Everyone knows how powerful a good laugh can be, so it’s easy to see how laughing could treat depression. What if that laugh is gas-induced? If you have ever had dental work done, you may have been given laughing gas to help you relax and make the procedure go more smoothly. Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide… Read More »
If needed another reason to avoid gum and mouth disease, a recent study shows that people with gum and mouth disease are much more likely to suffer from heart disease as well. Bacterial infections cause mouth diseases and inflammation and if they are not treated, the disease could weaken or affect the heart. The study… Read More »
Are you still using a traditional toothbrush but looking for a way to get your teeth cleaner? An electric toothbrush may be the right option for you. Dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes to children, the elderly or anyone who has a hard time using their hands and reaching all of their teeth. Electric toothbrushes can… Read More »
Some dental issues are obvious, such as a broken tooth or large cavity. They may be noticeable and even painful. Others are not as obvious, such as a small chip or a rough spot. You may not be able to see these issues, and most flaws of this type are felt by moving the tongue across… Read More »
Hockey is a dangerous sport and although hockey players wear mouth guards to help protect their teeth, a puck to the face can cause severe injuries and tooth damage. Rangers player Dan Girardi found this out the hard way during a recent game against the Penguins. Girardi took a deflected shot to the side of his face during… Read More »
The price of dental work can be expensive and not everyone has dental insurance or the means to afford dental care. There are many programs available to assist individuals and families in getting the dental care they need and deserve and many dentists are willing to set up payment plans and make other arrangements to help… Read More »
The symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD)—which include recurring headaches, jaw soreness, and difficulty biting and chewing—can be vague and may be associated with other conditions, making it difficult for patients to understand what is causing their discomfort. The Grand Rapids dentists at A Life of Smiles have extensive success helping patients find… Read More »
One of the most frustrating things for our patients in Grand Rapids is that TMJ symptoms are easily confused with symptoms of other conditions. The signs of TMJ can be chalked up to a number of other causes, and that makes it tempting to avoid seeing the dentist to have your jaw and bite alignment… Read More »
The dangerous condition known as sleep apnea most often affects adults, particularly overweight men. But mounting evidence indicates that an increasing number of children also suffer from this potentially life-threatening sleep disorder. Common Forms of Sleep Apnea Because the most common forms of sleep apnea—obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea —are associated with severe… Read More »
