Gum Disease

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
Jul19

Gum Disease And Tooth Loss

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

One out of every ten American adults is likely to get some form of gum disease by the time they’re sixty-four years old. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide treatment for gum disease.

First things first. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and is associated with health issues like diabetes and heart disease. So brush and floss your teeth every day – twice a day, in fact. If you don’t, your chances of getting gum disease increase.

In addition to age, other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use. Health experts say that tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for getting gum disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke (or chew), quit.

It appears some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even when they take great care of their teeth, such people may still be more likely to get it. If you think it runs in your family, don’t despair.  Getting early intervention treatment may help.

Stress, too, is another risk factor for gum disease. Stress may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Poor nutrition and teeth grinding or clenching can also put you at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Finally, certain medications can affect your oral health and make you more prone to gum disease. If you have any concerns, ask us at your next appointment.

If you are showing any signs of gum disease at all, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, let us know at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We also offer a full range of family and cosmetic dentistry services. 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 6724
Sep28

Maintaining a Healthy Smile

Categories: Dental health, Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Comstock Park Top Cosmetic dentist

It is important to have a well-ingrained dental health routine. Poor oral care at home could result in gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Practicing daily oral hygiene will improve your health now and in the future. Trust us when we say, your future self will thank you. You’ll prevent tooth decay, plaque, and gingivitis.

Your dental routine should consist of brushing and flossing your teeth two to three times a day. Although this may seem exhausting, the reward of a healthy smile is always worth it. If you need advice on improving your dental health, please call our office to schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation.

Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re interested in a smile makeover, Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull can discuss procedures such as Invisalign invisible braces, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and Zoom! teeth whitening. Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been serving the Comstock Park area since 1974.  Our services include restorative dentistry, preventative dentistry, Invisalign clear braces, crowns/veneers, teeth whitening,  TMJ treatment and much more! We pride ourselves on offering professional services at a convenient location in Comstock Park. Our friendly staff is always ready to greet you when you walk through our doors. If you are looking for an excellent dentist, please call our office at 616-784-2377. A member of our kind and thorough staff can help you schedule an appointment for a cleaning and check-up.

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

Sep21

Bleeding Gums After Your 6-Month Cleaning?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

bleeding gums

Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease develops when plaque builds up along the gum line. You might also notice bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, avoiding gum disease is just one of the many vital goals we have for our patients. Along with ideal dental health, we also seek to give our patients the dazzling smiles they desire through cosmetic dentistry.

Improving Your Smile with Aesthetic Dentistry

Some effective aesthetic dental procedures include porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental bonding, Invisalign orthodontics, ZOOM! teeth whitening, and dental implants. If you want to improve your smile, Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull can create a custom smile redesign. It is not an exaggeration to say that modern cosmetic dentistry can truly work miracles for your smile!

Schedule an Appointment

Our patients are always talking about our comfortable office and friendly staff. Our top services here at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry include implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and Zoom teeth whitening. If you are looking for a local dentist with experience in preventative, general, and aesthetic dentistry, we invite you to schedule an informative consultation by calling 616-784-2377.

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

Jul20

Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes and Gum Disease

Categories: Dental health, Diabetes, Gum Disease

gum disease in Comstock Park

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are concerned not only with the condition of your mouth but also with how it affects your complete physical health and general well-being.

Today’s post looks at the connection between diabetes, oral health, and gum disease. This topic may be of interest to Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI residents with diabetes, as well as individuals who are trying to reduce their risk factors.

Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease, therefore maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing risk.

Additional research is exploring the reverse relationship. In other words, whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. Findings from a long-term study suggest that it does.

“We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH

Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health bumps the ability of diabetics to manage the disease.

“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”

If you have diabetes or gum disease, it is vital that you see a dentist regularly and are committed to daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other critical practices. Moreover, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your overall oral health.

If you don’t have a dentist and live in Comstock Park or the greater Grand Rapids area, we invite you to call us at 616-784-2377. We also provide other dental services such as gum disease treatment, Zoom teeth whitening, and dental implants. When you visit us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we will complete a thorough examination of your oral health and create a valuable plan for improving and maintaining your dental health for life. Schedule your visit 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

 

Apr6

Floss Picks Or Regular Floss? Your Comstock Park Dentist Says…

Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Rockford

Floss picks vs regular floss? Is one better than the other? While it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, ordinary dental floss or tape does a superior cleaning job.

A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. A typical tooth, however, is rounded with occasional irregularities. A straight length of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically, since it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth.

