What are the Dental Hot Topics in the Grand Rapids Area?

If you have a missing tooth, replacing it and returning to your flawless smile is an important priority. A difficult decision is choosing between replacing the tooth with a dental implant or with a bridge. Dr. Crete and Rivertown Dental Associates have satisfied patients all around the Grand Rapids area who have undergone both of these procedures. As a Grand Rapids dentist, Dr. Crete has had many opportunities to explain the advantages and disadvantages of both of these options. Perhaps the...

The mouth is a window into the health of the body “Brush and Floss your teeth regularly, avoid too many sugary snacks, see your dentist regularly.” How many times have you heard those phrases? Now there are even more reasons to follow that advice. Taking care of your teeth and gums does more than just prevent cavities or bad breath.   The mouth is a window into the health of the body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies, general infection, and even systemic diseases. Diabetes,...

Bruxism is the term used to describe the habit of grinding or clenching teeth. Dr. Crete and Rivertown Dental Associates are experts in identifying and treating bruxism to prevent tooth wear and muscle pain. Many of our patients in Grand Rapids and Grandville come to us complaining of frequent headaches, sore jaws, frequent toothaches, and facial pain. Frequently, Dr. Crete recognizes that all of these symptoms are correlated with bruxism. This damaging habit can develop at any age, and children...

For many years, we’ve heard people around the Grand Rapids area talk about being frustrated that they seem to have a cavity every time they visited their West Michigan dentist. Most people looking for quality dental care assumed that if they didn’t eat candy or drink pop they shouldn't end up with any cavities. While it is true that eating candy and drinking pop contribute to tooth decay, the latest research points to other dietary considerations that may be an even more important factor for...

The last time I was at a grocery store, there were endless choices when it came to choosing a toothpaste. Here are some suggestions for finding the toothpaste that is best for you. It is important to remember that while toothpaste is a valuable addition to a toothbrush in oral hygiene, it is the correct brushing action that removes the plaque (the sticky mixture of bacteria, food and debris) from your teeth. Equally important, is choosing a toothpaste that tastes, feels, and works the...

At Rivertown Dental, we're frequently being asked questions about how often we recommend flossing, if flossing is necessary, and what teeth should be flossed? Our response is the cliche "only the teeth you want to keep!" That's because second to brushing, flossing is the most important thing you can do to ensure good oral health. The reason it is so important to brush and floss is to reduce the number of bacteria that inhabit our mouths, adhere to our teeth, and feed on the food particles left...

Gum disease is sly – often turning up without symptoms. Infact, it’s also responsible for more tooth loss than any other dental problem.Gum disease is an infection caused by plaque – the white film of harmful bacteria on your teeth that irritates the gum tissue. Eventually, withoutproper treatment, the gums will fall away from the teeth and the bone that holds your teeth in place may be lost. You could have gum disease if you experience: · red, swollen, or tender gums; · gums that...

With so many different options for electric toothbrushes, it is difficult to know which one is exactly right for you, your mouth and your money. According to a recent review of 42 studies, the most effective way to reduce plaque and gingivitis is with a tooth brush that rotates in alternating clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The less-expensive powered brushes use a circular or sweeping movement, which makes them about as effective as a manual brush. When choosing the brush that is...

Jaw Pain Do you have frequent headaches, earaches, tender jaw muscles, or a dull, aching facial pain?  Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth?  These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or "TMJ," and the muscles that work to move the joints.  These painful conditions are often called "TMD" or "TMJ" for temporomadibular joint disorders.  Dr. Michael J. Crete has treated many patients in the Grand Rapids area who are now...

I have always wondered why I have constant bad breath and I finally know why.  When I went to Dr. Crete's office for the first time they checked my gums and I found out I had a constant infection in my gums .  I started using the breath rx mouth rinse they gave me and that helped alot.  Then after I had the  gum treatments in their office my bad breath is gone.  Now I'm not embarrassed anymore.  Jay E

I had my teeth whitened with the Brite Smile Whitening System and my teeth look amazing!  I was so impressed with how easy it was.  I'm not going to fool around with using the stuff I used to buy at the drug store.  If you haven't tried the in-office bleaching, I'd recommend the brite smile to anyone.   Steve S.