When Something’s Gotta Give, Don’t Let It Be Your Smile

general and cosmetic dentistry Grand Rapids

Life gets busy for all of us, and at times, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Maybe you’ve been putting off fixing a leaky faucet for as long as you can remember. Lots of things get put on the back burner, but at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we urge you not to let your dental care be on of them!

Here are some common dental care shortcuts. Do any of them sound familiar?

  • Rushing Through Brushing: Your teeth deserve at least two minutes of brushing. Slow and methodical beats quick and dirty. Use a process to make sure you get every tooth. Playing one of your favorite two- or three-minute songs may help you go the distance.
  • Only Seeing The Dentist When You Have a Toothache: We hope none of our patients put off evaluations and cleanings. When you feel tooth pain, it may already be a cavity.
  • Neglecting Professional Cleanings: When softer plaque turns to tartar, you can’t clean it away with a toothbrush. Six-month cleanings help get rid of it before it can impair your enamel or irritate your gums.
  • Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss: While it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to know that they can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Ordinary string floss is by far the most effective way to floss your teeth.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we want all our patients to have good dental health. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office 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

ArticleID 7350

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

ArticleID 7357

Say Goodbye To Old Amalgam Fillings

white fillings Grand Rapids

Can you remember what your teeth looked like before you had your first cavity? If you are like most of us, you got some cavities fairly young, and the ubiquitous silver fillings that were once standard. At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, there is a better option.

Composite fillings can be made to match the color of your teeth, so even though a cavity has been filled, they’ll blend in seamlessly. They are made of a composite resin material that is strong when bonded to the tooth.

Another benefit is that they may, in the long run, be better for your health. While standard metal fillings are still considered safe by the American Dental Association, some people don’t want them because they contain small amounts of mercury.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, white fillings are standard. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to us for complete 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

ArticleID 6865

What If My Dental Crown Cracks, Comes Loose, or Comes Off?

what to do if dental crown comes off Comstock Park

Dental crowns are restorations that are cemented over a tooth that has been repaired, and we place a lot of them at Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI.

While the cement is strong and reliable, crowns have been known to come off. It may have loosened or come off while brushing or flossing, or eating something sticky. Here is what to do if your crown comes off.

There are three steps:

  1. First things first, find your crown if it has come off entirely. If you can’t find it, don’t worry. We can make a replacement.
  2. Next, give us a call. Even if we didn’t do the original we can reattach it.
  3. If your crown comes off after business hours, use denture adhesive to get it back in place temporarily. Do not use ordinary glue! You can find denture adhesive at a drugstore.

At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI, we place a lot of dental crowns with great success. People from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI come to our office for our complete 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

ArticleID 8154

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

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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

ArticleID 7779

Let That Winning Smile Shine!

Everyone wants a winning smile. But as we age, it can get harder and harder to keep your smile brilliant. We have good news! Cosmetic dentistry from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can transform your smile!

Cosmetic dentistry is a range of dental procedures that can revitalize your winning smile. And that, in turn, can give your self-confidence a real shot in the arm.

Cosmetic dentistry includes the following:

  • Teeth Whitening: Who wouldn’t like a brighter smile? Teeth whitening is a quick and easy way to make the color of your teeth lighter and more pleasing. Professional whitening is more effective than any available over-the-counter product.
  • Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells of medical-grade ceramic are custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They can mask chips, cracks, or gaps between teeth. They’re even good for strengthening teeth with worn enamel.
  • Invisalign® Clear Braces: Virtually invisible, clear braces can improve your bite by straightening slightly crooked teeth. People love them because they come out at mealtime and when you brush and floss.

Any one of these can improve your smile. Put two more or more of them together and you will have a brand-new smile!

Cosmetic dentistry from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park MI can make your winning smile shine! We’ve helped people from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI, who also some to our practice 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

ArticleID 8174

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

 

ArticleID 7038