Oral Health

Jun12

Oral Cancer: Early Diagnosis Makes A Big Difference

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

oral cancer screening Comstock Park

Oral cancer claims some fifty thousand lives in the United States every year. That’s a scary number and one of the reasons why we perform oral cancer screenings at every checkup at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Oral cancer refers to cancer in not just the mouth, but also the face, neck and lips. Each of those areas is part of a screening.

During an oral cancer screening we look for anything out of the ordinary: swellings, bumps, patches of color, lesions, or any other irregularities. This is one of those times we’ll ask you to say “Ahh,” because making that sound exposes parts of the throat that are hard to see.

Oral cancer screening also includes a physical exam. We’ll feel your head and cheeks, around your jaw, under your chin, and in your mouth to see if there are any masses or unusual nodules.

Also available is a device called the VELscope. This non-invasive device stimulates cells with a blue light, with which we can better see changes in tissue. It won’t diagnose cancer, but helps us identify abnormalities we might not see with a simple visual exam.

Early diagnosis of oral cancer increases the odds of successful treatment. Patients come to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for general and cosmetic dentistry. Please call to schedule your next checkup 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 7428
May8

Clean Teeth, Happy Mouth

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Good dental health means having healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining it is something that you have to work at every day. It can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and seeing us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park twice a year.

Your dental health strategy should include:

  • Daily brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing. It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Using fluoridated toothpaste. There are dozens of choices when it comes to toothpaste. Whether you prefer mint flavored or bubble gum, fluoride is the most important consideration. It is your best defense against cavities.
  • Limiting sugary and acidic foods. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee contributes to enamel erosion. Sugar converts into acid when it’s in your mouth. You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but choose carefully and minimize.
  • Seeing us twice a year. You saw this one coming, right? Your daily dental health care habits are essential, but so is the attention and care of a dentist. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip, but we can also identify issues before they become serious, and treat them.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all of our patients to enjoy good dental health. People call us from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry.  Schedule your next checkup 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

May1

Toothbrush Tantrums: When Your Child Won’t Brush

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

how to make your child brush their teeth Comstock Park

Children’s dental experts generally recommend that parents brush their kids’ teeth until they’re around seven years old. That’s about the time most kids begin to assert their independence, so it’s a good time for them to take over. But sometimes kids get stubborn about brushing. Then what? Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park has some tips.

Ideally, children should brush their teeth twice a day. Setting the right example can make a big difference. Let your kids know how important good dental health is to you, and make sure they see you brush and floss without fail.

Here are some other tips that are tried and true:

  • Make it fun. Try singing some of your children’s favorite songs as they brush, or even do a silly dance. Make it special, something reserved for brushing.
  • Choices. Like we said, issues can arise as children begin to assert their independence. Get them more involved by letting them choose the toothbrush and toothpaste they want to use. Make sure their choice has the American Dental Association label on it – and let them know why that label important.
  • Be positive. This is one of the most important things. If your child digs in her heels and won’t brush, don’t issue any ultimatums. It’s okay to let brushing go now and then. It’s a good time to emphasize how important good dental health is. A small reward, like staying up a little later on Friday night or control of the TV remote, can help.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want to help our young patients start on a lifetime of good dental health. People come to us from Rockford, Walker, and Kentwood for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry. Call us to schedule your child’s next 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 7046
Apr24

Seeking A Relationship In Comstock Park?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Affordable Grand Rapids Cosmetic Dentistry

The relationship you have with any health care professional is more important than you might think. This is as true for a dentist as any other provider. That’s just one reason why, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we work hard to make our office a friendly and welcoming place.

When it comes to your dentist, you should want more than someone who just happens to have an office near where you live. Likewise, you should want more than someone who can clean your teeth and fill cavities. Your dental health is important: studies show beyond any doubt that there is a clear connection between healthy teeth and gums and your general health.

We want all our patients to be fully informed. Never hesitate to ask us questions about what we’re doing: whether you’re curious about an instrument we use, about a procedure you need, or a problem we’ve found.

Our office is meant to be fully functional, in the sense of meeting the needs of our patients. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, we want to provide you with everything you need to know to care for your teeth and gums between visits. We believe that a clean mouth is a happy mouth!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of every patient who settles into one of our chairs is our absolute top priority. People come here from Rockford, Walker, Kentwood, and throughout the area for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, and much more. Call to 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 1391
Apr3

Chew On This: Dental Implants

Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Missing Teeth, Oral Health

Losing one or more of your natural teeth can be a devastating loss. But with dental implants from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, you can regain your normal ability to bite and chew virtually anything you find on your dinner plate.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into your jaw. They are solid foundations for artificial teeth. Because they are physically attached to your jaw, they also prevent the loss of bone that usually accompanies tooth loss.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a conventional dental bridge or dentures are certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they don’t provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a big drawback.

This is what makes dental implants so brilliant. They don’t look any different than natural teeth, and better still, they feel and function them. Once the implants are in place and the jaw has fully healed, most patients report full chewing power. That means they can enjoy just about any food they choose.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. Call to 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

Mar13

Our Top Priority

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, our top priority has always been our patients. Not only do we want each one of you to enjoy excellent dental health, we want you to have a positive experience in our office.

What do we mean by a positive experience? No one really enjoys going to the dentist, and we understand that. One of the things we always aim for is efficiency. Rest assured, we’ll be thorough. But we won’t have you in the chair any longer than is necessary.

Above all, we will answer your questions in detail and we will keep you fully informed about what we’re doing. Dentistry is a science with a lot of big words, but we’ll always make sure you know what’s involved with your unique situation.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, each patient is our top priority. We want you to be happy with your experience here. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call us to 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

Feb14

Dental Checkup – How Often?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Dentist in Comstock Park, MI

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we recommend you have one every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we recommend every three to four months.

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR ORAL PROBLEMS

Most people are in a medium-to-low risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, don’t brush and floss twice a day or experience medical conditions that affect your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category.

Dentists analyze many factors to determine the status of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we believe that a healthy mouth is a happy one. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to schedule your next cleaning and checkup 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 16
Feb7

Save Your Breath

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

bad breath treatments Comstock Park

This post from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park focuses on a problem experienced by many people, bad breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most common is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis often happens in the middle of the day, due to an inability to brush between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. This in turn creates a sulfur compound, which emits the unpleasant odor.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, other circumstances can contribute to or worsen the problem. The best remedy is regular brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be needed.

For example, a salivary gland problem or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

Remember, the best defense against bad breath is a good dental care routine – daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

If you struggle with bad breath in spite of vigilant oral hygiene, ask about it at your next checkup with Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family, cosmetic and restorative 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 7100
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
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