Oral Health

If you feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or each time you brush and floss, Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry is here for you.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing can result in receding gums, which leads to the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort. Our friendly and thorough staff can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity issues and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

We may recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste to help diminish tooth sensitivity after several applications.  However, some patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride treatments available at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry.

Contact Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry: 616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Today, we’re highlighting the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet. The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960’s by Colorado dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer and John Mattingly, a hydraulics engineer. The gadget is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though many people use the term generically. Since its inception, many other companies have entered the market with similar products. (Note: Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry does not necessarily endorse any particular brand.)

A water irrigation device oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out bits of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you put the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water dribble out as you maneuver the stream of shooting water around the gumline, pausing momentarily at each gap between neighboring teeth.

There have been over 65 studies that have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of water flossing for calculus reduction, plaque biofilm removal, bleeding reduction, inflammation reduction, and gingivitis treatment.

Should I Use a Water Flosser?
First, speak with us to receive an oral care treatment plan that factors in your tooth and gum health, physical dexterity, and lifestyle. The following circumstances may affect whether or not Drs. Stewart and Dr. Hull counsel you to use an interdental irrigation device.

Braces or other orthodontic appliances
A physical restriction that diminishes ability to brush and/or floss
Periodontitis
Gums that bleed when flossing
Bleeding around dental implants when flossing
Aversion to flossing
Sensitive teeth

The friendly and thorough team at Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry would love to help you learn the best suited processes for keeping your gums pink, healthy and firmly attached to cavity-free teeth. To schedule an appointment, call 616-784-2377.

Sources:
Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS, “Interdental Cleansing,” The American Dental Hygienist Association, https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7123_Waterpik_Irrigation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS, “The Water Flosser: Your Tool For Optimal Oral Health,” https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/education/pdf/Waterpik_WaterFlosser_ContinuingEducation.pdf, accessed March 10, 2017
“Water Flossing,” MouthHealthy (ADA), https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers, accessed March 10, 2017

Contact Stewart and Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry: 616-784-2377

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321

Many people with diabetes have dental problems. However, gum disease, tooth loss, and periodontal disease are avoidable.

Blood sugar is the complicating factor. Diabetics who control their blood sugar have lower rates of dental problems. In fact, many dentists have noticed no increased risk of dental disease among diabetics who maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

When blood sugar levels rise, the amount of sugars and starches increase in your mouth. These substances combine with the bacteria naturally present to create enamel-eroding plaque. Untreated plaque creates cavities.

In addition to cavities, dental patients with diabetes need to be vigilant about gum health. Because diabetes can make it harder to control the growth of bacteria, the amount of plaque in your mouth can multiply quicker. Plaque not only causes cavities, it inflames and weakens gum tissue and eventually the bone surrounding teeth.

Untreated gum disease progresses to periodontitis, a more severe infection. Because diabetics have a lower resistance to infection, it can be difficult to reverse periodontitis in people with diabetes. To make matters even worse, the presence of infection can make it harder to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Bottom line? 1: Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque build-up. 2: See your dentist  2-4 times per year for cleanings to remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated under the gumline.

Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry is accepting new patients and have helped many patients from the Belmont, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Walker, Sparta and Rockford, MI area. We can help diabetic dental patients keep their smile beautiful. If you are in need of cosmetic dentistry because of diabetes related decay or gum disease, we can restore your beautiful smile with the latest tooth restoration options. Ask us about crowns, dental implants, implant anchored dentures, porcelain veneers, inlays/onlays, Invisalign and same-day restorations.

Our practice is located at 769 York Creek Dr NW in Comstock Park. Call us at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation. Thanks for visiting the Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry Comstock Park dentistry blog!

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

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

Your maxillary sinuses are very close upstairs neighbors of your top teeth. In some areas, only a sliver of tissue separates the upper tooth roots from the bottom of the sinus cavity. It’s no wonder that when there is pain in that area, the exact location can be hard to pinpoint.

Allergies, infections, and the common cold can irritate sinus tissues. When sinus tissues become swollen and infected, it can affect the teeth.

An abscess can cause total tooth loss and the infection can also destroy jawbone.

An abscess is an infected pocket of pus in a tooth and/or the surrounding bone and tissue. The most prevalent type of oral abscess begins in the pulp of the tooth and is commonly caused by cavities. When an abscess is small, it may go unnoticed but it will eventually cause pain. If an abscess impairs the tooth until it is beyond saving and requires extraction, a dental implant is one replacement option–only if there is enough bone to anchor the implant.

How can you tell an abscessed tooth from a sinus infection?
Sinus pain usually manifests itself as a dull, continuous pain while the pain from an abscessed tooth increases in intensity. If you tap on an abscessed tooth, you will probably feel a sharp zap of pain.

You have several sinus cavities, so if you have infection in more than one sinus cavity, you may have pain behind the nose and eyes. As mentioned previously, it’s possible to be in a world of hurt with both issues – an abscessed tooth and a sinus infection.

Please call Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry if you have pain in your upper jaw and lower sinus area. An abscessed tooth should never be ignored. If it’s a sinus infection, your doctor can help you. This is a situation where you need advice from both your dental and medical care provider.

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

Today in the Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental blog, we are going to focus on the two lumps of soft tissue in the back of the throat: the tonsils.

Your tonsils sit at the base of the tongue, one on each side. They are gland-like masses that function as part of the lymphatic system. Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes.

Tonsils have many areas where dead cells, mucous, and bacteria can become trapped. If this debris accumulates and becomes concentrated, white formations can occur in the pockets. In rare cases, it hardens and becomes a tonsil stone, or tonsillolith.

Here are some signs of tonsil infection:

Bad breath
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Swelling of tonsils

Some people (usually children) have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s important to discuss treatment with your family doctor as well as your dentist.

At Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’re enthusiastic about the oral health of our patients. If you aren’t happy with your smile, I invite you to look at the many cosmetic dentistry procedures available, such as teeth whitening, veneers, Invisalign invisible braces, dental bonding, and dental implants.

For general or cosmetic dentistry, call 616-784-2377 today to schedule an 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