Mar 4, 2022
March 6–12, 2022 is Dental Assistants’ Week, a celebration of dental assistants and the value they bring to our patients and to the FDA team. This year’s theme is, “Passionate about our patients, dedicated to our profession,” and each of our five multi-talented dental assistants exemplify this on a daily basis. They each bring their skills and positive attitudes to our practice, and are always seeking to elevate the comfort and satisfaction of our patients. If you’ve had an opportunity to meet Lisa, Pat, Mary, Mirela, or Chelsey, then you know this to be true! In honor of our fantastic team, we have put together some quotes from our dental assistants themselves, sharing what they love most about their jobs. We appreciate them during Dental Assistants’ Week and every day!
Lisa
Lisa has been helping patients achieve better smiles for more than 25 years, joining the FDA family in 2019. For Lisa, her joy of coming to work also extends to providing excellent preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care for FDA patients. And it is a joy to have her on our team. Thank you, Lisa!
Pat
Pat has been a Certified Dental Assistant for over 17 years . She handles patient radiology and assists chairside for cosmetic and restorative procedures. We are grateful for Pat and the compassion she shows our patients. Thank you, Pat!
Mary
Mary has worked in the dental field since 1995, spending many of those years at Falmouth Dental Arts. Mary enjoys helping people and seeing the results of a successful treatment. We love Mary’s positive attitude and commitment to the team. Thank you, Mary!
Mirela
Mirela has worked in the dental field since 2003, joining the Falmouth Dental Arts team in 2017. With a background in pediatric dentistry, Mirela demonstrates exceptional compassion for her patients and team. Thank you, Mirela!
Chelsey
Chelsey joined FDA in 2020. After an experience traveling to Central America on a mission trip to assist a dentist with restorative work, Chelsey realized she wanted to work in the dental field. We are grateful to have Chelsey on our team! Thank you, Chelsey!
Learn more about our fantastic dental assistants and the rest of our team of compassionate dental professionals here.
If you have questions about your oral health or need to schedule your next appointment, feel free to give us a call at 207.781.5900. Our wonderful dental assistants, along with Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and the rest of the team, are here to help!
Feb 7, 2022
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Falmouth Dental Arts! “Tooth” be told, we love our patients and are committed to providing a patient-centered approach to your complete and compassionate care. Your comfort level is paramount to us and that’s why we strive to be on the cutting edge of dentistry, offering the latest in dental technology. Thanks to your valuable feedback, we will continue to offer the best services and amenities to make you feel as comfortable as possible with your dental care experience. Over the years we have heard from you, our patients, about some of the things you appreciate most about Falmouth Dental Arts. Read on for some of our favorite patient “love letters” below.
Tami G.
As always, everything exceeded expectations. The people, place, procedure, professionalism, and pleasantries can make a new crown without a frown. FDA patient for over 20 years.
Timothy L.
Great staff, very knowledgeable, a wonderful experience and I learn something new every time I go in!
Julia L.
Always friendly, always caring. The dentists and hygienists listen to you and make you feel heard. I’m one of those fearful of dentistry types and I’d go nowhere else.
Cheryl H.
Absolutely superb care! Dr. Karagiorgos is highly skilled, compassionate, and a true dental health care partner. All the staff I’ve encountered are friendly, professional, and kind, and I’ve known some of them for decades. My daughter, a patient since she was a very young child, entrusts my grandson’s dental care to Dr. K and his staff. Falmouth Dental Arts is a truly exceptional practice.
J. Kernis
Thanks to my friends who recommended Falmouth Dental Arts. I am new to Maine and am pleased with my first visit to their practice. The hygienist was thorough and gentle. I appreciated that Dr. Brunacini, while also thorough in the dental exam, was practical and modest in his treatment recommendation. The office was simple, clean, comfortable, quiet, and all personnel were pleasant. I am delighted to find a dental practice that feels friendly, extremely competent, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping me maintain my dental health without pushing me into expensive treatment plans.
