Thursday, March 31, 2011

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!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Can germs really live on my toothbrush?

Thanks for the question! Spring may be upon us, but that doesn't mean that you can't catch a cold. After recovering from your cold, Drs. Morrow, Lai and Edwards will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can 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!


Hope this tip helps! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on Your Child

At Morrow, Lai & Edwards Pediatric Dentistry, we'll tell you it's easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position


If you or your child is having these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away by calling our team, serving Tulsa, OK. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

We look forward to seeing you!

Friday, March 11, 2011

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!

Friday, March 4, 2011

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!

Friday, February 25, 2011

“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!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

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!