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Michigan Cosmetic, General & Sedation Dentistry
January 9th, 2012
The easiest way to look younger?
Smile! The muscles we use to smile lift the face and make us appear younger so smiling is the easiest way to bring about a more youthful appearance. (It’s good for your immune system, stress reduction, and mood improvement too!)
But beyond flashing a grin, there are a few other ways to keep your smile and looks youthful. Here are our Top Three Tips for a Timeless Smile:
1. Take Good Care of Your Teeth
Poor dental care can lead to red, puffy gums and the need for fillings – both of which can age the look of your teeth. Simply brushing and flossing daily will help take care of your teeth and keep them looking healthy throughout your life. But brush gently – years of plaque buildup and aggressive brushing wear away at your sensitive gum line and cause it to recede. Brush with a soft-bristle brush and use circular motions.
2. Keep Your Teeth Bright
Discolored teeth also age our looks. Tooth enamel thins with age and exposes the inner dentin, which has a yellowish tint. The enamel thinning is inevitable, but you can limit your exposure to foods and drinks that stain. Avoid smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine altogether or at the least, rinse with water after you indulge.
To brighten discoloration, try mixing baking soda and water for a little at-home teeth whitening. Or come see us – we offer Zoom! in-office laser treatment and can help to whiten your teeth in under an hour.
Bonus tip: Ladies, wear red lipstick – the contrast will make your teeth appear whiter!
3. Consider Cosmetic Dentistry
Over time, our teeth shift and move. Fillings and crowns can cause crowding, and chewing and clenching wear down teeth, creating gaps. Teeth move – or even overlap – to fill the space and often the shifting ages the look of your smile. We can help correct misaligned teeth and reshape your smile with orthodontic treatments (like Invisalign) and gum recontouring,
We can also help reconstruct an aging smile with porcelain veneers. Veneers are a natural, popular solution to crooked (and also discolored) teeth. Instead of reconstructing the entire tooth, we simply design a “tooth face” made entirely of porcelain to fit on the front surface. Veneers can help revive your smile, add millimeters to the face of your teeth, and lengthen the teeth, which in turn can restore facial and lip support making you look 10 or 15 years younger.
Contact us to schedule a smile evaluation to discuss options that are right for you and no matter what, keep smiling!
Tags: youthful smile
Posted in Youthful Smile | Comments Off
December 27th, 2011
All of us here at Dr. Mulder’s office would like to wish you a warm and wonderful holiday season. We are grateful that you choose our office for your dental care and we appreciate the opportunity to help keep your smiles bright and healthy all year long.
We hope that you enjoy the holidays with family and friends and that you have a wonderful New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2012.
All the best,
Dr. Mulder and Team
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November 30th, 2011
We’re here to help keep your smile in its best condition at all times and much of the great smile work begins at home, with you. In between visits to us you can do a lot to help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Here are a few pointers and tips.
The Basics:
- Brush at least twice a day
- If you only brush once, just before bed is best
- Throw away your toothbrush every 3-4 months
- Floss daily
- Come see Dr. Mulder regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
The Details:
1. Brush the Right Way
Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque — a sticky film that forms on your teeth due to the presence of bacteria – and prevents cavities and gum disease. It’s important to brush your teeth after you eat, because certain food and drinks cause bacteria in your mouth to release acids that are harmful to your tooth enamel. (Some foods even produce acids that can attack your tooth enamel for 20 minutes!)
To get the best out of each brush, follow these tips:
- Choose a soft-bristled brush and make sure the size and shape of your brush fit your mouth so you can reach all areas with ease
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to protect teeth from decay
- Watch the ADA Dental Minute to learn how much tooth paste you need
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums
- Brush 2-3 teeth at a time, moving the brush back and forth gently in short strokes
- Think of the rule of threes: brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth (Don’t forget your gums either!)
- For your molars – the “chewing surfaces” – brush the tops of your teeth back and forth
- To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, use the top of your brush in gentle up-and-down strokes
- Brush your tongue, too, to freshen breathe and remove bacteria
To view great, animated videos showing the proper way to brush, visit WebMD.
And for added cleaning support, consider using an electric toothbrush–they are great alternatives to manual brushing. (Our staff is happy to recommend a good one!)
