Jul19

No Cavities? Thank Your Parents.

Categories: Dental hygiene, Oral Health

how to prevent cavities Comstock Park

At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we stay abreast of new discoveries in the exciting field of dentistry and occasionally share interesting facts with our patients. Today’s post focuses on new findings in an intriguing field of research: genetic dentistry.

“About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors.” Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1

Whoa! Did she say 60%? That’s huge. You might be thinking: “That’s why I brush and floss but still get cavities.” Or, better yet, you might be thinking, “No wonder I have never had a cavity but eat candy often and occasionally go to bed without brushing.”

Multiple studies have confirmed that many tooth decay risk factors have a genetic link. Here are some of them:

Enamel Strength

Your genes play a critical role in the composition of your tooth enamel. Soft enamel is more cavity-prone.

Sugar Cravings

Whether or not you love sugar has a genetic basis. Now you can blame your parents if you pop M&Ms all day. (But it still isn’t good for your teeth or waistline!)

Chemical Composition of Saliva

Your saliva can protect against cavities – if it properly metabolizes critical minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Your genes influence your saliva’s capacity to prevent decay.

Immune Response to Bacteria

We don’t like to think about the dangerous bacteria in our mouth but, hopefully, our immune system is ever-vigilant at fighting their constant attempts to cause decay and gum disease. The durability of your immune system is determined, in part, by genetics.

Genetic Researchers are Working to Develop New Treatments

In the next few decades, scientists in the emerging specialty of genetic dentistry may play a critical role in the development of new cavity-prevention techniques.

Proper Oral Hygiene is Critical–Regardless of Your Genes

The purpose of this article is not to encourage Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients to be lax about oral hygiene if their parents have strong teeth. Nor to cause those whose teeth decay easily to throw their hands up in despair and resign themselves to a toothless mouth.

Proper oral hygiene is important for all of us, regardless of our genetic predisposition to tooth decay. You can be energetic about your oral health, regardless of the genes you inherited. Whether you have frequent dental check-ups, consistent fluoride intake, effective brushing and flossing techniques, and proper nutrition, is up to you.

If you need a thorough dental exam, an expert dental cleaning, a refresher course on proper brushing and flossing, or want to improve your smile with cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation.

  • https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/gum-disease/teeth-and-genes
  • https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/03/health/tooth-decay-causes/

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

Jul12

Avoid Bone Deterioration Following a Tooth Extraction

Categories: Bone Recession, Dental health, Extractions

Comstock Park Jaw Bone Deterioration Hello, friends of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry! In today’s post, we will talk about jaw bone health.

Those tooth roots are important!

To remain healthy and dense, your jawbone needs to be continually stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure that extends into the surrounding bone material. As each tooth absorbs the forces of everyday mouth function, it stimulates blood flow in the bone surrounding the root.

Have you had a tooth extracted?

In some cases, tooth extraction is the only possible procedure for men and women with tooth damage beyond repair. However, we make every effort to preserve the root structure. When a tooth is extracted, the jaw bone that surrounds the former root structure begins to recede.

A dental implant replaces both the root and the crown of an extracted tooth

Fortunately, tooth implants provide a new, artificial root that helps to keep the surrounding bone healthy and strong. A dental implant is comprised of a durable titanium post which replaces the original root and eventually integrates into the surrounding bone.

After the implant has been placed and the surrounding bone has healed and meshed with the implant, a post is inserted into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or crown, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss.

Are dental implants a good option for you?

For more information about dental implants, call Dr. Eric Hull at 616-784-2377. The friendly and thorough team at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides world-class dental treatment for patients in Comstock Park and the surrounding areas.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

 

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

Jul5

4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Grand Rapids Area

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Oral Health

4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Grand Rapids Area

Maintaining good oral hygiene in the Grand Rapids area is essential to overall health and wellness. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we believe your teeth and gums are the foundation of great personal health.

Most of us in the Grand Rapids area brush our teeth twice a day. This is good practice and makes for a good start to your oral health. However, many people overlook the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more so.

Here are four good reasons why flossing your teeth is so important:

Flossing Removes Plaque and Food Particles

Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden film that forms on teeth and gums. It’s a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing can remove some of the plaque from the surface of your teeth, it can’t always reach the areas between your teeth. Flossing is a convenient way to remove plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach areas.

Flossing Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. It can eventually lead to tooth loss. Flossing can help prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection. It can also help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Flossing Reduces Bad Breath

Perhaps most importantly for most of us, flossing can help prevent bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and unpleasant. It is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce foul-smelling gases. Flossing can help reduce bad breath by removing the food particles and bacteria that can contribute to the problem.

This single benefit alone makes flossing worth the effort, but we have one more big one…

Flossing Saves Money

Flossing is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent more serious oral health problems. By taking care of your teeth and gums through regular flossing, you can avoid expensive dental treatments down the road. This can save you both time and money in the long run.

Come into Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry for a quick check-up and we can help guide you with a prevention plan that includes regular flossing. We can also recommend useful tools that will help you maintain good oral health within your lifestyle. For example, there are many new products on the market today that make flossing a lot easier and much more convenient.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It can help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

 

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

Jun28

Dry Mouth Can Cause Dental Problems in Grand Rapids

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene

dry mouth treatment Comstock Park

A reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common problem, especially among older people. At Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can help with this condition.

