At Sea Brite Dental, were interested in more than just your teeth. A growing body of research supports that there is a connection between your oral health and your overall health. As your dental health care provider, we have a unique opportunity to be a wellness center for our patients and impact their lives in a positive way.
Did you know that if the human body is chronically dehydrated, it will take water from your joints and saliva (which can result in dry mouth and subsequent cavities)? Or that lack of sleep (as is the norm for new mothers, shift workers, exam-cramming students, and our seniors that have trouble sleeping) makes your immune system run on high alert all the time? A mouth full of plaque and calculus will further stress a weak immune system.
The CDC reports that the number of diabetics in America has approached 25 million, 10% of the population. An equal amount are diabetic and do not know it, and there are a large group of pre-diabetics. Recent research has indicated that regular deep cleanings can positively influence glycemic control.
There is research that shows poor hygiene is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer. Not many people are aware that after controlling for cigarette smoking, periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk of kidney, lung, blood and pancreatic cancers.
Periodontal infection was reported to be one of the top five causes of chronic systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is believed to be the underlying cause of the many age-related diseases, heart disease being number one. Furthermore, gingivitis and periodontitis have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for years. In February of 2010, there was the first documented report linking pregnancy-associated gingivitis with the death of an unborn baby.
Dr. Morris completed her undergraduate education at Eastern Oregon University and Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, where she graduated cum laude. With a desire to enter the medical field, she explored some options, including training as a dental assistant. This experience motivated her to attend Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry.
After graduating in the top 10 of her class, Dr. Morris was accepted to the United States Air Force and stationed at a clinic in Okinawa, Japan. There, she rotated through several specialties including root canals, crowns and bridges, wisdom teeth extractions and pediatric dentistry. It was during this time that Dr. Morris became captivated by the sea, and thats why youll see its calming effects all around at Sea Brite Dental.
The next step in Dr. Morris career was a transfer to Mountain Home Air Force Base, where she continued to hone her skills as a general family practice dentist. Around the same time, Dr. Morris and her husband adopted two children. With a desire to give them a stable life, she left the Air Force and entered private practice. EXPLORE OUR SERVICES
A short associateship in Moscow, Idaho was followed by moving to the La Grande community, where Dr. Morris had wanted to live. Sea Brite Dental has been here since 1994, providing all ages dental care to families and individuals.
Dr. Morris and her husband are outdoor and exercise enthusiasts. She loves to run long distances and spends lots of time running the trails through the Elkhorn and Eagle Cap Mountains. Dr. Morris husband is an avid hunter and loves to be in the outdoors tracking wildlife and subsequently writing about it.