Oral Health

Aug21

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Comstock Park Dental Patients?

Categories: Oral Health

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Comstock Park Dental Patients?Hello, welcome to the Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry blog. Today we are going to talk about Dry Mouth, an unpleasant condition that can actually endanger the oral health of Comstock Park Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry dentistry patients.

Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a more common problem among older Comstock Park adults, however, people of all ages in the Rockford, MI area may experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.

Sometimes dry mouth in Comstock Park dental patients is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth for patients in Rockford, MI is prescription medications.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Comstock Park) are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.

It is common for allergy-prone Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the Rockford, MI hay fever season.

Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage for Comstock Park dental patients. Adequate saliva is necessary to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive tooth decay can occur in the absence of saliva for Rockford, MI dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

If you are unsure of the cause of your dry mouth, or if you are looking for dry mouth treatments, call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Drs. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull.

When you visit Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, please be sure to bring a list of medications you are taking so Drs. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull can give you an accurate diagnosis.

Drs. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park Michigan
616-784-2377

Meet Dr. Bruce Stewart

Aug14

Filtered Comstock Park Water And Oral Health

Categories: Oral Health

Filtered Comstock Park Water And Oral Health

A simple way for Rockford, MI, residents to choose beverages that won’t harm their teeth is to keep it simple and make water their go-to drink. However, for safety, thrift, and convenience, many dental patients choose to drink bottled water or filter it themselves at home.

Filtered water can be detrimental to oral health if it doesn’t contain fluoride, which is a great tooth decay preventer.

If you choose bottled water and are wondering if any naturally occurring fluoride has been removed, you can check the label. If you prefer to filter your own tap water, look to see if the American Dental Association has given the filter its seal of approval.

 

Water filters that carry the ADA seal don’t remove fluoride, so you can be sure that the fluoride is still in your water and benefitting your teeth.

We are Drs. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull, experienced Comstock Park dentists serving the Grand Rapids, Walker, and Sparta areas. We are passionate about helping our patients have healthy mouths and beautiful smiles. Contact us today at 616-784-2377 and we can answer any questions you have about dental health, cosmetic dentistry, or smile makeovers.

We have been serving the Comstock Park area since 1974, and we would love to make you another one of our satisfied patients. If you’re wondering about fluoride and tooth decay, or dental veneers and teeth whitening in Comstock Park, we’d be happy to schedule a consultation for you. Call now!

Drs. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

 

May15

Drs. Stewart and Hull Treat Sores, Lesions, and Fever Blisters

Categories: Oral Health

Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry Treats Cankers Sores Lesions and Fever Blisters

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, one of the most common complaints we hear from Comstock Park dentistry patients is problems with mouth sores.

There are many different kinds of oral lesions which can make eating and talking painful. Some are annoying yet harmless, while other sores are more serious and require medical intervention.

Though not contagious, the most common complaint is canker sores, which affect an estimated eighty percent of the Grand Rapids population. Canker sores can be attributed to stress, tissue irritation, or acidic foods.

Another common complaint is fever blisters or cold sores, which are contagious fluid-filled blisters. Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta and Rockford, MI cold sore sufferers should be aware that they can become infected. At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we advise our patients on how to treat cold sores and avoid further breakouts.

Fungal infections and oral cancer can cause sores in the mouth and throat. See your Grand Rapids dentist if you experience any of the following:

Lumps or discolored patches in the mouth lasting longer than three weeks
Unusually large lesions
Multiple sores

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull remind patients that eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking can all aid in oral health and hygiene.

To schedule an appointment or ask about other oral concerns, contact Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry today at 616-784-2377.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park provides the full spectrum of general, cosmetic, and family dental services. We offer implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, and porcelain veneers.

Feb13

Are You Getting Your Dose of D?

Categories: Oral Health

pediatric dentist

Most Rockford, MI people know that vitamin D is important for healthy teeth and bones, but many of us fail to get adequate amounts. Today’s article is a friendly reminder to our patients – especially expectant mothers – about the importance of vitamin D.

