General Dentistry

Jun19

Dental Questions? We Have Answers

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Providing the best possible dental care goes beyond cleanings and exams. We like patients who ask a lot of questions, because that tells us they are taking a strong interest in their dental health.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

One of the questions we’re often asked is whether it’s really necessary to have regular cleanings and checkups. Our short answer is, yes! But a better answer would include the time-honored truth that prevention is the best medicine.

Every appointment includes a thorough cleaning by a hygienist and a thorough exam by the dentist. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Hull will examine your teeth and gums, looking for any dental concerns or signs of gum disease/oral cancer.

MORE QUESTIONS

Patients often wonder how long a filling will last. Some people think they’ll last a lifetime, but unfortunately that is not usually the case. Fillings can break down or become loose over time. If that happens, decay can get into the area around it and cause problems. You can extend the life of any restoration with good oral hygiene at home. If you have any questions about what that means, don’t hesitate to ask.

What kind of toothbrush is best? This is among the most-asked questions for any dentist. Manual and electric toothbrushes, used properly, both do an excellent job. We recommend soft bristles, with mixed bristle heights and angles. They do a better job getting between the teeth. To really get between the teeth, we recommend daily flossing. You can use string floss or a water pik.

AND MORE!

When it comes to toothpaste, we recommend one that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. That means it contains fluoride, which strengthens and protects your teeth.

These are just some of the common questions we get from our patients at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park. Have we missed anything you’ve wondered about? Find out why patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office for general, cosmetic and Invisalign orthodontic dentistry. Call to schedule your next checkup with us today, and remember your dental health questions!

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

Jun12

Oral Cancer: Early Diagnosis Makes A Big Difference

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral cancer screenings, Oral Health

oral cancer screening Comstock Park

Oral cancer claims some fifty thousand lives in the United States every year. That’s a scary number and one of the reasons why we perform oral cancer screenings at every checkup at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

Oral cancer refers to cancer in not just the mouth, but also the face, neck and lips. Each of those areas is part of a screening.

During an oral cancer screening we look for anything out of the ordinary: swellings, bumps, patches of color, lesions, or any other irregularities. This is one of those times we’ll ask you to say “Ahh,” because making that sound exposes parts of the throat that are hard to see.

Oral cancer screening also includes a physical exam. We’ll feel your head and cheeks, around your jaw, under your chin, and in your mouth to see if there are any masses or unusual nodules.

Also available is a device called the VELscope. This non-invasive device stimulates cells with a blue light, with which we can better see changes in tissue. It won’t diagnose cancer, but helps us identify abnormalities we might not see with a simple visual exam.

Early diagnosis of oral cancer increases the odds of successful treatment. Patients come to Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for general and cosmetic dentistry. Please call to 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 7428
Jun5

Schedule Your Coronation

Categories: Dental Crowns, General Dentistry

dentist crowns Comstock Park

Dental crowns are one of the best ways to restore a tooth that has been damaged or broken. They are one of most common restorations we perform at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park.

The word “crown” is sometimes referred to a “cap”. Dental crowns are fixed restorations that are made to cover the tooth. Once they are in place, they protect the tooth and restore its appearance and function.

There is a difference between a crown used for a restoration and a crown used in a dental implant, even though they have the same name. In a restoration, they cover a tooth that has had work done on it, such as removing decay or a root canal. The crown completely covers the dental work and is cemented in place.

A dental implant is actually a titanium post that is inserted into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. A connecting piece fits into the post and a crown is attached to that.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we use restorative crowns to repair teeth that have been damaged, cracked, or broken. Our patients come from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for complete family and cosmetic dentistry. Please call our office 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 7214
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

May8

Clean Teeth, Happy Mouth

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Good dental health means having healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining it 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 at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park twice a year.

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. Take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Using fluoridated toothpaste. There are dozens of choices when it comes to toothpaste. Whether you prefer mint flavored or bubble gum, fluoride is the most important consideration. It is your best defense against cavities.
  • Limiting sugary and acidic foods. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee contributes to enamel erosion. Sugar converts into acid when it’s in your mouth. You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but choose carefully and minimize.
  • Seeing us twice a year. You saw this one coming, right? Your daily dental health care habits are essential, but so is the attention and care of a dentist. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip, but we can also identify issues before they become serious, and treat them.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we want all of our patients to enjoy good dental health. People call us from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for cosmetic, 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

Apr24

Seeking A Relationship In Comstock Park?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Affordable Grand Rapids Cosmetic Dentistry

The relationship you have with any health care professional is more important than you might think. This is as true for a dentist as any other provider. That’s just one reason why, at Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we work hard to make our office a friendly and welcoming place.

When it comes to your dentist, you should want more than someone who just happens to have an office near where you live. Likewise, you should want more than someone who can clean your teeth and fill cavities. Your dental health is important: studies show beyond any doubt that there is a clear connection between healthy teeth and gums and your general health.

We want all our patients to be fully informed. Never hesitate to ask us questions about what we’re doing: whether you’re curious about an instrument we use, about a procedure you need, or a problem we’ve found.

Our office is meant to be fully functional, in the sense of meeting the needs of our patients. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, we want to provide you with everything you need to know to care for your teeth and gums between visits. We believe that a clean mouth is a happy mouth!

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, the dental health of every patient who settles into one of our chairs is our absolute top priority. People come here from Rockford, Walker, Kentwood, and throughout the area for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, and much more. 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 1391
Mar13

Our Top Priority

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, our top priority has always been our patients. Not only do we want each one of you to enjoy excellent dental health, we want you to have a positive experience in our office.

What do we mean by a positive experience? No one really enjoys going to the dentist, and we understand that. One of the things we always aim for is efficiency. Rest assured, we’ll be thorough. But we won’t have you in the chair any longer than is necessary.

Above all, we will answer your questions in detail and we will keep you fully informed about what we’re doing. Dentistry is a science with a lot of big words, but we’ll always make sure you know what’s involved with your unique situation.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, each patient is our top priority. We want you to be happy with your experience here. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call us to 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

Feb14

Dental Checkup – How Often?

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Dentist in Comstock Park, MI

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we recommend you have one every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we recommend every three to four months.

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR ORAL PROBLEMS

Most people are in a medium-to-low risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, don’t brush and floss twice a day or experience medical conditions that affect your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category.

Dentists analyze many factors to determine the status of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we believe that a healthy mouth is a happy one. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Call our office to 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 16
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
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