Use It or Lose It! Five Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before the End of the Year

When it comes to dental benefit plans, millions of people each year are leaving money on the table. Are you one of them?

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8% of PPO dental plan participants reached or exceeded their plans annual maximum. Your current plan will most likely run out on December 31, which means it’s a great time of year to take advantage of everything your dental insurance provides.

Here are five reasons why the friendly staff at Raleigh dentist Jeff M. Morrison & Associates want you to make a dental appointment today:

Yearly Maximum Does Not Roll Over

The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company, but the average tends to be around $1,000 per year, per person. The yearly maximum usually renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these will not rollover, so you should utilize all of the benefits while they are still active.

Deductibles Starts Again With New Year

The deductible is the amount of money you must pay to your dentist out-of-pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. Your deductible starts again when your plan rolls over with the new year.  This means it's best to take care of all your dental work in the current year before you have to pay the deductible for the new year.

If you need more extensive dental treatments involving multiple visits, the end of the year is the perfect time to get started. Once your deductible is paid, your out-of-pocket expenses can decrease dramatically, making it an ideal situation for larger dental treatments.

Premiums Are Paid Each Month – Use Them!

Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, your coverage probably includes a dental cleaning and exam every six months to help prevent and detect cavities, gum disease or other problems. If you haven’t had a cleaning in the last six months, now is an excellent time to schedule an appointment with Raleigh dentist Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS.

Fee Increases with the New Year

Some dentists raise their rates at the beginning of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials, and equipment. A fee increase may make your copay higher. Thus, if you need to see the dentist for any reason, you should do it while your current rates and copay remain, as they could potentially go up in the following year.

Dental Problems Usually Worsen

By delaying dental treatment, you're risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. Most dental problems don’t get better on their own. What may be a simple cavity now, could turn into a root canal later. If you have any potential problems, call your dentist and schedule an appointment before the year is over before your minor dental problem becomes a major one.

We’ll Help You Minimize Costs

If you’re getting close to your annual maximum, we can help create a plan to maximize your benefits by splitting your treatment between this year and next, allowing you to use the benefits you have remaining this year while at the same time taking advantage of your renewed dental benefits available in 2019.

This approach can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses by using your coverage in an optimal way. If you need more assistance making the costs of dental care more manageable, we offer financing options like Care Credit that can give you the opportunity to spread out-of-pocket costs over a manageable time period, sometimes without any interest charges. Also – don’t forget to use your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), which can help pay for dental and medical care with pre-tax dollars. Like dental benefits, if unused, your FSA is lost.

Don’t leave your hard-earned money on the table – and don’t go without the dental care you need! Go ahead and get that appointment scheduled. We'll help you maximize your dental insurance benefits and  end the year with a healthy, beautiful smile.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact our staff at (919) 755-3450 or schedule you appointment online at: www.jeffmorrisondds.com/contact.

 

How We Can Help You Save Money at Your Dental Visit

About 85 million Americans don’t receive the dental care they need either because they lack dental insurance or, if they have coverage, they struggle to pay for costly procedures like root canals. Yet, untreated, dental problems can lead to serious oral health issues, and they are linked to many diseases like dementia, heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we work hard to make dental care affordable for you and your family. Here are some of the ways:

1) Prevention is ALWAYS cost effective, and at each visit, we discuss the importance of a good oral care routine and let you know how you’re doing. We’ll also pre-schedule your next visit and remind you when it’s time to come in so your smile stays healthy.

2) We’re in-network with Cigna, BCBS and Aetna and accept most major dental plans. Our Insurance Specialist will file your dental insurance and make sure you receive every dime of benefits you are entitled to, as well as provide cost estimates for recommended treatment so you can make informed decisions about your care.

3) No insurance? With our in-office St. Mary’s Dental Savings Plan our uninsured patients receive exceptional care, at a significant discount. An annual fee of $375 provides a comprehensive prevention package as well as 15% off ALL your dental treatment - from crowns and fillings, to veneers and whitening. Most patients find that the discounts alone more than covers the cost of the Plan.

4) We also work with you on treatment and payment options. If you need more dental work than you can afford, Dr. Morrison will explain which procedures need to be done right away and which can be put off for a little while. We’ll also put together a payment plan – including CareCredit – to cover any procedures that cannot wait.

5) Finally, you can be assured that at Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, your dental care will be done right the first time, or we will re-do it at no cost to you. Yep – we guarantee our work – so you won’t have to pay for that crown a second time.

 

Dental care is expensive, but NOT getting dental care will cost you more in the end – in dollars and your health. We invite you to join our dental practice, where you can be assured of excellent and affordable care. We are always welcoming new patients – give us a call at (919) 755-3450.

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Back to School Tips for Your Child's Smile

Summer is coming to a close - are you making your back back-to-school checklist?   Along with the new clothes and school supplies don’t forget to include these five tips to get your children’s smile ready for the new school year:

CHANGE TOOTHBRUSHES

If your child received their current toothbrush in their Christmas stocking or Easter basket, or you can’t remember when they got it, it’s time for a new one.  We recommend replacing their toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) every 3-4 months.  Having a brand new, super-cool toothbrush may motivate your kids to brush.   Check out the fun selection of toothbrushes at amazon.com. 

