Summer’s here and the time is right for taking care of your teeth! While we tend to go free and easy during our vacations and leisure time, it is important to keep a routine so we don’t have any dental surprises when the heat starts to fade in a few months.

STICK WITH THE PROGRAM

Kids are out of school and have a little more time to sleep in before the day begins. Parents on vacation may let their own normal routines slide somewhat, and may be less diligent with their oral health regimen. We may enjoy ice cream, lemonade, and other summery treats during our breaks. That’s why it is even more important to keep up with our brushing and flossing habits.

Brush at least twice a day. In the morning to remove dental plaque that has formed overnight, and before bed to remove food debris and cleanse our teeth of the treats we’ve enjoyed during the day. Also, become an avid flosser. The toothbrush can’t reach those surfaces between the teeth, and floss acts as an interdental cleanser.

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE

Summer weather beckons us outside and many of us will be participating in outdoor activities. We have seen patients on an emergency basis to treat dental mishaps that occurred during pool diving, skateboarding, softball, and many others. We’ll never forget the grandmother that knocked her tooth out at Sliding Rock!

We also see many out-of-town and state visitors during the summer months. We are here to provide urgent care for you should you find yourself in a dental pickle!

KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS

It may be tempting to put off your dental appointment during the summer. Who wants to disrupt a summer day by going to the dentist? But you also don’t want to have to find a dentist if you are at the beach or traveling out of state. Keeping on top of your regularly scheduled exams and treatment will allow us to find and treat dental issues before they become an emergency.

Dr. Michael Gillespie has practiced dentistry in Waynesville, NC for 27 years. The award-winning team has the experience you need to treat all your dental needs!

Today’s seniors may be older, but they are also wiser. Having seen many changes in the delivery of dentistry as well as the social value of a beautiful, healthy smile, the Baby Boomer Generation has a greater appreciation of oral health than past generations.

Many Boomers are staying in the workforce longer and others are beginning to date again after life has brought changes in partnership. The Boomers are health and appearance conscious as a group and want to whiten, straighten, and improve the overall look of their teeth for a younger presentation.

Many times a senior dental patient seeks treatment because a grandchild has asked “Nana, why is your tooth dark?” Or because a child said, “Granddad, you need to get your teeth fixed!” Kids say the darndest things, but it is often the innocence of a child that brings attention to an issue that one’s peers and older family members are not comfortable broaching. Consider the following:

Elderly Looking Teeth

• Yellow
• Crooked
• Patchworked, multicolored restorations
• Margins of old dental work visible

Younger Looking Teeth

• White
• Straight
• Even shading
• Invisible margins

A treatment plan for a Baby Boomer patient starts as with any other patient: a healthy foundation. Cavities and gum issues must be addressed first, then we can begin to develop a plan to give you a smile that will make you proud.

If you are interested in starting the journey toward a more youthful appearance, we invite you to call us for an examination. We will assess your dental needs, as well as your dental desires, and put together a plan that places you firmly on the path to health and beauty.

Dr. Michael Gillespie has practiced dentistry in Waynesville, NC for 27 years. The office has been named “BEST DENTIST” in the area multiple times and has the experience you need to address your dental needs. Call us at 828-456-9007 if we can help give you the smile you deserve!

What is a CEREC® crown?

CEREC® is shorthand for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic. (See why we gave it a nickname?) Using CAD-CAM technology, we are now able to fabricate a high strength crown for a damaged tooth in one visit. This procedure traditionally took several weeks to reach fruition, encompassing at least two visits to the dental office. Now, our patients are thrilled that we can address their dental issues during a moderately short appointment, then get them back to their busy lives.

Are CEREC® crowns as strong as traditional crowns?

Traditionally, crowns have been made of gold or porcelain fused to metal.

Gold would be the strongest material, although it is not esthetic and most people object to the appearance, as it “ages” them.

Porcelain fused to metal has also been used for many years, but is subject to chipping. They also are unnaturally opaque, and as a person ages, you may see the metal substructure near the gum line as the gums recede.

CEREC® is made of a material called lithium disilicate, which is a very strong glass ceramic noted for its translucency and ability to be bonded to tooth structure.

