Family Dentistry

Feb21

Been A While Since You Had Your Teeth Cleaned?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry

Comstock Park Tooth Whitening

How long has it been since your last cleaning from a dental hygienist? You don’t have to answer that. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide thorough cleanings and checkups to ensure they have healthy teeth and great smiles.

We are devoted to giving each patient personalized care in our state-of-the-art office.

Maintaining your dental health is something that you have to work at every day. It can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and seeing us for regular checkups and cleanings.

Your dental health strategy should include:

  • Daily brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing. It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended.
  • Seeing the dentist twice a year. We have to include this one. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip to our office, but the dentist can also identify issues before they become serious.

If you’re due for a cleaning, please call us at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family, cosmetic, 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 1467
Jan24

The Gift Of Oral Health

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Sometimes our patients wonder why, with all the developments in dentistry, we still send you home with a complimentary toothbrush and roll of floss after a checkup at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

It’s true, they do seem a little old-fashioned in our high-tech world. But don’t let their simplicity fool you! These tools are your best friends in preventing cavities, plaque build-up, and gum disease!

When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an important part of everyday oral hygiene.

HOW TO BRUSH

We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes. Make sure to get the front and sides of all your teeth, the inside and outside and the top biting edge. When you do the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. Replace your toothbrush every three months.

Use whatever toothpaste flavor you like best, but make sure it has fluoride in it. Use a pea-sized blob – or more than pea-sized, if you’re so inclined. Too much toothpaste is no big deal, but be sure to use enough!

We strongly recommend flossing, too. Should you floss your teeth before or after you brush? There is no hard-and-fast rule on that, and it may come down to personal preference. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we think that good oral health is a gift that keeps on giving. Our services include family and cosmetic 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

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
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
Oct11

White Fillings

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

Tooth-Colored Fillings in Grand Rapids

Filling cavities with a resin composite material is increasingly popular in dentistry. They are commonly referred to as “white fillings,” and they are available at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

One of the things that makes composite fillings so attractive is the color. They easily blend with the color of your natural teeth.

A second advantage to composite fillings is that they do not require as much cavity preparation as traditional silver fillings. Less tooth structure has to be removed before the tooth is filled. And because they bond directly to the tooth, the tooth becomes stronger than it would with a silver filling.

White fillings from Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park are state of the art. We offer Invisalign orthodontics, family, cosmetic and implant 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 1173
Sep27

Periodontal Disease Is Linked To Systemic Diseases

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

gum disease treatment Comstock Park

Nearly half of all Americans over the age of thirty have some form of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. That works out to about sixty-five million people. But at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park gum disease can be treated, and does not have to result in the loss of teeth.

What do your gums do?

The soft tissue in your mouth has a key job: it protects the roots of your teeth. It also provides a barrier for the connective tissues and ligaments that hold your teeth in their sockets, and the alveolar bone in which your teeth are anchored.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease starts with inflammation. Gums become swollen and tender. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. As the disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth, developing pockets. This is called periodontitis or periodontal disease.

What causes periodontitis?

Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. When it is left on the teeth and gums, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a coating of bacteria on your gums and teeth. If it is not removed by rinsing, brushing, and flossing it accumulates. If plaque multiplies in the pockets around the teeth, the gum will start pulling away.

When plaque hardens, it is called tartar or calculus. You can’t brush away tartar with your toothbrush. You need to have a professional dental cleaning.

What are signs of gum disease?

  • Inflamed gums
  • Bad breath
  • Receding gums
  • A change in the color of gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Teeth that appear longer
  • Growing spaces between teeth
  • Changes in your bite

How does gum disease threaten your health?

Gum disease increases your risk of:

  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Heart attacks
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Asthma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Low infant birth weight

Can periodontitis be prevented?

Yes. Thorough, daily oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and a sensible diet can keep gums healthy.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we treat gum disease, and also offer family dentistry. Regular checkups help keep your teeth and gums in great shape. Call to schedule your next 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 8101
Sep6

Our Standard of Excellence

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we are dedicated to the dental health of each one of our patients. We want everyone who settles into one of our chairs to have a good experience. But more important, we want our work to result in healthy teeth and gums. That is our standard of excellence.

We offer comprehensive services to treat your dental issues, whatever they may be. We promote preventative dental care and education, and view them as the keys to good dental health. That is why we encourage all our patients to see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months.

REGULAR CHECKUPS

Twice-yearly dental appointments allow us to keep track of the overall health of your teeth and gums. Just as important, we can do regular screenings for oral cancer, and in our younger patients, make sure their teeth are coming in as they should.

If the eyes are the window to the soul, your dental health is a window to your overall health. Knowing your overall medical history helps us to be informed of your general health.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, our entire staff wants each one of our patients to have a positive experience in our office. We are all committed to the highest standard of excellence in dentistry. Our services include family, cosmetic, Invisalign and implant 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

Aug9

Do You Have A Sweet Tooth?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids, MI

Do you crave sweets? Do you find it impossible to skip dessert, or resist a sweet pick-me-up snack in the middle of the day? You probably have a sweet tooth, and you probably know that already. At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want to remind you of the effects of sugar on teeth.

Simply put, sugar causes cavities. But it doesn’t cause them all by itself. Eating sugar sets off a chain of events that can lead to tooth decay.

Your mouth is full of bacteria. Many of them are good for you. Some of them, though, feed on sugar, which in turn create acids that destroy tooth enamel – that hard substance that is the protective outer layer of a tooth. The result is a hole in the enamel – what we call a cavity.

AN ONGOING BATTLE

This process of bacteria converting sugar into cavity-causing acids is constantly going on. Some things you can do to protect your teeth:

  • Limit your consumption of sugar
  • Brush and floss twice a day
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

There is even more you can do to protect your dental health. Researchers say that one of the best things you can do is stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth.

How so? Well, saliva bathes your teeth in minerals, like calcium and phosphates. Along with the fluoride in your toothpaste, they help to repair teeth. This process is called remineralization. You can help this by chewing sugarless gum, and eating more fruits and vegetables, which stimulate saliva.

It’s also a good idea to choose your snacks carefully. Things like cheese and yogurt have calcium and phosphates that strengthen the teeth. Green and black tea, unsweetened, can also help.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all our patients to do everything they can to prevent cavities, and promote good dental health. In addition to cutting down on sugar, you should see us for a checkup and cleaning twice a year. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call to schedule your next 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