Maintaining healthy teeth and a clean mouth doesn’t have to stop when you leave your bathroom sink. The dental team at Morrison Dental Associates recommend brushing and flossing after every meal so that requires you have a toothbrush and floss with you. When you’re away from home, you can easily fight cavities and freshen your breath throughout the day by packing a few dental items in your purse or bag.

You’ve just finished a cup of coffee and the morning meeting is about to start. Rather than throw a piece of gum in your mouth, keep a disposable toothbrush in your coat pocket or desk drawer. These products are small and pre-loaded with minty toothpaste. No water is needed for a easy and convenient way for on-the-go cleaning.

With Summer fashions come shorter skirts, sleeveless tops, and smaller handbags. Just because you purse is smaller doesn’t mean you have to leave your toothbrush at home. The disposable toothbrush fits nicely in a small purse or beach bag. For the fashion-forward, Violife offers a slim sonic toothbrush in bright colors and patterns. The battery-operated portable toothbrush fits nicely in your purse, backpack, or even your pocket. Now you can be fashionable while you brush, wherever you are. They also offer a whimsical sanitizer to place the brush head in for cleaning and storage. The Zapi characters have a modern design that does not topple and is an adorable, practical accessory for your toothbrush.

Out for a meal and forget your toothbrush? No problem. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables as they act as an effective scrub for teeth and gums. They can also help fight cavities as they activate saliva, which discourages plague from forming. An added bonus – some fruits and veggies are high in vitamin C which helps keep gums healthy.

Keep a pack of sugarless gum handy for not only fresh breath, but a clean mouth. A review of research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that chewing gum with the sugar-substitute xylitol reduces the bacteria that cause decay.

Sip on water during the day for better dental health and healthy teeth. Water helps hydrate a dry mouth and keeps the pH in your mouth balanced to allow natural defenses, such as saliva, to work more effectively.

Having a portable dental health kit is a practical way to maintain good oral health. Schedule your regular dental exams and cleanings at Morrison Dental Associates and you can confidently go anywhere with a healthy smile.

In the South, you will often find a canister of chewing tobacco in the glove compartment of a man’s truck. This popular companion in his pocket often contributes to a devastating disease called oral cancer.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, almost 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year in the U.S. While historically the majority of people diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of 40 at the time of discovery, it is now occurring more frequently in those under 40. Males are more likely to get oral cancer than females, but one third of oral cancer patients are women.

The most common symptom of oral cancer is a sore or lesion in the mouth that does not heal. Other signs are lumps or thickening of the cheek and painless white or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth. Other signs include pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips and color changes of the oral tissue.

As a frontline to the detection of cancers of the mouth, tongue, gums and lips, oral cancer screening is a routine part of each dental examination here at Morrison Dental Associates. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. During the exam, the professional is looking for red or white spots and sores in the mouth. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it. Let you hygienist know if you have difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue as well as any changes in the way your teeth fit together.

To prevent oral cancer, we recommend that you not use any form of tobacco. Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco as these remain the primary risk factors for developing oral cancer. Additional risk factors include high alcohol consumption, prolonged exposure to the sun, and because oral cancer has been linked to the sexually-transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) strain #16, limiting the number of sexual partners will greatly reduce your chances of getting oral cancer.

So, throw away the chewing tobacco and schedule a visit to one of Morrison Dental’s locations. Who knows, that dental exam may just save your life!

Dental Sleep Medicine is an area of dentistry that focuses on the management of sleep-related breathing disorders, including snoring and OSA through the use of oral appliance therapy. Morrison Dental Associates has been actively participating in the treatment of OSA and snoring problems for over 20 years. The dental sleep medicine team is lead by Dr. Harold Black, one of the national founders of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine in 1991. In many ways, Dr. Black is the founding father of dental sleep medicine in Savannah. During his long career, he has helped countless patients suffering from sleep disorders and OSA. He was a charter member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and his pioneering approach to dental sleep medicine has enabled him to develop longstanding consultative relationships with pulmonologists, neurologists and other physicians in Savannah who treat sleep disorders.

