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You’ve probably heard that COVID19 can make patients lose their sense of taste and smell. Hopefully, you haven’t experienced that yourself. Let’s discuss other oral dilemmas associated with COVID-19. 

Dry Mouth is as Common as Loss of Taste

A team of Brazilian scientists led by University of Brasilia researcher E.N.S. Guerra analyzed more than 180 studies of COVID patients and found that 43% of patients experience dry mouth. That’s slightly higher than the percentage that reported loss of taste. The 43% of patients that experienced oral health issues amounted to 65,000 people. 

Loss of Taste Comes in Many Flavors

The research also found that individuals with COVID can have a diminished sense of taste (hypogueusia); a distorted sense of taste, in which everything tastes sweet, sour, bitter or metallic (dysgeusia); or a complete loss of all taste (ageusia). 

Researchers also learned that these complications seemed to be more common among European COVID patients. However, only a third of U.S. patients and a quarter of Latin American patients reported them. The scientists couldn’t determine the cause of the disparity, but further research may provide clues.

Lesions and sores on or under the tongue were also reported. 

“Regarding COVID-19 patients specifically, the important message is to maintain healthy oral health habits during their illness if they are able to do so. Dry mouth significantly increases the risk for tooth decay, so brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day, limiting snacking, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks are the best ways to maintain their oral health.” Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a spokesman for the American Dental Association who reviewed the research.

It’s Time to Get Your Dental Health Back on Track

Have you stayed away from the dentist due to the pandemic? Did you know that poor oral health puts you at greater risk of health complications from a wide range of diseases, including the coronavirus? We invite you to set up a cleaning and evaluation. You can rest assured that we follow rigorous safety protocols to protect our patients and staff.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210908/heres-how-covid-19-can-affect-your-mouth#1

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

If you’ve ever visited our blog, you’ve probably heard the counsel to have dental exams and cleanings twice a year. In fact, dental professionals have been advising the twice-yearly frequency for over 50 years. The American Dental Association counsels men and women to visit their dentist twice a year as well.

Is that an arbitrary schedule? Let’s explore the reasons why regular dental visits and cleanings are an essential part of preventative dentistry and optimum oral health.

What does your dentist and dental hygienist do during an exam and cleaning?

Look for Signs of Decay

Your dentist has tools that allow him/her to see places in your mouth that would be extremely difficult for you to see. While a cavity usually takes over six months to become serious, your dentist can see the telltale white spots that reveal that a cavity is forming. In the earliest stages, your dentist can stop the development of a cavity. If a cavity drills into your teeth without you knowing it, it will eventually hit the pulp–Ouch!–and you may need a root canal and a crown. As you might imagine, both are far more expensive than an exam and cleaning. Besides, your dental insurance may cover twice-yearly exams and cleanings at 100%.

Clean Out Your Pockets

If you think dental care is unnecessarily pricey, you might not like this joke. We aren’t talking about your wallet here. We are talking about the gap that forms between your gums and tooth roots when bacteria and plaque build up. It’s not only acute decay that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as dangerous. A buildup of plaque creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning removes the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.

Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation reports this unfortunate stat: oral cancer claims one life every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year.¹

Clean Plaque and Tartar

Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can build up. We have many patients who are faithful brushers but are surprised when our hygienist uncovers plaque on their teeth.

Polish Your Teeth

When the hygienist polishes your teeth, it gets rid of the bacteria that allows the plaque to form. If you have , your hygienist can smooth away uneven areas below the gumline where bacteria can flourish. Plus, it feels amazing when you run your tongue over polished teeth!

Oral Health is Physical Health

Your mouth is connected to the rest of the body, but many men and women treat it as a separate entity. Some get regular preventative services for physical conditions but fail to recognize their oral health.

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this common disconnect. Did you know that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health? Besides, your lifestyle is dramatically impacted when you have tooth pain, tooth loss, gum disease, or dentures.

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings and exams are one of the most economical ways to keep optimal oral health.

Call 616-784-2377 today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

¹https://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

We know the holidays can be a time to re-prioritize and think a bit on what’s important to you. While many are busy buying expensive gifts or gym memberships, Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI wants you to think of yourself first. Specifically, your smile.

After all, your smile is a window into well-being, and when it looks best, you not only feel best, but people treat you like you do.

