Halloween Candy Isn’t So Scary: Our Candy Buy Back Program and More

Ok, admit it – when the kids bring home those plastic pumpkins overflowing with treats, you’re just as excited as they are to dig in. But then, after the initial burst of excitement, you’ve got PILES of the stuff left. What do you do with it all when you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet (not to mention healthy teeth) for your family?

We've got an idea - DONATE IT to our Military Troops.  This year Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS is participating in the Operation Gratitude Candy Buy Back Program.  Between November 2 and 7, bring your children, along with their candy, to our office at 615 St. Mary's Street. Their candy will be weighed and kids will receive $1.00 for every pound they donate.  

Tips For Managing All That Sugar

While we definitely want you to participate our Operation Gratitude Candy Buy Back, we agree with this Psychology Today blogger that the yearly candy bonanza is a great opportunity to teach kids how to enjoy tasty treats in moderation. Here are a few of our favorite tips from the Boston Mamas blog on “How to Handle the Halloween Candy Craze.”

1. Real food first. Make it a rule: eat a nutritious dinner (ideally including fruits and veggies) before candy happens.
2. Teach moderation. Remind kids to monitor how their tummy feels while they’re eating; if they’ve had a past experience of overindulgence making them sick, it’s a good idea to remind them of how yucky that felt, so they’ll practice noticing how they feel when they eat.
3. Set firm limits, and be consistent. Decide how much the kids are allowed to have and when – say, 1-2 pieces after a meal – and never bend to whining! Kids are smart, and if they realize that whining works, they’ll do it every time.
4. Make candy-eating contingent on immediate tooth-brushing. Not only is this the best practice to prevent cavities, but it’s also a good way to make eating candy a little annoying.  It’s amazing how the nuisance of teeth brushing (not at the typical teeth brushing times) will kill the desire for eating that mini Snickers. But even if it doesn’t, it’s always a good thing to follow candy consumption with teeth brushing.  
5. Limit the drama. Kids feed off our emotions. The bigger a deal you make of it, the more they will want it. Just be matter of fact about your decisions and limit the drama.
6. Teach about consequences. If candy consumption really becomes a difficult issue, teach your kids about consequences.  Toss it!  Or, give it away via a local buy back or donation to the troops. Trust me, they will remember next year.
7. Change the giving rules in your home. If you want to model less candy, try passing out Halloween candy alternatives. It will show them that there can be other ways to celebrate.

There are tons of other great resources on the internet loaded with tips on how to control and limit candy consumption. One of my personal favorites is this roundup on Babble of cool science experiments you can try with Halloween candy.  Is it more fun to eat Pop Rocks, or to use them to blow up a balloon? My kids went with the balloon (who really likes the taste of Pop Rocks, anyway?)  Another great idea - re-purposing the Halloween candy by using for a holiday advent calendar.

There are also great treats to hand out instead of candy - such as glow-necklaces (helps cars see little trick or treaters!), stickers, temporary tattoos, and plastic fangs - all irresistible to small children. I also endorse the approach of one clever mama who offered both candy AND toys, so trick-or-treaters could choose; she found that loads of kids went with the toys instead!  Check out your local Dollar Store for little items that may be good substitutes for candy.

Let us know your ideas for handling the Halloween candy craze.  Is it time for your next cleaning and exam?  Give our office a call at (919) 755-3450.   We look forward to seeing you!  

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Sedation Dentistry: What You Need to Know

If you shudder at the thought of a dental visit, or avoid it altogether, you're not alone. Dental anxiety is very real and it's estimated that up to 20% of people avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS, we want you to take excellent care of your oral health - which means coming in for regular cleaning and exams, and having dental problems addressed at the earliest possible stage. That's why we offer sedation dentistry to those who need extra help feeling calm and relaxed during a dental procedure.

We will administer a controlled amount of sedative medicine before or during your dental procedure, helping to reduce your anxiety and create a calm treatment experience.  Whether you are getting your wisdom teeth removed, a cavity filled, or simply a routine cleaning and exam, we will work with you to assure that you are comfortable, calm and relaxed.

Sedation dentistry is divided into different categories. Minimal sedation, which decreases anxiety while maintaining full consciousness, can be achieved through mild anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide. Moderate, or conscious, sedation is commonly achieved through a combination of sedative pills and an intravenous sedative. It creates a sleeplike state in which the patient's response to touch and sound is strong. Intravenous sedation allows you to sleep deeply in an unconscious state where you will not be awakened until the effects wear off or medication is used to reverse it.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, our patients’ comfort is our priority. We offer two types of minimal dental sedation to help you feel completely relaxed before, during, and after your visit to our office:

• Inhalation Sedation (or Laughing Gas) is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you breathe in through a mask placed over your nose to help you relax. The amount you receive is controlled by Dr. Morrison. This form of sedation wears off quickly.