2. Floss the Right Way
Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss helps to remove plaque from between the teeth. Flossing helps get to the areas where the toothbrush can’t reach and it plays a critical role in preventing periodontal (gum) disease.
To floss with ease, try these tips:
- Select a floss with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance and look for a glide floss if you find your teeth are tight together. (You can also use interdental cleaners.)
- Pull out about 12-18 inches of floss
- Wrap it around the middle finger on each hand hold it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Ease the flow between your teeth in a gentle back and forth motion. (Be careful not to snap it into your gums.)
- Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and tooth. Rub the side of the tooth in up and down motions.
- Repeat the steps on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back side of your last tooth
- Rinse with water when finished and smile!
3. Come see us!
Don’t forget to schedule check-ups twice a year and to call any time when issues arise. If you haven’t stopped by for a cleaning in a while, now is a great time to come back in. Give us a call and make your year-end or first of the year appointment today.
Happy Cleaning!
Tags: how to brush, how to floss, teeth cleaning
Posted in Good Dental Habits | Comments Off
September 14th, 2011
That’s why the dentist is one of the most important players on your health care team. Recent research has shown that problems inside your mouth can be key indicators to more serious health risks such as oral cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Keeping a close eye on the state of your gums, teeth, and tongue is not only critical for a healthy smile but also for maintaining your overall health.
Five Ways Dr. Mulder Could Help Save Your Life
1. Preventive Maintenance – Think of Dr. Mulder as a doctor for your mouth – because that’s just what he is! He is specifically trained to spot potentially serious issues and to diagnose diseases of the mouth. With every visit, and check-up, he’ll take time to inspect both your teeth and soft tissues for any warning signs.
2. Early Oral Cancer Diagnosis – Over 35,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. The disease has a higher death rate than brain cancer, skin cancer, and even liver cancer. But if diagnosed early, there is a greatly improved chance for survival. Dr. Mulder is trained to recognize precancerous lesions and observe changes in the mouth – and with continued care, he can help to catch signs of oral cancer in its early stages.
3. Lowering Heart Disease Risk – Recent studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in people with gum infections (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The bloodstream links organisms in the mouth to the rest of the body, and since gum disease makes gum tissues weaker, oral bacteria enter the blood stream. These bacteria can cause blood clots that travel through the blood stream causing a stroke or heart attack. Regular dental visits to Dr. Mulder can help to lessen this risk.
4. Detecting Diabetes – There also appears to be a link between gum infections and diabetes, as people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease. In fact, periodontal disease is considered one of the complications of diabetes and the presence of the disease may decrease a person’s ability to control blood sugar. Dr. Mulder may be able to spot diabetes signs during treatment of gum disease.
5. Preventing Preterm Birth – Researchers recently have found that pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. Gum disease produces regulators – known as prostaglandins – that are similar to the regulators pregnant women produce to signal the birth process to begin. In a pregnant woman, prostaglandins may send out a false signal to the body, thereby initiating the birth process prematurely. Coming in to see us prior to and during pregnancy is critical to maintaining healthy gums.
Tags: diabetes, health, oral cancer, prevention
Posted in Health | No Comments »
August 24th, 2011
The dentist is definitely your friend – and your children’s friend too! Maintaining regular check-ups with Dr. Mulder is one of the best ways to help keep smiles healthy and that’s why it’s so important that first trips to the dentist are good ones.
We understand that, and we work hard to make kids’ first visit in to see us a very positive experience. We also understand that the dental office is filled with loud, unfamiliar noises, new faces, and even some peculiar looking instruments – all of which can be daunting and scary when you are young.
We take away the mystery of the dentist visit and put little ones’ at ease so that they come to view a trip to Dr. Mulder’s office as something fun.
Pre-Check Up Appointment
We recommend first visits start between ages one and two. We usually begin by having kids come in with their parents for their cleanings. It’s good for kids to see that mom and dad like the dentist. It’s also a good time to introduce children to our office, our staff, and the types of things they will experience when they sit in the chair on their own.
While they are in with mom and dad, we’ll give them a ride in the chair. Dr. Mulder will have them help count their teeth. And every child is rewarded with a balloon or toy!
