Find Out How Your Smile Can Benefit From Tooth-Colored Fillings

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

tooth colored fillings

Most adults will have at least one cavity in their lives, so it’s no surprise that dealing with tooth decay is one of the most common problems addressed by dentists. When teeth have been damaged by decay, dental fillings are generally used to fill in the spot of the decay to prevent it from getting worse. In the past, a mixture—also called “amalgam”—of metals was used, but today we have other options, including composite, tooth-colored fillings.

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings have been used for about the past 150 years. They are small dental restorations that are used for treating cavities, which are also called dental “caries.” Metal amalgam used to be the filling of choice until the 1990s and 2000s when composite materials began to be vastly improved. Now the benefits of tooth-colored fillings in Comstock Park have become quite well known and popular for dental restorations.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

There are a number of advantages that only tooth-colored fillings provide, including:

  • They are more attractive than metal fillings. Because they are color-matched to the rest of your teeth, tooth-colored fillings blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They will not discolor with time either. You can smile with confidence at your cavity-free appearance. No one will even know the restoration is there!
  • They are less destructive. With tooth-colored fillings, more of the natural tooth can be kept intact than with metal fillings. This helps to maintain the tooth’s natural strength.
  • They are durable. Tooth-colored fillings last a long time; with the proper care, they can last for as long as a decade or beyond.

Learn More About the Advantages of Tooth-Colored Fillings

For more information about tooth-colored fillings and your many other options for effective dental restoration, be sure to contact us at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry at 616-552-8307.

 

5 Cavity Basics For Our Dental Patients

Categories: General Dentistry

Rockford MI General Dentistry - Cavity Basics

Some of the most popular dental topics discussed in Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI  relate to cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. However, the desire to avoid cavities is still the main reason Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI residents visit Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull, so today our blog is going to highlight the 5 things you need to know about cavities.

1. Cavities can also be called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings occur. These little holes are cavities.

2. Factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Teeth that haven’t been cleaned well

3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, stain, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull today for an appointment.

4. Cavities are more common among children, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.

5. Preventing cavities is simple. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right and avoid snacking, and have regular visits with your dentist.

If you are looking for quality dental care in the Comstock Park area, Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry is the office for you. We have been treating dental patients in Comstock Park, MI since 1974. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as gum contouring and smile makeovers.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-827-7019
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

Signs That Your Tooth Has A Cavity

Categories: Oral Health

We have all experienced those times when we have a toothache and think…”Do I have a cavity?” You brush twice a day and floss regularly, so a cavity is unlikely. Right? Here is how you can tell if it’s time to give us a call:

The Signs and Symptoms of a Cavity

It’s believed that roughly 90% of Americans will get at least one cavity in their lifetime. When a cavity is in its initial stages, you will often be symptom-free and experience no discomfort at all. It’s not until the tooth decay has reached a certain level that you will begin to notice the signs and symptoms. While a toothache and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids are surefire signs that you have a cavity, there are lesser-known symptoms as well. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, you may want to consider making an appointment with our office as soon as possible:

• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• When you bite down, there is a sticky, tarry feeling
• Puss or discharge around a tooth
• A visible discoloring, usually black or brown
• Small pits or holes in the tooth

Routine dental care is important. While good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular cleanings at the dentist will deter the formation of cavities, they do not constitute a foolproof practice. A cavity can occur at any time, no matter what your age. Bacteria causes tooth decay, and no amount of brushing, flossing, and rinsing will eradicate all the bacteria from your mouth. If you think you may have a cavity, please contact our office immediately.

Cavity Prevention Tips from Dr. Stewart

Categories: Oral Health

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is “cavity”! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:
• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up. In fact, summer is the perfect time for a check-up!

The health benefits of dairy, from Dr. Stewart

Categories: Oral Health

Dr. Stewart wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque’s ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Understanding cavities

Categories: Oral Health

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up