An Attractive Smile Can Improve Your Professional Success

If you’re getting ready to hit the job market – we have some advice: make sure your smile is in great shape. 

It’s no secret that in the corporate world, your physical attributes (like your height, weight, or smile) can impact your career. The most important attribute? Your smile. Studies have found that a genuine, attractive smile can help land you a job, close a sale, get a better salary, and motivate others to perform better. For better or worse, having a great smile is critical to your professional success. 

What Does Your Smile Say to Employers?

Your smile says more than you could have ever imagined to an employer. It starts a non-verbal dialogue the minute you walk into a job interview – where first impressions speak the loudest. One study found that study participants were more likely to be hired (58%) and receive higher salary offers (53%) after their teeth had been whitened. In another, researchers found that during job interviews the individual whose smile was deemed “more attractive” was perceived to be a better candidate for the position even if they were technically less qualified.

A great smile also suggests to employers that you can be a positive influence in the office. Yale University professor Sigal Barsade, Ph.D., conducted a study in which she had volunteers divided into small groups and assigned each group specific tasks. Unbeknownst to the group members, one of the team members was instructed to act overtly positive. When the "positive," smiling volunteer entered the room, his mood was picked up by the rest of the group almost instantly. Beyond just improving the mood of the group, the performance of each individual improved as did the group's ability to achieve its goal.

Having straight teeth is also important. A Kelton Global study found that people attach positive attributes, like success, wealth, happiness, health, and intelligence, to those with straight teeth. In a study of individuals who had received orthodontic treatment as adults, 75 percent reported improvements in their careers and attributed this to their improved smile.

A healthy, attractive smile also tells employers that you have fewer missed days of work. Poor dental health can be very damaging to workplace productivity. Approximately one in six Americans — 16% of the population — miss work due to dental health concerns each year. As a result, more than 164 million work hours are lost yearly. Poor dental health is also linked to a range of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

Still not convinced? Here are a few more studies that addressed the importance of a genuine, attractive smile:

• In an Oral B recently of over 2,000 men and women, it was determined that whiter teeth made people appear more attractive and younger. 
• University of California researchers published a research study showing that people with more attractive smiles made more money (12.7%) than people perceived as having less attractive smiles.
• A study conducted at Loyola Marymount University validated that individuals with whiter and brighter smiles had better employment outcomes

Investing in Your Smile Will Pay Off

In today's competitive business world, it makes sense to give yourself every advantage. If your smile isn’t up to standard, now is the time to take action. Here are several ways that you can improve your smile:

Teeth Whitening. If your teeth are discolored or yellowing, we suggest a whitening procedure. At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we provide our patients with custom whitening trays and gel. The results are fast and amazing.

Porcelain veneers are an easy solution for covering broken, chipped or discolored teeth. Veneers are placed over your existing teeth to create the healthy smile of your dreams – usually in under two weeks.

Cosmetic bonding is a simple procedure that will help you improve the appearance of a cracked, chipped, or stained tooth. Bonding is a single-visit procedure that takes just a few minutes to complete

Clear braces. For adults who want a straighter smile but don’t want to wear traditional braces, clear braces can be an excellent alternative. They’re more discreet, allowing you to maintain their mature and professional image while going through treatment.

Tooth-colored fillings. If you haven’t done so already, talk with your dentist about replacing your old silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings. They are better for your health and will blend in with your smile for results that are seamless and durable.

As long as people are going to judge you on your smile, why not have the best one possible? With new treatment options, procedures that take less time and are more comfortable, and creative financing options, an attractive smile is easier than ever. Let the friendly staff at Jeff M.  Morrison & Associates, DDS help increase your confidence, expand your professional opportunities, and transform your everyday appearance. We are always taking new patients.  Success is just around the corner!

"the expression one wears on one's face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one's back." Dale Carnegie

How Being Vegan Affects Your Teeth

There is no doubt that a plant-based diet is optimal for health. Omnivores and vegans alike benefit from the nutrients present in plants. 

But how does what we eat relate to our dental health? Is a vegan diet better or worse for dental health? 

