Family Dentistry In Grand Rapids, MI - Miller Dental
When it comes to the health of your family nothing is more important, and a healthy smile is something that should be valued from the very beginning. While a full, beautiful smile might just seem like an aesthetic benefit having healthy teeth and gums provides the ability to speak to those around you and consume the nutrients you need for your body to stay healthy. So, this is why it’s so important that you and your family visit a family dentist regularly for the proper care your oral health needs.
Why choose a family dentist over a general dentist?
A family dentist specializes in the care, treatment and maintenance of oral health for patients of all ages, from young children to the elderly. Because a family dentist has the training needed to make sure that all smiles remain healthy, whether it’s checking that your child’s smile has reached another developmental milestone or determining the best option for replacing an adult’s missing teeth, you can trust that all members of your family will get the customized care they deserve when they see their family dentist.
Family dentists just like general dentists are focused on preventive care. This means that when you come into our office twice a year for routine checkups that we will provide thorough exams and cleanings to make sure that there is no plaque or tartar buildup and that this buildup is removed before it causes issues like cavities or gum disease. In essence, our main goal is to prevent diseases and other issues that could affect your smile. Of course, we will also treat a host of dental problems, but family dentistry believes that the first level of defense against any oral health issues is prevention, and most dental issues like cavities and gum disease are completely preventable with the proper care.
Of course, family dentistry also provides additional services including cosmetic options like teeth whitening and dental veneers, as well as orthodontic treatments for both children and adults looking to correct crooked teeth and other malocclusions. We know how to provide individualized care to all members of your family to ensure that you have your smile for years to come.
The following tips can help your family reach optimal oral health to promote a lifetime of healthy smiles:
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The health of your smile is a reflection of how well you take care of your teeth and gums. It should go without saying that you and your family should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss daily to remove plaque build up from the large surfaces of the teeth and under the gums. Most of us learn these habits as children, and that’s why it’s important for parents to play an active role in helping kids learn the proper techniques for brushing and flossing.
2. Snacking & Tooth Decay
Frequent snacking can be your mouth’s biggest enemy. That’s because when sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque, the acids produced can attack teeth for several minutes after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down the enamel on the surface of teeth, fueling tooth decay. To prevent cavities, consume sugary foods and drinks with meals rather than in between. If you must snack throughout the day, then brush immediately after to cleanse the mouth of food.
Along with limiting how frequently you eat, you should also pay attention to the types of foods and drinks your family is consuming. Limit your intake of sugary, starchy foods, and replace them with healthy choices, such as raw vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains.
3. Fluoride
Teeth are attacked by plaque daily. The acids produced by plaque weaken the enamel, which eventually leads to decay. That’s why it is important to make sure you are getting enough fluoride. Fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, helping to repair and prevent cavities. Some children may benefit from fluoride supplements. Ask Jacob S. Miller, DDS about the best fluoride treatment plan for your family at your next visit.
4. Check ups
Regular visits to your Grand Rapids, MI dentist are a very important part of maintaining good dental health. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling dental appointments twice a year. A professional dentist can detect problems in their earliest stages, and will make sure your kids’ teeth are developing properly as they grow. Jacob S. Miller, DDS can clean the areas of your teeth that regular brushing can’t, helping you avoid unnecessary cavities and dental treatment.
If you neglect the care of your teeth at home and fail to go to the dentist regularly, accumulated plaque could potentially lead to the development of tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. The good news is that being diligent about your dental health care at home and by seeing your dentist on a regular basis, you and your family will be more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
To make Miller Dental your family dentist contact our Grand Rapids, MI dental office today!
Give us a call at (616) 364-7039!