Thank you, patients, we feel the love! We are so grateful for our wonderful family of patients and want to provide you with the best oral care possible! To show you how much we care on Valentine’s Day (and every day), we pledge to continue to:
- Design a dental plan with you that fits your needs and budget.
- Make sure that you feel comfortable physically and emotionally while you are in our care.
- Offer a range of treatments to help you attain your dental health goals.
- Provide the least invasive products and procedures.
- Build a partnership with you as we plan for your care.
Keep spreading the love to your teeth and gums by keeping up with your daily oral health routine and hygiene appointments! If you need to schedule an appointment, or have some feedback to share with us, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
Feb 4, 2022
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which makes now the perfect time to review how to care for your little or big kids’ teeth at home. This month-long awareness campaign was created by the American Dental Association to bring together dental professionals to promote the benefits of children’s oral health. Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe that children should be actively involved with caring for their own teeth. Good oral habits start early and it’s important to create positive memories for your little ones about their dental experience. Our compassionate team of dental professionals is always happy to spend time educating both parents and children on good dental health habits such as scheduling check-ups and creating a daily flossing and brushing routine. Read on for a few of our favorite tips!
Tips for Babies and Toddlers
- At the first sign of a new tooth, use an infant toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and gently brush those mini pearly whites. Look for toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association for use with babies – if you need product recommendations, let us know!
- When your baby has two teeth side-by-side (usually the bottom center two teeth), you can begin flossing between them.
- Schedule your babies’ first dental check-up by 12 months of age. You can expect that during the first visit we will introduce your child to our office, the dental chair, and any tools and products that we will be using during a routine cleaning appointment. We start by simply taking a look into your child’s mouth to get them accustomed to this routine while we assess their teeth and gums. Our warm and friendly professional team is skilled at taking each step at a pace that is comfortable for your child. Your child’s first visit may also include a fluoride treatment, depending on his or her age, needs, and readiness.
Tips for Big Kids
- Continue to supervise your child’s brushing habits up to age 8 as they may not always brush long enough and may need to be reminded not to swallow the toothpaste. Replace his or her toothbrush every 3-4 months with a theme or color of their choosing. Reinforce that they should be brushing twice a day, for two minutes each time.
- Teach your child or teen about the importance of both hydration and good nutrition. Explain why healthy snacks like fruits and veggies as well as calcium-rich foods like yogurt and cheese are good for growing teeth and bones.
- Make sure your big kid flosses and swishes with a fluoride rinse once per day.
- Schedule your child’s dental appointments two times per year or more, if recommended. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos love seeing the next generation of smiles coming through the office doors and helping them to establish healthy dental habits early on!
If you have any questions at all about your child’s dental health or need to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900.
Jan 11, 2022
Wintertime in Maine can feel like the longest of the four seasons, but luckily there are a variety of sports and recreational activities for adults and kids to choose from to keep busy during the colder months. Whether you are competing on a winter sports team or getting outside for some fun and fresh air, it is important to take precautions to keep yourself safe. This includes wearing protective gear when necessary and knowing what to do in the case of a dental injury. If you have any questions about how we can help you protect your smile this winter, feel free to talk to your team at Falmouth Dental Arts, as we are your partners in dental health. In the meantime, read more about winter activities and dental safety below.
Protective Gear
In addition to wearing a helmet to protect your head, wearing a mouthguard is your first line of defense against dental injuries. We support the American Dental Association’s recommendation that mouthguards be worn when participating in the following list of winter sports and activities, even if they are not required:
- Wrestling
- Basketball
- Ice Hockey
- All Collision, Contact, and Combat Sports
- Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
- Ice Skating
- Sledding
Types of Mouthguards
Make sure to choose a mouthguard that is approved by the ADA and designed for your specific sport or activity. There are a few different types of mouthguards you can choose from:
- Stock Mouthguards – Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready-to-wear in various sizes. Stock mouthguards tend to be inexpensive but do not offer a custom fit.