After kids have gotten to know our office, we’ll have parents set up a first cleaning. (Often at the same time as mom or dad’s next cleaning.)
First Appointment
Prior to the first check-up, it’s a good idea to talk with your little one about the visit and to practice brushing beforehand so he or she is familiar with the feel of a toothbrush in his or her mouth.
When kids first come in to see us, we’ll repeat chair rides and talk with them about how we are going to take “pictures” of their teeth (x-rays). We share how we will polish their teeth, showing what the toothbrush looks like and demonstrating how it feels. (And of course, we give them a reward when we finish!)
First visits are usually brief and the main purpose is to check your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine his or her bite, and look for any potential problems with gums, jaw, and oral tissues. It’s a good time to ask any questions you have about maintaining good dental health throughout childhood and to chat with us about any medications your child takes, or sucking habits that may affect his or her teeth and jaw.
The first trip to the dentist can be an easy, pleasant experience with just a little preparation and care. We enjoy all the kids that come into our office and we look forward to the opportunity to help make every child’s first visit special!
Tags: Children, First Visit
Posted in First Visit | No Comments »
July 21st, 2011
Mouth sores. If you have had one before – either a canker sore or cold sore – it’s likely that just hearing those words makes you cringe. Mouth sores are painful. Very painful. And for most people, treatment involves little more than managing the pain and waiting for the sore to heal.
We can help change that! You don’t have to simply wait for your sore to heal anymore. Recent advancements in dental technology have changed the way canker sores are treated, and new prescription strength antiviral medications can drastically reduce the outbreak of cold sores. With a quick visit to our office, Dr. Mulder can offer immediate pain relief and speed up the healing process.
What are mouth sores?
Canker sores are small ulcers that appear inside the mouth. They are usually white or gray, with a red border and can appear on the inner surface of the lips, cheeks, or gums. Canker sores are very common but they are not contagious. They can last anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
Cold sores are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often erupt on the outside of the mouth – around the lips and chin. The skin around the blisters is often red and sore and they may break open and leak clear fluid. Cold sores—also called fever blisters—last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. (They can also spread, so it is best to let them be and try not to pick or touch them.)
What causes the sores?
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown but appearance could be related to bacteria, viruses, or immune system issues. Fatigue or stress can increase the outbreak of a canker sore. So can a cut to the mouth or an allergic reaction to certain foods. Canker sores tend to occur more in women than in men and seem to be somewhat hereditary. Acidic foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, and tomatoes have also been known to bring canker (and cold) sores on.
“Cold sores,” according to the American Dental Association, “are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and are very contagious. The initial infection (primary herpes), which often occurs before adulthood, can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth. Once a person is infected with herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. For some people, the virus remains inactive or dormant. For others, cold sores can follow a fever, sunburn, stress, emotional upsets or a break in the skin.”
How do you treat mouth sores?
That’s where we come in. Both canker sores and cold sores will heal on their own but there are ways to reduce healing time. While you can use at home remedies (such as gargling with warm salt water for canker sores) or over the counter topical anesthetic treatments (such as Abrevia), one of the best ways to treat mouth sores is to come see us.
(Plus, it’s a good idea to come into our office, regardless, if you have a sore that lasts more than two weeks, the pain is unbearable, or the sore prevents you from eating or drinking.)
Laser treatments are the most effective treatment for canker sores, giving immediate pain relief and causing the ulcer to heal in 24-72 hours. With our minimally invasive laser treatment, and a quick 15-minute appointment, we can zap a canker sore and help it from getting larger. Our in-office treatment will also help to speed the healing process, and in many cases, the sore will vanish 10 days faster than it normally would have without the laser.
For cold sores, we can prescribe an anti-viral medication—such as Valtrex—to help reduce pain and treat recurrent severe cases. Valtrex is most effective when taken as soon as you feel the warning signs of a cold sore (a spot on your lip that tingles, itches or burns. If the cold sore has already broken the skin surface, Valtrex is less effective so it’s best to give us a call right away.
Also, the body can sometimes build up immunities to one form of medication and stop working after time. Our office can help evaluate your treatment and prescribe differing anti-viral meds as needed.