So, in essence, when you look into cosmetic dentistry options like teeth whitening, dental veneers, or dental implants, you’re not only thinking of your appearance, but your whole quality of life. You deserve a social life that you’re a confident player in. You also deserve a pain-free smile that you’re proud to show off to your friends.

All this is achievable with our cosmetic options. Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI wants you to face this new year with a new smile. What’s more, with all those delicious – but sticky – holiday meals around the corner, it’s the best time to look into our general and family dentistry and prepare your enamel for what’s to come. We serve satisfied patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

We tend to associate cavities with children, but the truth is that you can get a cavity at any age. You can minimize the risk, and even prevent cavities, with daily brushing and regular checkups at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Most people have at least one cavity by the time they reach adulthood. Cavities means the plaque on your teeth has converted to acid from food debris. These acids eat through the tooth enamel and create a hole, or cavity. We treat cavities by cleaning out the surrounding tooth area and filling it.

PROPER BRUSHING

Most of us have been brushing our teeth since we were kids, and know what we’re doing. But there is always room to improve, so here are a few basics about the right way to clean your teeth.

• Floss. Begin by flossing. String floss is preferred over one of those little floss picks. Work a strand between each tooth and its neighbor to remove any food debris.
• Brush. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and plenty of toothpaste. Then brush your teeth in a slow circular motion. Be sure you get along the gumline and all surfaces of the tooth: inside, outside, and chewing surfaces. Brush for at least two minutes!

Some people prefer to floss after brushing. This is one of those six of one, half a dozen of the other situations. Just be sure to floss!

Daily brushing, flossing and regular checkups at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. People from Ada, Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our practice for complete family dentistry. They improve their smiles with  our cosmetic dentistry and Invisalign clear braces. 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

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, many of our new patients come to us on the recommendation of a current patient. It’s important to any dental practice to get new patients, but when they come to us because a current patient is pleased with our care, it is very flattering.

We strive for excellence in dentistry. What do we mean by striving for excellence? Dentistry is at the core of what we do, but excellence is more than that. A positive patient experience begins with their initial contact, whether it’s on the phone with one of our staff members or a visit to our website. Use our site to find our office, and get useful information about services.

When our patients recommend us to others, it tells us we’re doing things right. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park for family, cosmetic and implant dentistry, and for Invisalign clear braces. Please 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

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, patients often ask how to get whiter teeth. For the best results, we recommend professional teeth whitening.

There are plenty of over-the-counter whitening products in any grocery store. The results they produce are okay. But who wants to settle for okay? Nothing you get at the store has the whitening power of professional-strength products.

We use Zoom! teeth whitening. Zoom! uses a light-activated gel to whiten your teeth up to eight shades. It’s fast, and very effective.

If you want the brightest possible smile, youcan get it with professional teeth whitening at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office for whitening and other cosmetic dentistry services. Call 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

Sleep apnea is a serious condition affecting millions of Americans. Fortunately it’s treatable. A device called CPAP is considered the gold standard. Unfortunatley a lot of people can’t stand CPAP. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, there is an alternative.

CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, requires you to wear a mask during sleep. As effective as the machine is, a lot of people find the mask intolerable. Unfortunately, many of them just stop wearing it.

ORAL APPLIANCES

Research has shown that oral appliances are very effective for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says they are comparable to CPAP in these cases.

They look a lot like an ordinary mouth guard, and work by repositioning the jaw to a more forward position. This moves the tongue forward, too, to help open your airway.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we provide oral appliances to those patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. We’ve prescribed them for people in Ada, Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford MI, who also come to us for family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. 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

The word “apnea” comes from Greek, and it means “without breath.” Sleep apnea, then, is sleeping without breath: a condition in which someone’s breathing stops involuntarily during sleep. It is serious, but treatable at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Sleep apnea is more common than you may realize, affecting more than eighteen million Americans. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, and heart disease, among other conditions.

TYPES AND SYMPTOMS

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep.
• Central sleep apnea is when the brain doesn’t get the body’s signals that control breathing.
• Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Anyone can get sleep apnea, even children. But it’s more common in men than women. The most common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for breath during sleep
• Headaches in the morning
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Shortened attention span
• Irritability

All of this may sound frightening, and it can be. But there is hope, too, because sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office for treatment, for our comprehensive general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. If you think that you may have sleep apnea, please contact 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