A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, it can cause tooth damage. Saliva is required to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acids that can cause plaque. Extensive decay can occur in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • Dry, red, or grooved tongue
  • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
  • Sticky feeling in the mouth
  • Saliva that seems thick and stringy
  • Bad breath
  • Problems chewing, speaking, and swallowing
  • Changes in taste
  • Difficulty wearing dentures (Mayo Clinic)

Contributing elements include medications and treatments, reduction in the body’s power to metabolize medication, chronic health issues, and poor nutrition.

For example, chemotherapy medication can reduce saliva production, and radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage salivary glands, decreasing saliva production.

Other medical problems include diabetes, stroke, or yeast infection in the mouth.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Comstock Park) are some of the medications that can result in dry mouth.

It is common for allergy-prone Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season.

The following can also contribute to dry mouth:

  • Snoring or breathing through the mouth
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Tobacco use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
  • Recreational drugs

If you experience dry mouth, it’s important to pay special attention to your dental health. The first step is to talk to a professional. Call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Hull.

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

Jun21

Toothache Relief at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park

Categories: Dental health, Oral Health

urgent dental clinic Comstock Park

A toothache is probably the most common dental problem we see at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. However, they have multiple causes. A toothache can come on gradually–or attack with full force.

1. You sip a cold drink and–bam!–tooth pain.

When a cavity has eroded enamel it eventually hits the layer underneath. This is called the dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and is filled with tiny tubules. A cold (or acidic) beverage that seeps into the tubules can hit the nerve (or get close enough) to make you cringe. If this happens to you, call our office today. You may have a serious cavity. If you get treatment ASAP, you may save the tooth.

2. You bite down hard–ouch!

Tooth pain that accompanies biting could be a sign of an infection or abscess in the pulp of the tooth. It could also stem from a microscopic crack. Regardless of the cause, you need to have it treated. Otherwise, you could lose the tooth.

3. Wait a minute–is something moving around in there?

Unless you are a kindergartener excited for the tooth fairy, it’s not a good sign to suddenly feel that a tooth is loose. In an adult, it could be the result of an injury to the tooth. The bump could have stretched some of the small ligaments. These are the cords that hold the tooth in place. Perhaps you can’t recall bumping your tooth or mouth. If this is the case, you could have a nighttime tooth-grinding issue. Tooth grinding while sleeping can wreak havoc on your teeth as well as cause severe headaches.

Another possibility is gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that can destroy both gum tissue and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place. This advanced form of gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Don’t ignore a toothache!

Waiting too long to care for your teeth can lead to health issues—and not just in your mouth. If you have a toothache, loose tooth, or other pressing dental issue, we encourage you to call our office today to schedule an appointment.

We offer sedation dentistry

If you have dental anxiety, at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry we understand. Many of our patients experience dental anxiety or complete dental phobia. We offer sedation and anti-anxiety medications to help you get through your treatment.

 

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

Jun14

Comstock Park, MI Deserves Silver Screen Smiles

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Grand Rapids Wants Silver Screen Smiles

With the constant media coverage of celebrities, many Comstock Park dental patients are interested in having a smile like the stars. With an experienced dentist and the right smile makeover procedures, anyone can have a smile they want to show off. At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer a wide array of cosmetic dental procedures.

Lighten Your Smile

Many smile makeovers include teeth whitening. There are a variety of ways this can be done. Most Rockford, Walker, and Kentwood drugstores sell over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. Your Grand Rapids dentist can recommend an effective one, or he or she may offer in-office bleaching. This is a quick way to see whiter teeth in less than an hour.

Restore Missing Teeth

For missing teeth, most Grand Rapids cosmetic dentists will recommend a dental implant. Because a dental implant is anchored into the jawbone, it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. A dental implant prevents jawbone recession and the shifting of adjacent teeth.

Veneers Create Stunning Smiles

Veneers are especially popular in the Grand Rapids area. They cover the front of the teeth and are custom-made for each individual patient. These are useful for Comstock Park patients who have broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth, or gaps between teeth that they would like to hide.

Enamel shaping, bonding, braces, and gum contouring are other successful treatments that can be used to help your teeth look their best.

I’m Dr. Eric Hull, a trusted and experienced Comstock Park dentist. If you are looking for quality dental care in the Rockford, Walker, or Kentwood area, I hope you’ll give us a call at 616-784-2377 to schedule a consultation. We offer implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, porcelain veneers, and Zoom! teeth whitening

 

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

Jun7

Do I Need A Dental Cleaning If I Brush And Floss At Home in Comstock Park, MI?

Categories: Dental health, Dental hygiene, Oral Health

dental cleanings Comstock Park

Today’s post from Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry focuses on professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if you need a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home.

The answer is that both processes are vital because they work in tandem to maintain oral health.

Dr. Eric Hull encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:

Brushing
Flossing
Healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
Regular dental cleanings
Regular checkups

Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be removed with the special tools used by a hygienist.