Well, it depends. There are some concerns for oral health when one consumes a vegan diet. Here are the main ones: 

Vitamin B12 deficiency 

A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Vegans should supplement with adequate B12, as plants do not provide this important nutrient. 

Lack of remineralizing foods 

Remineralization occurs when essential minerals that support hardened, healthy enamel are resup-plied to the tooth after loss caused by acid erosion. The best remineralizing foods include cheese, meat, and milk, but nuts and leafy greens can also help.  

Lack of important amino acids 

One example is the amino acid arginine, which is found in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Arginine helps prevent cavities and gum disease by breaking down dental plaque. While arginine is found in higher quantities in meat, vegan sources of arginine include pumpkin seeds, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas. 

Calcium concerns 

Your body needs enough calcium to support healthy teeth and gums. Vegans need to supplement their diet with plenty of plant sources that contain calcium (almonds, leafy greens, beans, etc.) as well as fortified vegan milks (almond, soy, rice, etc.). 

Frequent snacking 

Continual snacking provides an environment for bacteria to thrive and attack your tooth’s enamel. Vegans may be more prone to frequent snacking in an effort to meet their body’s need for energy. You may find eating meals with a higher fat content helps you stay full for longer periods of time. 

More sugars/starches in the diet 

It can be easy as a vegan to eat a diet based on sweet/starchy foods like fruits and grains (cereal, bread, pasta, crackers, rice, etc.). But the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay thrive on sugar. Make sure to round out your diet with non-sugary foods, such as tofu, nuts, seeds, and plenty of vegetables. 

The good news is that a diet with a higher intake of high-fiber foods, especially fruits, may at least slow periodontal disease progression. If you’re a vegan, you already know you have to be mindful of certain key nutrients that you may need to focus on or supplement in your diet. Keep this list in mind to ensure your dental health is also in tip-top shape! 

Is it time for you to come in for a cleaning and exam? Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 or schedule online.  We are always welcoming new patients and offer same day appointments for new patients and emergency dental care

What You Need to Know About Dry Mouth

We’ve all woken up in the middle of the night and our mouth feels dry as a desert. Maybe it’s winter and the heat’s turned up, or we have a cold and are breathing through our mouth. This is normal! Just take a sip of water and go back to sleep.

However, for 1 out of 5 adults this discomfort is part of their everyday lives. Dry mouth, also known, as "xerostomia", is an abnormal dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth due to reduced saliva flow.

It may not seem like a problem – but saliva is important to maintaining our oral and overall health in several ways:

• It acts as a buffer to neutralize acidic in our mouth, helping to prevent cavities 
• Saliva helps in our immune response by protecting the oral cavity from bacteria 
• Saliva supports proper speech and articulation 
• It delivers calcium, phosphate,fluoride and other components essential to our oral health 
• Saliva flow helps us digest our food by aiding in our chewing and swallowing 
• Saliva protects exposed root surfaces 

Causes of Dry Mouth 

There are several possible causes of dry mouth or xerostomia. It's a common side effect of many medications. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatments, or symptom of certain auto-immune diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease or Sjögren's syndrome. People who've had an injury or surgery to their head or neck area may have nerve damage that results in dry mouth. Chewing or smoking tobacco also increases the risk of dry mouth symptoms.

Medications that Can Cause Dry Mouth 

• Anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs 
• Medications for lowering blood pressure 
• Allergy and cold medications — antihistamines and decongestants 
• Chemotherapy drugs 
• Medications to alleviate pain 
• Drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease 

Is My Mouth Just “Dry” or Do I Have “Xerostomia”

Xerostomia can range from mildly irritating to quite uncomfortable.  In addition to a lack of saliva, here are a few of the other symptoms that may alert you and to a potential problem:

• Chronically bad breath 
• Splitting or cracking of the lips 
• Taste disorders 
• Fungal infections in the mouth, such as thrush 
• Painful or inflamed tongue, or frequent tongue ulcers 
• More frequent tooth decay, gum disease and plaque 
• Problems speaking, swallowing and chewing 
• Difficulty wearing dentures e.g. problems with denture retention or denture sores 
• Infections in your salivary glands 
• Chronic sore throat or the sensation of having a burning mouth 

Treating Dry Mouth

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, our approach to treating dry mouth is two-fold: find ways to increase saliva production and eliminate specific things that are likely to increase dryness in the mouth.

