Grand Rapids Sleep Dentistry
Serving Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Michigan And Surrounding Areas
If you’re looking for a dentist who does more than strictly cosmetic dentistry or neuromuscular dentistry, and if you’re looking for help with more general dental problems, you’ve arrived at the right place.
Dr. Mulder takes a broad approach to dental care. He constantly pushes the envelope of traditional dentistry to expand his practice and add appealing services.
Periodontal Treatment
Gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, is not something to ignore. Left to itself, it will take your teeth. It all starts with the ever-present bacteria that we try to keep at bay with our regular brushing and flossing. Bacteria live in plaque, that invisible sticky film that continually forms on our teeth. The toxins they produce irritate the gums, which become red and swollen and start to bleed. Pockets form between gums and teeth, allowing infection to develop which burrows through the gums right into the bone supporting the teeth.
Prevention is best, and early detection next best. Dr. Mulder will spot it immediately and help you avoid much pain and dental deterioration.
Snoring Treatment
Like bad breath, snoring can be harmless and temporary. In some cases, however, it can be an indication of a treatable disorder. Whether you snore habitually, or just occasionally, you could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, which is short and sudden periods of non-breathing.
Airway obstructionThe sound of snoring indicates that something is blocking the flow of air from your nose to your wind pipe (trachea). The obstruction causes the tissue of the upper airway to collapse, either partially or completely.
When that collapse is partial, the passing air causes a noise we know as snoring
When the collapse is total, breathing becomes abnormally slow or shallow (hypopnea), or stops altogether for about 10 seconds (apnea)
Either way, your body is then receiving insufficient oxygen, and being unable to expel carbon dioxide quickly enough.
This disrupts your sleep. You get a poor night’s sleep, so next day you feel tired or irritable, and maybe have a headache, or can’t concentrate properly. There can also be long-term consequences from the repeated oxygen deprivation.
TreatmentDr. Mulder will do a thorough examination to determine what causes the breathing obstruction. Once this is discovered, he can focus on promoting the free flow of air and eliminating the obstruction. Dr. Mulder uses PM Positioner and Klearway Device in order to treat such problems. If problems persist, Dr. Mulder might recommend consulting a sleep disorder specialist.
Snoring solutions can be accomplished through special snoring devices for the nose or mouth, medications, lifestyle, and sleeping alterations, and even surgery.
Contact Grand Rapids dentist Dr. Jerry Mulder for more information about halitosis and snoring. You could call or email our team today for your smile evaluation.
