SpecialtiesDr. Jeff and Dr. Chase offer the following dental services:General Dentistry (cleanings, x-rays, exams)Pediatric Dentistry (children's dentistry)Orthodontics (braces, clear braces, Invisalign)Endodontic Treatments (root canals)Restorations (crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges)Cosmetic Dentistry (veneers, bleaching)Implants (Bicon Short System)Oral Surgery (wisdom teeth and other extractions)

Dr. Jeffrey Murphy is a graduate of the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, CA. He has been practicing dentistry since 1987. His father, Clive Murphy, opened the practice in 1962. Dr. Jeff Murphy joined the practice in 1987 and bought the practice in 1997. Dr. Chase Murphy is also a graduate of the University of the Pacific and joined the practice in 2020.

What is a sealant?A thin protective coating that is placed into the grooves of the chewing surface of teeth. What are the benefits? The major benefit is cavity prevention. Molars naturally have deep grooves that trap plaque that can lead to cavities.Which teeth should have sealants?The 6-year old molars and sometimes the 12-year old molars, (teeth #s 2, 3, 14, 15, 18, 19, 30, and 31).When should my child get sealants?When the teeth are fully erupted, usually around 6 years old.How long do sealants last?Depending on the childs eating habits and oral hygiene, sealants can last anywhere from 2 years to 30 years.How long does it take to place the sealants?Approximately 30 minutes for 4 molars.Will my child need anesthetic?No, the process is painless.Will sealants affect my childs bite?No, the coating is thin and unnoticeable.Are sealants silver and noticeable?No, sealants match the color of enamel.How much do sealants cost?The cost depends on insurance and age. Some insurance companies will cover some if not most of the cost for children.

Tips from Dr. Jeff COLD SORES VS CANKER SORESIs there a difference? YES! COLD SORES:What are they caused by? Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Where are they found? On/around the lips; OUTSIDE the mouth. What do they look like? Red, fluid-filled blisters clustered in groups.Are they contagious? YES! Skin to skin contact can spread the virus when the blister is active.Is there treatment? YES! We recommend using Abreva. If the outbreak is severe we do offer an in office treatment of a topical antibiotic.

CANKER SORES: What are they caused by? Not clearly defined. Stress, fatigue, trauma, hormones, and food allergies can trigger them. Some cases have been linked to the HSV.Where are they found? INSIDE the mouth, gums, and tongue.What do they look like? Open sores with a white, yellow, or grey center and a red border.Are they contagious? NO!Is there treatment? The only thing we can recommend is Orajel for comfort. There is no antibiotic that can be prescribed.If you have any questions or concerns about cold sores vs. canker sores, please feel free to give us a call!

Tips from Dr. Jeff WORST AND BEST FOODS FOR YOUR TEETH Many patients ask us, what are the worst and best foods for your teeth? Heres a list along with the reasons. WORST FOODS CITRUS Erodes enamel STICKY, CHEWY CANDY Gets stuck in your teeth and the bacteria in your mouth feeds off the sugars causing cavities SODA Sugar, citric and phosphoric acid causes erosion SPORTS DRINKS Acidic, causing erosion WINE Stains, tannis dries the mouth causing teeth to be sticky and more vulnerable to staining COFFEE Stains TEA Stains, causes erosion ICE Chewing ice will cause cracks and breaks DRIED FRUIT Loaded with sugar

Tips from Dr. Jeff NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS Welcome to 2015 at Dr. Murphys office! Do you have a new years resolution for a brighter, whiter, healthier smile and lifestyle? Then come see us! Remember good dental hygiene does not just benefit a healthy mouth, but a healthy body as well. Oral health is directly linked to diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, pneumonia, and obesity.

Tips from Dr. Jeff CLEANING UP CONFUSION There have recently been websites and journals promoting holistic ways to take care of your teeth. Some may even sound convincing. However, there is a lack of scientific studies and proof. As a practicing dentist for almost 30 years I want to advise my patients to use ADA approved toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss, and mouth rinse. Look for the ADA seal on the products you use. The best way to take care of your teeth and gums is do the basics. Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Use toothpastes and mouth rinses that have fluoride. Use floss, (waxed or unwaxed), to clean in between your teeth. And most importantly come to our office at least twice a year for cleanings; and once a year for x-rays and an exam.

Tips from Dr. Jeff CAVITY QUIZHave fun with our little cavity quiz!Sports drinks can cause cavities.TRUE! Make sure you rinse your mouth with water after you have a sports drink to lower the acid and sugar levels.

Sugar causes cavities.FALSEkind of. Sugar alone does not cause cavities, the acid produced by bacteria causes cavities.Saliva protects your teeth against cavities.TRUE! Saliva keeps our mouths moist and washes away food particles. There are also certain minerals in saliva that strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

Plaque does not cause cavities.FALSE! Think of plaque like peanut butter on a spoon. Within 2-6 hours after brushing the plaque teams up with bacteria that can cause cavities and perio disease. Brush and rinse regularly.

Chips and cracks can lead to cavities.TRUE! Bacteria forms in the chips and cracks where your brush cannot reach.Cavities are preventable. TRUE! TRUE! TRUE! If you brush twice a day, floss once a day, drink plenty of water, and come to the dentist twice a year.

Here are some common questions we hear in our office concerning baby teeth.Q: Is it okay for my child to brush their teeth by themselves?A: NO! Children up to the age of seven should not only be supervised but assisted as well. The majority of the brushing should be done by the adult.Q: How much toothpaste should I put on my childs toothbrush?A: Birth-3 years an amount the size of a grain of rice.3 years-6 years an amount the size of a pea.Q: Should I floss my childs teeth?A: YES! Food catches easily in your childs teeth. Floss for them at least once a day.

Q: When should my child start coming to the dentist?A: As long as your child is not complaining of pain, we recommend bringing your child in for a cleaning, x-rays, and exam at 3 years old. IF your child is complaining of a tooth ache, please do not hesitate to call us.Q: Should my child get sealants?A: YES! It is a pain-free procedure that adds a protective coating against cavities to the molars.Q: If my child has a cavity in a baby tooth, can we skip getting it filled and wait for it to fall out?A: NO! Cavities in baby teeth are very serious and should be taken care of right away. The decay can progress to the nerve of the baby tooth leading to the need of a baby root canal. This is extremely painful to the child. Further, the decay can transfer itself to permanent tooth and cause decay before the tooth erupts.Q: Should my child use toothpaste with fluoride?A: YES! YES! YES! Fluoride prevents cavities and protects enamel. If you have any questions or concerns about your childs oral health, please call our office anytime!

Tips from Dr. Jeff BRUSHING YOUR TEETH I recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day; morning and night. Brushing your teeth helps remove food debris and plaque. The bacteria in plaque can release acids that break down enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease. Plaque that isnt removed can harden into tartar and then can only be removed by a dental professional. To brush properly, use an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste; place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently brush in a circular motion. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles become frayed. Patients who come into our office for a cleaning receive a free toothbrush. Call us today to get a jumpstart on oral health.

Brushing is great for the teeth. However, brushing only cleans the top surfaces and gumline of the teeth. How do you clean the surfaces in between your teeth? FLOSS! There are so many benefits to flossing: healthy gums, less bleeding and inflammation, fewer cavities between teeth, the chance of periodontal disease goes down, and simply, the food that gets caught between your teeth is removed. Come in to our office for a cleaning and you can receive a lesson on how to floss correctly so your teeth and gums can be as healthy as they can.