Research shows that lithium disilicate crowns have a higher fracture resistance that porcelain fused to metal.

Are they as good as lab-made crowns?

These days, the majority of crowns made by U.S. labs are lithium disilicate, the same material generally used in our CEREC® crowns. While gold still has its uses, there are relatively few crowns made this way. Porcelain fused to metal is also used to a lesser extent since the advent of stronger, more cosmetic materials.

Dr. Michael Gillespie has practiced as a dentist in Waynesville, NC for 27 years. His award-winning team was recently named “Best Dentist” in the community. They have the experience to treat all of your dental needs.

Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. While there are several dental restorative options to replace missing teeth, dental implants are the closest thing to re-creating your natural tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, or may be used to anchor fixed bridges, partial or full dentures for multiple teeth.

What is a dental implant?

Think of a dental implant as a root replacement. The actual dental implant is a biocompatible titanium cylinder that is placed in the site of a missing tooth. After allowing adequate time for the implant to integrate with the bone, it can be restored with a crown or may act as an anchor for another type of dental appliance.

Does it hurt?

Our patients report minimal discomfort after having a dental implant placed in our Waynesville, NC dental office. That’s because bone doesn’t have any nerve endings! Most patients do very well with over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen after dental implant placement.

How long does an implant last?

Dental implants have a 98% success rate, according to the American Academy of Prosthodontists. There are many factors that may affect the lifetime of any dental restoration, but you can expect a dental implant to last ten or more years under the right conditions.

Can my child get dental implants?

Dental implants are not recommended until the patient has reached 18 years old. While this age is not written in stone, it is best to wait until skeletal growth is complete.

Are dental implants expensive?

Since there are so many scenarios in which dental implants might be used, it is difficult to state the relative expense. From a single tooth replacement to full mouth implants and permanent dentures, the fees are significantly different. The best way to determine expense is to have a complete dental examination, including radiographs and possibly a 3D scan of the upper and lower jaw. A treatment plan including several alternative options can help you make a decision which best suits your budget.

Dental Implant Treatment in Waynesville, NC

Dr. Michael D. Gillespie, DDS provides dental implant surgery as well as restoration in the Waynesville, NC dentist office. Feel free to call 828-456-9007 for more information or to make an appointment to have an evaluation for dental implants.

While the two may at first seem unrelated, your oral health has a direct impact on your heart health. Continue reading to learn more.

What’s The Connection?

Our mouths are home to bacteria that rests on the surface of the teeth in the form of a sticky substance known as plaque.

When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth and is not removed with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar is rock-hard and nearly impossible to remove from the surface of the teeth without the help of professional dental tools.

As the bacteria continues to grow and multiply, it initiates inflammation in the gum tissue and begins to erode the underlying bone. This is a condition known as periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease.

Recent studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease. While the connection is not clearly understood, it is known that any form of inflammation is not conducive to the health of our arteries and blood vessels.

Staying Healthy

To maintain the health of both your mouth and heart, ensure that you are brushing and flossing twice daily, and attending your regular professional cleaning appointments.

This will help keep your mouth free of dangerous bacteria that can pose a risk to both the health of your mouth as well as your heart.

Be sure to eat a healthy diet, high in fiber. This is another reason to maintain healthy teeth! Also, exercise on a routine basis and keep stress to a minimum.

Gum Disease Treatment in Waynesville, NC

The key to a healthy and happy lifestyle lies with a healthy mouth.

Here at Michael Gillespie Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain the healthiest smile possible. We provide routine dental cleanings as well as more advanced treatment for dental gum disease. For more information about gum disease or to get scheduled in our Waynesville dental office, give us a call at (828) 456-9007.

Many people set a goal of losing weight as part of their plan for a new year. Over the past year, Kelly B has lost 31 pounds, and Dr. G extended his weight loss to 60 pounds total. Below are some tips that have helped each of them reach their goals.