• Oral Conscious Sedation is in the form of a prescribed pill that is taken about an hour before your dental procedure. With this form of sedation, you remain conscious and completely aware of your surroundings in a very calm and relaxed state. A variety of medications are available for this type of sedation, and Dr. Morrison will carefully discuss your particular needs to determine which choice would work best for you. However, all are classified as anti-anxiety medications and achieve the same result: reducing and even eliminating the anxiety of dental treatment.

Inhalation sedation and oral conscious sedation can safely be used together for an even deeper feeling of relaxation.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Here are a few things to discuss with Dr. Morrison when considering sedation dentistry: 

• Is the procedure lengthy or complex? Sedation dentistry may allow us to complete your treatment in fewer appointments and to finish complex procedures in less time.

• Do you have a psychological or physiological reason (such as a highly sensitive gag reflex) that makes dental procedures difficult? Sedation dentistry may successfully address these reasons by allowing you to relax deeply through the procedure. 

• Do you have any serious health conditions, or are you pregnant? Using sedatives during a dental procedure may not be a good idea for people who are pregnant, or who have certain cardiac or respirator conditions. 

While your dental treatment is performed, your vital signs will be carefully monitored to ensure that your experience is as safe as possible. If you've only received nitrous oxide, the effects will wear off almost immediately and you will be able to drive home, or return to work or school. The effects of oral sedation last longer than with nitrous oxide alone, so you'll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Unexpected reactions to inhalation or oral sedation are exceedingly rare, but as with any medical procedure, Dr. Morrison will review your health history, discuss the risks and benefits, and carefully monitor you throughout the procedure for any changes in blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.

"It’s normal to experience some apprehension about going to the dentist, especially if you've had a negative experience at the dentist as a child, or if you’re heading into an extensive procedure" says Dr. Morrison. "Before I offer the option of sedation - I try to find out the source of the patients' anxiety and their level of anxiety, and then we talk about ways to manage it," he said. "I can oftentimes get an anxious patient comfortably through a procedure just by talking with them, distracting them, taking breaks, and explaining what we are doing at each stage of treatment." 

"However, some patients simply won't get the care they need unless they have some kind of sedation and in these cases the risks of not receiving dental care is greater," said Dr. Morrison. "For these patients, using sedation dentistry to help them face their fears and get the treatment they need is essential."

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, we do what we can so all patients feel completely comfortable in our office— no matter how big or how small their treatment may be. Is it time for your cleaning and exam? Give our office a call at 919.755.3450 or schedule online. We look forward to seeing you.

PROPER BRUSHING FAQs

Mouth open or mouth closed? After lunch or after dinner? Flat or at an angle? We've been brushing our teeth just about every day (hopefully) since our teeth came in.  Who knew it was so complicated?   

Fact is, there are actually some best practices to be mindful of when brushing those pearly whites. In our world of alternate facts, fake news, and lists of “7 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean Without Picking Up a Toothbrush” it's easy to be confused about the correct way to brush.  

Don't worry - we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide. We’ll keep it simple with some easy dos and don’ts of brushing. Let’s get to it! 

Don’t: Keep your brush flat 
Do: Use a 45-degree angle when brushing 

Don’t: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke! 
Do: Use short, side to side strokes 

Don’t: Brush with the force of a giant
Do: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel 

Don’t: Go one and done 
Do: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus or soda) 

Don’t: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for life 
Do: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first day of each season 

Don’t: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 seconds 
Do: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing a certain section, move to the next section after you hit Z 

Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in a closed container 
Do: All your toothbrush to air dry 

Don’t: Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it 
Do: Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet 

Don’t: Use a tough-bristled brush 
Do: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamel 

And there we have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile. Remember: Brushing is only 4 minutes out of the day, so why not make it great?  If you have questions about brushing, ask our friendly Dental Hygienists at your next check up.  Need to schedule?  Give us a call at 919.755.3450 or schedule online at www.jeffmorrisondds.com.

