Temporomandibular joint disorder (also referred to as TMJ or TMD) is a common condition that can cause recurring, migraine-like headaches and other painful symptoms. Yet it is often misdiagnosed by physicians who lack training in the field of neuromuscular dentistry. The Grand Rapids dentists at A Life of Smiles have extensive experience helping patients find… Read More »
Gum disease (also called “periodontal disease”) is one of the most common dental health problems that patients encounter. If you have noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or floss, you should take steps now to minimize this problem before your condition doesn’t become worse. If gum disease reaches an advanced stage without being treated,… Read More »
One of the most common causes of toothaches is decay; however, this is not always the source of tooth pain. Chronic toothaches can be also caused by several other factors, such as: A recent facial injury – A blow to the face may have cracked or fractured one of your teeth. Bruxism – If you… Read More »
Regular dental checkups and professional teeth-cleaning sessions are important for maintaining your long-term oral health and detecting potential problems at their earliest stages. Yet many people avoid the care they need due to dental anxiety. At A Life of Smiles, Grand Rapids dentists Dr. Jerry Mulder and Dr. Allyson Mulder are as dedicated to your… Read More »
Your oral hygiene routine—which includes your at-home dental care in addition to your regular checkups and teeth-cleanings—has a direct impact on your overall health. Good dental health can help prevent systemic health problems, and your regular dental exams provide an opportunity for the early diagnosis and treatment of oral health issues that can affect your… Read More »
You might be inclined to think of missing teeth as cosmetic issues. And it’s certainly true that missing teeth can mar the otherwise excellent smiles of our patients in Michigan. Dental implants, however, are not primarily cosmetic in nature. Instead, they provide real, concrete, measurable advantages in dental health. Your mouth is an inter-connected system,… Read More »
There is a great connection between your mouth and your health. That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important. A visit to the dentist can often reveal any overall health concerns such as heart problems, bone disease, or even dementia. Routine visits can also help prevent problems before they begin. (The American Heart Association found… Read More »
We take good care of our teeth when it comes to brushing and flossing but sometimes we are not so kind to our pearly whites when we aren’t paying attention. Certain sneaky – and even subconscious habits – have the potential to harm our smiles. Here are five habits worth breaking: 1. Nail Biting Biting… Read More »
Sleep Apnea occurs when an airway becomes partially or fully blocked. Normally, our throat muscles remain stiff when we are awake (to help to keep our airway open so that air can flow in and out of our lungs), and relaxed when we are sleeping. Sometimes, however, these throat tissues relax too much and an… Read More »
12 Days of Christmas – Day 7 On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a good night’s sleep, snore free Let us help you get a good night’s sleep and stop snoring this season – just in time for a house full of relatives and a new year! Return your house… Read More »
