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.

Rockford MI Dental Patients, Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

Categories: General Dentistry

Rockford MI Dental Patients Take Care Of Your Toothbrush! The common household toothbrush. Every home has at least one, and hopefully all Rockford, Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta and Walker residents are brushing their teeth after each meal. While cosmetic dentistry and a complete smile makeovers seem to be all the rage these days, daily brushing is still the most important thing you can do for your oral health. It has been said that each toothbrush can contain millions of bacteria. But don’t worry, those bacteria come from our mouths, which harbor equal amounts of bacteria. For a person with a healthy immune system, these bacteria pose no threat.

However, a few common sense tips might keep any unnecessary germs from affecting the toothbrushes of Grand Rapids area dental patients.

First, be sure to store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the toilet lid before flushing. Each flush of the toilet releases a spray of bacteria into the air, so it’s best to just eliminate the spray. Next, since bacteria like a moist environment, store your toothbrush upright and without a travel case so that it can dry completely between uses. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Brushing and flossing are the key to good oral health, and doing both each day will keep Rockford MI dental patients’ risk for gum disease, cavities, and bad breath low.

Keep your smile bright by visiting Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry regularly and practicing proper oral hygiene.

Our office has been serving the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford areas since 1974. We can answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and clear braces. Call to schedule an appointment today!

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 616-827-7019 today!

“If Your Gums Are Swollen And Sore, Call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry”

Comstock Park Gum Disease Treatment

If you are a worried Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Walker, Sparta, Belmont or Rockford, MI  resident experiencing inflamed gums or an aching tooth, you’re not alone. About one third of U.S. adults are affected by tooth decay, according to the CDC, and gum disease plagues one in seven people age 35 to 40. Don’t ignore these symptoms, call Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull take gingivitis seriously because left untreated it can lead to loss of bone and tissue that support the teeth.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. You will know you have it if your gums bleed easily and look red and swollen. If this condition is not reversed it can lead to periodontitis. With this condition your gums become loose and separate from the teeth forming cavities that can become infected. This can spread to the bone supporting the tooth. If this is damaged, the tooth can be lost. (If you have already lost a tooth to gum disease, ask us about dental implants.)

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry we recommend a minimum of twice daily brushing and flossing and regular dental cleanings to help help fight gingivitis. Our team has been treating gum disease and other dental problems for Michigan residents since 1974./p>
If you want your teeth to feel fresh and bright, come in for a cleaning and through examination. Don’t become a statistic, prevent gingivitis with a professional dental cleaning while we educate you how to best care for your teeth and gums year round.

Dr. Stewart, Dr. Hull and our staff offer quality general and cosmetic dental services including restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, Invisalign and Six Month Smiles.

Take care of your beautiful smile by calling Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry today. “Lighting Up Rooms One Smile At A Time.”

Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321
616-827-7019
https://www.greatmismiles.com/meet-dr-bruce-stewart

1“Adult Oral Health,” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/adult.htm, accessed on January 7, 2012

Keep Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Categories: Oral Health

Grand Rapids Family Dentistry For Pregnancy Oral Health

If you are pregnant, your dental health may be the last thing on your mind. However, many Rockford area women experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. This article contains important information for expectant Comstock Park and Grand Rapids area mothers and those planning to become pregnant.

Dr. Stewart & Dr. Hull recommend having a thorough dental cleaning early in your pregnancy. Lying in a dentist’s chair can be uncomfortable during the last trimester. A professional cleaning performed by one of the skilled dental hygienists at Stewart & Hull, along with diligent brushing and flossing, helps prevent gum disease that is often triggered by hormonal changes. The American Dental Association has found a positive correlation between periodontal disease and preterm deliveries and low birth weight.

If you are currently pregnant and have sore, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment today by calling 616-827-7019. Once the baby is here, it will probably be harder for you to make time for a dental visit.

If you receive dental treatment at Stewart & Hull during your pregnancy, be sure to inform Drs. Drs. Stewart & Hull that you are expecting. This will affect decisions about X-rays, pain relievers, antibiotics, and elective cosmetic dental procedures.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plaque production which can lead to decay. If you are eating many small meals during the day, take care to brush after eating. If you avoid sweet snacks, your teeth will be less likely to develop cavities.

Remember, your oral care, nutrition and lifestyle affect your baby. It is essential that you eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods. A poor diet can harm your baby’s tooth and bone development. Be sure to get enough calcium, iron, vitamins A, D and C, protein, and phosphorus. Your Rockford MI Ob/Gyn can give you specific recommendations for your age, height, weight and medical conditions.

 

At Stewart & Hull, we take special care of our clients who are expecting.

Smokeless Is Not Harmless For Comstock Park Tobacco Chewers

Categories: Oral Health

Comstock Park, Tobacco Chewing Can Cause Gum Disease And CancerToday’s topic is ‘The Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco’

Cigarette sales at most Comstock Park stores have decreased in the past decade, but some Comstock Park tobacco consumers have switched to smokeless products. This can cause irritation, gum disease, and in many cases, chronic use will lead to oral cancer.

There is a common misconception in the Rockford MI area (especially among teens) that smokeless tobacco is harmless. This is absolutely not true. Regardless of the specific type: spit tobacco, snuff, chew, or pinch; this form of tobacco is as deadly as conventional cigarettes.

At Stewart & Hull, we encounter serious consequences of smokeless tobacco use because many occur in the mouth. Oral cancer, mouth lesions, gum disease and tooth decay are the most common dental problems caused by smokeless tobacco in Michigan.

