We love caring for families at Chester Creek Dental. We tailor our approach specifically for young patients, using techniques and care that match their age and needs. We focus on educating patients and parents, encouraging prevention techniques, and creating positive attitudes toward dental care. When kids feel comfortable at the dentist from a young age, they’re more likely to maintain good oral health habits throughout their lives.
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the unique dental needs of kids from infancy through their teenage years. Children’s teeth, mouths, and jaws are constantly growing and changing, which means they need specialized, supportive care. They also require thoughtful communication and attention so they feel at ease and excited about visiting the dentist.
Regular cleanings and exams help us catch potential concerns early and keep your child’s teeth healthy. We use gentle techniques and take our time to ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the appointment.
These quick, painless treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. They can also help protect kids’ teeth as they learn proper brushing techniques.
We apply thin protective coatings to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, which is where cavities commonly form. This simple procedure creates a barrier against food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities.
Despite our best prevention efforts, cavity treatment is sometimes necessary. We make dental fillings as stress-free as possible. Our goal is to restore the tooth while keeping your child calm and comfortable.
We can help identify potential alignment issues while your child is still growing. Early detection means we can guide proper development or refer you to an orthodontist at the optimal time for intervention.
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a dental injury from sports, or sudden tooth pain, we’re here to provide compassionate emergency dental care when your child needs it most.
As a family dental practice, we’ve built our reputation on creating positive experiences for children and peace of mind for parents. We communicate with kids at their level, whether we’re explaining a procedure to a curious five-year-old or discussing oral hygiene with a self-conscious teenager. Every child is different, and we adapt our approach to meet each one where they are.
We’ve watched countless children grow up in our practice, from their first dental visit through their high school years. There’s something special about being part of a family’s journey and seeing those little patients become young adults with healthy, confident smiles. That continuity of care means we truly know your child and their dental history.
We get this question all the time, and we have an entire article about your child’s first appointment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit to be within six months of getting their first tooth, but no later than one year of age.
We like to make the first dental visit a positive experience for your child. This means we adjust the goals for the appointment based on how your child responds to being at the dentist.
Some kids let us examine and quickly brush their teeth at their first appointment, while others would prefer us not to touch them at all. If your child leaves our office with no negative feelings after their first appointment, we are happy! Over time, they will become more and more comfortable with being here.
We’re very experienced at helping patients navigate dental anxiety. We wrote an entire article on what you can do to ease dental anxiety, and you can read it here.
Most children benefit from dental visits every six months. These regular checkups allow us to monitor their development, provide professional cleanings, and catch any issues early. Some children with higher cavity risk or orthodontic concerns may need more frequent visits, which we’ll discuss with you based on your child’s individual needs.
Helping your child brush their teeth before bed and after any sugary drinks or foods (including breast milk) is key to preventing tooth decay and cavities. The earlier they start brushing, the better! To prevent cavities, attack it from all angles: brush twice daily with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, floss before bed, limit sugary snacks and drinks, drink plenty of water, and schedule regular dental visits. Sealants and fluoride varnish treatments provide extra protection. We’ll work with you to develop a prevention plan that fits your family’s lifestyle.
Children can begin learning to brush around age 2 or 3, but they’ll need your help and supervision until they’re about 7 or 8 years old. Even when they’re brushing independently, it’s good to check their work. We’re happy to demonstrate proper technique during your visits and let you know when your child is ready for more independence. You can find more tips on promoting good oral hygiene for your family right here.
Yes, baby teeth serve important functions beyond just chewing. They hold space for permanent teeth, help with speech development, and contribute to proper jaw growth. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and can even affect the permanent teeth developing underneath. Taking care of baby teeth sets the foundation for healthy adult teeth.
Yes, we strongly recommend a mouthguard for any sport where there’s a risk of contact or falling, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and especially contact sports like football or hockey. Dental injuries can be painful, expensive to treat, and sometimes permanent, so prevention is worth the small investment.
Time is critical. Find the tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root) and avoid brushing off the soft tissue attached to the root. Store the tooth in milk until you can get to our office. You can follow the steps in this article on what to do if a child loses a permanent tooth.
For children under 3, use just a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. The key is using the right amount and making sure younger children don’t swallow too much. We’ll show you and your child the right amount during your visit.
Your child’s permanent teeth start to come in around age 6, and they get their last ones around age 12. Baby teeth are incredibly important for maintaining proper space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the right positions.
Keeping baby teeth healthy also helps your child to avoid unnecessary pain from cavities and infections.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist around age 7. Orthodontists are often able to identify potential problems before they progress. Usually, orthodontic problems are easier to correct when identified early.
Chester Creek Dental
1324 East First Street
Duluth, Minnesota 55805
Click for Map/ Driving Directions
Mon - Fri 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