KELLY B

• First and foremost you must have an end goal in mind and be ready to make a healthy lifestyle your #1 priority!
• Eat plenty of healthy veggies, fish, lean meat, berries and nuts daily.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Join weight management groups on social media for daily inspiration, healthy recipes, and coaching.
• If you are following a KETO plan, keep your carbohydrates below 20 mg/day.
• Healthy fats are great for your body in moderation: avocados, olives, nut butter, olive oil, coconut oil, full fat plain yogurt, eggs, butter and cheese.
• Foods to avoid are fried foods, trans fats, and processed foods.
• Remember that you didn’t put the weight on overnight and you are going to lose it overnight. Set a reachable weekly goal. Discouragement is a game killer!

DR.G

• Find your “why”. You need a compelling reason to lose weight or old habits will quickly creep back. It could be a health scare, your desire to be around for kids and grandkids, or another reason, but it needs to have some emotion behind it or you may keep putting it off.
• Automate your meals. Poor planning leads to poor decisions, and that is why many of us eat fast food and processed convenience foods for breakfast and lunch. I “meal prep” on Sundays for the work week. I cook my meals and place them in meal-specific containers. Then all I need to do is heat ‘em up and eat ‘em up! Some of my go-to recipes are below.
• Use positive self-talk. Be your own coach. When tempted, ask yourself “Does this bring me closer to my goal or farther away.” Or “Am I hungry or just bored?” Many times we eat out of habit and not because we are hungry.
• Walk. A good hour-long walk clears your mind, improves your circulation, and releases endorphins which are our body’s “feel good” neurochemicals. And it burns calories!
• Do a little better each day. Small changes lead to big results. If you set small goals and reach them, you will be surprised and inspired as they add up to big improvements!

RECIPES

Overnight Oats

• ½ cup Old-Fashioned Oats
• 1 cup milk
• Walnut pieces
• Blueberries
• Sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 tsp Chia seeds
• 1 tsp Flax meal
• Ground cinnamon
• I “eyeball” the walnuts, blueberries, coconut, and cinnamon. Find the amounts that work for you.
• Place all this in a serving saver container and refirgerate overnight. It will be ready for you to heat up in the morning, or do like I do and eat it cold. I usually make 2 days’ worth at a time because it starts to get goopy on the third day!

Grilled Chicken and Roasted Vegetables

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Herbs de Provence
• Assorted Vegetables of your choice. I’ve done this with brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, red peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and many more.
• Heat oven to 400 degrees.
• Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Cut up assorted vegetables and place on baking sheet.
• Lightly coat the vegetables with olive oil and season with Herbs de Provence. (You can use your favorite seasoning, but I am also watching sodium!)
• Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes.  Stir them up at the halfway point so all sides get roasted.
• Heat grill to medium-high.
• Lightly coat chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Herbs de Provence.
• Grill 5-6 minutes each side until done.

Put chicken and vegetables into individual lunch size containers. Now you don’t have to decide “what’s for lunch?”

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s time to put together the menu for the big day. For most of us, Thanksgiving Dinner is a time to loosen the belt and dive into some treats that we only get once or twice a year. Many of us, though, are also health conscious and don’t want to blow our hard-fought gains on one meal and the inevitable recovery.

One way to enjoy ourselves and yet not overindulge is to get educated on what we’re eating. Sugar adds calories and is also a culprit in tooth decay. When you hit the dessert table, it might be good to know which pie will send your blood sugar sky high and which will be a healthier option. Below, we rank six pies and their sugar contents. Keep in mind that 4 grams is equal to 1 teaspoon of sugar.

PEACH PIE

You’ll feel peachy keen if you try this treat from our Georgia neighbors. A slice of peach pie charts in at only 9 grams of sugar. Don’t eat too much, though, or you’ll feel like the pits!

SWEET POTATO PIE

Sweet taters are chock full of beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A by the liver. This helps fight infection as well as aids to regulate our blood sugar. Although sweet potato pie contains 13 grams of sugar, it may be one of the healthiest pies on our list.

BLUEBERRY PIE

Blueberries are another superfood, touted as the “King of the Antioxidants.” These antioxidants help fight aging as well as diseases such as cancer. But don’t overdo it! At 15 grams of sugar, you could end up like Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and get trucked down to the juicer!

APPLE PIE

Mom, America, and Apple Pie! This classic pie comes in at 20 grams of sugar. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it may keep the dentist busy!

PUMPKIN PIE

The iconic pie of Thanksgiving charts at 21 grams of sugar. But, what the heck. It’s Thanksgiving. You probably won’t eat it again until next year!

