Do you need a dentist who can see your whole family? Dental House and Aesthetics provides family dentistry services in our Franklin, MI dental office. Family dental care is part of preventative or general dentistry care. Visiting our dentist at any age can help keep your oral health in check.
We offer treatments for common problems, from cavities to crooked teeth, for each age group. Family dentist Dr. Jomana Shayota takes each patient’s needs into account before their treatment. She provides complete dental services for children, teenagers, and adults.
Oral Health and Child Development
Taking care of your child’s teeth early in life is an important part of their overall health and development. Franklin, MI family dentist Dr. Shayota recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. This early visit helps your child get comfortable at the dentist’s office and gives parents the chance to ask questions and learn how to care for their child’s growing smile.
Even before your child sees the dentist, you need to start caring for their mouth at home. You can gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft cloth after feedings. This helps remove bacteria and keeps their mouth clean.
Once your child’s first teeth begin to come in, you should brush them twice a day using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Use only a tiny amount of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. As your child grows older and learns to spit, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Why Regular Dental Visits Matter
Regular dental cleanings and exams for children are key to keeping their teeth and gums healthy. During these visits, we check for signs of cavities. X-rays also help us make sure the teeth are growing in properly. Our hygienists can also give your child a professional cleaning.
We also understand that going to the dentist can feel scary for some kids. Our team is experienced in helping children feel safe and calm during their visit. We explain things in a fun, friendly way and take our time so your child has a positive experience.
Cavity Treatment and Prevention in Children
Many people don’t realize how important dental health is to a child’s overall development. Healthy teeth play a big role in how kids eat, speak, and even feel about themselves. One of the most common dental problems in children is cavities.
Children are more likely to get cavities because of their eating habits and how well they brush and floss. Eating sugary snacks, drinking sweet drinks, and not brushing properly can all lead to tooth decay.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are small holes or pits in the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. They’re caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar and starch. When these bacteria aren’t cleaned away, they produce acids that wear down the enamel. Cavities can make it hard for children to chew their food or speak clearly, and they can even cause pain or infections if left untreated.
Sealants and Safe Fluoride Treatment for Children
At our office, we offer fluoride treatments to help protect your child’s teeth. Fluoride is a natural mineral that makes tooth enamel stronger. It helps repair tiny areas of damage before they turn into cavities by remineralizing the enamel. This gives your child’s teeth an extra layer of protection against harmful bacteria.
We also provide dental sealants as a simple and effective way to prevent cavities. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that we apply to the back molars after a regular dental cleaning. These teeth are harder to reach and more likely to trap food and bacteria. The sealant helps keep bacteria out.
Invisalign for Teens
We treat patients of all ages with family dentistry treatments in our Franklin, MI office. Dentistry for teens is important because teens can have more cosmetic concerns as their teeth grow.
Teens are good candidates for Invisalign treatment, which provides a more discreet orthodontic treatment over traditional metal braces. We recommend Invisalign for teenagers who want to treat crooked teeth without braces.
Invisalign doesn’t use bright elastics or metal brackets and wires. Instead, it uses clear aligners that you can switch out every few weeks. Invisalign for teenagers differs from Invisalign for adults in multiple ways. Teen Invisalign provides:
- More replacement aligners (typically six sets)
- Eruption tabs for baby teeth
- Compliance indicators
Invisalign allows more wiggle room for teenagers if they lose their aligners. The Invisalign compliance indicators are small blue dots that fade as patients wear their aligners, which motivates teens to keep wearing their aligners throughout the day. If patients still have to lose their baby teeth, teen Invisalign treatment has tabs that hold space for permanent teeth.
Aging and Oral Health: Family Dentistry in Franklin, MI
As you age, you can encounter dental problems you haven’t faced before. Problems like gum disease, certain medications, medical conditions, or natural tooth wear can change your smile.
We provide restorative and cosmetic services for patients as they age. Veneers and dental bonding treatments can address deep tooth stains or dental injuries. Sensational Smiles is a great take-home whitening option for patients with sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity is common as we age, as the enamel wears down over time. Addressing discolored teeth with Sensational Smiles brightens teeth by multiple shades and combats sensitivity, which is a common problem associated with professional teeth whitening.
Patient Review
Family Dentistry FAQs
We have answers to frequently asked questions about our family dentistry services in Franklin, MI.
What is the youngest age for Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment can begin for children as young as six or seven with a program called Invisalign First. It’s designed to correct early orthodontic issues in growing children. The appropriate age depends on individual dental development, so consulting an orthodontist is important.
Can dental cleanings prevent cavities?
Yes, regular dental cleanings can help prevent cavities. Even if you brush and floss every day, bacteria can still get into hard to reach places in your mouth.
During a professional dental cleaning, our hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth This helps lower the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay.
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly gives your mouth a fresh start and lowers your risk of getting cavities. Cleanings also allow us to check for early signs of cavities, so we can treat cavities early.
Why do I get so many cavities even though I brush and floss?
Even with good oral hygiene, factors like genetics, diet, or enamel strength can contribute to cavities. Consuming sugary or acidic foods increases risk, as does having deep grooves in your teeth where bacteria can hide. It’s important to discuss this with Dr. Shayota so she can find personalized solutions for you.
Should I decline fluoride treatment at the dentist?
Fluoride treatments strengthen your tooth enamel and can help prevent decay. Accepting fluoride treatment is generally beneficial unless you have a specific allergy or medical reason. If you have concerns, please talk to Dr. Shayota.
Fluoride is a safe and natural mineral. Problems only arise if you have too much fluoride as your teeth grow. Even then, too much fluoride doesn’t affect your oral health, it stains your teeth.
Will my teeth rot without fluoride?
If you don’t get enough fluoride, your teeth are more likely to get cavities and decay over time. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps make the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, stronger. It also helps fix small areas of damage before they turn into bigger problems.
Even if you brush and floss every day, your teeth still face acid attacks from bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride gives your teeth an extra layer of protection against these acids.
Who needs dental sealants?
Dental sealants are very helpful for children and teenagers who are more prone to cavities in the grooves of their molars. Adults without decay or fillings can also benefit from dental sealants. They act as a barrier to protect teeth from bacteria and plaque buildup.
What is the most common dental problem seniors have?
As we get older, our dental needs change. One of the most common dental problems that seniors face is gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can lead to serious problems if it’s not treated. Advanced gum disease can lead to receding gums and tooth loss.
But gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Studies have shown that gum disease is linked to other health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Along with gum disease, older adults often deal with dry mouth. This happens when the body doesn’t make enough saliva. Saliva helps wash away food and bacteria, so without it, your mouth can feel uncomfortable and your risk for cavities goes up. Certain medications or health conditions often cause dry mouth.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Do you need a new family dentist in Franklin, MI? Contact Dental House and Aesthetics today at (248) 963-7925. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Shayota online. Dr. Shayota is proud to treat dental patients from Keego Harbor, Bloomfield Hills, and Farmington Hills.