Why Middle Aged Adults Avoid the Dentist: Cost and Fear Are Big Factors

Are you embarrassed by the condition of your teeth? Do you have dental problems that are causing pain, difficulty eating, or missed work? Have you been skipping your regular preventive dental cleanings?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you're not alone. The dental health of middle-aged Americans faces a lot of problems right now according to new results from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.

Here are some of the surprising statistics:

• Thirty percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 say they're embarrassed by the condition of their teeth.
• A slightly larger percentage say dental problems have caused pain, difficulty with eating, missed work or other health problems in the past two years.
• Forty percent of Americans don't get regular cleanings or other preventive care that can help them avoid dental problems.

Why don't people get needed dental care? Cost was the most commonly reported answer, given by 69 percent who said they did not get, or delayed, needed care. One in five cited fear of the dentist as a major factor for not receiving care.

Insurance coverage has a lot to do with this lack of care. Nearly one-third of those surveyed did not have dental insurance and one-half did not know how they will get dental insurance coverage after they turn 65.

Creating Opportunities To Help Our Patients

"Oral health is a critical factor in overall wellness - for example, people with periodontal disease are at greater risk for Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, certain cancers, and rheumatoid arthritis" states Dr. Jeff Morrison, of Jeff M.Morrison & Assoc., DDS. This research helps us identify some key issues -- such as lack of insurance coverage and dental fear -- which may be keeping patients from the receiving the care they need. It also allows us to create opportunities to encourage these patients to come in."

"For example, because regular preventive dental care and early treatment for problems can be out of reach for those without dental insurance, we created the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan. This in-office plan covers the cost for annual preventive care and offers a significant savings off all other treatment throughout the year. We also offer a variety of payment options, including Care Credit dental financing." says Dr. Morrison.

"We also understand that fear keeps many people from the dentist, and our entire staff works hard to address the anxiety and concerns among patients of all ages."

Are you delaying needed preventive care or treatment - for any reason? Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 and let our friendly staff help you find a solution. You can also go online and schedule.

Story Source:  Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. "Tooth trouble: Many middle-aged adults report dental pain, embarrassment and poor prevention: More than 1 in 4 lack dental insurance now, and half don't know how they'll get it after age 65, U-M/AARP National Poll on Healthy Aging finds." 

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!

No Dental Insurance? Five Reasons Why Patients LOVE Our Dental Savings Plan

Much has been said about the millions of American without health insurance. But often overlooked in these discussions is another vital medical statistic: the hundreds of millions of Americans without dental insurance.

For those without dental insurance, a toothache that turns into an expensive procedure like a crown or root canal will be more than a thousand dollars in out-of-pocket charges. Routine check-ups and cleanings will set you back hundreds each year. No wonder 35% of Americans have not visited the dentist in the past year.

That's why we created the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan. It covers the cost for annual preventive care, at a discounted priced, and offers a significant savings off all other treatment throughout the year. Here are five reasons why patients love our Dental Savings Plan:

1. It's Not Insurance

The St. Mary's Dental Savings Plan is straightforward: there are no third parties, no yearly maximums, no deductions, no claim forms to file, no waiting periods, no age restrictions and no pre-authorization forms. Pretty simple.

2. Exclusive Savings Can Pay for the Cost of the Plan

You get a year's worth of preventive care for an up-front annual fee, as well as 15% discount off of all other care throughout the year. Need a crown? Night guard? A full smile makeover? Enjoy exclusive savings on all other care. If, for example, you need (or want) $5000 worth of dental care, you would save $750 - which will easily pay for the cost of the annual plan, providing you with all your preventive care for the year.

3. Say YES to Restorative and Cosmetic Care

Don't wait to have the care you need or want! Unlike insurance companies that have waiting periods or exclude certain procedures, you can receive all your dental care today. Have you been putting off having that crown or smile makeover? Sign up today and start saving! 

4. No Surprises

We offer a "no surprises" guarantee with our Dental Savings Plan. We'll let you know the exact cost of the procedure (minus the 15% discount) upfront, complete your treatment for the specified price, and we're done. When you have dental insurance, we bill the insurance company after we provide your treatment and you're never sure how much they will cover, sometimes leaving you with unexpected out-of-pocket costs. 

5. Better Dental Health

It's easy to put off your cleaning and check-up if you don't think you have any problems. The problem is that many dental problems don't cause concern until they are much more serious. Left unchecked, a small cavity that would cost about $100 to fill can turn into a $1200 root canal or crown. Skip those cleanings each year and you can be looking at $2000 in gum disease treatment. Finally, during the dental exam, we look for more serious problems, such as oral cancer. Early detection is critical to successful treatment. With the Dental Savings Plan, your preventive care is covered and your treatment is discounted.

Annual Membership Cost

Annual membership in the Plan is $375 per person. This covers twice yearly exams, cleanings, and x-rays and, for children up to age 14, fluoride treatments. Plan members also receive a 15% discount off all other dental care including crowns, fillings, bite guards, dentures, and cosmetic procedures. Flexible payment options are available, including CareCredit. 

A Thoughtful Gift Idea

Is there someone in your life without dental insurance who could use help maintaining their oral health? Maybe an employee? An older child no longer on your dental insurance? At Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS, we offer gift certificates for the St. Mary's Dental Savings Plan. The recipient will receive all the benefits of the plan, and you will be assured that the person you care about is getting great dental care, when they need it. Give the gift of dental health - contact our staff today for more information.

