Sealing In Your Child’s Dental Health

Keeping your child’s teeth in the best possible condition will help them maintain optimum oral health for the rest of their lives. When brushing and flossing isn’t enough, we may suggest placing a dental sealant on your child’s teeth. Children who have dental sealants can decrease their chance of tooth decay by 60%! Sealants are a safe, effective way to ensure your child’s dental health for years to come.

Dental sealants work by providing a protective shield over the tiny grooves and depressions found on the chewing surfaces of teeth. While brushing and flossing is still essential even if your child has a sealant, this coating will help vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque and food.

If we think a sealant would be a good option for your child, a simple office visit is all it takes. One of our friendly dental hygienists or assistants will thoroughly clean your child’s teeth before applying the white or clear liquid-plastic material to the tooth’s surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to ten years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at your child’s regular checkups.

When you need immediate dental care, we’re here for you.

At Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, we know dental emergencies are never convenient or timely. If your child is a patient of record at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Mark Morrow, Dr. April Lai, and Dr. Kerry Edwards are committed to your child's dental health and are more than willing to see them. If your child has a dental emergency after regular office hours, please give our emergency number a call.

We proudly serve patients in Tulsa, among other surrounding communities here in Oklahoma.

We hope you’re all enjoying your summer.

When should my child come in for a checkup?

At Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, we believe a child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. And that's precisely why our team makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. For more information on the advantages of pediatric dentistry at our office, please give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

What do you love about Tulsa summers?

Summer is finally here, and the team at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part about summer in Tulsa? Is it the warm weather? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard?

Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards and team would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Pool safety tips from Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards

Summer is here, and with summer comes lots of swimming! Our team at the office of Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards found some helpful pool safety tips that we’d like to share with you, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Pediatricians.

* Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.

* Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

* Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

* Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.

* Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

* Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

Have more questions about your children and their safety this summer? Give us a call!

June is National Smile Month!

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry to support National Smile Month this June.



Show off your pearly whites by posting your favorite smile photos on the wall of our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing what you share!

Morrow, Lai, & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry is now on Foursquare!

At Morrow, Lai, & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our Facebook fan page, or our new listing on Foursquare. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online! Be sure to check-in at Morrow, Lai, & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry in Tulsa, OK using the Foursquare application on your smartphone for all of the details. You can also share your check-in with friends on Twitter and Facebook. We would also love if you left a “tip” for our office!

See you on Foursquare!

Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards, wishing you a relaxing and memorable Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend is a time when Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer 2011, and for many folks in Tulsa, OK, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom means sweet, sweet relief. At Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s a season of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting the great open roads or hanging out in your backyard this weekend, we want to know about it!

Have a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Why do you choose Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry?

For over 20 years, our team at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry has been caring for the children of our Tulsa, OK community in a comfortable and lighthearted environment. Our goal is to create happy, healthy smiles for children. Have you had a great experience with Dr. Mark Morrow, Dr. April Lai and Dr. Kerry Edwards?

Share your story with the world!


Simply select the "Write a Review" button above to offer your feedback on our Google Place Page. We look forward to hearing from you!

March is National Nutrition Month!

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. April Lai, Dr. Kerry Edwards, Dr. Mark Morrow and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, our team encourage your family to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Tulsa, OK.

• Make each and every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Flossing with Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards

We hope you and your child are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards and our staff at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your child's last checkup with Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

“My son is turning one – when should bring him in for a visit?”

Great question! The short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Lai, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Morrow and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to our office at age one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. We believe that a child's first visit with Dr. Lai, Dr. Edwards, and Dr. Morrow should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Our staff makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment, and we want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our convenient Tulsa, OK office.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child? We hope to see you soon!

Drs. Morrow, Lai, and Edwards Support American Heart Month

Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Lai, Dr. Edwards, and Dr. Morrow. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease because children are learning the importance of good oral hygiene at a young age. If you have any questions about heart health, or about your child's treatment at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, please give us a call today!

Safety first this winter! From Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry.

Share your smile with the world!

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Time to Replace Your Toothbrush-Cold and Flu Season is Here!

Winter is officially here, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our team at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

The importance of regular checkups

If your child is brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for children to visit Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry every six months, in addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits. Because your child's dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Apply sealants to teeth

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. If your child not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Is your local playground safe?

Although the weather may be colder this time of the year, we know that doesn't always slow kids down from bundling up in their winter gear and playing outdoors. Playgrounds are everywhere from your backyard to the neighborhood park. It's important to know what safety features to look for before your child hangs out at the local park.

Our staff at Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards found some important safety tips on the American Academy of Pediatrics' website that we'd thought we'd share with you today. They include what to look for on a public playground and tips on ensuring your home swing set is functioning properly.

* Carefully supervise young children using playground equipment. Keep children from shoving, pushing, or fighting.

* The surface under playground equipment should be energy absorbent. Use safety - tested mats or loose fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches.

* Install the protective surface at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.

* Swing seats should be made of something soft, not wood or metal.

* Children should not twist swings, swing empty seats, or walk in front of moving swings.

* Put home playground equipment together correctly. It should sit on a level surface and be anchored firmly to the ground.

* Cap all screws and bolts. Check periodically for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.

* Install playground equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.

* Check for hot metal surfaces on equipment (in warm months) such as those on slides, which could cause burns.

* Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment because children can strangle on them.

We hope these tips help! Here’s to safe and happy holidays, from our entire team at Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards!

Write a review for Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards!

Dr. Mark Morrow, Dr. April Lai, and Dr. Kerry Edwards are your Tulsa pediatric dentists, offering sedation dentistry and general dental care for children and adolescents. All of our dentists are specialized in pediatric dentistry and have fun working with kids. Have you had a great experience with our doctors and team at Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards?

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Thank you,

-Drs. Morrow, Lai & Edwards

Happy Thanksgiving, from Drs. Morrow, Lai, & Edwards

Drs. Morrow, Lai, and Edwards and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food.

We are very thankful for all of our patients and their families. We'd like to know, what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!