May 26, 2021
Here’s a reason to smile… National Smile Day is May 31! National Smile Day was founded by two family dentists in Illinois to celebrate the power of a smile and draw attention to the importance of good dental health and hygiene. This is our kind of national celebration! At FDA, we love helping our patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. Here are 5 easy tips to take care of your smile on National Smile Day and every day!
1. Don’t rush the brush
Although it might seem like the most basic of dental tips, brushing at least twice a day is just the beginning. Brush your teeth for a minimum of 2-3 minutes each time in a gentle, circular motion with an ADA-approved toothpaste. Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months. Don’t hesitate to ask our caring team of hygienists to give you a refresher on brushing basics at your next appointment!
2. Floss like a boss
Flossing is just as important as brushing, as bacteria is most likely to form in between the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. The ADA recommends flossing one time per day. If using traditional string floss is difficult for you to maneuver, try using a water flosser instead.
3. Rinse and repeat
After you’ve flossed and brushed, we recommend that you use an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse away any remaining bacteria and plaque. Even if you don’t have mouthwash on hand, swishing with water is still better than nothing at all.
4. Take care of your teeth from the inside out
A diet rich in calcium, along with lots of fruits and vegetables, is good for your oral health! Eating foods that are full of essential vitamins and minerals can help to reduce inflammation and support healthy teeth and gums.
5. Schedule regular check ups with our team of compassionate dental professionals
As your partners in oral health, we want you to have the healthiest and best smile possible! Regular check ups with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are an important part of a good oral health care routine. If you have put off your routine check up due to concerns about COVID-19, or you are hesitant for any other reason, please get in touch, as we are here to help!
We hope these tips are helpful and we hope you have lots of reasons to smile this National Smile Day! If you have questions about your oral health or need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900.
*Image courtesy of www.emojipedia.org
May 25, 2021
It may surprise you to know that our wonderful Dr. Brunacini loves to learn about teeth! Not just as a dentist, but also as an anthropologist… Dr. Brunacini is fascinated by the field of Dental Anthropology. We had to get to the root of the matter, so we’re kicking off Part 1 of an interview series with Professor Brunacini to learn more about the history of our teeth and Dental Anthropology.
What is Dental Anthropology?
Dr. Bruncaini: Dental anthropology is a branch of physical anthropology that focuses on the development, evolution, and variability of teeth and related orofacial structures. In other words, it’s about the history of teeth in humans. What more could a dentist ask for in a field of study?
What interests you about this field?
Dr. Brunacini: A lot! By learning about how structures in the mouth form, we can learn how we are related to other animals. We can also learn about the history of different cultures throughout time. For example, we can learn about the foods they ate or how healthy they were overall.
What is something that surprised or fascinated you in your research?
Dr. Brunacini: I had no idea how long basic dentistry has been around. There is a record of beeswax dental fillings from 6500 years ago! It is incredible to witness the drive of humans to innovate and try to improve their well being by using their environment. This is something we still do today.
Where can people learn more?
Dr. Brunacini: People who are interested in learning more can visit The Dental Anthropology Association website. It’s a great resource. Or patients can feel free to ask me more at their next appointment!
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!
We’ll continue this exploration and delve a little deeper into this interesting topic in the coming months. If you have a question about dental anthropology or need to schedule your next appointment please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
Apr 20, 2021
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which represents an opportunity for dental professionals to raise awareness about early detection and treatment for their patients. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, although an estimated 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year, “Regular oral cancer examinations performed by your oral health professional remain the best method for detecting oral cancer in its early stages.” At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’ve had a long-standing commitment to oral cancer screening for our patients. However, you may have some questions about oral cancer or how Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and the hygienists perform screenings during your appointment. We recently posted a video on our Facebook page, and wanted to provide some more basic information about oral cancer and our screening procedures.
Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Being over the age of 40.
- Tobacco use – heavy cigarette use (especially over the age of 50) has been linked to a higher incidence of oral cancer.
- Alcohol use – heavy drinkers of alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer than nondrinkers.