Used correctly, traditional dental floss or tape does conform to these contours. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of the tooth, you can clean the critical area around and just below the gumline much better.

Here is a guide to proper flossing:

  • Cut a section of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
  • Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
  • Thread the floss between two teeth.
  • Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s important to scrape up and out of the pocket.
  • Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface – especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean segment for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new length.
  • Some people find it easier to start at one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you choose, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.

If you have never flossed before, you should. Your gums may bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Stewart & Hull, your Comstock Park dentists, provide a full range of family and cosmetic dentistry.

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

 

Mar23

A Wise Investment: Cosmetic Dentistry in Comstock Park

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Teeth Whitening

Want to flash a celebrity-caliber smile? Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in you, and it pays off every single day.

Looking for advice about cosmetic dentistry? Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull provide premium dental services with at personal touch. During your complimentary consultation they will discuss what is involved with each procedure, from dental veneers and crowns to Zoom! Teeth Whitening. If you have questions, please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. We’ll show you before and after pictures of some of our smile transformations, discuss any questions you may have and create a customized treatment plan.

In addition to cosmetic dentistry, Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry can help you with a host of dental services, including family dentistry,   Invisalign orthodontics, composite restorations and gum disease treatment. Our friendly and thorough team is ready to serve you at our warm and inviting Comstock Park office.

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

 

Mar16

Dental Hygiene in Comstock Park: When You’re Too Tired To Brush

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental hygiene, Gum Disease, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Rockford gentle dentist

Too tired to lift a toothbrush? We’ve all been there. But does anyone really want to sacrifice dental hygiene?

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are committed to helping patients maintain balanced dental hygiene and correct imperfections that can lead to inhibited confidence and self-assurance.

Here are two quick ideas for overcoming exhaustion in favor of brushing and flossing late at night.

Idea #1 Drag Tongue Along Teeth
After a long day, as you lie in bed and realize you forgot to brush, drag your tongue over your teeth a few times. As you do, think about how plaque and tartar form. Within 48 hours they can start the dirty work of eating away at the teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease can begin to develop. So jump up and give your mouth just 2 minutes of gentle, thorough cleaning.

Idea #2 Scrutinize the Food You Eat
Another convenient and manageable approach is to pay attention to what’s going into your mouth throughout the day. The higher the sugar content, the sooner your teeth need a brushing to avoid harm. Swish with water after coffee, tea or soda if brushing isn’t going to happen soon. Chewing sticky candy, or dried fruit like raisins, leaves debris in the mouth, as does bread and crackers. Keep this in mind and commit to take care of the particles as soon as possible.

Shredded meat can remain lodged between teeth for days if you don’t pull it out with floss. Plan to floss or brush after eating if possible. With each particular type of food, learn to assess the effect it could have on your teeth. Make the decision to brush before you are tired. By simply visualizing and committing, you reduce the likelihood of hemming and hawing when you’re yawning and fading, and have to choose between settling into bed and spending 2 minutes cleaning your teeth.

A long day of work or play can wear out anyone. Consistent brushing and flossing reduces buildup and helps prevent decay and gum disease.

Some smile problems can be prevented, but in spite of our best efforts, some just cannot. A complimentary consultation with one of our dentists can open your eyes to the unique possibilities for your stunning smile. A few options for cosmetic dentistry that we offer at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry are porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and Zoom! teeth whitening.  If we each do our part to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, then all of us can sleep at night.

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

 

Mar25

How Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Categories: Gum Disease

inflamed gums Comstock Park

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the harmful material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will develop. It is important to seek gum disease treatment. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related troubles. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal issues.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will occur, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is indispensable to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the essential knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist straightaway if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you observe any other changes.

Thanks for visiting our blog. For more details about inflammation or periodontal disease, please call our office at 616-784-2377.

Mar15

Tooth Brushing Basics For Healthy Smiles In Grand Rapids

Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Good Dental Hygiene In Grand Rapids Why should everyone brush at least twice a day? Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and inhibits the build up of plaque. If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will mix with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you need to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy. Talk to your Grand Rapids area cosmetic dentist about how to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

  1. Plaque build-up irritates gums
  2. Irritated gums pull away from teeth
  3. Bacteria multiplies in the spaces between the gum and tooth
  4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria
  5. Say goodbye to the tooth

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if detected early.

Call Stewart & Hull at 616-827-7019 to schedule a dental health evaluation at our office in Comstock Park. We proudly serve Grand Rapids, Comstock Park, Rockford MI and the surrounding communities.