If you think you have xerostomia, we encourage you schedule an appointment with Dr. Morrison to have your condition assessed. He will review your health history, including your medications. He will also monitor your oral health and provide suggestions on improving your saliva flow – from simple home remedies to prescription medications.

Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

Here are a few “mouth-watering” tips you can also try on your own:

• Carry water wherever you go 
• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco 
• Avoid oral rinses that contain alcohol or peroxide. 
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candies that contain xylitol to activate your saliva production. 
• Limit your consumption of caffeine, carbonated beverages (including seltzer and sparkling waters), and alcoholic beverages. 
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and use dental floss to remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth. 
• Use oral rinses that contain xylitol. Certain gels and oral sprays are equally helpful. Biotene is one over-the-counter brand that makes products designed to treat dry mouth. 
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to a bedroom, which may help reduce dry mouth symptoms that develop during sleep. 
• Make sure you get your teeth checked and cleaned twice a year to to identify dental problems early and treat them before they turn into something more serious. 

Concerned you have chronic dry mouth? Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 or request an appointment online.  Xerostomia is more than a minor discomfort – it can have a real impact on your health. We hope this information helps!

What is Plaque and How Do I Avoid It?

Most people have heard the word “plaque,” and know it’s not something you want on your teeth. Yet, they don’t know what exactly plaque is, or how it contributes to dental decay.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that lives on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. It accumulates from normal daily activities such as eating and drinking, especially if you’ve been consuming a lot of sugars and starches.

Ever had that fuzzy feeling on your teeth that goes away after you give them a good brush?

Yep, that’s plaque.

Plaque contributes to dental decay. The bacteria like to consume the sugars in your mouth and excrete acids that wear away at your tooth enamel.

When you don’t regularly brush and floss away plaque, it forms tartar. Tartar is the calcified substance on your teeth that only a professional cleaning can remove. When your Dental Hygienist scrapes away at your teeth, she is removing tartar.

If you don't brush properly after meals, plaque begins to form and build up on your teeth right away. It takes about 12 days for the plaque to turn into tartar. That's why good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are so important.

How can you avoid plaque?

Here are our five top suggestions:

1. Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day

You know you should do it, but how often?

“Ideally, we want everyone to brush after each meal to remove plaque as soon as it develops,” says Dr. Morrison. "It’s especially important to get your bedtime brushing in", he says, "because without it, plaque sits on your teeth all night long".

2. Clean between your teeth

Your teeth aren’t the only places where plaque gathers. It also hides in the spaces between your teeth. In fact, one-third of your tooth surface cannot be reached by tooth brushing alone. Floss or other tools that reach that are key.

3. Swish with antibacterial mouthwash once a day.

For many people, antibacterial mouthwash can be another option in their plaque prevention toolkit. “Mouthwash generally helps loosen plaque, making it easier to remove,” Dr. Morrison says. 

4. Limit sugar and starch

When you finish eating, bacteria rush to the sugar left in your mouth and feed on it. The more sugary your food, the more bacteria there are to deal with when you brush.

5. Regular dental cleanings and exams 

Most of your plaque removal should take place during your home routine. “No matter how great a job you’re doing at home, there are some areas that are difficult to reach and clean properly, like under the gums or behind the second molars,” Dr. Morrison says. Besides cleaning the spots you might have missed, your Dental Hygienist can also tweak your tooth brushing techniques and catch any issues early, before they become bigger problems.

Is it time for your cleaning and exam? Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 or schedule online. We look forward to seeing you.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we are ALWAYS taking new patients and have appointments available for same day and next day exams, cleanings and treatment.

The Link Between Heartburn and Oral Health

If you have chronic heartburn, it's not only your esophagus that you should be worried about. Research reveals how the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can have a detrimental effect on your oral health, as well.

