Family Dentistry

Aug2

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

Comstock Park tooth brushing tips

ESSENTIAL DENTAL HEALTH

Brushing your teeth is an important part of any daily health care routine. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We strongly recommend flossing, too. Before or after you brush? The jury remains out on that one. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it.

Be sure to get all over your teeth: the front and the sides, inside and out, and the tops. When you brush the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.

As you brush the front and side surfaces, move the brush in gentle, circular strokes.

TOOTHPASTE

Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste – or more than a pea-sized, if you’re so inclined. Too much toothpaste is no big deal, but be sure to use enough.

Be sure the head of the toothbrush isn’t too big, especially if you have a smaller mouth. It needs to fit easily between your cheeks and gums. The handle is less important. Make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. Replace your toothbrush every three months, if not more often.

TOOTH MASSAGE

We mentioned using a gentle touch. Plaque is soft and loose, so you don’t have to scrub really hard to remove it. Think of it not so much as brushing, but massaging your teeth. Keeping that in mind should help you keep that light touch.

Finally, brush for at least two minutes. If you’re running late, and are tempted to cut it short, resist. If it helps, use a stopwatch. You’ve probably got one on your smart phone.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. We offer family and restorative dentistry. 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

 

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Jul26

Dental Health And You

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we emphasize the importance of good dental health to each one of our patients, every time one of them sits down for a checkup. We stick to the basics: brush and floss twice a day, and see us for a checkup twice a year. But there’s more to it than that.

At every checkup, we examine you for any signs of gum disease. In its mildest form, gum disease is known as gingivitis and is easily treated. Stepping up your dental care routine at home is often enough to do the trick.

In its more severe form, gum disease is called periodontal disease, and it’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of all Americans over the age of thirty have periodontal disease. That’s nearly sixty-five million people! It can be still be brought under control, but it takes more aggressive treatment.

What Else?

Good dental health means you probably don’t have much of a problem with bad breath. Of course, most of us have yukky breath when we first wake up in the morning. But brush your teeth after breakfast and you should be good to go. In most cases of chronic bad breath – about eighty-five percent of them – poor dental health is to blame.

Every dental checkup includes a screening for oral cancer. The American Cancer Society projects that about 53,000 people will get a form of oral cancer this year. Of those, nearly eleven thousand cases will be terminal.

As with any cancer, the earlier the detection and diagnosis, the better the chances of beating it. That fact alone should be enough to get most people in to see us every six months.

Finally, when it comes to dental health, your toothbrush and dental floss are your best friends. Brush and floss at least twice a day. When you brush, you remove the plaque that builds up on your teeth and causes cavities. Flossing gets out the gunk that builds up between the teeth.

And there you have it: a more detailed discussion on the importance of dental health, and seeing us twice a year at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Our services include family 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

 

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

 

Jun14

Dental Floss: Which Type is Best?

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

Along with brushing, flossing is the most important thing you can do for healthy teeth and gums. There’s a variety of floss types to choose from. Which one is best for you? It depends. At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we’re using this space to summarize what’s available, and what might influence your choice of dental floss.

The reason that flossing is so important is that it removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Left on the teeth, plaque hardens and contributes to tooth decay. The Academy of General Dentistry goes so far as to call flossing the most important thing you can do to fight plaque.

When it comes to what dental floss to use, there is a lot to choose from. Flavored or unflavored? Waxed or unwaxed? Wide or thin?

No single type of floss is right for everyone. You might even benefit from having more than one kind in your medicine chest. With a little trial and error, you can narrow down your choices to find what works best for you.

A recent study shows there really isn’t much difference, if any, in the effectiveness of the different types of dental floss. Here are some things to consider:

  • Waxed floss fits more easily into tight spaces.
  • Unwaxed floss tends to squeak against clean teeth, an indicator that plaque is gone.
  • Wider dental tape may work better in gaps between teeth, and on bridgework.

One word of caution: we recommend traditional string floss that you can pull out in a long strand, as opposed to a flossing pick. Those little picks are popular, but they only have a tight strand of less than an inch of floss. That makes it all but impossible to wrap any floss around your teeth – and flossing is far more effective when you do that. The little picks are fine for a purse or backpack when you’re on the go. Just be sure to use regular floss as part of your dental hygiene routine before bedtime.

