Fluoride Treatments: Not Just For Kids

fluoride treatment Comstock Park

You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” Fluoride toothpaste is good for teeth, and at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we encourage its use.

Fluoride is an essential mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water and makes toothpastes more effective at fighting cavities. Fluoride helps teeth by making them stronger and more resistant to the harmful acid that is formed by bacteria.

If you wonder if you or your child is getting enough fluoride, talk to us about fluoride supplements. We will let you know if they are required and determine the precise supplement dosage.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we are committed to maintaining the dental health of each of our valued patients. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for family and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric 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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Our Team Works To Earn Your Trust

Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI is staffed by committed health care professionals who want the best possible dental health for every one of our patients. We work hard to earn your trust! With daily home care and regular checkups in our office, your teeth can last a lifetime.

As you may know, the link between dental health and overall health is† well-established. That means good dental health has benefits that last.

Regular Checkups

Twice-yearly dental appointments allow us to keep track of the overall health of your teeth and gums. We’ll also do regular screenings for oral cancer.

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.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, our entire staff wants each one of our patients to have a positive experience in our office. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general and family dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric 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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Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Saliva

In this post from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we review the complexity and importance of your saliva. Saliva makes some people a little squeamish, but it’s important stuff: a finely balanced body fluid that not only maintains dental health but also helps with the digestion of your food.

So, without further ado, here are the main components of saliva.

  • Water: No surprise here! Your saliva is composed of water, for the most part.
  • Enzymes: Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
  • Immunoproteins: These are powerful cells that fight invaders, such as bacteria. The immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential for avoiding gingivitis and keeping the appropriate pH balance in the mouth.
  • Minerals: Saliva minerals aid in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Most people produce enough saliva, but there is a condition called dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. Dry mouth can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to talk to us about it if you experience it.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we offer our patients a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for dental implants. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 6725

Are You Watching For Cavities?

prevent cavities Comstock Park

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems there is. Are you doing everything you can to prevent it? In this post from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we have some practical ideas that can help.

  • Avoid Refined Sugar: This one is probably obvious, but avoiding sugar should be your number one strategy to prevent cavities. Sugar and starch forms plaque, that sticky film that can coat the teeth. The acids in plaque start the process that forms cavities.
  • Consider Xylitol: Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants. It is not the same kind of alcohol that makes people drunk, so it’s okay for anyone who is avoiding that type of alcohol. It is popular as a sweetener and can actually be good for dental health.
  • Maintain Your Brushing Habits: Daily brushing and flossing is still your best bet for preventing cavities. It cleans off the plaque that leads to cavities, and also helps to prevent gum disease.

Along with brushing, regular checkups at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI help you maintain good dental health. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our practice for general and family dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric 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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Beating Horrible Halitosis

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Bad breath is no fun at all, but there are things you can do to combat it. If bad breath is an issue for you or a loved one, talk to us about it at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

Common, garden-variety bad breath is caused by the things we eat and drink. Food debris builds up on the teeth and forms plaque, which is bacterial. The best defense against it is to brush and floss after every meal.

Foods containing garlic, onions, and other strong flavorings are in a class by themselves. Food particles can actually get into your bloodstream, and from there to the lungs. Once it does, it’s on your breath every time you exhale. You’ll have to wait it out.

Other common causes of bad breath:

  • Coffee
  • Alcohol
  • Diets high in sugar
  • High protein or Low Carb diets
  • Smoking

These all involved ordinary bad breath. Digestive issues, like acid reflux, can also affect the breath. Dry mouth –  or xerostomia – can also cause it, since saliva helps to keep the mouth clean by washing away food debris.

Health Conditions

Bad breath can actually be a warning sign of a more serious health condition. If you have chronic bad breath even though you brush, floss, and even use mouthwash, be sure to tell your doctor. It could indicate a blood disorder, or liver and kidney problems. It isn’t common, but it could even be an indication of cancer.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, our services include general and restorative dentistry. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI trust us with their dental health. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 6129

The Unsung Heroes Of Dentistry

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At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we know that the dentist is the first person that comes to mind when thinking of dentistry. However, our team is made up of several crucial members, all of whom work in tandem to make your experience as comfortable and successful as possible. So, while we are proud to be led by the innovative Dr. Hull, this post will focus on the unsung heroes of our profession.

Front Desk Staff

Our patient service professionals are the first people you see when you come to our office. We know coming to the dentist can be a stressful experience.

This is why our front desk staff is trained to communicate directly and empathetically. The last thing you need when visiting the dentist is the added stress of an uncooperative staff member.

Dental Assistants

The dental assistant is the office professional that assists our dentist during dentistry procedures. They also have a role in preventive education, make temporary crowns, and remove sutures, to name a few of their integral roles.