- Boil and Bite Mouthguards – These mouthguards are softened in hot water before wearing and are placed in your mouth to create an impression of your teeth and bite before they harden.
- Mouthguards for Braces – It is important to choose a mouthguard that is designed specifically for those who wear braces.
Have questions? Talk to us about selecting the mouthguard that is best for you. We are here to help!
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Store your mouthguards in a case to keep them protected from bacteria, pets, and loss. Clean them regularly with toothpaste, mild soap, or baking soda. Rinse thoroughly and dry before storing them in their case. Replace them as soon as they get torn, thin from wear, or no longer fit well.
What to Do if You’re Injured
If a dental injury does occur, call our office right away at 207.781.5900 to schedule an appointment. Our team of compassionate dental professionals will help you with a treatment plan and coordinate with your other health care professionals as needed. If it is outside of our regular business hours, when you call our office line you will be given the option to get in touch with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. In the event of a head injury or any other type of serious injury, please contact your physician as soon as possible or go to your nearest emergency room.
Jan 10, 2022
The new year brings an excellent opportunity to update your health and wellness habits. At Falmouth Dental Arts we often talk about how part of your overall wellness is good oral health, so this year, why not commit to having the healthiest smile possible, starting with this list of dental health resolutions:
1) Get a Fresh Start with a New Toothbrush
Ideally, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, but the new year is also a great time to start fresh by replacing all the toothbrushes in your household. We recommend electric toothbrushes to our patients; they provide a superior clean and help keep your gums healthy. If you prefer a traditional toothbrush, look for one with soft or ultra-soft bristles. Choose a toothpaste that is ADA-approved and contains fluoride.
2) Brush Up on Your Technique
Are your brushing skills up to speed? Proper technique includes brushing gently for 2-3 minutes, twice a day, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth, both front and back. Our team of hygienists is always happy to demonstrate “best brushing techniques” so feel free to ask at your next appointment!
3) Add Flossing to Your Routine
If you are skipping the flossing step in your dental routine, this is the perfect time to make a positive change. Start with once a week and then build up to a daily flossing habit. Also, if you find that you often forget to floss at night, try a different time of day or set a reminder on your phone. Using water flossers or regular floss will help clean food and plaque from between your teeth, helping to keep your gums healthy.
4) Use a Mouthwash
Studies show that using mouthwash on a regular basis is beneficial to your mouth, teeth, and gums. Rinsing with mouthwash gets to the places that toothbrushes can’t, cleans your whole mouth (including your tongue), and freshens your breath! Our hygienists recommend Oxyfresh mouth rinse, an alcohol and dye free formula flavored with essential oils.
5) Drink More Water
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is good for your entire body, and your teeth are no exception. Water is by far the healthiest beverage choice, and drinking a glass after every meal is a great way to rinse away bacteria and help prevent tooth decay.
6) Kick the Tobacco Habit
Ring in the new year by resolving to quit using tobacco products – both smoking and chewing. Tobacco use is linked to oral cancer, as well as tooth decay and gum problems. For help with quitting smoking, consult the Center for Disease Control’s Tips From Former Smokers or talk to our team for additional ideas and support.
7) Upgrade Your Smile
In keeping with a “new year, new you” theme, why not treat yourself to the smile you’ve always wanted with cosmetic dentistry? We offer teeth whitening, bonding, Invisalign, and more – just ask! If you have been delaying dental work, like fillings, crowns, or other repairs because you have maxed out your dental insurance plan, the new year usually resets your maximum benefits back to zero, meaning that your full allowance should now be available again. For any questions about your dental insurance coverage, feel free to give us a call at 207.781.5900 and we would be happy to look into this for you.
8) An Ounce of Prevention
Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, in conjunction with our team of compassionate dental professionals, will help you to develop a hygiene schedule at home, as well as in our office. Routine hygiene visits that include digital x-rays and cleanings are the best way to address issues before they arise and to maintain your dental health in the new year and beyond!
