General Dentistry Near Me | Cadillac, MI

Regular dental cleanings, dental exams, and X-rays are important parts of maintaining good oral health. However, general dentistry treatments can also help patients keep their teeth and gums healthy.

General dental treatments are preventative, meaning that we can help patients prevent future oral health problems by ensuring that they’re healthy today.

At Brilliant Smiles Family Dentistry, we offer general dental treatments to help patients sustain good oral health and stop problems from developing further in our Cadillac, MI, dental office.

We also provide comprehensive dental services to new and existing patients.

How to Prevent Cavities

Cavities are holes or pits in the teeth created by harmful bacteria in the mouth. If you have sensitivity to hot and cold water or foods, pain in your tooth or near the gum line, or teeth that change color, you could have a cavity.

The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing.

Your body’s own saliva is also an excellent cavity fighter because it contains special chemicals that rinse away many harmful materials.

We recommend sealants and varnishes, especially for younger patients, to stave off cavities from forming.

Amalgam-free fillings are also a great option for patients who need to fill cavities. Traditional dental fillings are made of metal and can contain mercury.

Modern white fillings are created from composite, tooth-colored materials that blend in with natural teeth.

Dental Care for Adults and Seniors

As you age, you may need to look out for developing dental symptoms that occur over time. Here are a few influencing factors to consider and discuss with your dentists:

Cavities and Decay

Due to the lack of fluoride when many of today’s seniors grew up, they had a higher tendency to develop decay at a younger age and consequently had more fillings than many of today’s younger population.

Today, many of these fillings, if not looked after with proper oral hygiene at home, can develop re-decay around their margins. Regular dental visits and at-home care can prevent cavities.

Gum Disease

Research evidence suggests that older patients develop plaque more quickly. However, the majority can prevent and maintain their gums and their health by focusing on good home care and regular preventive care at the dentist’s office.

Dry Mouth (xerostomia)

Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. This dry environment results in an imbalance in the normal bacteria in the mouth.

Eventually, patients with dry mouth may experience gum disease or tooth decay. To help combat a dry mouth, avoid caffeine and tobacco. Make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid refined sugar. Some medications can also cause dry mouth.

Medications and Health Problems

Some medications contain sugar and can cause dry mouth, both factors that can influence oral disease.

Medical conditions and medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, pain medications, certain cancer therapies, chemotherapy, Sjogren Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can contribute to gum and tooth decay.

It’s important to tell your dentist about any medications you are taking and other possible symptoms.

Seniors who are living with diabetes are also more susceptible to the effects of gum disease.

Additionally, seniors who may have compromised immune systems due to existing chronic ailments or medications are more susceptible to getting fungal and viral infections of the mouth.