Contact our office at any time if you feel a cold sore or canker sore coming on or talk with Dr. Mulder at your next visit if you find yourself experiencing mouth sores on a regular basis.
Tags: canker sores, cold sores, laser treatment, Valtrex
Posted in Pain Relief | No Comments »
June 3rd, 2011
A visit to the dentist doesn’t have to be something to dread. In fact, it’s something to feel good about: in terms of your health, visiting the dentist is one of the best things you can do to help prevent disease, live a long life, and keep your smile healthy. Visiting our office should be a trip you look forward to! Okay, while we always look forward to your visit, we understand why maybe it’s not your favorite event. We also understand that the sound of the drill, fear of discomfort, and the apprehension about what a visit entails can produce anxiety.
Here are Five Tips For Making Your Visit More Relaxing:
1. Engineer for Success. Prepare for your visit – both mentally and physically – and have a positive outlook. Tell yourself that you are going to have a good visit and loosen up before you even arrive. Plan to do yoga before your visit, go for a run if it calms your nerves, or meditate at home for a few minutes to find a peaceful state of mind. Arrive early or on time to talk with the staff, settle in, and avoid extra anxiety from traffic or parking.
2. Celebrate Modern Technologies. Dental practices have greatly improved with less painful treatments, more efficient practices and quicker dental treatments. All of these things add up to a more pleasant experience in the dental chair. Contemplate the joys of dental advancements while you are in the chair to feel confident and more at ease. (If you feel the urge to thank the equipment for being so efficient, practical, and supportive, go ahead. Gratitude helps calm nerves.)
3. Turn on the Tunes. Listening to music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our minds and bodies, especially slow, quiet classical music. This type of music can have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. We encourage you to bring your iPod and whatever music takes you to a soothing place.
4. Put Your Mind to Work. Try exercising your brain while you’re in the chair to take your mind off the sounds and sights around you. Think through the lyrics of your favorite song. Plan your next vacation. Relive a favorite memory; try to remember every detail. Make a list of all the movies you want to see. Focusing on positive memories and thoughts will help keep your mind from wandering into stressful territory.
5. Get Comfortable. Sometimes being relaxed begins with physical comforts. Wear something you are at ease in. Consider wearing a soft scarf or fleece sweatshirt – something that feels soft and calming against your skin. Partake of our personal amenities – refresh with a warm towel. Settle into the chair massagers. Or select a movie on Netflix that makes you smile. Surround yourself with small comforts and it will help set a relaxing mood.
Talk with us about your concerns and fears at any time and we’ll help make your visit as stress-free and enjoyable as possible!
Posted in Comfortable Dentistry | No Comments »
May 4th, 2011
Most of us start incorporating the first rule of dental health into our routines at a young age. We are taught early on to brush our teeth twice a day and for most of us, the act becomes a familiar part of our regular wake-up and head-to-bed activities. It’s the other dental habits that tend to be a bit more difficult to stick to.
(Perhaps it helps to have a cool looking toothbrush or a supportive mom at the ready when learning!)
But while they may be more difficult to remember, the other dental habits are just as important to the overall health of your smile.
To help reinforce the many good habits you should strive to work into your oral routines, we’ve collected a few great tips:
- Use a good quality toothbrush – Look for one with soft, end-rounded bristles or consider trying an electric toothbrush
- Brush at an angle and take your time – Use short back and forth motions and avoid fast, harsh scrubbing to prevent irritation
- Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months (sooner if you have just gotten over the flu or a cold)
- Select a toothpaste with fluoride – chat with us about which ones we recommend
- Make flossing part of your before-bed routine – Put it near your night-time face cream or contact case…anything you use every evening to help remind you
- Floss one tooth at a time – make sure you get both sides of each tooth
- Store an extra toothbrush and travel toothpaste in your desk drawer and car glove compartment – you’ll have it on hand for a post-lunch brush or unexpected overnight
- Steer toward fruits and veggies and away from the candy – opt for apples and carrots instead of sugar for a snack that’s healthier on your body and your teeth
- Get regular check-ups and every 6-12 months – we’re here to help and we like seeing you!
A little mindfulness can go a long way toward helping you care for your teeth. Implement a few small changes and you’ll have the full list of habits down in no time!
