Dental health

Jan3

Why Visit The Dentist?

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Why Visit The Dentist?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want to see each of our patients for regular cleanings and checkups. Most of the time we try to schedule your next appointment as you leave the office. There are some very good reasons for that.

Along with daily brushing and flossing, regular cleanings and checkups are the best way to ensure you have good dental health. That means clean teeth with no cavities, and pink healthy gums.

During your cleaning, we will use an air polisher to remove any tartar found on your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss. That’s one of the reasons brushing twice a day is so important!

During your examination with the doctor, we will look to see if there are any cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We will update your x-rays if you are due.

Finally, we willl look at your tongue, throat, face and head, and your neck. We’re checking for swelling or redness, or any signs of cancer.

Why should you visit the dentist? Your dental health is important to your overall health! At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we will take good care of your dental health. Services include family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7774
Dec27

Do You Have The Most Common Dental Problem?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

Grand Rapids Teeth WhiteningAt Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we restore decayed teeth to create smiles that are both healthy and beautiful. Recent advances in techniques and materials have made the impossible not only possible, but affordable, too.

Decay is the most common dental problem across the board. Not only that, it’s the second most common disease in the nation after the common cold. If you have one or more teeth with decay, it’s time to do something about it.

What Causes Cavities?

We get cavities when certain bacteria in the mouth combine with the sugars in the things we all eat and drink. It produces acids that destoys tooth enamel.

The result is tiny holes in the enamel. This is the first stage of decay. The acids gradually wear away the enamel and get into the inner parts of the tooth. When it reaches the pulp you begin to feel sensitivity, especially when you bite or chew on something.

Left untreated, the result may be a tooth abcess requiring a root canal. But cavities can be filled before it reaches that stage.

Cavities can be avoided with good dental hygiene, which is why we advise brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. It’s also why we recommend regular checkups here at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Services include general and restorative dentistry. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 1371
Dec20

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

gum disease treatment Comstock Park

Do you know that the most common cause of tooth loss among adults is gum disease? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, gum disease is easy to treat if it is detected in the early stages.

Regular check-ups are critical, but there are warning signs for gum disease that everyone should be looking for.

  • Gums that bleed often
  • Gums that are tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  • A bite that changes suddenly so that your teeth don’t seem to fit together correctly
  • Receding gums
  • A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath
  • Loose or separating teeth

Gum disease is usually the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. When you don’t brush and floss on a regular basis, there is a build-up of plaque, which hardens into a substance called tartar. That’s why we recommend our patients brush and floss twice a day. It’s the best way to prevent plaque from building up.

No amount of brushing and flossing will remove tartar from your teeth. It takes a professional cleaning to remove it, which is why we encourage regular checkups.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, call us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park right away. We offer gum disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as complete family and cosmetic dentistry services. Call for an appointment today.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7386
Dec13

Saliva And Dental Health

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

In  this blog post from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we examine saliva and its role in your dental health.

Don’t be squeamish! Saliva is mostly water. No surprise there. A small portion of it, though, is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The ideal pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a critical factor for preventing cavities.

The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis.

Now that you know how important saliva is to dental health, you can probably see why adequate salivary flow should concern you. For most people, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands. But a condition called dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, limits saliva production, and should be dealt with quickly.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want the best possible dental health for each of our patients. Services include family and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 3781
Dec6

A Fresh Start After Losing A Tooth

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants

Comstock Park Permanent Tooth Replacement

At least three million Americans have replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant, and that number grows each year. You can restore your smile with a dental implant from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jaw. An artificial tooth goes on top of the post. They blend in with the patient’s remaining teeth, and look and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are a long-term tooth restoration.

Dental implants also prevent bone recession, which is common in people who have lost teeth. The titanium post goes where the tooth root used to be, and helps strengthen the bone.

Implants can also be used to anchor dentures, providing a much firmer, more secure fit. Many patients report newfound confidence in themselves, after years of embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

Dental implants are one of the most significant advances in dentistry, and are among the many restorative dentistry procedures at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 3066
Nov8

5 Critical Oral Cancer Facts

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral cancer screenings, Oral Health

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want to see our patients at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. A checkup can give you real peace of mind, especially since every one we do includes an oral cancer screening.

Lung and breast cancer get a lot of public attention, and rightfully so. But there is less awareness of oral cancer, even though it claims almost 10,000 lives in the United States every year.

We want to broaden awareness of oral cancer and the significance of early diagnosis.Here are five important things to know about oral (mouth) and oropharyngeal (back of mouth and throat) cancers.