Seven Steps to Take This Fall for Better Dental Health

1. Clean Out that Mouth! If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably thinking about cleaning out your gutters this time of year. The same goes for your teeth – particularly if it's been awhile since your last cleaning. So, pull out your calendar and give us a call or go online to schedule an appointment.  
2. Replace Your Toothbrush: Homeowners and renters are familiar with the drill of replacing heating and air conditioning filters, or batteries in your smoke detector, with the change of seasons. This is also a great time to switch out your toothbrush. Here are a few tips on choosing the right toothbrush to make sure you pick the right one.
3. Pick up a Pack of Xylitol Gum: This is one little secret that’s starting to catch on. Use a sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol – a natural sweetener derived from plants. It doesn't break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Both of which can help you avoid cavities.
4. Eliminate a Habit: Whether it’s smoking, acidic beverages, or chewing tobacco, try eliminating a habit that does harm to your teeth. Doing so now is a good idea because outside the holidays, there are fewer demands on your willpower reserves, making a successful effort that much more likely.
5. Pick up a GOOD Habit: There are a lot of great dental habits you can pick up that benefit your teeth year-round, like wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth at night, going with better food choices, or wearing a mouthguard if you play sports. 
6. Buy Yourself - or Someone You Love - an Early Holiday Gift: Why wait until the holidays to spoil yourself or a loved one? Start now by picking up a dental care tool to make your (or their) teeth look great, gums feel great, and breath smell great! There are a lot of options that are easy on your budget, including teeth whitening, electric tooth brushes, interproximal brushes, dental irrigators, and even tongue scrapers!   Do you know someone in need of dental care?  Buy them a year of preventive dental care with the St. Marys Dental Savings Plan.  
7. Check in on Your Insurance Benefits: Don't let your dental benefits go unused. In most cases any unused portion is lost when your new insurance year starts, even though you have already paid for them! And, don’t forget, many of those dollars can be used for items other than actual exams.  Not sure if you have remaining dental benefits?  Give our office a call - we can tell you and also schedule that exam or treatment you have been putting off.  

Questions?  Need to schedule an appointment?  Give our friendly staff at call at 919 755 3450.  We look forward to seeing you in the office!  

Which Toothpaste Should I Use?

We know you've been there - staring at the aisle in the drug store at the different kinds of toothpaste, each promising to be the best at something — like "fighting cavities", "tartar control", "whitening", or "decreasing tooth sensitivity". With so many options on the shelves, you might be wondering which one is best for you? Let us help you choose. 

What is Toothpaste?

Toothpaste, officially known as dentifrice, helps to amp up your toothbrush’s cleaning abilities. The main ingredients of most toothpaste include:

• Abrasives—The most important thing toothpaste does is remove unwanted stuff off the surface of your teeth. Long ago, people used gritty materials like brick dust, charcoal, tree bark, and animal hooves to clean their teeth. Thanks to technology and modern science, we now have much gentler ingredients proven to be safe and effective.
• Detergent—An ingredient more often associated with dishes or laundry, detergent is what makes toothpaste foam. This helps move particles off your teeth that water alone cannot.
• Fluoride—This mineral strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. Small children tend to swallow a lot of paste as they are learning to brush (and too much fluoride is not good to ingest), so there are many without fluoride to choose from. 
• Humectants—These substances keep the paste from drying out, which is very helpful since you take that cap on and off several times each day.
• Flavor—Toothpaste has flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, and bubblegum without any sugar or components that would cause tooth decay.

What to Look For In A Toothpaste

Fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste and it’s a must even if your water has fluoride in it. It's a natural mineral that hardens the enamel and makes teeth more resistant to cavities. Fluoride is perfectly safe in small amounts and research has shown that it can dramatically decrease tooth decay. Any toothpaste with fluoride will do for most people as long as they’re brushing, flossing and visiting their dentist regularly, as well as eating a healthy diet.

If you don’t experience any particular type of dental issue and simply want healthier teeth overall, Raleigh dentist Dr. Jeff M. Morrison DDS suggests Crest Pro Health. “It’s the only toothpaste accepted by the American Dental Association in six categories,” he says. “It whitens, reduces sensitivity, and helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, plaque, and bad breath.” "Colgate Total is also a great all-around toothpaste for most patients. It contains both fluoride and triclosan to fight cavities and gingivitis, and also helps to fight bad breath."  

If you have a specific issue, like sensitive teeth, here are a few different types you may want to consider:

• Anti-cavity Toothpaste—Anti-cavity toothpaste usually contains fluoride at higher levels than regular toothpaste. This helps stop tooth decay and prevents it from worsening by protecting teeth from acids generated by harmful bacteria that live in your mouth. If you don’t have fluoride in your water, you may want to give an anti-cavity toothpaste a try or talk to Dr. Morrison about prescription toothpaste.
• Tartar Control Toothpaste —Tartar, sometimes called “calculus,” comes from bacterial plaque that has hardened and, if left on the teeth, can contribute to gum disease. No matter how much you brush, once the tartar has formed, only that little pick your dentist or hygienist wields can scrape it off. However, toothpastes containing tartar-fighting ingredients can prevent the plaque from hardening, making it easier to brush off. 
  