- Sun exposure – lip cancers are associated with excessive sun exposure and a failure to use sunscreen.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – although HPV is an extremely common virus that will usually clear on its own, a small percentage of those with HPV will go on to develop oral cancers. Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer as a result of HPV. A vaccine is available (up to age 45), which prevents many strains of HPV, including those which increase the risk for oral cancers.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Patients should let us know if they see any white patches in the mouth or gums or increased bleeding, as these can sometimes be signs of oral cancer. A good rule of thumb is, if you notice any recent changes to your mouth, teeth or gums, or experience any pain or tenderness, it is always a good idea to let us know. There is no such thing as a silly question!
Screening and Early Detection
Oral cancer screening is an important step in identifying cancer as soon as possible. When treated early, oral cancer has an estimated 80-90% survival rate. Regular dental care is a first line of defense against oral cancer. As your dental care partners, we are an essential part of your healthcare team, and see many of our patients at least twice a year!
What to Expect from Your Oral Cancer Screening
We screen our patients for oral cancer at every hygiene appointment. Our screening methods typically include a simple visual exam of the soft tissues of the mouth. We will examine the gum tissue, lips, cheeks, and tongue. We will also palpate (gently press on) areas of the face and neck to check for any nodules or lumps. If there is an area of concern, we may offer to do a VELscope screening. VELscope is a safe, non-invasive early detection screening device that emits a blue light that quickly allows our clinicians to identify abnormal cells before they are visible to the naked eye. The graphic below demonstrates the difference between healthy cells (Normal Epithelial Cells) and abnormal cells (Abnormal or Dysplastic Epithelial Cells), that become visible under the Blue Excitation Light.
If we have any reason for concern based on our visual exam and screening, the next step would be a referral to an oral surgeon for additional consultation. An oral surgeon may decide to perform a biopsy of the area for further evaluation. Most of the time, a biopsy will rule out oral cancer. However, if the biopsy is positive for precancerous or cancerous cells, additional treatment may be necessary. Throughout the evaluation and referral process, we will remain involved every step of the way to provide support and follow-up care. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us, as we’re here to help!
Check out our new website – its new features are sure to make you smile!
Apr 10, 2021
Image courtesy of www.seattlemag.com
Earth Day is a good reminder for us to be mindful of the ways our habits impact the environment…even our healthy habits. At FDA, we make an effort to go green when we can and know many of our patients are making the same effort. There are steps we can all take to improve our environmental footprint as we improve our oral health. Here are 3 ways you can make your oral health routine more eco-friendly:
Turn off the Water While You Brush.
This tip is an oldie but a goodie – turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. This simple act can save up to 8 gallons every day and over 200 gallons a month! Not only will you be conserving water and helping the planet, but you’ll also be saving money on your water bills. Turn off that tap!
Explore Green Floss Alternatives.
We talk about it constantly – dental floss is an important component in your oral health care routine. Flossing once a day helps prevent gum disease and cavities. It truly is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, but it’s not necessarily one of the best things for the planet. Most dental floss is made out of nylon and comes in plastic containers, which all end up in the landfill, or worse, the ocean. There are sustainable alternatives, however. Look for silk dental floss or consider a Water Flosser. Here is a resource for exploring some eco-friendly alternatives. Take care of your gums while you reduce the amount of waste in your dental routine!
Make Your Own Toothpaste.
DIY toothpaste? Yes! We’ve posted recipes on our blog before and in honor of Earth Day this year we thought we’d share one of our all-natural recipes that will leave your mouth feeling fresh and leave less plastic waste behind. Most of these toothpaste ingredients can be found at any health food store or online retailer:
Coconut Oil Toothpaste
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 to 3 TBS baking soda
- 2 small packets of stevia powder
- 15 to 20 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil (for flavor)*
- 10 drops myrrh extract (optional for flavor)*
Melt or slightly soften the coconut oil, then mix in all other ingredients and stir well. Mix using a fork if you are using semi-hard coconut oil and use a spoon for liquid coconut oil. If you melted the coconut oil using a heat source, stir the mixture as it cools to prevent the baking soda from separating.