Dental Hygienists

These professionals are responsible for the preventive portion of patient treatment. This includes, but is not limited to, oral prophylaxis, oral cancer screening, periodontal screening, and oral hygiene education. Our dental hygienists will give you any and all care information that you need, leading up to or following a procedure.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we would not be able to work our dentistry magic without these important team members. Our team is ready to add you to our list of satisfied clients. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric 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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Don’t Let Poor Oral Health Take You Out Of The Game

Grand Rapids cosmetic dental and tooth implants

This article from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI is about the growing body of evidence that emphasizes the importance of good dental health.

A recent study cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explored how poor dental health affects athletic performance at the elite level.

“More than 40% of athletes were bothered by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and 18% on training and performance,” the Journal noted.1

The dental problems experienced by Olympians and professional athletes are no different than those found in the general population: tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal disease, and inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth. It’s important to note that these issues are largely preventable.

Athletes are also at risk for mouth injuries suffered while competing or training. Tooth trauma can prevent injured athletes from competing in the short term and cause ongoing complications down the road.

Whether you are an Olympic runner or a busy working mom, dental health affects your overall health and quality of life. Don’t let your performance suffer because of poor dental health.

If it has been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, we invite you to schedule a checkup with Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI right away. Patients in Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

What is Patient-Centered Dental Care?

cosmetic dentistry Comstock Park

A question from the team at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI: What is your perception of the patient-dentist relationship?

Would you characterize it as one-sided? In other words, does the dentist examine your teeth, choose the course of treatment, and perform the procedure; all while the patient is just a participant?

It Starts With The Atmosphere

We don’t do things that way. You will learn the difference when you first walk in our doors. You will discover a friendly atmosphere. We don’t push patients through as if they were on an assembly line.

We see you as a whole person, not just a disembodied mouth full of teeth. We want to create a long-term relationship with you- one that benefits you and helps us do our jobs well.

We Listen

When we examine a patient and finds a problem that needs treatment, there is rarely only one solution proposed. We take as much time as necessary explain the options and answer your questions.

By listening carefully, communicating clearly, and asking the right questions, we can fully assess the many important factors that influence your present and future oral health.

If this sounds good to you, give us a call at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI. Services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI also come to us for dental implants. Contact us today!

Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

ArticleID 7499

How To Make Brushing Your Teeth A Habit

How To Make Brushing Your Teeth A Habit

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is one of the best things you can do to maintain good dental health. You’ve probably heard us say that more than once, at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

Not many patients like to admit it, but studies show that some people have a hard time working regular brushing into their daily schedule. If that sounds like you, please keep reading. We’ve got five tips to help turn brushing into a habit.

  1. In Plain Sight: Leaving your toothbrush where you’re sure to see it will remind you. In a cup on the bathroom counter, or in a holder just by it, are tried-and-true techniques.
  2. Find A Toothbrush You Like: Leaving it in plain sight is part one. Part two? A toothbrush you like! A brush with a comfortable handle can be a pleasure to use.
  3. Toothpaste Choices: There’s a wide selection of toothpaste out there. You may want something specific, like a sensitive-teeth paste, or one that whitens. Just make sure you like the flavor, and that it contains fluoride. Read the label!
  4. Make It Fun: Making it enjoyable is a great motivator. You like your toothbrush and toothpaste. Now, how about listening to your favorite music when you brush? Or brushing while you watch TV or listen to a podcast?
  5. Add It To Your To-Do List: A lot of us are motivated by lists. Having a to-do list of daily activities that includes brushing might encourage you to pick up the toothbrush. It can be satisfying to check off another item on your list.

That’s five. We have more! Set an alarm. Brush in the shower. Right after breakfast. Right before bed. Whatever works! At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI we want all our patients to have clean teeth and healthy gums. Brush twice a day, remember to floss, and see us for regular checkups. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our practice for family and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Eric 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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Keeping You Comfortable

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At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not only talking about physical comfort. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.

Here are four ways we are devoted to your peace of mind:

  1. Judgment-Free Atmosphere: Our considerate dental team is here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated every imaginable dental issue, and understand and empathize with every patient.
  2. Pain-Free Dentistry: From topical analgesics to laughing gas sedation, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can.
  3. Patient Comforts: We will provide warm towels, heated and massaging chair covers, dark glasses to block out light, and even aroma therapy neck cushions, all in an effort to have your dental visit be as close to a spa visit as it can be!
  4. Communication: Dr. Eric Hull has established a reputation as an effective and caring communicator. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your critical questions are answered prior to treatment.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI a call. Patients from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for general dentistry and dental implants, as well as a host of cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today!

Contact Eric 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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