Here is a sampling of vitamin D findings from around the web:

“Several recent reports demonstrate a significant association between periodontal health and the intake of vitamin D.” 1

“Researchers who took a second look at a series of clinical trials conducted on 2,000 children in several countries between the 1920s and 1980s determined vitamin D — which we often garner from sunlight — was associated with around a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.”2

“Inadequate vitamin D levels in pregnant women may be associated with dental caries in their children during the first year of life.”3

“The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but it is hard to quantify how much vitamin D you get from time in the sun and the risk of skin cancer may outweigh the benefits. Food first, says Baylor College of Medicine dietitian Keli Hawthorne. “Supplements can fill in the gaps but it is always better to try to meet your nutritional needs with foods that contain fiber, phytonutrients, and so much more,” Unless you enjoy a diet that includes fatty fish or fish liver oils, it may be hard to get enough vitamin D naturally without eating fortified foods or taking a supplement. “The major dietary source of vitamin D comes from fortified diary, along with some yogurts and cereals,” Hawthorne says. Mushrooms, eggs, cheese, and beef liver contain small amounts.” 4

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull of Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, MI encourage all of their patients to practice preventative medicine by eating a healthy diet complete with all vital nutrients. At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we offer the full complement of dental services in our conveniently located office. Ask us about porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, or restorative dentistry.

We are currently accepting new patients at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. Our friendly team of dental professionals would love to serve your family with all of their dental needs. Please call to schedule an appointment: 616-784-2377.

1 SH Stein, DA Tipton, “Vitamin D and its impact on oral health–an update., Spring 2011, PubMed.gov NIH,” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748977, accessed on June 23, 2014
2 1University of Washington, “Vitamin D linked to lower rates of tooth decay,” ScienceDaily, November 27, 2012, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121127130321.htm, accessed on June 23, 2014
3 “Maternal Vitamin D Levels and Early Childhood Caries May be Linked, Researchers Find,”Journal of the American Dental Association, June 1, 2014, https://jada.info/content/145/6/526.3.full, accessed on June 23, 2014
4 “Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?,” WebMD, 2011, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/are-you-getting-enough-vitamin-d?page=2, accessed on June 23, 2014

Jan30

How Does Your Overall Health Affect Your Smile?

Categories: Oral Health

Educating Comstock Park Dental Patients About Little-Known Risks

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park treat and educate patients with tooth and gum problems. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Diabetic patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Belmont, Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford MI residents, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, can cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, but it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRIs) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with several dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

We help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan 49321
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

Jan16

5 Tips For Grand Rapids Residents With Mouth Sores

Categories: Oral Health

Prevent Mouth Sores Grand Rapids

When Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull’s patients get mouth sores, we advise them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

  1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food – plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

Cream soups
Yogurt
Hot cereal
Mashed potatoes
Puddings

  1. Keep your meals bland for a while. We know it’s no fun, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.
  2. Also, keep it cool. Eat only food that is at room temperature or is served chilled.
  3. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can bypass the mouth sore altogether.
  4. Try to moisten dry foods. This can be done by adding sauces, dressings, and gravy to your meals.

We hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a dentist in the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker or Rockford, MI area, consider our practice, Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. We have been serving Comstock Park since 1974. Call us at 616-784-2377 to schedule an examination and consultation. We offer a complete menu of general and cosmetic dental procedures including:

Teeth whitening
Restorative dentistry
Implant dentistry
Porcelain veneers

You can also visit us on the web at https://www.greatmismiles.com/.

Call today!

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/nutrition-concerns/, accessed on Feb. 21, 2013

Dec19

Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Bad Breath?

Categories: Oral Health

bad breath treatment Rockford, MI

Many residents in the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker, and Rockford, MI area mistakenly believe that all bad breath is linked to insufficient brushing. The truth is that there are several causes of halitosis. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull can help you identify the cause of your problem and discuss how to cure bad breath.

What you eat may have something to do with it. Because foods begin to be digested the moment they enter your mouth, and because they are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, you probably will be able to smell strong foods like onions and garlic long after you’ve eaten them.