*Essential oils can be potent, so start with a few drops then add more to taste. Make sure to use therapeutic-grade essential oils that are safe to ingest. Feel free to substitute other essential oils if you prefer.
At FDA we strive to take care of the planet as we provide the best oral health care for our patients. From using digital records and x-rays for our patients to our mercury-free fillings to our commitment to Holistic Dentistry, we are continually finding ways to be more sustainable in our practice. This Earth Day, we hope you join us in making an effort to improve your oral health routine for the health of the environment. If you have any questions about other ways to be eco-friendly while caring for your smile or need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900.
Mar 23, 2021
*Image courtesy of www.thespruce.com
Even though there may still be snow on the ground in Maine when you read this, Spring is just around the corner! With each wonderous bulb that pops up, Spring brings the promise of renewal and growth. Why not apply the spirit of Spring to your smile? Cosmetic procedures can rejuvenate your teeth and give you the smile of your dreams! We offer a variety of options for patients looking to brighten, whiten, or fix their teeth, many of which can be accomplished in as little as one or two appointments. Here are 5 ways we can help you improve your smile:
Porcelain Veneers
If you have chipped, worn, or stained teeth, porcelain veneers can provide a sleek and attractive option for changing their shape, color, and length. Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that are shaped and fixed to your natural teeth, and can be custom fitted to your teeth in just two short visits. They look and feel just like your other teeth, and don’t require special or additional care.
If the condition or color of your teeth has been detracting from your everyday life, porcelain veneers may be the perfect solution for you. Have a short conversation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos to learn more!
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most well known cosmetic treatments, and we offer both in-office whitening and at-home options. Teeth whitening is a safe way to achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted, and can be done in just a few treatments. However, whitening is not for everyone. For example, whitening previously restored teeth, especially in the front part of the mouth, can make the fillings more noticeable, since the enamel will whiten while the fillings resist the bleach. Also, bleaching can also be uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth. Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos can work with you to determine if bleaching is right for your teeth.
Dental Bonding
Small chips and discolorations in your teeth are often unnoticeable to others, but we understand that seeing the same stains and fractures everyday can become a significant irritation. Dental bonding is an affordable and painless procedure that can address many different cosmetic flaws or injuries, by smoothing out or repairing damaged teeth. We use dental bonding to sculpt individual teeth with a special tooth-like material that looks, acts, and feels like the real thing. Bonding can also be completed very quickly, as the composite resin adheres quickly to your teeth and can then be polished and shaped to match your other teeth. This is a great option for a lot of our patients!
Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, there may be a better solution for you than wearing uncomfortable dentures. Many people believe that if they can still eat, then tooth loss isn’t an issue; however, missing teeth leads to a loss of support in the mouth and forces other healthy teeth to drift. Dental implants provide a great long-term option for replacing lost teeth in a safe and predictable way, as they are designed to last a lifetime.
You may be better suited for implants than you realize as your general health is a better indicator than your age. We aim to make every process as comfortable and safe as possible, and we can help you to determine whether implants are the right choice for you.
Invisalign
Did you put off getting braces when you were younger? Do you notice changes in the way your teeth fit together?
Falmouth Dental Arts can help you correct crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, or other bite issues with Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can be a great alternative to traditional wired braces. More than simply giving you a straighter smile, Invisalign can also enhance your ability to chew and even alleviate some speech impediments. Straighter teeth are also easier to clean and give many people some added confidence behind their smile.
There are several clear tray straightening products. Invisalign is the one we recommend and use at Falmouth Dental Arts. Using the world’s most advanced clear aligning process, Invisalign can start transforming your smile from the first fitting!
If you want to rejuvenate your smile and have any questions about if a cosmetic procedure is the right option for you, please give us a call at 207.781.5900! We are your partner in oral health care and love to help patients have a healthy, beautiful smile!