  1. About 80% of men and women with oral cancer use some type of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes).
  2. 40% of men and women who receive late-stage diagnosis of oral cancer pass away within five years. The survival rate for early stage diagnosis is 90%.
  3. In many cases, it is extremely challenging for the individual to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancers because they can produce indistinct symptoms or no symptoms at all. Any abnormality in the mouth or throat, even if small and painless, should be evaluated by a dentist or doctor.
  4. HPV (the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the US) is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Of the many strains of HPV, HPV16 is the one most often linked to oropharyngeal cancer.
  5. African American men have a higher risk of dying from oral cancer than do whites.

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we use the VELscope Oral Cancer Screening system for highly accurate oral cancer screenings and diagnoses, as part of our general and family dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7438
Nov1

How Dental Implants Are Changing Dentures

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth

How Dental Implants are Changing Dentures in Comstock Park

For anyone who has lost all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw, and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality.

You know what they say: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But set aside any skepticism. Implant-supported dentures are already worn successfully by hundreds of thousands of people.

Dental Implants

As you may know, a dental implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. One post can support one artificial tooth. Multiple posts, strategically placed, can support a dental arch.

Implant-supported dentures have a number of advantages over traditional dentures:

  • More stable. Because they are attached to titanium posts that have fused with the jaw, people have much greater biting and chewing power.
  • Natural in appearance. They look more like natural teeth, and are easier to care for.
  • Built to last. Because they are physically attached to the jaw, implants are long-lasting.
  • Prevents bone recession. With traditional dentures, the bone around missing tooth roots begin to deteriorate. The titanium posts replace some of the tooth rootes, so the bone is preserved.

Implant-supported dentures can transform your life, and they are among the procedures available at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We also offer family dentistry services. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 7726
Oct18

Need An Implant? Let’s Do A Checkup And Talk About It.

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants

implant dentist Comstock Park

When is the last time you had a dental check-up? At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we recommend having a thorough exam every six months. If you are considering a dental implant, we will assess your oral condition and discuss replacement options.

Dental implants are an ideal replacement for one or more missing teeth. An implant is a titanium post that is inserted into your jaw, where it fuses with the bone. One implant is a solid base for one artificial tooth, while several can support a dental bridge or full dental arch.

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is someone in good overall health. That includes healthy gums. Adults are better candidates than younger people, because their jawbones are fully grown.

It’s important to have enough bone mass to support the implant. If there is not enough bone to support an implant, bone grafting can be done. Once the implant is in place, it helps prevent further bone loss.

Dental implants from Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park can change your life for the better, and it begins with a thorough checkup. We also offer Invisalign orthodontics, family and cosmetic dentistry. Please call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 8181
Oct11

White Fillings

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Grand Rapids

Filling cavities with a resin composite material is increasingly popular in dentistry. They are commonly referred to as “white fillings,” and they are available at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

One of the things that makes composite fillings so attractive is the color. They easily blend with the color of your natural teeth.

A second advantage to composite fillings is that they do not require as much cavity preparation as traditional silver fillings. Less tooth structure has to be removed before the tooth is filled. And because they bond directly to the tooth, the tooth becomes stronger than it would with a silver filling.

White fillings from Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park are state of the art. We offer Invisalign orthodontics, family, cosmetic and implant dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 1173
Sep27

Periodontal Disease Is Linked To Systemic Diseases

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

gum disease treatment Comstock Park

Nearly half of all Americans over the age of thirty have some form of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. That works out to about sixty-five million people. But at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park gum disease can be treated, and does not have to result in the loss of teeth.

What do your gums do?

The soft tissue in your mouth has a key job: it protects the roots of your teeth. It also provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets, and the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. As the disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth, developing pockets. This is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

What causes periodontitis?

Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. When it is left on the teeth and gums, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a coating of bacteria on your gums and teeth. If it is not removed by rinsing, brushing, and flossing it accumulates. If plaque multiplies in the pockets around the teeth, the gum will start pulling away.

When plaque hardens, it is called tartar or calculus. You can’t brush away tartar with your toothbrush. You need to have a professional dental cleaning.

What are signs of gum disease?

  • Inflamed gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • A change in the color of gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Teeth that appear longer
  • Growing spaces between teeth
  • Changes in your bite

How does gum disease threaten your health?

Gum disease increases your risk of:

  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Heart attacks
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Asthma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Low infant birth weight

Can periodontitis be prevented?

Yes. Thorough, daily oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and a sensible diet can keep gums healthy.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we treat gum disease, and also offer family dentistry. Regular checkups help keep your teeth and gums in great shape. Call to schedule your next appointment with us today!

Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

 

ArticleID 8101