Using a mouthwash from your local Comstock Park drugstore will only mask the smell. Constantly sucking on breath mints is also not a good idea. This may bring additional oral problems – especially if the mints have sugar. If you want real relief, you may need to avoid the strong foods altogether.

Many dieters find that their diet regimen is making it harder to keep their mouth fresh and clean. Low-carb and no-carb diets promote fat burning, but the side effect of bad breath can be caused by the chemicals released during this process. Increasing water intake can help alleviate this.

Lastly, flossing regularly is often the key to truly fresh breath.  Food stuck between teeth can cause halitosis if it isn’t removed.  More importantly, the food particles turn into plaque which can cause cavities and gum disease.
 Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull in Comstock Park provide general, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatmebt.  We want our patients to have the best oral health possible, and that includes fresh breath. We also want them to love their smile, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call at 616-784-2377.

Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry offers:

Implant dentistry
Restorative dentistry
Porcelain veneers
Teeth whitening

Call today for your appointment!

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/low-carb-diets-can-cause-bad-breath, accessed on August 12, 2013

Dec12

4 Super Tips For Strong Enamel In Grand Rapids

Categories: Oral Health

Grand Rapids dentistDid you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, truly should last a lifetime. But just because it’s super strong doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it.

Here are some helpful tips for keeping enamel healthy.

  1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks hurt your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your teeth.

On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and protect your teeth. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt!

  1. Avoid vigorous brushingand use a soft toothbrush. It’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to damage from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, discuss teeth whitening with your dentist.
  2. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so talk to Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull about treatment.
  3. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major problem for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can cause enamel wear. Please inform Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull if you experience either of these issues.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry we want our patients to have the best oral health possible, and that starts with enamel health. We love helping our patients get the dazzling smiles they want with various cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign, tooth colored fillings, and dental implants.

Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry is currently accepting new patients; please call us at 616-784-2377 to make an appointment!

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/tooth-enamel-damage, accessed on September 18, 2013

Sep5

Floss Pick Facts For Rockford

Categories: Oral Health

fast teeth whitening Rockford MI

Dental patients who live in the Grand Rapids, Walker, and Sparta areas want to keep their mouths as healthy and clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience, and that’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of old-fashioned dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are inexpensive and can be used more discreetly than floss.

While this may seem like a dream come true for Rockford residents hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss in effectiveness.

The American Dental Association has only approved dental floss for cleaning in between teeth. One issue is that floss picks can’t curve and form the angles needed for superior cleaning.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to speak with your Comstock Park dentist and see what their opinion is. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient, but still try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. We have been serving the Rockford area since 1974 from our Comstock Park practice.

Our friendly and thorough staff would love to answer any questions you have about flossing and other dental health concerns, as well as questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

Call 616-784-2377 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-784-2377
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

The following website was used as source material for this blog: https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners, accessed on August 1, 2014

May9

Comstock Park: 7 Surprising Causes Of Bad Breath

Categories: Oral Health

Comstock Park: 7 Surprising Causes Of Bad Breath

Comstock Park men and women who have chronic bad breath understand the embarrassment and frustration associated with this condition. There are several possible causes, including:

  1. Poor oral hygiene
  2. Digestive problems
  3. Systemic infection
  4. Bacteria on dentures
  5. Gum disease
  6. Food particles on tonsils
  7. Dry mouth

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we can help you with this unpleasant problem. If your bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene, you’re in luck – this is one of the easiest types to treat.

Schedule an examination and deep dental cleaning at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park. During your examination, Dr. Stewart or Dr. Hull will determine whether you have a dental problem that is contributing to your breath.

Possible dental causes are: a cavity, a broken crown, or gum disease. If  Dr. Hull or Dr.  Stewart suspect that your bad breath is caused by a non-dental problem, such as a respiratory infection, you will be referred to an appropriate Comstock Park area medical professional.

Treating bad breath in Comstock Park starts with a visit to Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. In addition to general dental care, we provide a complete menu of cosmetic dental services including implant dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, Six Month Smile, teeth whitening, and restorative dentistry. Call 616-784-2377 today!