Dr. Black is a nationally renowned expert on dental sleep medicine and has been extensively involved with research that has shaped the practice of dental sleep medicine. He is a frequent speaker at oral health conferences, has co-authored several books and is affiliated with all three major hospitals in Savannah.

Joining Dr. Black, Joseph E. Brown, III, DMD is expanding his dental services to include diagnosis and treatment of OSA. At the Dental Sleep Center of Savannah, free consultations are scheduled to help patients understand the seriousness of sleep disorders while offering cost-effective oral appliance therapy aimed at enhancing the patient’s quality of living as evidenced recently when our team was told by a patient: “You changed my life!”

To arrange for a free consultation, contact the Dental Sleep Center of Savannah at Morrison Dental Associates by calling 235-3636. More information about obstructive sleep apnea and dental sleep medicine services can be found by clicking on the Dental Sleep Medicine tab of our website.

It’s estimated that approximately 20 percent of U.S. adults suffer from some form of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) but only about 10 percent of those who have the disease are ever diagnosed. The Dental Sleep Center of Savannah is dedicated to educating the community, helping to identify OSA patients and providing treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea through Oral Appliance Therapy.

OSA is a serious medical condition characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep and has been linked to life-threatening issues like strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and hypertension. The Dental Sleep Center of Savannah at Morrison Dental Associates can help detect and treat sleep apnea. Our dentists evaluate the airway and determine the risk of OSA using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and other diagnostic tests including the option of a home sleep study. For patients presenting with high risk for a sleep disorder, our team partners with local sleep specialists to diagnosis the condition and prepare a suitable treatment plan that may include the use of Oral Appliance Therapy.

Anyone interested in learning more about sleep apnea and the use of oral appliance therapy is invited to join Dr. Harold Black and Dr. Joseph Brown of the Dental Sleep Center of Savannah along with Dr. Carlton Kemp of Memorial Health Center as they present a free community seminar on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the Grand Lakes Lodge and Spa at 810 Southbridge Blvd. The seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments served. Reserve your spot now by calling the Dental Sleep Center at 235-3636.

If you snore or you have been previously diagnosed with sleep apnea, learn more about how the Dental Sleep Center of Savannah can help you get a better night’s sleep.

Brushing regularly won’t help maintain a healthy smile if you don’t take proper care of your toothbrush. Morrison Dental Associates recommends that you change your toothbrush every few months to make sure you are taking the best care of your teeth.

Toothbrushes can become infested with bacteria from the mouth and can build up in the bristles of a over time. The American Dental Association notes that even a new toothbrush may even have bacteria on them since they are not sold in a sterile package.

Chances are you throw out your toothbrush every six months after visiting the dentist and replace it with the courtesy brush you received at your regularly scheduled dental exam. The dental team at Morrison Dental Associates encourages you to discard your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Children’s toothbrushes may need to be replaced more frequently than adult brushes.

After you replace your toothbrush, there are several ways you can keep it clean. The American Dental Association recommends:

Do not share toothbrushes.

Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing.

Store your toothbrush in an upright position not in a closed container. After rinsing, allow the toothbrush to air dry. Covering the bristles allows bacteria to build up in the moist container.

Inspect your toothbrush regularly for wear. Look for the ends of the bristles to be frayed. Some brushes feature bristles that fade or change color to indicate it is time to be replaced.

Dr. Leon Felps will tell you that two aspirin are simply not enough to manage some people’s headaches. Having practiced general dentistry for over 40 years, he has helped thousands of patients suffering from recurring headaches with a simple evaluation for temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Problems in this jaw joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. TMJ can cause a lot of trouble – like chronic headaches, severe headaches, earaches, difficulty and soreness when opening and closing the mouth in addition to pain in the jaw muscles. Fortunately, there are many options for treatment that can bring considerable relief.