PECAN PIE

The crunchy crust. The nutty pecans. The ooey, gooey, gelatinous filling. This is one that you may want to opt for a smaller slice. At 31 grams of sugar, one slice can contain 500 calories. That gelatinous filling, tho.

ADD-ONS

You weren’t going to eat that pie naked were you? Some of the delicious toppings we love are also sugar-laden.

ICE CREAM

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! A whole scoop of ice cream adds 14 grams of sugar. For some of the pies, one scoop doubles the sugar content of the dessert.

WHIPPED TOPPING

Cool Whip and Reddi Wip both add 1-2 grams of sugar per 2 TBSP serving. If you are like me, that 2 TBSP becomes 6 TBSP pretty quickly. Still, a somewhat healthier alternative to ice cream.

Dr. Michael Gillespie has practiced dentistry in Waynesville for 26 years. His award-winning team invites you to become a part of our dental family. We see patients of all ages and all pie persuasions!

What are the best and worst candies for your teeth?

While candy is generally recognized as bad for your teeth, some treats are worse offenders than others.

In the following list, I will attempt to provide information to help you make the best choice as you dig through your child’s Halloween candy bag. Immediately below are several candy categories and their dental properties. As a bonus I have included examples of each.

Hard Candy

Hard candies pack a double whammy. If you suck on them, they bathe your teeth in a harmful sugar/saliva solution that can cause cavities. But if you get down to business and chew them up, they can fracture your teeth or existing your dental work. Careful parents! We always see a few folks who got overzealous with these around Halloween. (Atomic Fireballs, Jolly Ranchers,  Everlasting Gobstoppers)

Sour Candy

Sour Candies are dangerous because the flavorings used to make them sour are very acidic. With the addition of sugar, these may be the worst of the worst! If it makes you pucker, don’t be a sucker! (Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Sour Nerds, Lemonheads)

Sticky Candy

Sticky candy has the potential to dislodge existing fillings and crowns, and their stickiness means they are more difficult to remove from the teeth. That means they stay around longer to damage your teeth. (Bit O’ Honey, Sugar Daddies, Tootsie Rolls, Sugar Babies)

Chocolate

Most chocolates are high in sugar content and tend to be higher in calories due to fat content. However, it may be argued that chocolate is the best form of candy. Dark chocolate actually has some health benefits in the form of antioxidants. Look for at least 72% cacao, which probably will prevent this from ending up in the Trick or Treat bag since some think it is bitter. (Milk Chocolate: Hershey’s, Cadbury, Dove. Dark Chocolate: Ghirardelli, Lindt, Godiva)

Combo Candies

This category includes bars with creamy nougat,  gooey coconut and/or peanut mixtures wrapped in silky chocolate. Sounds good until your tooth gives you a ZING! These cover several of the above categories, all in one bar. (Snickers, Almond Joy, Mounds, Milky Way)

I will fess up to the fact that these are my favorites and were the first to disappear from my kid’s bags when they weren’t looking.

Research

Listed are several popular candies along with their caloric and sugar content information. If the pH level, which measures the acidity, is known, it is listed as well. In terms of relativity, water has a pH of 7.0. and battery acid has a pH of 1.0. Loss of tooth enamel begins at a pH of 4.0.

4.2 grams of sugar is equal to 1 teaspoon.

For testing purposes, a “fun size” or miniature portion was used.

Candy                                  Sugar (Grams)    pH Level              Calories

• Wonka Laffy Taffy            4.2 g                     2.5                        30
• Starburst                             6 g                        2.4                        40
• Smarties                             6 g                        3.0                        25
• Hershey’s Chocolate       7 g                        n/a                        77
• Mounds Bar                      7 g                        n/a                        80
• AirHeads                             8.5 g                     2.0                        60
• Snickers Bar                       8.5 g                     n/a                        80
• Sour Patch Kids                 10 g                      3.0                        50
• Skittles                                11.3 g                   2.5                        60
• Wonka Nerds                    12 g                      2.0                        50

Halloween is a fun holiday and can be enjoyed with minimal dental concern if you are mindful. Just be sure to enjoy your candy but brush and floss afterward. We don’t want you looking like a Jack O’ Lantern!

