Spring Updates at Gillespie Dental Associates

As the days lengthen and our beautiful Asheville landscape wakes from winter, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. We’re thrilled to welcome this season of renewal and growth, and we are excited to share what’s happening at Gillespie Dental Associates in the coming months in this Spring edition of our newsletter. Read on for office updates, upcoming events, and helpful tips to help you make the most of these brighter days.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been extensively studied and plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay. It works primarily by interacting with the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. When fluoride is present in the mouth, along with calcium and phosphate, it incorporates into the enamel structure, making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks. Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink sugary and starchy foods. This acid can erode enamel, a process called demineralization. Fluoride can actually reverse early stages of this process through remineralization, where it helps to rebuild and strengthen weakened enamel.

While fluoride is crucial for developing strong teeth in children, it’s also highly beneficial for adults. It helps prevent root caries, a common problem as gums recede with age, exposing the tooth root which is softer than enamel. Fluoride also aids in managing tooth sensitivity by strengthening enamel and making it less susceptible to stimuli. Furthermore, it can even play a supportive role in overall gum health by reducing the risk of decay that can exacerbate gum problems.

Types of Fluoride:

• Fluoride Toothpaste: This is a primary source of fluoride for most people. It’s important to use a toothpaste with the appropriate fluoride concentration as recommended by the American Dental Association. Be sure to follow the instructions on the tube and supervise children to ensure they use the correct amount and don’t swallow it.
• Fluoride Mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwash can be used as an adjunct to toothpaste, providing additional fluoride exposure. It’s particularly helpful for people at high risk of cavities.
• Professional Fluoride Treatments: Our office offers in-office fluoride treatments, which are a more concentrated form of fluoride applied directly to the teeth. These treatments are often recommended for individuals with a high risk of tooth decay, those experiencing tooth sensitivity, or young children who need extra protection.
• Fluoridated Water: Many communities add fluoride to their public water supplies, a safe and effective way to provide widespread fluoride exposure and reduce tooth decay rates.

The maxillary sinuses are located in your cheekbones, just above your upper jaw. The roots of your upper molars and premolars are very close to these sinuses, and in some cases, the tooth roots may even extend into the sinus cavity. When you experience seasonal allergies, the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause a buildup of pressure within the sinuses, which can then press on the roots of your upper teeth, leading to pain that feels like a toothache.

It can sometimes be tricky to distinguish between a toothache caused by a dental problem and one caused by sinus pressure. Here are some key characteristics of a sinus-related toothache:

• Pain is typically felt in the upper back teeth (molars and premolars).
• Pain often occurs alongside other allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sinus pressure or pain.
• The pain may worsen when you chew, bend over, or change head positions.
• You may experience a dull, constant ache rather than the sharp, throbbing pain often associated with a dental issue.

Managing your seasonal allergies can help reduce the sinus pressure that leads to tooth pain. Here are some tips:

• Nasal Irrigation: Using a saline rinse or netipot can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion.
• Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can provide temporary relief from sinus pressure, but use them with caution and as directed, as overuse can sometimes worsen congestion.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help control allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny nose, which can indirectly reduce sinus inflammation.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for keeping your mucus membranes moist, which can help with sinus drainage.

While allergy symptoms can cause tooth pain, it’s essential to rule out any dental problems. If you experience severe tooth pain, pain that is localized to a single tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or any other dental symptoms, please schedule an appointment with us. We can help determine the cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment.

Are you ready to jam? Dr. Gillespie will be taking the stage with The Culprits at Highland Brewing Event Center on Thursday, May 15th from 6-8PM. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to dance the evening away with great company, satiating drinks, and groovy tunes! Save the date on your calendar now, and keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for updates coming soon!

The parking lot at Orange Street Professional Park will be monitored effective immediately. As a patient of Gillespie Dental Associates, you do not need to pay for parking. Please review a few important items to ensure a seamless parking experience.

• Please park in the blue “client parking” spaces in front of our office.
• If no spaces are available, you may park in any other blue “client parking” space, or in the spaces in the center of the lot.
• No patient should ever pay for parking.
• If you do receive a violation, please inform our office immediately so that we can void this on your behalf.

Make sure to wish “happy birthday” to our team members with Spring birthdays!

This spring we’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and purpose. At our recent GDA Seminar, Working with Purpose, we took a look at what drives us as individuals. Created and lead by Dr. Gillespie and Katie, we took a deep dive in to discovering what truly matters to each of us individually. We uncovered our core values, explored the influences our social identities have on us, and crafted personal purpose statements that resonate with our authentic selves. This seminar was all about cultivating deeper connections, both with ourselves and others, and exploring how to align our daily roles with our overarching purpose. The goal is to create a more intentional and fulfilling work experience, and we hope you see that spilling over into your appointments here.

Do you have questions about the seminar, or are you interested in hosting a Working with Purpose seminar in your office? Give us a call, let’s chat!