MOUTH GUARDS

Fall sports are in full swing , which means it’s time to pull the mouth guards out. Even children who participate in non-contact sports — like baseball — or recreational activities such as skateboarding or mountain biking — can benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.  The advantages are clear - mouth guards limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your child’s lips, tongue and soft tissues of the mouth.  They may also reduce the severity of concussion.  Dr. Morrison makes custom-fitted athletic mouth guards that are comfortable and allow your child to talk easily - which means they will wear them. 

Review the Brushing and Flossing Schedule

With the whirlwind of summer camps, vacations, and trips to the pool, it’s easy to get off schedule with brushing and flossing.  To keep their mouths healthy, kids need to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time. They should also floss every day, preferably after dinner.  Now is the time to get back on track. 

Plan for healthy Lunches and Snacks

Your child’s diet plays an important role in their oral health.  With school just weeks away it’s a great time think about ways to swap out lunchbox no-no’s with healthy alternatives. Foods with fiber, think carrots and celery, have a detergent effect in your mouth, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also get saliva flowing. Next to routine brushing and flossing, a healthy diet is the best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. 

Schedule A DENTAL Cleaning and Exam 

Help your child get off to a great new school year with a bright, healthy smile by scheduling their dental cleaning and exam.  Ask Dr. Morrison about sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent decay. These treatments are easy ways to stop cavities before they start.   A third of children miss school because of oral health problems – so it makes sense to get their dental care done in the summer – to prevent problems down the road, and to take care of any minor issues before school starts.   

Are you new to the area or do you need  a dentist for your family? We’re always taking new patients - adults and kids - and would love to see your entire family!  Contact us today at (919) 755-3450 to get your child’s smile sparkling clean for the start of school.  You can also schedule online at: https://bit.ly/2LrbHPX

Eight Reasons to Schedule a Dental Visit

We all know regular dental visits at least twice a year are recommended. We also know bleeding gums and tooth pain means you should see your dentist as soon as possible. But what are some other signs or symptoms you may be experiencing that should signal it’s time for a dental visit? Here are to eight to consider….

1. You’ve quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

Quitting tobacco is important for your overall health, and is good for oral health as well. A dental visit after tobacco cessation allows your dentist to check your full mouth with a cancer screening. They will also check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and help you create a plan of action to achieve a happy, healthy mouth.

2. You have ongoing medical issues

Make your dentist part of your team if you have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive), or you are undergoing medical treatment (such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy). Many diseases and conditions can have an impact on your teeth and gums.  The opposite is also true - poor oral health can make some medical conditions worse. Healthy teeth and gums can be key in your recovery.

3. You're pregnant.

A major shift in hormone levels can lead to changes to your oral health. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don't miss your regular checkup. Also, many pregnant women discover their normally healthy gums may start appearing red, swollen, or even bleeding when brushing. If this occurs, visit to the dentist is a good idea. It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. Plan on a visit in your first trimester. Remember to tell your dentist about frequent morning sickness (frequent vomiting can erode your enamel), and problems with your gums.

4. You wake up with headaches 

If you go to sleep feeling well, but are waking with headaches, you could be unknowingly grinding or clenching your teeth at night. You may also notice soreness in your jaw when you chew your first meal of the day. Jaw misalignment, TMJ, or grinding can all be discussed at your dentist visit. Your dentist can offer suggestions and solutions, such as mouth guards, to reduce headaches and protect your teeth from excessive wear.

5. You were recently diagnosed with acid reflux.

GERD and acid reflux can cause stomach acids to climb up the esophagus, sometimes as far as the mouth. This can result in unusual tooth erosion and other periodontal problems. Seeing your dentist can allow you to create an action plan to limit damage and even save teeth.

6. You can’t kick that bad taste in your mouth.

An odor or bad taste that doesn’t go away, even after brushing, can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a saliva gland infection. Frequent, persistent bad breath can also be caused by mouth dryness or uncontrolled bacteria. Your dentist can offer some treatments and solutions.

7. You try to hide your smile

OK - this is not really a "condition", but smiling is important to your well-being.  Whether you're self-conscious about a missing tooth or embarrassed by a dull smile, don't be shy about talking to your dentist.  You may be surprised at some of the reasonably priced cosmetic options now available as well as financing options - such as CareCredit.

8. You're having trouble eating

Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not the norm. Try eating soft or liquified foods until you can see your dentist.

Schedule Your Dentist Visit Today

Of course this list is not all inclusive, so any time you have a concern with your mouth, teeth, jaw, or gums a dentist visit is recommended. You can contact the Raleigh dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates at (919) 755-3450 and speak with our friendly staff OR schedule online at: www.jeffmorrisondds.com/contact-us/.  We look forward to seeing you. 

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.