Posted in Good Dental Habits, Tooth Care | No Comments »
May 4th, 2011
Sleep. It’s one of the most important parts of our days. We all need it. We rarely get enough of it. And too many of us are continually sleep-deprived. Sleep plays an essential role in supporting our physical health, increasing longevity, and providing emotional wellbeing. Everyone needs a good night’s sleep.
Yet millions of Americans suffer from a disorder that prevents coveted, restful sleep. Millions suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that affects breathing and disrupts sleep. There are different types of treatments for sleep apnea that range from an airway apparatus to lifestyle changes to sleeping alterations. One effective solution includes wearing a special oral appliance for the mouth called a SomnoDent MAS.
We can help with that but before we do, let’s learn a little more about sleep apnea with facts from the American Association for Respiratory Care.
1. “Apnea” comes from a Greek word meaning “want of breath.”
Sleep apnea is often caused by a temporary obstruction to the airway opening at the back of the mouth. The most common form, called “obstructive sleep apnea,” occurs when the throat muscles relax – creating an obstruction that causes a disruption in breathing. There is literally a moment when the body is in “want of breath.”
2. People with sleep apnea can stop breathing as many as 30 times or more each night.
Those with sleep apnea, need breath over and over again. The disorder brings repetitive periods of difficulty breathing and it leads to loud snoring, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, and severe difficulty sleeping. Lack of sleep, then, leads to other more severe problems.
3. People with sleep apnea sometimes fall asleep unexpectedly during the day, while talking on the phone or driving.
People with sleep apnea are three times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents! Plus, studies have linked sleep apnea to heart attacks and strokes, and up to 50 percent of people with sleep apnea also suffer from high blood pressure.
4. Sleep apnea affects up to 18 million Americans
What’s more, officials estimate that 10 million Americans have the condition but have not been diagnosed. Smoking, alcohol use, and being overweight all increase the risk of sleep apnea as well.
Check out the Snore Score quiz from the American Sleep Apnea Association to help you determine if you are at higher risk for sleep apnea. (Keep this tip in mind too: losing just 10 percent of body weight can help reduce the number of times a person with sleep apnea stops breathing during sleep.)
So, can those with sleep apnea get a good night’s sleep? Absolutely and that’s where we come in.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment. Dr. Mulder can do a thorough examination to determine what causes your breathing blockage and what kind of appliance will help promote the free flow of air and eliminate the obstruction. (He might also recommend consulting a sleep disorder specialist before continuing with treatment if necessary.)
Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your night’s rest any longer – give us a call!
Posted in Sleep Apnea, Snoring, SomnoDent | No Comments »
January 21st, 2011
New Spectra device provides better cavity prevention and detection
You already know the drill for preventing time spent under the dental drill: brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental check-ups. All of these steps help make sure you do your part in maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay and cavities.
Our part comes next. Every time you come in for your cleaning and oral check-up, we’re checking for potential structural damage and decay and keeping a close eye on the health of your teeth. And recently, our ability to keep close watch got even better.
We’re now using a new device called a Spectra. The Spectra uses non-invasive, innovative light technology to scan teeth for cavities. It enhances our ability to detect decay and to pick up on early warning signs of structural damage in your teeth.
Spectra screenings are safe, thorough, and efficient. They are also extremely accurate and remarkably fast – almost as fast as our typical inspection with a mirror.
How does it work?
The Spectra uses special light-intesity LEDs to project high-energy violet blue light onto the tooth surface. The light-induced fluorescent images show the presence of harmful bacteria. The Spectra scans your teeth for cavities and rates the depth and severity of decay found.
Healthy areas show up in blue, and trouble areas appear in red. The captured digital image is displayed on a monitor so that both you and our staff can see and discuss the oral hygiene status of your mouth. The images are also saved, so we can monitor the progression of decay over time and maintain a closer case history of your teeth.
The Spectra helps us to offer you enhanced prevention and earlier detection of decay. We’re pleased to be your Grand Rapids dentist and to provide you with the best dental care available.
Talk with us about our new Spectra device on your next check-up!
Posted in Cavity Prevention, Spectra, Tooth Care | Comments Off
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