When you’re looking for a family dental office, you want a space where you and your children feel comfortable.
A friendly staff, quality treatments, and the latest technology make Brilliant Smiles Family Dentistry your one-stop shop for dental care.
Dr. Sheryl Jenicke is a family dentist in Cadillac, MI. Her welcoming chairside manner and friendly dental team can make dental visits enjoyable for patients of every age.
Family dentistry is one of the general dental services we provide to Cadillac, MI.
Cavity Prevention: Family Dentist in Cadillac, MI
Tooth decay and cavities are common issues for children because their tooth enamel, or the outer layer of their teeth, is not as hard as the enamel in adult teeth.
Once the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease enter a tooth, they can create cavities.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby’s mouth.
If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby’s future primary teeth, which can later hamper the proper formation of permanent teeth.
One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is not to allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep.
Encouraging your toddler to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help stave off the problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride
The premolar and molar teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth. They have a larger surface area and have several grooves and pits on the chewing surface. These grooves can be deep and are a prime place for plaque and acid to build up and cause cavities or holes and pits in the teeth.
It is for this reason that many dentists will suggest applying sealants, especially on young children. A sealant is a coating that is applied to the chewing surface of the teeth.
The sealant creates a smooth surface to act as a barricade protecting it from decay. Sealants can be reapplied every 5 to 10 years to prevent decay and damage to teeth.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel or the outer layer of teeth. You can find fluoride in water and toothpaste.
We can also place fluoride varnish on the teeth to protect them from harmful, decay-causing bacteria. After we place the varnish, we will ask our patients to refrain from eating for thirty minutes as the varnish seeps into the enamel.
Caring for Your Oral Health As You Age
More and more people are avoiding the need for dentures as they grow older, going against the notion that false teeth are a normal part of growing older.
In fact, there’s usually no reason for you NOT to keep your teeth your entire life, provided you maintain a healthy balanced diet and practice good oral hygiene.
Another desirable side effect of good oral hygiene: avoiding more serious problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even stroke.
Indeed, medical research is beginning to show that a healthy mouth equates to a healthy body and a longer life.
Dexterity and Arthritis
People who suffer from arthritis or other problems with dexterity may find it difficult and painful to practice good oral hygiene.
Thankfully, the industry has responded with ergonomically designed devices such as toothbrushes and floss holders that make it easier to grasp and control.
You can also use items around the house to help you. Inserting the handle of your toothbrush into a small rubber ball or extending the handle by attaching a small piece of plastic or a Popsicle stick may also do the trick.
Floss can also be tied into a tiny loop on either side, making it easier to grasp and control the floss with your fingers.
Contact Your Local Cadillac Family Dentist
Call Brilliant Smiles Family Dentistry for treatment today at 231-389-6388.
You can also schedule a dental appointment for your family online.