Whatever your preference may be, the important thing is to floss at least once each day.

At Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park we also like to see you for a thorough exam and cleaning every six months. Our services include family, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. 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

May17

Interdental Cleaners

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is the single best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Together, they are the gold standard for ideal dental care, along with twice-yearly checkups at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock.

But what about during the day, when you’re away from home and your toothbrush? It may not be critical to clean your teeth then. But if you’re at a greater risk of developing cavities or gum disease than others, using an interdental cleaner might be an excellent idea.

By “interdental,” of course, we mean getting between your teeth. Debris left between teeth can become plaque and even harden into tartar. The best interdental cleaner is probably dental floss. Using it at your desk at work, though, might not be such a good idea. There are a lot of readily-available products that do a good job cleaning between your teeth that are more discreet than floss. These little tools are known by various trade names. They resemble miniature toothbrushes, have a handle for a good grip, and a textured, pointy end for getting easily between teeth. Most brands come in different sizes, too.

Interdental cleaners are also good for getting food debris out of braces, and are safe for bridges, crowns, and other dental work.

Using one of these to clean your teeth is not a substitute for flossing and brushing after a meal. But they’re great when you’re on the go. Just remember to brush before you leave home in the morning, and before bed at night.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock, we encourage home dental care for all our patients. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. 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

 

May3

Preventive Dentistry At Stewart & Hull

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we have a prevention-oriented philosophy of dental health care.

Patients of all ages need to start with an exam to determine their current status. Your dental condition is influenced by your dietary habits, previous dental work, physical health, medications, lifestyle and family history. After a comprehensive analysis, we can establish a decay prevention plan just for you.

A prevention plan is a multi-faceted approach designed to maintain optimum dental health. Twice-yearly exams reveal early problems before they progress. Professional cleanings prevent a multitude of serious dental issues.

Oral health cannot be maintained solely in our office. Daily brushing and flossing is essential. A healthy diet is necessary and will deliver benefits to your whole body – not just your teeth.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of each patient is our top priority. Services include family, cosmetic  and restorative dentistry. 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

 

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Apr26

Gum Disease: A Treatable Condition

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Family Dentistry

Periodontitis is the formal name of advanced gum disease. It’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and affects nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty. 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.

Gum disease is progressive. Before it reaches the advanced stage, it is called gingivitis, which is inflammation in the gums. An early sign of gingivitis is bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.

Gingivitis develops when plaque is not adequately removed from your teeth. You remove it by brushing and flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is easily reversible. If you’re diagnosed with gingivitis, you need to improve your brushing and flossing and get a professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.

Advanced gum disease develops when gingivitis is not treated. Toxins build up in the plaque on your teeth and invade gum tissue. Not only that, it gets into the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. The teeth can actually become loose.

Severe cases may require surgery. But first is a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planning, or SRP. We remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and root surfaces. From there, any roughness on the roots is smoothed to prevent bacteria from accumulating there.

All of this can be avoided with proper dental care. Like we always say, we want our patients to brush and floss at least twice a day to maintain their dental health.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we provide gum disease treatment, as well as 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

 

Apr19

Which Type of Toothbrush is Best?

Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

Toothbrush Wars in Grand Rapids

This message from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park centers on whether a manual or electric toothbrush is better for your dental health.

It may surprise you to know that some people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best. Is there really one that is clearly superior?

Most dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used properly, are effective at removing plaque. Choosing which is best for you is really a personal decision. Here is some extra information about toothbrushes to help you settle upon which kind is right for you or your child.

  • You need to consider cost and convenience. Some people argue that even though electric toothbrushes cost more, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.
  • Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be problematic when buying replacement heads. When you travel you may find that a manual toothbrush is easier to pack.
  • Special consideration should be taken for individuals with arthritis. Most dentists counsel their patients with dexterity issues to use electric toothbrushes. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern of parents.

Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of each of our patients is always our top concern. We provide Invisalign orthodontics, porcelain veneers/crowns, composite fillings, implant dentistry, sealants and much more with our  family and cosmetic dentistry. 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

 

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