Greg McPherson, DDS

5 TRICKS FOR HALLOWEEN TREATS

gregmcphersondds — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:27:41 +0000

SAY BOO! TO CAVITIES AND HOORAY! FOR DENTAL HEALTH

While parents are scrambling to pull together kids’ costumes this Halloween, there are a handful of important reminders to help keep the entire family in good health. Load fresh batteries in flashlights? Check. Map out the neighborhood for trick-or-treating? Check. Prevent cavities? But it’s Halloween?

Here’s a quick five-step mental checklist to help ensure kids (& parents!) enjoy Halloween while maintaining responsible dental health.

1. Have fun and festive Halloween, seasonally-inspired toothbrushes and dental floss on hand to keep oral hygiene momentum up throughout the celebrating. Incorporate brushing and flossing into kids’ Halloween evening routine. Sure, they’ll be hyper or cranky (while you’re exhausted) after trick-or-treating, but it’s important to brush and floss, especially given the sweet focus of Halloween traditions.

2. Offer Halloween candy to kids in one helping. Establish boundaries and keep the amount consumed to a reasonable portion. Keep plenty of drinking water available.

“Eating Halloween treats throughout the day is more harmful as it extends the time the teeth are exposed to the sugar.” said Dr. McPherson of Greg McPherson, DDS in New Town at St. Charles.

Encourage kids to save all candy they receive throughout Halloween for one fun time set aside following trick-or-treating activities.

“At our house, to avoid the temptation of leftover Halloween candy snacking, we allow our kids to exchange all remaining candy for a trip to the store to pick out a small toy of their choice.” said McPherson.

Another fun option is leaving all candy for the “Candy Witch”, similar to the tooth fairy, and children wake up to a toy. (Don’t worry, the legend portrays this witch as very friendly!)

This incentive works well by providing a fun alternative without the risk of cavities.

3. When sifting through the medley of trick-or-treat candy, do your best to tuck away the tacky, sticky, filled and/or hard candies. These tend to stick in the teeth, extending the time the teeth are exposed to the sugar.

“Sugar-free candy is the best option. Chocolate is better than most Halloween candy selections, but sugar-free candy containing xylitol is preferable.” said McPherson.

Xyitol is an ingredient that actually protects kids’ teeth. For more information about xylitol, visit www.facebook.com/gregmcphersondds.

4. Participate with the brushing and flossing yourself. You’ll sneak a piece of candy here or there and it’s important to keep up with your dental regimen, while also showing your kids it’s fun for grownups, too.

5. With the high levels of sweets consumption during Halloween, now is an ideal time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment before the hectic holiday season. Why not go ahead and schedule your six month cleaning while you’re at it?

For more information about Greg McPherson, DDS or to schedule an appointment, please call 636-493-1960 or visit www.gregmcphersondds.com.

Thank you!

gregmcphersondds — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:28:36 +0000

Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at the Working Women’s Survival Show this weekend. It was a long weekend, but we had a great time and loved meeting so many of you face to face. If you had a TMD screening and would like more information, call or email us to schedule your complimentary TMD / TMJ consultation. For everyone who scheduled a new patient appointment, we look forward to seeing you again soon and don’t forget to let us know whether you would like a $20 gift card to Target, Home Depot, or Marsala’s Market. If you weren’t able to schedule at the show, but would like to, the offer for the $20 gift card will expire on Friday, so give us a call. You can reach us even on the days the office is closed by calling the number below.

636-493-1960

www.gregmcphersondds.com

info@gregmcphersondds.com

Thanks!

Your New Town at St. Charles Dentist

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

gregmcphersondds — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:54:52 +0000

Dr. McPherson is one of the few St. Louis areas dentists with extensive training in Cosmetic and Neuromuscular treatments from the prestigious Las Vegas Institue (LVI). Neuromuscular Dentistry is used to treat symptoms associated with TMJ Disorder (TMD). Common symptoms include:

Clenching and Grinding (Bruxing)
Jaw popping or clicking
Headaches, including Migraines
Ear congestion
Tingling Fingers
Neck and shoulder tension
Excessive wear on teeth
Sleep Apnea
Bell’s Palsy

If you suffer from any of these symptoms and would like to learn more about how Dr. McPherson can help you, please call or email today for a complimentary TMD consultation.

(636)493-1960

info@gregmcphersondds.com

www.gregmcphersondds.com

What insurance do we take?

gregmcphersondds — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:41:02 +0000

We are in the process of the joining the networks of many common dental insurance companies.

We will help you maximize your benefits regardless of your insurance plan.

Please call or email to inquire about your particular company.

We, of course, also welcome patients without dental insurance.

(636)493-1960

info@gregmcphersondds.com

www.gregmcphersondds.com

Thanks so much! We look forward to providing you with excellent dental care.

Welcome!

gregmcphersondds — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:09:08 +0000

Welcome to our new blog for our new dental practice!

Greg McPherson, DDS recently opened his office in New Town at St. Charles, offering exceptional dental services to the community. He provides comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

Prior to relocating his family to St. Charles, Dr. McPherson practiced general dentistry in Glendive, Montana for 8 years, where took over his father’s thriving dental practice.

We hope you will come visit us, have a tour of the office, and meet our great team!

Greg McPherson, DDS website

-Bridget McPherson, Office Manager and Wife