What is Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride that is applied to the tooth surface by a dental professional. It comes in a sticky, paint-like substance that quickly hardens upon contact with saliva, forming a protective layer over the teeth. This layer allows the fluoride to be slowly absorbed into the enamel, strengthening it and making it more resistant to decay.

How Fluoride Varnish Works

The primary function of fluoride is to prevent tooth decay by enhancing the remineralization process. When teeth are exposed to acids from food, drinks or bacteria in the mouth, the enamel begins to demineralize, leading to cavities. Fluoride helps to reverse this process by attracting minerals like calcium and phosphate back to the tooth surface, effectively repairing early stages of decay before they become serious.

Fluoride varnish provides a sustained release of fluoride over time, ensuring that the enamel remains strong and healthy. This prolonged exposure is particularly beneficial for children who are still developing their permanent teeth.

Benefits for Different Age Groups

Children: Children are at a higher risk of developing cavities due to their diet and oral hygiene habits. Fluoride varnish is especially important for them as it provides an additional layer of protection while their teeth are still developing. It is often applied during routine dental visits and is considered safe and effective for infants and toddlers.

Adults: While children benefit greatly from fluoride varnish, adults can also experience significant advantages, particularly those with a history of cavities, gum disease or those who have undergone certain dental procedures. For example, fluoride varnish can help protect exposed roots and areas around dental work, where cavities are more likely to form.

Seniors: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay due to factors like gum recession and dry mouth. Fluoride varnish can help reduce this risk by providing extra protection, helping to maintain oral health well into older age.

Additional Benefits

Strengthens Enamel:

Enamel is the hard outer layer that protects teeth from daily wear and acids that can cause decay. Fluoride strengthens enamel by replenishing minerals that are lost when teeth are exposed to acidic foods and drinks, helping to prevent early tooth decay.

Reduces Cavity Risk:

For children, fluoride varnish is a highly effective way to prevent cavities. Studies have shown that fluoride varnish applications can reduce cavities by up to 43% in children. Adults who are at high risk for cavities, due to issues such as dry mouth or gum recession, also benefit from regular fluoride treatments

Quick, Safe & Painless:

Applying fluoride varnish is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It only takes a few minutes during a regular
dental check-up. The varnish is brushed onto the teeth, where it hardens almost instantly. Patients are advised to avoid eating or drinking for a short period afterward to ensure the varnish remains in place for maximum effectiveness.

Fluoride varnish is safe when applied by a dental professional and is endorsed by numerous health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoride. It is particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk of tooth decay and is a key component of preventative dental care.

Helps with Sensitivity:

Fluoride varnish can reduce tooth sensitivity, especially for patients who experience discomfort with hot or cold foods and beverages. By strengthening the enamel, fluoride varnish helps form a barrier that can block sensitivity triggers.

Affordable Preventive Care:

Preventive care is one of the best ways to save on dental expenses in the long run. Fluoride varnish is an affordable treatment that reduces the likelihood of developing more complex dental issues, which could require expensive treatments like fillings or crowns.

Conclusion:

Fluoride varnish is an essential part of maintaining strong, healthy teeth for individuals of all ages. Its ability to prevent decay, reverse early signs of cavities, and provide long-term protection makes it a cornerstone of modern dental care. Regular applications of fluoride varnish, combined with good oral hygiene practices, can lead to a lifetime of healthier smiles. Ask your hygienist about a fluoride treatment at your next visit https://www.drtimgillespie.com/contact/.

The post The Importance of Fluoride Varnish in Dental Care first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

In second grade, we stopped Matt on his way out the door with an overpacked book bag.  When asked about it, we found out he had been selling some of his inventory of stuffed animals for five dollars each to his classmates. We asked him to let us see in the backpack and when he opened it up, a rather large stuffed lion leapt out of the bag, which he said he was selling for ten dollars. Be still my heart.

You just can’t teach some things, and while go get ‘um is something that can certainly be honed, I think mostly it’s innate.  And Matt has it in spades. He graduated from NC State this past weekend with a BSBA degree with a Marketing concentration as well as a minor in Spanish and starts his first job as a newly-minted marketer with a firm in Raleigh in just a couple of weeks. He’s already thinking about buying his first home to develop as a rental and give him a second income stream right out of the gate. I’m one proud dad.  Proud indeed.  Congratulations, Matthew!

The post One Proud Dad: Second Son Graduates from College first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

It’s during Morning Huddle that we take time to consider every patient we’ll care for during the day. We think about your dental needs, your overall health, and any relevant news that can inform how we can best care for you. We love our patients and enjoy each detailed moment we spend supporting your best life!

This week marks the final voting week of Mountain Xpress’ Best of WNC Competition.  Your votes help support our independent business and the high standards we have for health care! Please consider giving us a shout out by selecting us as BEST DENTIST in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC competition.  You can vote here!

We couldn’t do it without your loyalty!

Thank you!,

The Gillespie Team

The post A Monday Morning Sneak Peek! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Over the next few months, we’ll be releasing interview sessions with Dr. Gillespie that illuminate our practice’s philosophy on patient care.  Please take a moment to hear our hopes for you and celebrate these 25 years with us!   

