Morris Perio

Why You Should Choose Laser Therapy to Treat Gum Disease

laser therapyPeriodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. The condition mainly affects adults in their 30s and 40s, and is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, chronic illnesses or genetic susceptibility. Believe it or not, half of Americans have periodontal (gum) disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. While mild gum disease can be corrected with proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, severe periodontal disease normally requires more extensive treatment.
However, a new laser-technology, called PerioLase, offers a superior alternative to treating gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, many clinicians choose lasers over traditional treatment because they prefer non-surgical management of periodontal disease. In fact, laser treatment can have your gums healthy again within only a couple of visits. This method utilizes PerioLase technology.

Advantages of PerioLase treatment include:

1.No Incisions – With the use of PerioLase technology, your periodontist will be able to avoid cutting into your gums, which also removes the need for sutures, thus allows a faster recovery.

2. Less discomfort – Most patients find PerioLase to be far less painful – during and after the procedure – than your typical surgery. The procedure is so non-invasive that it only requires local anesthetics (numbing), as opposed to the general anesthetics (sleeping) associated with surgery.

3. Shorter procedure – PerioLase usually takes two, 2-hour visits to complete in addition to two follow-up appointments. Conversely, surgery generally requires four, 1-hour sessions along with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ins.

4. Better results – Studies have shown that periodontal laser treatment creates longer-lasting results. In fact, 98 percent of patients remain stable at least five years after the procedure.

5. Few diet restrictions – A dentist may recommend a soft diet for a couple of days following PerioLase, but in most cases, patients feel comfortable enough to eat anything immediately after the procedure.

6. Short recovery time – Recovery from gum surgery can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks, and often includes considerable swelling and pain. PerioLase’s recovery time is less than 24 hours. Many patients report that they’re able to return to work immediately following the procedure.

7. Safe for all patients – PerioLase treatment is safe for all patients, including those with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as aspirin or Plavix.

The American Dental Association is optimistic about the role of PerioLase technology in the field of dentistry. This treatment is also no more expensive than traditional procedures and is covered by most dental insurance plans. Give us a call to learn more about laser therapy for gum disease management at (PHONE)!

5 Mouth Healthy Snacks That Are Delicious Too!

healthy snacks Not all foods are created equal. Some can be good for you and some can cause detrimental damage to your teeth (EEK)! Below are a few snack ideas that are not only tasty and easy to whip up, but healthy for your mouth too.

1. Apple Cinnamon oatmeal:

Due to the high fiber and crunchy consistency, apples naturally clean your teeth. They can also help fight plaque buildup and remove surface stains from teeth. By removing traces of bad plaque and residue from the back of the tongue, apples also fight bad breath.
Cinnamon contains a natural plant oil, known as cinnamic aldehyde, that has shown abilities to destroy bacteria in your mouth. Coupled with the apples, cinnamon takes fighting bad oral bacteria to the next level.
Now for the oatmeal. Whole grains have been linked to a higher quality of periodontal health. This is why we recommend to load up on the oats! Whole grain foods, such as oats, barley, bran and brown rice, may indirectly improve oral health by improving the body’s ability to process blood sugar.

2. Carrots and celery snack pack:

Celery is nature’s toothbrush! It acts almost like a toothbrush by scraping food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C, two antioxidants that give the health of your gums a boost. Dip in some ranch or spread on some low-sugar nut butter for a satisfying snack!

Like apples, carrots are crunchy and full of fiber. Eating a raw carrot at the end of the meal increases saliva production in your mouth, which reduces your risk of cavities. Along with being high in fiber, carrots are a great source of vitamin A.

3.Yogurt parfait:

Studies have shown that yogurt reduces hydrogen sulfide, the chemical associated with bad breath! It also helps reduce plaque and gingivitis. Next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on some yogurt!

4.Green garden salad:

Leafy greens such as kale and spinach also promote oral health. They’re high in calcium, which builds your teeth’s enamel, making them strong. They also contain folic acid, a type of Vitamin B that has numerous health benefits, such as helping the body produce and maintain new cells.

5. Trail mix with almonds, raisins, and dried fruit:

Crunchy almonds are high in calcium and low in sugar. They’ve been shown to lower blood sugar while simultaneously increasing the production of saliva. On the other hand, raisins contain powerful phytochemicals that fight off the bacteria that can cause gum disease and cavities. Dried fruit, like Cranberries or dried plums, have a similar impact, as long as you brush your teeth after eating them as they still have quite a bit of sugar. Put all these together and mix them all up for a healthy power snack!