Dr. Felps, who practices for Morrison Dental in Savannah, understands that good oral care is more than daily brushing and flossing with regular dental cleanings. Oral health is an integral part of a person’s complete health and quality of life. With bite issues, gum disease or tooth decay, a person might experience more than pain in the mouth. By advancing his practice to focus on the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ, Dr. Felps is making an impact on many patients’ overall health.

Back pack. Pencils. Lunch box. Toothbrush. When preparing your child to return to school, don’t forget to schedule a dental checkup. A report from the Surgeon General states that 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental problems. Don’t let your child suffer with tooth aches and school absences. Make an appointment at one of Morrison Dental Associates’ locations to have your child’s teeth cleaned and checked for any problems. Caught early, they can be fixed with little to no pain and prevent your child from missing school due to dental problems. Call now and start the school year with a healthy smile!

Morrison Dental Associates in Brunswick has moved into a beautiful new office at 114 Altama Connector that has been designed with our patients in mind! From flat screen televisions in the waiting rooms to a special pediatric waiting area with toys and games, Morrison Dental’s new office in Brunswick is ideal for taking care of your family’s dental needs.

The new Morrison Dental office in Brunswick is more spacious and has just the right touches of luxury to make a dental visit more pleasant. The new office also features the latest and greatest dental technology to enable Morrison Dental in Brunswick to efficiently provide comprehensive treatment to every patient.

Morrison Dental is always striving to improve the patient experience, and Dr. Bob Smith, Dr. Mark Johnson and Dr. Michael Kennedy and the entire friendly staff at Morrison Dental Associates in Brunswick are excited about sharing the new office with our patients!

Call (912) 262-6688 today for appointment or just stop by for a visit! We think you’ll love what we’ve done to the place!

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (gingiva) that commonly occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth – plaque. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is more serious and can eventually lead to loss of teeth.

In some cases, patients may not even know they have it, because symptoms are mild but regular visits to Morrison Dental Associates convenient locations will help identify symptoms before the condition becomes more serious. Gingivitis can become a ongoing issue and should be addressed immediately.

What are the signs and symptoms of gingivitis?

A patient with gingivitis will have red and puffy gums, and they will most likely bleed when they brush their teeth. If you see any evidence of these symptoms, make an appointment at one of Morrison Dental Associates convenient locations immediately. Gingivitis may resolve with improved oral hygiene, but consult with your comprehensive oral healthcare provider at Morrison Dental Associates to be certain there are no lingering effects.

Other symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Gums are bright red or purple
• Gums are tender, and sometimes painful to the touch
• Gums bleed easily when brushing teeth or flossing
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Inflammation (swollen gums)
• Receding gums
• Soft gums

Treatment Options at Morrison Dental Associates

Gingivitis can be successfully reversed, and Morrison Dental Associates will treat you in the one of the practice’s convenient locations and provide you with after-care guidelines to continue treatment at home.

The Morrison Dental Associates oral healthcare team will remove plaque and tartar and recommend a periodic follow up with further cleaning if necessary. On occasion, dental problems like crooked teeth or poorly fitted crowns or bridges may make it necessary to repair teeth in order to be able to remove plaque and tartar.

Morrison Dental Associates encourages all patients to brush their teeth at least twice per day, floss their teeth at least once per day and regularly rinse their mouth at least once a day. Those preventative measures and regular visits to one of Morrison Dental Associates’ convenient locations will help you avoid gingivitis.

Snoring is more than just noise.

Snoring is a sign that you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Learn more about this serious medical condition and treatment breakthroughs that can help you get a good night’s sleep. Don’t ignore your snore.

Expert panel will feature Dr. Joseph E. Brown, III and Dr. Harold Black of Morrison Dental Associates and Dr. James Daly of Southeast Lung Associates.

March 27, 6:30pm
St. Joseph’s Hospital
2nd Floor Meeting Rooms

Register Now by calling 912-235-3636

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