 

Keeping a pinch between your cheek and gum all day is worse than keeping a sucker in your mouth all day. The tobacco contains almost as much sugar as the candy but delivers harmful chemicals as an added bonus. The dangers are two-fold: the tobacco erodes the teeth and causes the gums to pull away from teeth.

Precancerous Mouth Lesion Screening in Michigan: Mouth Lesions are painful sores that could eventually become cancer. If smokeless tobacco use is stopped, the lesions often disappear within a year for Michigan cosmetic dental patients.

Oral Cancer in Comstock Park: Smokeless tobacco use in the Comstock Park and Rockford increases the risk for several types of life-threatening cancers including those of the mouth, gums, lips, tongue, and throat.

Oral cancers can be as deadly as lung cancer and usually require surgery. If the Michigan patient is fortunate and the cancer is successfully removed with surgery, the collateral damage to the face, neck, or jaw is often significant.

 

At Stewart & Hull in Comstock Park, we perform oral cancer screenings and mouth lesion examinations. To schedule an appointment, call 616-827-7019.

If you want to quit using smokeless tobacco products, we recommend that you consult Dr. Stewart & Dr. Hull at Stewart & Hull, your Comstock Park primary care dentist, or your Comstock Park pharmacist.

Stewart & Hull
https://www.greatmismiles.com/
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan 49321
Oral cancer screenings, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Raise Your Dental IQ In Grand Rapids

Categories: General Dentistry

Raise Your Dental Health IQ In Grand Rapids

There are many simple things that the average Grand Rapids area resident can do to raise their Dental IQ and improve their dental health. One simple lesson involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But, don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. Dental problems occur when the balance of bacteria becomes unhealthy. This is where brushing and flossing might come into play. Another precaution you can take to guard against the wrong kind of bacteria is to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible and close the lid of the toilet before you flush.

Make sure to wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!

When it comes to a good toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

If you can avoid decay, it’s less likely that you will need more extensive dental work such as dental implants and crowns.

Dr. Bruce Stewart and Dr. Eric Hull are passionate about helping cosmetic dentistry patients have healthy mouths and beautiful smiles. If you would like to know more about a custom smile makeover in Rockford MI, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids or the surrounding areas, give us a call at 616-827-7019 and a member of our very friendly and educated staff will answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

Call today!

Dr. Bruce A. Stewart
Dr. Eric D. Hull
Stewart & Hull
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-827-7019
https://www.greatmismiles.com/what-sets-us-apart

Are you on following us on Facebook? View our post from March 22nd or click this link to win 2 tickets to hear University of Michigan Football Coach Brady Hoke speak in Grand Rapids on May 13th!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandRapidsCosmeticDentists/app_141149985924076

You can be one of four lucky patients to be our guest to have lunch, listen to Coach Hoke and get fired up for the coming football season! This contest ends April 30th, 2013.

Pregnancy And Oral Health In Comstock Park

Categories: General Dentistry

Pregnancy And Dental Health In Rockford MI

In today’s Stewart & Hull blog we will discuss how pregnancy impacts your dental health. Dr. Eric Hull and I want all expectant mothers to realize the importance of good oral hygiene during pregnancy. Because of the changes going on in a pregnant woman’s body there are potential dental health issues that may arise.

Many Comstock Park and Rockford MI area women experience morning sickness accompanied with vomiting. The gastric acid increases the acidity in the mouth which can easily lead to enamel loss and tooth decay. Heightened levels of progesterone and estrogen may relax the ligaments that support the teeth causing them to loosen. During pregnancy the hormonal changes increase your risk for gingivitis. Without proper dental care gingivitis can lead to gum disease.

We at Stewart & Hull recommend pregnant women use a soft bristled toothbrush for daily brushing, floss carefully and rinse their mouths with a fluoride wash. If you experience morning sickness, clean your mouth with a baking soda and water mixture.

If you are planning to become pregnant, it is a good idea to have a professional cleaning and exam prior to your pregnancy. If you need any general dentistry procedures, it is a good idea to get them done as soon as possible. If you experience any dental problems during your pregnancy please call and schedule an appointment at 616-827-7019. Untreated dental disease can affect your overall health.

At Stewart & Hull we not only offer excellent dental care to our pregnant clients, we provide quality preventative care and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family. Our Grand Rapids and surrounding area patients can expect professional general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and laser dentistry.

Dr. Bruce A. Stewart
Dr. Eric D. Hull
Stewart & Hull
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
616-827-7019
https://www.greatmismiles.com/dental-services

Are you on following us on Facebook? View our post from March 22nd or click this link to win 2 tickets to hear University of Michigan Football Coach Brady Hoke speak in Grand Rapids on May 13th!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandRapidsCosmeticDentists/app_141149985924076

You can be one of four lucky patients to be our guest to have lunch, listen to Coach Hoke and get fired up for the coming football season! This contest ends April 30th, 2013.

The Dangers of Oral Piercing

Dental Health Issues Associated With Oral Piercings in Rockford MI If you live in Rockford MI or the surrounding areas and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Dentists and doctors in the Rockford MI, Comstock Park and Grand Rapids areas are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Stewart & Hull in Comstock Park offers many tooth restoration options such as dental crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease‘, can cause gum recession and expose the roots of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. Bruce Stewart and Dr. Eric Hull can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 616-827-7019 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

Are you on following us on Facebook? View our post from March 22nd or click this link to win 2 tickets to hear University of Michigan Football Coach Brady Hoke speak in Grand Rapids on May 13th!

You can be one of four lucky patients to be our guest to have lunch, listen to Coach Hoke and get fired up for the coming football season! This contest ends April 30th, 2013.

Tooth Brushing Basics For Healthy Smiles In Grand Rapids

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.