Dental hygiene

Jul3

Do You Eat A Smile-Healthy Diet?

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry

Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern to us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. We want all of our patients to enjoy healthy teeth and gums.

Keeping your teeth healthy requires thorough brushing and flossing, every single day. Regular cleanings and checkups are also necessary for preventing cavities and maintaining good dental health.

It’s easy to overlook the fact that a healthy diet is beneficial to your teeth. A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and teeth. Foods rich in vitamin C, like fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all our patients to enjoy good dental health. People throughout Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our practice for family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. 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 5592
May15

Between-Meal Cleaning

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, General Dentistry

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we always remind our patients to brush their teeth after every meal. Happily, most of our patients take that advice to heart.

But what are you supposed to do in the middle of the day? You’re out and about, and your usual stuff – that favorite toothbrush and paste, the container of dental floss – is at home in the bathroom.

What’s the best way to keep your teeth clean between meals?

One of the best things you can do is rinse your mouth with water after you eat. It’s no substitute for brushing and flossing, of course, but will give your whole mouth a quick cleansing.

A quick brushing is good, too. One trick is what we call dry brushing. That means brushing your teeth without toothpaste. Yes, it sounds a bit strange – but it’s effective, especially if you can use a little water, too. It isn’t the way you would brush at home, of course, but it’s going to clean the surfaces of your teeth – and that’s half the battle.

The other half of the battle is the stuff that gets between your teeth. A good solution here is using floss picks. In the short-term they’re a good stand-in for regular dental floss, and because they have a little handle, you can do it one-handed and without the aid of a mirror. (Just be sure you use regular floss later on, before bed.)

Another effective trick is chewing sugarless gum. It only takes about five minutes of chewing to get the benefits. The gum will remove a lot of the surface debris from your teeth. It also gets your saliva going, which in turn promotes re-mineralization, the process of replacing minerals in your teeth.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all of our patients to take care of their teeth during the day. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI schedule appointments for cosmetic, family and restorative dentistry. Call for 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

Mar27

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Comstock Park

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Comstock Park

Tooth decay is the single most common dental issue there is. Unlike a cut on your finger, a cavity will not heal itself. In a worst case scenario, an untreated cavity can lead to future problems, up to and including tooth loss. That’s why we stress regular brushing and flossing to all of our patients, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park!

Cavities form when acids in the mouth attack the enamel and dentin of the teeth. The acid is produced by bacteria in plaque, that sticky film that forms on the surfaces of teeth. When sugar is introduced it interacts with the bacteria in the plaque, and makes the acids, which attack the teeth and cause cavities.

That’s why it is so important to choose food and drink wisely. But it isn’t easy, is it? Sugar seems to be in just about everything. Health experts say the average person in the United States consumes about 19.5 teaspoons of sugar every single day! That’s twice as much as is recommended by the American Heart Association.

Knowing how much sugar is in the food that you buy is vital: not just to your teeth, but to your overall health. Reading ingredient labels on processed foods is essential.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. So cut back on sugar, brush and floss your teeth, and see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic 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 4071
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
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
Jul5

How To Beat Plaque

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

Plaque is that sticky, filmy stuff that forms on teeth. It is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease. And that, in turn, is why the team at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park reminds all of our patients to brush and floss their teeth twice a day.

Plaque forms when foods with sugars and starches are not brushed away. The bacteria that naturally occurs in your mouth, thrive on these sugars and starches and produce acids. Over time these acids destroy tooth enamel, leaving you with a cavity. Or maybe two.

Plaque is mostly colorless. When it isn’t brushed away, it leaves you with that rough or fuzzy feeling on the surface of your teeth.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH!

Keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing.

  • Brush at least twice each day, for two minutes.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • Be sure to get along the gumline, that place where your teeth and gums meet.
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Floss between the teeth to get bacteria and food debris.
  • Ask us whether dental sealants are a good idea for you.

Plaque is always going to be there. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can keep it under control and greatly reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. If it hardens into tartar it can only be removed with a professional cleaning.

Having your teeth cleaned and examined at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park should be part of your strategy for beating plaque and having a beautiful, healthy smile. Our services include family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Call our office today to schedule your next appointment!

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

 

Jun28

Have You Neglected Your Dental Health?

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

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is something we stress to all of our patients, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Coupled with twice-a-year checkups and cleanings, it’s the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and your beautiful smile.

A good dental hygiene routine, something you do every single day without fail, is essential to your dental health. It’s related to your overall health, too. We understand that some people, for whatever reason, let it slip. Some have even been known to skip brushing and flossing so often, you could say they rarely do it at all.

 THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

In cases like that, some people may think their teeth are too far gone – that no amount of treatment can restore their dental health. If that sounds like you or someone you love, we’re here to tell you it isn’t so. There is always a way to make your teeth look and feel better.

That doesn’t mean it will be easy, but it will be worth it. In cases of neglected teeth, initial treatment begins with a thorough examination in our office. At that time we will  evaluate for signs of gum disease, which is common in cases of neglected teeth. If we find it, we’ll begin a sequence of cleanings and treatments to revive your gum health.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. Our services include family and cosmetic 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

 

Jun21

The Techno-Toothbrush

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

Are electric toothbrushes any better at cleaning your teeth than manual toothbrushes? The answer depends on who you ask because both have their advocates. In this article from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we aren’t going to recommend one over the other. We’re just going to take a look at the world of the electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes have been commercially available in the United States since the 1960s. They first appeared in Switzerland, where they were invented. They caught on quickly, and have evolved considerably since then. When it comes to electric toothbrushes, there is a lot of choose from.

THE MODERN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Those earliest electric toothbrushes did not have rechargeable batteries; you had to plug them in. That wasn’t really much of an issue, unless you like to walk away from the sink while you brush.

Rechargeable batteries are standard in most modern electric toothbrushes. In fact, they have features that those 1960s inventors probably never dreamed of. Some models have:

  • Timers, so you can make sure you brush at least two minutes
  • Digital alerts, to remind you it’s time for a new brush head
  • Pressure sensors that tell you if you’re brushing too hard
  • Multiple brush head capability, so different types fit
  • Variable brushing features like pulsing and oscillating capability

SONIC

And then there’s the sonic toothbrush. Sonic toothbrushes take electric brushes to a whole new level. Toothbrush manufacturers consider them a subset of electric brushes, but we think they are in a class by themselves.

Sonic toothbrushes can deliver up to 40,000 strokes per minute. Compare that to an ordinary electric toothbrush, which deliver between 2,500 and 7,000 strokes per minute. That’s quite a difference. For some people, that’s over the top. But advocates say that sonic toothbrushes out-perform any other type of toothbrush you can find.

When all is said and done, it depends on the person doing the brushing. A manual toothbrush, used properly, does a fine job cleaning your teeth. But you can always take it to the next level with a standard electric, or even a sonic, toothbrush.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, what we really want is for each of our patients to brush and floss their teeth twice a day. It’s the best way to ensure good dental health. Our services include family and cosmetic 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