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. We focus on comprehensive dental solutions that prioritize long-term oral health goals. This way, you can look forward to maintaining your beautiful and healthy smile for a lifetime.
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 decay enter a tooth, they can create a cavity, a hole in the surface of the tooth.
Without treatment from a dentist, cavities will worsen and cause irreversible damage to the dental structure. To protect the smile, dentists emphasize the prevention of cavities. Patients of any age or background could form cavities and should seek this preventive oral healthcare.
You can fight cavities by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly at home. You should also attend routine dental check-ups where a dentist can professionally clean the teeth and examine the smile for signs of tooth decay. A healthy diet and good oral habits can help you retain your natural dental structure.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices. They combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby’s mouth. The sugar becomes acidic when it reacts with saliva, which can pose a threat to oral health.
If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby’s future primary teeth. This 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.
Primary Teeth
Children begin developing their first teeth, which are called primary teeth or baby teeth, in infancy. Primary teeth serve as placeholders for adult permanent teeth. They allow the child to learn to speak and eat while their mouths and jaws grow.
Around age 5 or 6, the baby teeth will loosen and fall out. In their place, adult teeth will grow into their larger jaw size.
Though kids eventually lose baby teeth, caring for these teeth is crucial to adult oral habits and dental health. Kids should practice good oral hygiene at home and at their dentist’s office as soon as they grow their first baby teeth.
Dental Sealants and Fluoride
The premolar and molar teeth are the largest teeth in the mouth. They have a larger surface area along with 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 the tooth 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 tap water and toothpaste.
Our dental team 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 30 minutes as the varnish seeps into the enamel.
Caring for Your Oral Health As You Age
More and more people avoid 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. Aging may heighten the risk of certain dental problems. Preventive efforts with help from your dentist can prove crucial as you grow older.
Another desirable side effect of good oral hygiene: avoiding more serious problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even stroke. Certain dental issues like gum disease can trigger systemic inflammation that can heighten your risk of these medical dangers.
Proper preventive dental care can eliminate these risk factors. Indeed, research shows 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. They can struggle to hold or maneuver toothbrushes or string floss.
Thankfully, the dental industry has responded with ergonomically designed devices such as 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. For more advice about caring for your smile or oral hygiene, consult with your dentist.
Family Dentistry FAQs
Our dental practice treats patients of all ages. Learn more about family dentistry by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
We recommend that your child visit the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or before they turn one, whichever comes first. Oral healthcare is still essential for babies. We can teach you the best methods to brush your child’s teeth while giving your child a good first impression of the dentist office.
What’s the difference between a pediatric and a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist only works with children. They don’t usually see anyone over 18-21, focusing on when your mouth is developing. A family dentist trains to work with patients of all ages. We see everyone from babies to seniors in our dentist office. It makes it convenient because the whole family can be seen at once.
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for toddlers and young children?
Fluoride is an essential element that strengthens your tooth enamel. Fluoride toothpaste is safe for them, but it’s important to monitor how much toothpaste they use. Babies need no more toothpaste than the size of a grain of rice, while toddlers shouldn’t have anything more than the size of a pea. At age 3, they can spit, so they can have a larger amount. Monitor their brushing up until at least age 6.
Why do the temporary primary teeth require care?
Some people think that primary teeth aren’t important since you lose them anything. But they’re essential for mouth development. They serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth, ensuring enough room when they come in. Otherwise, they can come in crooked and crowded. Primary teeth also help your child learn how to speak and chew properly.
How do I prepare my child for visiting the dentist?
Many children get nervous when they have to go to the dentist. It’s a new experience with strange sights and sounds. Talk to them about the cleaning and exam so they know exactly what’s coming. You can show them pictures of the staff and office on our site so that they aren’t as surprised when they come in the door. Sit with them during their appointment to reassure them. They can also sit and watch yours so that they know there’s nothing to fear.
Contact Your Local Cadillac Family Dentist
Are you and your family due for a dental check-up? Schedule a dental appointment by calling Brilliant Smiles Family Dentistry at 231-389-6388 or reaching our front office staff online.