It’s easy to eat mouth healthy snacks when they taste good too! If you have any questions about foods that are good for your teeth, give our office a call today! Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663

3 Periodontal Myths

tooth mythsPeriodontitis is not a very well-known disease. In fact, because of this, gums are often overlooked and under cared for. If people knew the vital role that gums played in the grand scheme of things, and the danger periodontitis presents, perhaps they would be taken more seriously.
When it comes down to factual or fictional information regarding your periodontal health, it’s important to have a reliable source. Being well informed gives you the tools you need to take the steps necessary in preventing this disease. Thus, we compiled a list of the top three myths surrounding Periodontitis!

1. Treatment is Painful: FALSE! Although the disease itself is painful, the treatments we offer don’t have to be. In fact, there are a variety of anesthesia options that you can choose from to comfort you during the procedure, so that you’ll feel little to nothing!

2. Antibiotics Can Cure The Disease: Again, FALSE! Although there is no harm in using antibiotics to ease the pain and discomfort that you’re feeling, the medication doesn’t fully treat the disease.

3. Periodontitis is Caused ONLY by a Lack of Oral Hygiene: FALSE! Although prolonged plaque and built up tartar on your teeth can definitely develop into periodontitis, it doesn’t mean that a lack of oral hygiene is the only cause. In fact, genetics and other medications play a big part in whether or not you are at a higher risk of this disease.

Unfortunately, there are a ton of more myths circulating around Periodontal disease. Before you fall susceptible to them, give our office a call! We can further answer any question you may have regarding prevention, symptoms, and treatments. Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663

6 Essential Oils for Healthy Gums and Teeth!

essential oilsLet’s face it; Essential oils are all the rage these days. Known for their unique healing and therapeutic benefits, essential oils have been used for centuries dating all the way back to 2000 BC. In recent years, the rise of essential oils has taken health care to an entirely new perspective, for uses like aromatherapy, ingestion and personal care. The following oils are the top essential oils for healthy, beautiful, gums and teeth!

#1: Clove is especially essential for oral health. Clinical research indicates that clove oil can relieve tooth pain and bad breath, as well as help reduce gum disease! Clove oil also has the natural ability to restrict the development of bacteria and can help fight mouth and throat infections.

#2: Thyme belongs to the mint family and therefore is often used in mouthwashes and elixirs to give flavor and freshness for oral health treatments. It contains natural chemicals that help defend from tooth decay, gingivitis and general oral infections.

#3: Oregano is a powerful antioxidant known to contain anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce bacterial and fungal infections. Oregano oil is also known to help boost the immune system and may be used in combination with coconut oil for oil pulling treatments!

#4: Tea Tree is a natural remedy for bad breath and contains ingredients that diminish plaque. This oil is a perfect ingredient for a DIY toothpaste or mouthwash because of its ability to kill off bacteria, diminish tooth decay and relieve bleeding gums! *Please note that tea tree should NOT be used for internal use other than for a mouthwash or tooth paste – you must spit it out after use and rinse with water.

#5: Peppermint is known for its cooling and numbing elements which can effectively soothe tooth and muscle aches. Research has found that peppermint oil is exceptionally powerful for fighting oral pathogens and killing common bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

#6: Cinnamon is antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic – which makes it an effective cleanser for every oral health care need, such as relief for a sore throat! Cinnamon oil also contains one of the greatest antimicrobial properties that protect against bacteria accountable for tooth decay.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, give us a call at Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663 today!

Winter Oral Health Tips

winter tipsWinter is here and with it, comes the drastic change of weather! The cold temperatures are fun in theory, but what about the toll it takes on your health? Often times cold weather brings on a variety of pesky problems, like dry skin and irritated throats. But, the problems don’t stop there. In fact, your oral health is also affected by the change of weather. That’s why this season, we put together the ultimate guide on how to keep your oral health in perfect condition this winter season!

Tip #1 – Tooth Sensitivity: Many find that they experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold temperatures. This can not only come from foods, but the chilly air outside too! If you find that you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are tons of tricks you can do to help avoid discomfort. These include using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or even rising out your mouth with salt water!