A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar is gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process.

The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prohibit food particles from lodging in small spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental x-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.

Let your hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he/she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth.

Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can meet with Dr. Hull about sealants.

If you have braces, you may want more frequent dental cleanings because food can easily lodge between the wires.

Call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 616-784-2377 to schedule a professional cleaning today! Your smile will thank you.

 

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

May31

A Whiter Smile is Possible With Tooth Whitening

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Grand Rapids low cost teeth whiteningTeeth whitening is a popular dental procedure in the Comstock Park area. After all, who doesn’t want a whiter smile?

If you are considering tooth whitening, here are some things to keep in mind.

Tooth Whitening: Key Findings

  1. Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining
  2. Only natural teeth can be whitened; in most cases, tooth-colored restorations will not bleach
  3. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners
  4. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues
  5. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects. (American Dental Association)

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides teeth whitening in-office or through a take-home kit. Results vary, but most patients see significant lightening that lasts up to a year.

What’s the difference between tooth whitening and tooth bleaching?

Though these terms are used interchangeably, they aren’t identical. Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching refer to the active whitening agent.

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, DIY strips, and some mouthwashes are safe and affordable and can beautify teeth with continued, regular use. The degree of whitening varies, and it takes scheduled use to see results.

Whitening products that do not contain bleach can typically make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for individuals with sensitive teeth or gums. Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry counsels pregnant or nursing mothers to elect non-bleach whitening products.

Bleaching can whiten deeper staining

The term “bleaching” is used to mean a tooth-whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. For best results, teeth bleaching should be administered in the office by a professional.

Teeth bleaching can often achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains, can be capably lightened under an experienced dentist’s care.

You can replace old silver fillings!

Perhaps you have old amalgam fillings that detract from your smile. We offer white fillings. If you replace old silver fillings with tooth-colored restorations, it will appear as if you have a cavity-free smile. Talk about an anti-aging treatment!

Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dental services. Call us today to schedule an exam, tooth whitening consultation, or professional dental cleaning.

We can whiten, brighten, and straighten your smile!

 

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

May24

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile

Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry, Oral Health

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Comstock Park

Hi, I’m Eric Hull of Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry. If you are one of my patients, welcome back. If this is your first visit, I appreciate you stopping by.

My friendly and thorough team and I love taking care of our valued patients in the Comstock Park area. Today’s article is for smiles that are overdue for a cleaning and exam.

What is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

During dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they remove areas where bacteria can easily multiply.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning Today

We are devoted to preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

An Exam is Not Just to Check for Cavities

After one of our skilled hygienists cleans your teeth, I perform a thorough examination. I check for overall tooth and gum health, the presence of cavities, gum pocket depth, bite issues, and signs of oral cancer.

You Could Have a Dental Problem Without Knowing It

Some men and women mistakenly believe that they can skip dental visits if they don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This attitude is risky. Many dental problems advance silently. When the patient experiences pain, much damage has been done. Gum disease, especially, often progresses unnoticed.

No Dental Insurance? No Problem!

If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about dental financing options. It is far less expensive to prevent dental problems than to treat them after they have become severe. If you perform regular auto maintenance, you understand the wisdom of prevention. Don’t you value your smile far more than your vehicle? Call Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today to schedule preventative maintenance for your irreplaceable smile.

 

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

May17

Let’s Work Together To Keep Your Smile Healthy And Beautiful in Comstock Park, MI

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental health

low cost tooth bleaching Grand Rapids

Here at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we approach all your oral health needs from two separate angles—what we can do in our dental practice and what you can do at home.

For example, tooth whitening and correcting discoloration can be treated in our office or at home. Here in the office, there are safe and effective methods for brightening yellowed or stained tooth enamel. At-home whitening methods are also safe and effective and sometimes more affordable.

Additionally, we advise you regarding food and drink choices that can affect your whitened smile. Be aware of staining agents such as coffee, tea, tobacco, and soda. We understand that abstaining from these items altogether is not an easy lifestyle change. Nor do we expect it.

Awareness and precaution can make a big difference. Rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking a dark or sugary beverage can cut down on the contact your teeth have with it and help neutralize the acids. Prolonged exposure to sugar can lead to buildup of plaque and tartar and prolonged exposure to staining substances can negate the results of teeth whitening.

If you are interested in making improvements to your smile and creating a more confident appearance for your professional career or personal relationships, please pick up the phone and contact the fantastic staff at Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry today.

Come discover personal attention with porcelain veneers, the patient and steady hand with Zoom! teeth whitening, the wise and thorough instruction relating to implant dentistry. Once you’ve scheduled a consultation, expect expert guidance that will make your daily oral care and lifestyle choices productive and meaningful.

When it comes to hygiene and healthy teeth we are a practice that wants to see you as little as possible. (It’s not that we don’t love you—we just want you to have a healthy smile!) If we only see you twice a year for regular checkups then we’ve done our job. Check out our website at https://www.greatmismiles.com/ or come in for an evaluation and recommendations.

Dr. Hull provides the full spectrum of dental services from cosmetic dentistry to cosmetic dentistry to Invisalign.

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