Jan17

If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry

If your gums bleed when you floss your teeth, should you drop flossing from your dental health routine? We’re asked about this from time to time at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Our answer is short and sweet: “No!”

Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly—not leave them alone. It is all but impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never made flossing a habit before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use do it. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding usually stops within a week or two.

Gum disease is extremely common, and is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for good dental health.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all our patients to brush and floss twice a day, and see us for regular checkups. We treat gum disease, and offer a wide range of family and cosmetic dentistry services. 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

Jan10

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

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

gum disease exam Comstock Park

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. Yet it is so widespread in the United States that it has been called a health crisis by the American Dental Association. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing proper dental hygiene and having regular dental cleanings and exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of tooth decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease produces no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, gum disease can be treated. We offer complete family and cosmetic dentistry services. 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 7464
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
Nov22

The Not-So-Obvious Benefits Of A Smile Makeover

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

smile makeover benefits Comstock Park

A smile makeover can be transformative for anyone who has been embarrassed by their smile. It’s not just about looking younger. A cosmetic dentistry smile makeover from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park can improve your life in ways you might not imagine.

How can a smile makeover transform your life?

1. It shapes the way you are perceived by others.

Anyone who smiles often and easily is usually regarded as an energetic problem solver.

2. It lifts the mood in social situations.

When you candidly smile, it is contagious. It enhances the mood in any setting and eases tension when needed.

3. You will feel more confident.

When you quit focusing on hiding your teeth, you have the strength to concentrate on ways to realize success in personal and professional pursuits.

A smile makeover is an investment in yourself that you will always be happy with!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we improve smiles with cosmetic dentistry every day. We also offer a full range of family dentistry procedures. 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 7444
Nov15

The Stewart & Hull Guide To Veneers

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers cost Grand Rapids

It’s easy to see why people love porcelain veneers, like those available at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Veneers correct a multitude of flaws and deliver stunning results.

Custom made for each tooth, veneers are used to cover chips, cracks, and stains. They can also improve the shape, size or length of a tooth.

Porcelain veneers are also used to replace damaged tooth enamel. Enamel, of course, does not grow back. Patients with enamel abrasion or erosion have benefitted from veneers.

Porcelain veneers from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park are a quick and easy way to improve your smile. They are just one of the many cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer. 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 6807
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