• Whitening Toothpaste — Most whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients like magnesium carbonate or dehydrated silica gels that will remove surface stains. This could be a good choice if you have mild staining. Other whiteners that may be used in toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide, which claims to bleach teeth, and polyphosphates, said to keep highly pigmented food and drink from staining enamel. "However, the whitening ingredients in toothpaste aren’t concentrated enough or in contact with tooth surfaces long enough to be effective," says Dr. Morrison "and polyphosphates may cause canker sores and other mouth lesions, or tooth sensitivity." If you want to really whiten your teeth, you should schedule a professional whitening treatment. 
• Desensitizing Toothpaste —Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth’s enamel is damaged, exposing dentin, the next layer of the tooth. Different compounds in toothpaste for sensitive teeth are touted for their ability to relieve sensitivity. Used regularly, desensitizers can ease sensitivity, but we recommend scheduling an office visit first. “You need to know what’s causing your sensitivity,” says Dr. Morrison. "For example, untreated gumline cavities, excessive brushing, and aggressive flossing can all lead to sensitivity." If sensitivity lingers after dental treatment, Dr. Morrison might suggest a desensitizing toothpaste, or for persistent discomfort, an in-office treatment such as concentrated fluoride.
• Children’s Toothpaste — Children under age 12 should use children’s toothpaste — it’s specifically formulated for “baby teeth” and isn’t harmful if swallowed because it contains less fluoride than adult toothpaste. This toothpaste also comes in different flavors to make brushing more appealing for kids.
• Natural Toothpaste — Natural toothpaste, formulated without artificial ingredients and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate, can be an excellent option but a lot of natural brands don’t use fluoride. This can be a benefit for babies and toddlers who tend to swallow toothpaste but if you’re trying to avoid cavities and you’re old enough to know how to spit when brushing, be sure fluoride is included. 

For all toothpaste sold in stores, look for seals of approval from The US Food and Drug Administration and the American Dental Association. The FDA tests toothpaste for safety and the ADA makes sure that toothpastes actually do what they claim to. The most important thing is that you buy toothpaste that you will encourage you to brush, because the mechanical action of brushing your teeth is much more crucial than the type of toothpaste you use, as long as your paste contains fluoride.

Brushing and flossing twice a day is critical in preventing tooth decay, and so is visiting your dentist twice a year. If you’re still not sure what toothpaste is best for you, schedule an appointment with us today — we’ll be happy to help you find the right fit!

Five Reasons A Night Guard May Be Right for You

Are you waking up with headaches or jaw pain due to teeth grinding? Are you worried about the long-term damage being done to your teeth every night? You may need a night guard. People wear a night guard for several different reasons, the most common is to protect their teeth from wearing down due to grinding or clenching, a condition called bruxism. Other reasons to wear a night guard include the reduction of jaw pain, to stop clicking and popping of the jaw, to stop lock jaw, or to perform TMJ Therapy. Whatever your reason for wearing a night guard, consistent use of it offers five key advantages.

1. Prevent Headache and Facial Pain

A properly designed night guard will have a well adjusted and balanced bite, which tends to "shutdown" the muscles you use for chewing and allows them a night time rest. Many patients report that their facial muscles are more relaxed when they wake up. Nightguards can make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with TMD (temporomandibular disorders) as they can reduce headaches, facial pain, neck and jaw pain associated with this disorder.

2. Improve Sleep Patterns

Night guards provide maximum comfort while minimizing your symptoms, which can end up drastically improving your sleep patterns. The night guard positions your jaw in such a way that facilitates muscle relaxation, and by keeping these muscles relaxed, you can avoid the stress-filled sleep that often accompanies TMD. 

3. Look Better and Save Money 

This is one of the more critical benefits of wearing a night guard. The nightly unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth and jaw can lead to chipped teeth, damaged fillings, and excessive wear and tear of your teeth. Wearing a night guard can protect your smile. The tooth damage caused by nightly grinding and clenching of your teeth and jaw tends to be quite costly because it slowly but surely destroys your teeth over the years. When this happens, the restorative dental treatments required for both aesthetic and functional purposes are an expensive investment - likely more than getting an appliance to prevent this wear and tear. 

