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Got an OWEEE!?

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Possible causes include: Tooth decay (cavities)Fractured teethWorn fillingsGum diseaseWorn tooth enamelExposed tooth root In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the … Continued

Braces-Free Orthodontics

Many adults are interested in orthodontics but are hesitant to return to the “tin grin” smile of their youth. Thanks to modern technology, we now have a braces-free option to straighten teeth. HOW DOES IT WORK? Orthodontic aligners are made from a thin, but strong plastic material. A series of custom aligners is made for … Continued

The Oral Cancer Exam

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. While there are well-documented causes of oral cancer, we will concentrate on the oral cancer exam in this month’s blog post. We perform an oral cancer screening at each of our New Patient Visits, as well as once per year for our routine patients. During the exam several questions … Continued

COVID Cavities and Pandemic Pyorrhea*

The worldwide COVID pandemic has altered our lives in many ways. Not the least of which has been the unforeseen effects on our oral health. IN THE BEGINNING During the initial phase of the pandemic, we in the dental field witnessed an increase in the number of cracked teeth, broken fillings, and patients experiencing jaw … Continued

Children’s Dental Health Month

Children mirror their parent’s behaviors. Let that sink in for a minute! When you look at it through this lens, what we say and do becomes a great responsibility. What your children or grandchildren see you do will set the stage for their behaviors for the rest of their lives. The NUMBER 1 thing you … Continued

New Year’s (re)SOLUTIONS

In case you’ve already given up on losing weight and hitting the gym every day, here is a quick list of (re)SOLUTIONS to get your 2022 started off right! Replace Your Tooth Brush Worn and frayed bristles are less effective at brushing your teeth. A worn brush means you have to scrub harder which risks … Continued

Have You Been Naughty or Nice to Your Teeth?

It’s not easy to stay healthy during the holidays. Sweets seem to appear everywhere you go, and with all of the present-wrapping and card-writing, there’s not much time to devote to you and your family’s health and well-being. Luckily, Hermey the Elf, best known for his adventures with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, joined forces with … Continued

Toothpaste Explained!

Toothpaste is a key part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Along with your toothbrush and floss it helps to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth and gums.Toothpastes can come in a gel, paste or powder form. While the ingredients differ slightly, all toothpastes contain the same general components: Mild abrasive. With some … Continued

Managing Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, may be may be caused by factors such as medications, medical treatments, or certain habits like tobacco use. Dry mouth can also occur along with certain medical conditions. For example, it is a key indication of Sjögren’s syndrome, a disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing … Continued

DIY Tooth Whitening

During the pandemic, many people attempted “do-it-yourself” (DIY) projects around the house. Since we couldn’t get out, you may have tried some DIY health projects as well! Listed below is our professional opinion on many of the purported ways to lighten your teeth and brighten your smile. Baking Soda Brushing your teeth with baking soda … Continued
Michael D. Gillespie, DDS

Michael D. Gillespie, DDS