Raleigh dentist Jeff Morrison, of Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS, knows the damage that chronic heartburn can do to your teeth. Here are his three top concerns for patients with GERD:

Eroding Tooth Enamel

GERD causes chronic heartburn because stomach contents, including acid, leak into the esophagus and work their way back up into the mouth, causing burning pain. The acid from the stomach is strong enough to dissolve the tooth surface, or enamel, directly, or soften it to the point where it is quickly worn down layer by layer. This can lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth, and a greater chance of decay.

Xerostomia or Dry Mouth

Some medications prescribed to treat GERD – such as Omeprazole (also called Prilosec), are known to cause dry mouth or xerostomia.  Saliva is one of the body's defense mechanisms - it protects your teeth by neutralizing stomach acid and reducing damage to your teeth.  Reducing saliva flow increases the chance of developing dental decay, tooth sensitivity, and oral infections.  

Stress and Teeth Grinding

A major contributor to GERD is stress. The stress that's causing your heartburn can also cause you to grind your teeth (also called bruxism) resulting a great deal of wear and tear on your teeth. Patients who grind their teeth can develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), leading to jaw, ear and head pain.  Also, people with heartburn or GERD have a much higher risk of xerostomia, or dry mouth. This lack of lubrication, paired with acid-roughened tooth surfaces, increase the risk of wear and tear on the teeth.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Routine dental care is especially important for people with GERD as it allows your dentist to monitor any changes - such as damage to your tooth enamel. "Patients with GERD usually don't realize their teeth have changed until we point out the damage at their regular check-up" notes Dr. Morrison. “Once the outer coating of the teeth is gone, it's gone for good,” but, he adds, “with early intervention, we can take steps to prevent further damage to their teeth.”

Further, not everyone realizes they have acid reflux - it can be a "silent" condition, or you may only experience minor symptoms such as a slight cough.  Dr. Morrison notes, “for most of our patients, we’re the healthcare professional they see on a regular basis. It’s only when we point out the damage to their teeth – and suggest they see their primary care physician to find the cause – do they seek treatment."

For patients with GERD or acid reflux, Dr. Morrison may recommend dietary changes, chewing sugar free gum between meals to boost saliva production and reduce acid in the mouth, and oral hygiene products to prevent further loss of enamel. Patients experiencing bruxism may benefit from a custom made oral appliance. If your teeth are damaged, Dr. Morrison will discuss dental procedures such as veneers, fillings and crowns which can strengthen your teeth and restore your smile.

Dr. Morrison received his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has a family and cosmetic dental practice in the beautiful city of Raleigh, North Carolina. Are you looking for a dental practice for you and your family? We are always taking new patients. Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 or schedule and appointment online.

Five Signs You Have A Cavity (And What You Need To Do)

Cavities, or dental caries, are one of the most common health problems faced around the world, second only to the common cold. If not treated, cavities can cause infection, toothache and ultimately total tooth loss.  Wondering if you have one?  Here are five symptoms to watch out for:

1. Bad Breath
If tooth decay is ignored, bacteria will proliferate, causing bad breath.  If you are brushing and flossing regularly, yet still notice you have bad breath, you need a check up.

2. Bad Taste in your Mouth
If you notice a chronic bad taste in your mouth, get your teeth checked out as it may be a sign that a cavity needs to be cleaned and filled.

3. Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
A sensitive or painful tooth, even if it's only when exposed to hot or cold, can mean a cavity. Sensitivity and pain are usually evidence the cavity has progressed.  

4. Dark or White Spots
When cavities have progressed, they can become visible to the eye, appearing as a dark or white spot on the infected tooth.

5. Holes in Your Teeth
Sometimes you can see a hole on top of the tooth or feel it with your tongue.  This is not a good sign and you need to schedule an appointment right away for treatment.

6. Pus, Swelling or Extreme Pain
These symptoms may indicate an abscessed tooth. The pus is caused by a bacterial infection inside the tooth from untreated tooth decay. It can cause fever, pain and swollen glands and requires immediate medical attention as it will spread throughout your jaw.

The best time to catch a cavity is in the early stages, when there are few, if any, symptoms.  That's why a twice-yearly dental cleaning and exam is important. Unlike the common cold, your cavity will not get better on its own – it will only worsen, becoming more painful, time consuming and expensive to treat, and more likely to impact the integrity of your tooth. 