Tip #2 – Cold Sores: Cold sores can appear for a variety of reasons, including cold weather and a weakened immune system. To prevent a cold sore breakout, start by keeping your hands off of your mouth area! If you do feel a cold sore coming on, immediately apply a topical treatment to the area to stop the infection in its tracks.

Tip #3 – Chapped Lips: Chapped lips is one of the most common ailments of the winter season. To avoid painful cracked lips this season, invest in a good lip salve with SPF+ to keep them protected. In addition, it’s important to mention that your body moisturizes from the inside out, so remember to keep up with your daily water intake to help to keep your lips moisturized!

Tip #4 – Cavity Care: Let’s face it, the best part of the winter season is all the delicious foods! It’s fine to give into temptation and indulge in sweet treats, but just be sure to properly brush and floss afterwards to avoid cavities! In addition, always remember to drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth! Incorporating dental friendly foods into your winter diet to help with cavity prevention will also benefit you! Foods such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese and other foods high in calcium, are all perfect for keeping your teeth and gums healthy this winter!

Taking care of your oral health is important. That’s why we want to ensure that your oral health is in tip top shape this season! If you would like to schedule an appointment with our office, give us a call at Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663! In the mean time, stay warm out there!

What Does Good Oral Hygiene Really Mean?

What is good oral hygiene?

Instilling a healthy and consistent oral hygiene routine does more than wonders on your smile, it keeps your mouth healthy and disease free. One of the best ways to avoid any damage to your teeth and mouth is to take small, preventative actions daily. As mundane and small as these gestures seem in the moment, they all lead to an overall healthier smile. Consistent oral hygiene will increase your chances of keeping all of your natural teeth with the least amount of decay, bacteria and plaque.

Good oral hygiene can have many different meanings, but we can all agree that the outcome is one in the same. Making sure you have the healthiest and cleanest mouth possible is just as important as looks. To ensure that your teeth remain healthy (and beautiful), it’s important to brush, floss and use mouthwash to remove any plaque and bacteria to prevent decay.

As easy as it can be to skip a few brushings, appointments, or fall out of the habit of flossing, it is doing more damage than you think. Make your daily oral hygiene habits being as important as that morning cup of coffee or washing your face. Take the time to clean and care for your teeth, they aren’t as easy to replace as you think.

Remember to keep the health of your mouth in mind throughout the day. There are many diseases and infections that can be avoided if you focus on keeping a consistent oral hygiene routine. This season, remember to maintain good oral hygiene habits that will result in a beautiful and healthy smile.

Contact us today Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663 if you have any questions about how you can start creating your oral hygiene habits today!

Dental tips for a healthy Halloween

Healthy Halloween!

Halloween is a time for fun, tricks, and best of all TREATS! It can be hard to avoid sweet temptations, especially with the amount of leftover candy that accumulates after the big day. While eating candy on Halloween is perfectly fine, it is important to have a game plan in order to not go overboard. Your teeth will thank you later.

1. Wait until a few days before Halloween to buy the candy!
One of the hardest parts of this time of year can be waiting until the day of Halloween to indulge in candy. You might find yourself sneaking into that bag of candy you bought ahead of time. Save some for the trick-or-treaters! To avoid the temptation, try buying the candy the day before Halloween, out of sight out of mind!

2. Eat Halloween treats shortly after mealtime.
When you are going to eat candy, get your fix with or shortly after a meal. According to the ADA, saliva production increases during meals. This can help cancel out the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles. Eating candy post mealtime will help reduce the residue that causes tooth decay.

3. Avoid hard and or sticky candies.
Hard and sticky candies are the worst Halloween offenders. Hard and sticky candies can remain in your mouth for longer periods of time. How long a sugary treat stays in your mouth effects your oral health. The sticker the candy, the longer it will take for your saliva to wash away the sticky residue.

4. Brush twice a day.
It is extra important to make sure you’re brushing twice a day while consuming sugary treats, but this should be a rule of thumb you follow every day! Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to ensure your teeth are taken care of.

5. Drink more water:
It’s always a good idea to drink plenty of water, especially when you are eating sugar. Fluoridated water helps fight cavities and prevent tooth decay!

While oral health should be taken seriously, you should always remember to have fun. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about how to have a healthy Halloween!

How to Keep Your Periodontal Health in Tip-Top Shape

Periodontal health.