One other special occasion coming up is Mountain Xpress’ Best of WNC voting for the 2018 year!  For those of you that have voted for us in the past, thank you!  We are going on  our 8th year running as Best Dentist and would love your continued support.  Please take the time to vote for us in the BEST DENTIST category at Best of WNC 2018  !

To your good health!, 

Gillespie Dental Associates 

The post Let’s Celebrate! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Many people find that when cold weather arrives, their teeth become more sensitive.   This could be nature’s way of telling you there’s damage to the teeth or gums.  Cold sensitivity may be the result of several factors, including cracked teeth, gum shrinkage, thin enamel, or grinding.  Those who experience sensitive teeth for more than three days should speak with our office to have this problem evaluated.

Take Time to Research Your Dental Care Options for 2018 

Fall is the season when many will decide how they will manage their dental care in the upcoming year.  Options can include:

• Paying as needed throughout the year
• Choosing Dental Insurance through your work or Individual Insurance Plans
• Becoming a member of a Dental Savings Plan

It’s important to take the time to consider which option best fits your needs!  Our office offers a Membership Based Dental Savings Plan called Smile Advantage.  If you have any questions about Smile Advantage, please call our office or check out the New Patient Page at drtimgillespie.com

Manage Your Child’s (And Your Own! 🙂) Candy Eating

 It’s candy season!  To help avoid tooth damage, reduce candy eating to meal times.  That way the saliva you produce while eating will help to rinse the mouth of cavity causing bacteria!

EVER WONDER WHAT MAKES OUR OFFICE TICK?

CHECKOUT OUR NEW OFFICE VIDEO! 

The post Enjoy Our Fall Friendly Oral Healthcare Tips! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

I’m a control freak. I’m also very self-reliant. So, when I found myself in a position where I had to let go of control, to rely on others to take care of me before, during and after surgery, I had to have a little talk with myself. Although I was moderately successful in that endeavor, I admit that for a control freak like me, letting go means letting go of everything—turning yourself over to even the worst possible outcome. Then, the anesthesia mask comes over face, and fade to black.

A very few hours later, I opened my eyes and found myself in a different place, a recovery room. I was disoriented and foggy, but did have the presence of mind to do a quick self-check:  Am I in pain? How’s my heart rate? Blood pressure? Am I breathing on my own? Am I hooked to anything that might indicate a problem? Thankfully, no to all these. Still, I was very discombobulated. I couldn’t focus well, but noticed a figure beside me. As she put her hand on my arm, her calming voice told me I came through surgery well, that everything was going to be okay. And then, in what might seem like an odd thing to say to a 54-year old man, she asked, “Would you like a warm blanket?”, to which I replied without a moment’s thought, “Yes! Yes, I would!” I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of peace I experienced being tucked in with a warm blankie. The self-reliant control freak temporarily left behind, the scared child in me embraced the warm blanket and quickly drifted off to the Land of Nod, comfortable in the knowledge that I was safe and everything was going to be okay.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, I had a need taken care of that I didn’t even know I had, but the hospital folks knew. They helped separate me from the fear and anxiety of post-surgery  with a warm blanket—a warm blanket.  I think that is not only forward-thinking, but really a form of hospitality, and this simple offering and the feeling it caused is something I’ll be trying to replicate in my own practice. You may not get a warm blankie from me, but I will be figuring out how to give you the warm fuzzies in a dental chair!

The post Happiness is a Warm Blanket! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Please take a minute and go to http://mountainx.com/bestofwnc/ to cast your ballot!

Mtn. Xpress asks that you vote for at least 30 categories for the ballot to count, so be thinking about your favorite restaurant, physician, real estate agent, personal trainer, etc, as well.

A few helpful hints:  Click “Start Here” to register to vote.  You will then receive an email asking you to verify your registration by clicking on a provided link.  Once you do this, you will be taken to your ballot.  Simply press the “Start the Ballot” button and you’re off and running!  On the upper left of the ballot, click on “Sections,” then scroll down to “Health & Wellness.”  Once there, find the “Dentist” category and enter “Gillespie Dental Associates,” which will include myself, Dr. Peterson, Dr. Stephens, Dr. Deaton and my wonderful staff as well.  We would love it if you would click the “Share this vote on Facebook, Twitter” to publicize your vote, too!  Also, remember to visit the other Sections and vote for more favorites!  Once you’re finished, click “Submit Ballot” at the bottom of the page!

Thanks so much for keeping us on top!

The post Best of WNC 2016: Help Keep Us in the Top Spot! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Change in the dental world is very similar. Yearly, even daily, dentistry changes. Economic, social, and technological developments occur on a regular basis. We, at Gillespie Dental Associates, are excited about evolving and innovating with the times so we can continue to improve how we care for you! During our workshop, Biltmore pulled out all the stops to cultivate change in our office. We brainstormed, we drew graphs, we even danced (you can’t take us anywhere! :)), all with the intention of embracing the changing world and keeping excellent patient care as our North Star.

Here you can see one of our groups, “The Dreamgirls” as they call themselves, hard at work…

These ladies sure came up with a lot of great ideas!

Wait, did they even coordinate their outfits??!

We are so proud of the strategies we developed during our morning with Biltmore and can’t wait to continue partnering with you as leaders of dentistry in WNC.

The post A New Year, A Fresh Perspective! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Timothy E. Gillespie, DMD & Staff

The post Happy New Year! first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

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