4. Prevent of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

One way to treat excessive snoring and sleep apnea is to use dental or oral devices. These appliances are useful in correcting mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The good news is that there are numerous options for these dental devices, and Dr. Morrison can recommend one for your particular needs. 

One device that we have had a lot of success with is a mandibular advancement device. This is one of the most widely used dental appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea. It resembles a sports mouth guard in appearance. This appliance gently forces the lower jaw down and slightly forward, offering tremendous help in keeping the airway open, thereby preventing problems in breathing.

5. Prevent Teeth from Drifting - Especially For Patients With Bone Loss

Although teeth appear stationary, they are not and nightly wearing of a night guard keeps the teeth in place and will not allow them to "drift" by functioning as a kind of orthodontic retainer. For those patients who have bone loss (which can happen with older patients who have lost much of the bone supporting certain teeth, or patients with periodontal disease), the night guard acts a splint and keeps teeth from developing excessive mobility which can accelerate tooth loss.

The benefits of wearing a night guard are too great to ignore. To discuss your own oral health and find out if a mouth guard is right for you, contact Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS today and schedule a consultation. We can be reached at 919 755 3450 or online .

Is Your "Sweet Tooth" Harming Your Oral Health?

Some people really are born with a "sweet tooth" (like my son, Jack - and he can show you exactly which tooth is his "sweet" one). I know kids are biologically programmed to prefer a higher level of sweetness than adults, but why do some adults never outgrow that preference? It's true that emotions such as stress, recollection of the sensory pleasure of eating your grandmothers apple pie, or environmental factors like poor sleep, can increase our desire for a sugar rush. But new research suggests some of us—much more than others—may also be genetically "wired" to crave sugar.

In one study, scientists scoured the genes of more than 6,500 Danish people and found those who had particular variants of a gene were roughly 20 percent more likely to enjoy and seek out sugary substances. Subjects who reported strong sugar preferences, and consumed more of it, were also more likely to drink alcohol and smoke on a daily basis. In another study, scientists identified a gene that influences dopamine function. Those are the same pathways linked to happiness as well as addiction. They found that some foods high in sugar act as a form of drug on these brain pathways. In still another study, people with specific genetic variations are born with a weaker sweet taste, meaning they may need more sugar than others to taste the same level of sweetness.

The Impact of Sugar on our Dental and Overall Health

Sugars in food and drinks play a major role in the development of tooth decay or "dental caries". Plaque, a sticky film that can start to form on our teeth as little as five minutes after it's removed, contains bacteria. The bacteria use the sugar we consume as energy, and release acid as a waste product. This acid is responsible for tooth decay because, if not removed, it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or cavities in the teeth.

Yet, tooth decay is not the only problem with excess sugar consumption. We all know it can cause weight gain that leads to obesity. Excess sugar also sets the stage for disease in other ways - by elevating cholesterol, deregulating the body’s insulin monitor, and compromising our vitamin and mineral intake. Studies show that young children who consume too much added sugar overall—even two sweetened beverages daily—are at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, or both. One recent report from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine discovered that 3- to 11-year-olds who drink about 12 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages daily have significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of harmful inflammation in their organs and tissues—compared with children who skipped these sugary drinks. The impact of excess sugar in our society is doing monumental damage to our oral and systemic health.

Are You Doomed To A Life of Cavities?

Even though a genetic variant may play some part in the development of your “sweet tooth” we don't believe you are doomed to a life of cavities or obesity. It just may be harder for you to make dietary changes. Here are a few we're working on at our house:

• Understanding food labels. It's hard to reduce sugar because it goes by so many different names. Here are a few: High Fructose Corn syrup, Coconut Palm Sugar, Maple Syrup, Evaporated Cane Juice, Honey, Brown Rice Syrup, Agave Syrup, Juice Concentrates, and Maltose/Dextrose. 
• Eliminating sugary drinks such as juice, soda, flavored milk and energy drinks. A glass of lemonade or tea can have 25 grams - or 6 teaspoons of sugar. Water is the best way to quench your thirst. 
• Counting sugar grams throughout the day to understand exactly how much sugar we (and our kids) are consuming. Significant amounts of sugar are "hidden" in many common products - ketchup, sauces, spreads, "healthy" breakfast cereals, even chicken broth. 
• Desert is for special occasions - no more than once a week - and then just a little. 

Eating too many sweets was often seen as a personal weakness - but that's no longer the case. If you have trouble making any dietary changes, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist for ideas, tips and a referral that may help you. And as always, brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and come in to see us at Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS for regularly scheduled dental hygiene appointments. Is it time for your check-up? Give us a call at 919 755 3450 or schedule online.