What are teeth without gums? Nothing. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Not only is periodontal disease bad for your oral hygiene, but it’s been proven to be associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and dementia. Luckily, maintaining healthy gums and preventing periodontal disease is easier than you may think.

1. Eat more periodontal friendly foods! This include things like onions, which contain neutralizing oral bacteria and microbial properties that target bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease. It also includes leafy greens! Greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, which boost the production of red blood cells and actually REDUCES inflammation. Another periodontal friendly food is DAIRY! That’s right, dairy products are great for your gums because they contain casein, which neutralizes oral acids, which otherwise could be dangerous for your tooth enamel and gum tissue. Green tea also REAPS benefits, as there is evidence that proves this tea can fight inflammation.

2. QUIT SMOKING! Smoking is directly correlated to gum disease. This is because smoking weakens your immune system, which makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Not only does it make it more difficult to fight off, but it also makes it more challenging for them to heal once they’ve been damaged.

3. Get regular dental cleanings. Your dentist will be able to detect early gum disease symptoms if you have regular cleanings (we recommend every six months).

4. This may seem obvious, but brush your teeth twice a day and ALWAYS FLOSS! By brushing, you’re removing the food and plaque that is trapped between your teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove the food and plaque that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach. The good part about flossing is that it doesn’t matter when you do it; you can do it in the morning, at night, or even right in the middle of the day!

If you have any questions about your periodontal health, give us a call at Morris Periodontics, Lees Summit, MO Office Phone Number 816-554-2663 and we’ll be happy to help!

How to Properly Floss

how to properly floss

Flossing. We know how much you hate it. But do you know how important it really is? By not flossing at least once per day, you’re putting yourself in danger of gingivitis(Link) and cavities between your teeth. Flossing allows you to remove dental plaque buildup, which if not removed, can irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become red and bleed, eventually becoming gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can then lead to Periodontitis, causing our gums to heavily recede as the bacteria continues to move towards the root of our teeth.

Luckily, the American Dental Hygienists Association has developed a simple way for you to properly floss your teeth using four simple steps.

Step 1: Take an 18-24 inch strand of floss and wrap it around your two middle fingers. Although this may sound like a lot of floss, it’s important for it to be long so you are able to keep a clean strand steadily in place as you move from tooth to tooth.

Step 2: It’s recommended that you keep a solid 1-2inch length of floss between your fingers. You can then use your index fingers to guide the floss between your lower set of teeth.

Step 3: Guide the strand of floss between your teeth using a zig zag motion. Be cautious not to allow the floss to snap between the teeth.

Step 4: Finally, slide the floss up and down against the surface of the tooth and directly underneath the gumline. You should then floss each tooth efficiently, using a clean section of the strand.

And just like that, you’re a flossing pro!

Again, we want to emphasize how important flossing is in regards to your overall oral health. It truly is essential for ensuring your gums are not only healthy, but happy too. If you have any questions about flossing or your periodontal health, please feel free to contact our office at816-554-2663.

Common Dental Implant Myths

dental implant myths

Insecure about a missing tooth? Don’t be. With dental implants (link), you can get your smile back to looking perfect. For many, dental implants provide the feeling of having their natural teeth back again. This is because instead of being a removable type of device, such as a dental flipper, dental implants are permanently embedded into the jaw, which then allows a dental crown to take the place of the missing tooth. We understand that this procedure may seem intimidating, but we’re here to reassure you it’s not as bad as it sounds. Below are the top three common misconceptions when it comes to getting dental implants.

Myth #1: Dental Implants are painful

This is a common fear. Many people hold back from pursuing a dental implant, simply because they’re afraid the procedure might be too painful. However, this is not true. The procedure itself is pain-free. As always after surgery, there may be some temporary discomfort, but your doctor will work very closely with you to ensure your comfort and ease.

Myth #2: Dental Implants are expensive

Although dental implants aren’t cheap, they’re a much better investment than dental bridges, which need replacing every 7-15 years. Dental Implants cost may be high initially, but it’s a better financial decision in the long run.

Myth #3: Dental Implants cause headaches

It’s a fairly common myth that dental implants can cause migraines or headaches. However, we’re here to let you know that this is not true. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this. After the dental implant has successfully bonded with the jaw/gums, you should experience zero pain.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental implants, give our office a call at816-554-2663 so we can discuss the next steps.