In addition to our enhanced universal precautions for infection control, we have a clean air protocol that is unprecedented in most office spaces. In order to protect our patients and team from COVID-19 as well as other airborne pathogens, we have installed a whole-house air purifying system that sanitizes the air while we work.

How Does it Work?

Using carbon cell filtration and germ-killing UV light technology, our three in-duct units filter recirculated air in our HVAC system by trapping bacteria, mold and viruses before they are returned to the office atmosphere. In the carbon cell filter, they are exposed to a UV light that damages their DNA  and renders them inactive. The remnants are converted to CO2 and water vapor, which are then evaporated.

You will never see these units as they are deep in the recesses of the office ventilation system. But rest assured they are working to ensure the office air is clear of contaminants.

What are the Cool New Portable Units?

In addition to the whole-house units, we have five standalone air purifiers strategically located in our treatment rooms, reception area, and front office space. These visible units are able to clean the air every 30 minutes using medical grade HEPA (“High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance”) filters to filter out airborne irritants. These appliances capture 99% of particulate matter down to the 0.1 micron range.
We are committed to providing the safest environment possible for our patients to receive dental treatment. With multiple lines of defense to prevent the spread of COVID and other airborne assaults, we are making the claim of Cleanest Air in Haywood County!*
Come visit us. It’s a breath of fresh air!

*This is our story and we are sticking to it. If you know of someone who is taking air this seriously, let us know!

Stress and tension are often implicated in cases of jaw pain. We are all dealing with the many consequences of COVID-19, including disruptions to our home and workplace schedules, as well as being sheltered for long periods with our loved ones. (They are still our loved ones, right?) Since reopening our practice after a mandated shutdown, we are seeing an uptick in cases of jaw pain among our patients.

Jaw pain, often referred to as “TMJ”, can be acute or chronic, depending on the source of the disorder. In this post we will discuss how to address an acute, or sudden appearance of pain in the jaw, just in front the ear.

TMJ is the abbreviation for Temporo-Mandibular Joint, which is the hinge where the lower jaw articulates into the skull. It is a complex structure consisting of many small muscles and a cartilaginous disc in the area where the bones fit together. This is much like the knee and elbow complexes. But enough anatomy. “What do I do about the pain, Doc!?”

Management of Acute TMJ Episode

• Rest the jaw and joint complex.
  • Avoid foods that require heavy chewing such as nuts, steaks, gum, etc.
  • Don’t clench your teeth or yawn widely.
  • Consciously keep your teeth separated enough for your tongue to move freely between the upper and lower arches.
• Apply moist heat to the affected side: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
  • This will help relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.
• Use analgesics
  • Two ibuprofen 200 mg (Advil or Motrin) and two acetaminophen 500 mg (ES Tylenol) together every 4-6 hours. Do not do this for more than one week and only as needed.
• Appliance Therapy
  • If a bite guard has been prescribed, wear it nightly and during times when you are prone to clenching your teeth.

Possible Causes of Acute TMJ Episode

• Stress and Tension
  • Try meditation, calming music or other relaxation techniques. I am a big proponent of deep breathing techniques. Read a previous blog post HERE on breathing and anxiety.
• Clenching teeth
  • Consciously keep a space between your teeth and reduce triggers that cause you to clench.
• Poor sleeping position
  • Sleeping on your belly for hours can put the jaw in an uncomfortable position. Try sleeping on your side or back.
• Poor posture
  • Many of us are hunched in front of computers or devices for long periods. Roll your shoulders back and concentrate on a straighter head position. Clasp your hands behind your back and stand up straight to counteract bad posture. It’s all connected!
• Gum chewing
  • Don’t overwork the joint needlessly. Save it for eating!
• Excessive caffeine consumption
  • We are not sure of the connection here, but some studies show that too much caffeine can be associated with jaw pain.
• Neck pain
  • Past trauma, including car accidents and sports injuries may be culprits here.

Dr. Michael Gillespie has practiced dentistry in Waynesville, NC for 26 years. Team Gillespie has been honored as “Best Dentist” multiple times! Please call if we may help with your dental needs.