Good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste,  flossing once a day, and having regular dental cleaning and check ups, will keep you cavity free.   Is it time for your dental appointment? Call us at 919.755.3450 or schedule online.

Are Your Gums Receding? Learn More About Causes and Treatments

At the risk of being obvious, our gums, also known as the gingivae, are the moist pink tissue in the mouth that meets the base of the teeth. We all have two gums - one for the upper, and one for the lower set of teeth. The gums tightly surround the teeth and are firmly attached to the jaw bone. They cover and protect the delicate roots of the teeth.

But sometimes things go wrong and your gums start to receded. Think of a houseplant. If you were to take soil away from its roots, what would happen? Sooner or later, the roots would be exposed to air. They could no longer get the water and nutrients they need. Eventually, the plant would become weak, its roots would fall apart, and the plant would die.

Gum recession works much the same way. It’s a process where the gum tissue start to pull away from the teeth, exposing the fragile, sensitive tooth roots. Eventually, gums can shrink so much that the roots are almost completely exposed. This robs them of nutrients and leaves them open to attack by bacteria, as well as makes them very sensitive.  If left untreated, gum recession can become so severe that it is irreversible and can lead to tooth loss.

You Can See and Feel Gum Recession

The first sign of gum recession is often tooth sensitivity or sore gums. Also, if you run a finger over your gums you can often feel a notch where your gumline used to be. Another sign of receding gums is that your teeth appear longer or the spaces in between them appear bigger at the base.  Compare your gums to the pictures below.  The picture on the left shows healthy gums, and the picture on the right shows gums that are receding, with inflammation and spaces noticeable between the teeth.  Whether you feel or see the onset of gum recession, it’s time to call your dental office and schedule an appointment. 

What Causes Gum Recession?

• Poor oral health. Periodontal, or gum, disease is the most common cause of gum recession. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria-laden plaque at the gum line. The bacteria produce acids that damage your gums resulting in the loss of this supporting tissue around the teeth. 
• Brushing or flossing too hard. Yes, brushing too hard is possible. Always use a toothbrush that is labeled “soft.” Be gentle on your teeth, and remember that taking care of them isn’t supposed to hurt. 
• Genetics. Like the rest of your body, your gums’ characteristics are influenced by your genetics. 
• Dental work. Yep - sometimes dentists don't get it right on the first try. You may have an improperly fitting crown or bridge that is impacting your gums and causing recession. 
• Abnormal tooth positioning. If your teeth are not in alignment with one another, gum recession is more likely.
• Grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding can cause a number of dental problems including gum issues. 
• Trauma to gums. Your gum tissue may recede due to a traumatic injury - this can include a lip or tongue piercing that impacts your gums. 

Healthy Gums Are A Team Effort

As always, prevention is the best strategy.  The simple steps you learned in childhood -  brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and having twice yearly dental cleaning and exams - will keep your gums healthy and prevent gum recession.  If recession has already started, you and your dentist need to identify and eliminate the cause.  In some cases this may be as easy as switching to a soft bristle toothbrush, correcting an improperly fitted bridge or improving your oral hygiene.  In other cases, for example, recession due to periodontal disease or trauma, your dentist may discuss some treatment options such as:

• Desensitizing treatments: Your dentist may use varnishes or other dental products to reduce any sensitivity that may have developed in the exposed tooth root. Treating the sensitivity helps patients continue their oral hygiene routine.
• Composite restoration: In some cases, your dentist may use tooth-colored composite resins to cover the root surface. 
• Orthodontics: If the recession is due to misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment which re-positions the teeth can correct the problem.
• Deep cleaning. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to remove the plaque and tartar buildup on the roots where the gums are receding, a procedure known as root planing.
• Gum grafting. This involves taking the patient’s own healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth or using a gum grafting material to replace the missing gum tissue. Your dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

Contact us with any concerns you may have, such as tooth sensitivity, or a change in the appearance of your gums - we want to see you sooner rather than later.  We can be reached at (919) 755-3450 or schedule online.

As always, thank you for reading our blog - feel free to comment or share it with friends or family members who may be concerned about receding gums.