatment options and answer questions, ensuring you always feel comfortable and informed.
Building lasting relationships is at the heart of Dr. Peterson’s practice. You can trust that your health, comfort, and well-being are her top priorities.
As a locally owned practice, we’re deeply committed to our Cloquet community. Dr. Peterson and her team care about providing personalized, compassionate care to our neighbors.
Our practice is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring a warm, northwoods-inspired atmosphere and a focus on making dental visits positive experiences for everyone. We offer a range of amenities to keep you and your family comfortable, including soothing music, entertainment options, and a friendly, compassionate team that genuinely cares about your health and well-being.
Yes, we warmly welcome children with special needs and create individualized treatment plans to meet their unique requirements. Our team is experienced in offering compassionate care and making sure every child feels comfortable and supported during their visits.
Limit sugary snacks, drinks, and sticky candies that can contribute to cavities. Hard foods that could damage teeth, such as hard candies or ice, should also be avoided. We can offer guidance on making healthy food choices that protect your child’s teeth.
Start by leading by example—brush and floss your teeth together. Make brushing fun by using colorful toothbrushes, kid-friendly toothpaste, and positive reinforcement. Regular dental visits also help your child understand the importance of taking care of their teeth. We're here to guide you in teaching proper techniques and building a strong foundation for lifelong oral health.
If you or your child experience a dental emergency, contact our office immediately. We reserve time in our schedule for same-day emergency appointments, so we can get you the care you need as quickly as possible. Don’t wait—early care can often prevent bigger problems down the road.
Yes, we work with most major insurance providers and are happy to help you navigate your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options to make dental care more affordable for you and your family. Our team is here to assist with insurance claims and ensure you get the most out of your coverage.
We understand that some children feel nervous about dental visits. To help your child feel at ease, we offer comfort amenities like cozy blankets, wireless headphones, and calming music. Our gentle techniques and patient approach make sure your child feels relaxed throughout the visit.
Yes, we use digital X-rays, which expose children to far less radiation than traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays are a safe and effective way to help us detect any hidden dental issues early, ensuring the best care for your child.
For most children, we recommend dental checkups every six months. Routine cleanings and exams help prevent cavities and ensure your child’s teeth and gums stay healthy as they grow.
We recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits help establish healthy habits and allow us to address any potential issues before they become bigger concerns.