Ready for a Healthy Smile? 

Learn more about the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan on our website or call our friendly staff with questions at 919.755.3450. Enroll at your next appointment and start saving.

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Affordable Dental Care For Your Children: The St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan:

A report in The Journalof the American Dental Association (JADA) shows that dental benefits play a significant role in meeting the dental needs of children.

The authors examined data from more than 65,000 participants and found U.S. children enrolled in dental care plans were less likely to experience delayed care, had fewer dental problems, less severe problems, and lower treatment costs than those without coverage.  

Unfortunately, not all families can afford dental insurance for their children. That's why Raleigh dentist Jeff M. Morrison created the St.Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan (Plan).  The Plan is $375 per year and includes:

• Two examinations,
• Two cleanings,
• X-rays, and
• Two fluoride treatments for children under age 14. 

Families with children enrolled in the plan save $101 per child off out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, Plan members receive a 15% discount on all other procedures such as fillings, sealants, wisdom teeth removal and emergency exams. 

If you’re thinking about purchasing dental insurance, consider the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan - the affordable alternative to dental insurance. The Plan is simple and straightforward - there are NO yearly maximums, deductibles, waiting periods, forms to fill out, exclusions,  age restrictions, or enrollment periods (join anytime!) - just GREAT dental care at a cost you can afford. 

At Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS we LOVE our younger patients.  From first tooth visits, to teens getting their wisdom teeth removed - we handle it all.  We understand the importance of your child having a good relationship with their dentist, and a positive experience at their dental visits. These are key to establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, and can impact a child’s dental health for their whole lives. Dr. Morrison and his team take pride in their gentle approach, making sure that children are comfortable and relaxed during their visit. Our dental hygienists are trained to teach oral hygiene skills to children of all ages. We often hear from parents that their children like coming to the dentist!

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a child in your life?  You can purchase a subscription to the Plan and make sure that your niece, nephew, grandchild or any other child in your life has all the benefit of great dental care. 

"No parent wants to cut corners with their children's oral health.  With the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan, our families can access the care they need for their children at a cost they can afford" says Dr. Morrison.  

Anyone can enroll in the Plan - not just children.  Find out more about the Plan or contact our friendly staff to enroll your children - or your entire family - today.

Article: Associations among dental insurance, dental visits, and unmet needs of US children, Zhou J. Yu, BSc, Maryam Elyasi, DDS, Maryam Amin, DMD, MSc, PhD, The Journal of the American Dental Association, doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2016.11.013, published February 2017.

Why Do Dentists Want You To Come In Every Six Months?

           I hear this all the time when I tell a patient who just had a great check-up that I'll see them in six month - "Really? Six months. But my teeth are healthy." I understand - everyone is busy. If you don't have dental insurance, a routine cleaning and exam is an added expense. Instead of a waste of time and money - I suggest you to look at that exam as 30 minutes that can have a real impact on your teeth, your overall health, and your wallet.

The American Dental Association recommends semi-yearly exam and cleanings. That being said, everyone is different. Some adults with no risk factors and a great oral hygiene routine can get away with pushing it out to every nine months, while others really should stick to the twice yearly recommendation.  People with periodontal disease definitely need to get in every 3 or 4 months.  Children, because their teeth and jaws are still developing and they're still learning good oral hygiene habits, really need to come in every six months. 

Your oral health can change pretty quickly. A lesion can appear. A filling can fall out or a tooth fracture.  Decay or periodontal disease can start. You may not even be aware that anything is wrong. The time you spend here can mean much less time in our office down the road, much less expense, and if you have oral cancer - much earlier intervention and care.

In general, our "hygiene" appointments - which include a cleaning and exam - are about 30 minutes[1]. We cover a lot in that time.  I'll evaluate the health of your and gums, checking for redness, inflammation or signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. I'll do an oral cancer screening, perform a head and neck examination, and check the health of your teeth, jaw and bite. I'll look for evidence of tooth decay, damaged fillings, contact between your teeth, and any broke or loose teeth. Your Dental Hygienist will also do a thorough cleaning of your mouth. This will include removing any plaque and tartar, polishing and flossing your teeth. She'll point out any areas that you may need to focus on, and talk with you about maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits. Once your examination and cleaning are complete, I'll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and we'll discuss any recommendations to improve your dental health.

Believe me when I say it's worth it. In my 30+ years as a dentist, I've identified areas that turned out to be cancerous lesions in a number of patients, and have referred many patients follow-up care because of suspected diabetes, reflux, eating disorders and other problems. I've also helped countless patients sleep better with our custom-made sleep apnea devices (and there are a lot of health benefits to getting a good night of sleep), and have resolved chronic headaches in people with our oral appliances.

People think 'no pain, no problem', or have a false sense of security because cosmetically their teeth look good. The truth is, many dental issues can advance without pain until they're very serious and requires more invasive and expensive treatment. If you have insurance - we accept just about any plan and are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and Delta Dental Premier - the cost of a 6 month cleaning and exam will probably be covered. Take advantage of it - even if you had a great visit in the past. If you don't have insurance - consider investing in the St. Marys Street Dental Health Plan - our in-office dental savings plan, which provides two cleanings and dental exams (including x-rays, periodontal and oral cancer screenings) per year at a significant cost savings, along with discounted care.

For more information on our financial options, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 919 755 3450. You can also schedule online.  See you soon.

[1] If you're a new patient the initial cleaning and exam takes about an hour