Dec 17, 2020
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…to give back! Healthy smiles are one of the best gifts, and we believe that everyone should have access to oral health care. That’s why we work with Dental Lifeline and Dancing with the Dentists to help people in our community receive the dental care they need. If you haven’t heard of these two wonderful organizations, let us help you learn more about great work being done in oral health!
Dental Lifeline is a national charitable organization that was founded in 1974. Its mission is to improve the oral health of people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile. Through its flagship program, Donated Dental Services (DDS), oral care is provided to people who cannot afford necessary treatments and cannot receive public aid. With its network of 15,000 dentists and 3,500 labs nationwide, the DDS program has provided $378 million in donated therapies and transformed the lives of 120,550 people.
Our beloved Dr. Knock envisioned Dancing with the Dentists and drew from his local dental network to build a ballroom dancing competition that generated funds for several local charities. Our very own Dr. Brunacini and his wife, Jenny, won the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy in Season 1! Dancing with the Dentists Season 4 will take place in 2022, and will feature 10 courageous dental professionals on the ballroom floor, showing off their moves to raise money for The Root Cellar and Dental Lifeline. A fun competition that also makes a real impact, Dancing with the Dentists raised over $40,000 for charity at their last event!
We have also worked with Dentists Who Care for ME and look forward to continuing to support their great work when they are able to hold the next event for their services.
Giving back and caring about our community has never felt more important. 2020 has been full of challenges, to say the least. This holiday season, we also look forward to supporting our local business community. As a locally-owned small business, we feel grateful to be a part of such a conscientious and kind community. We’re all in this together!
We wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season! Thank you for being a part of the FDA Family!
*Image courtesy of www.shutterstock.com
Nov 27, 2020
Did you know that saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay? We speak the truth…saliva is a really big deal! Saliva helps wash away food, fortify your teeth with minerals, and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. It is crucial to your oral health, which is why if you experience dry mouth, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos want to know. Dry mouth, also known xerostomia, can be a symptom of another medical issue or a side effect of certain medications. It can be a particular issue for patients over 60. So, what causes dry mouth? And what are the complications that can result from it? Let’s take a closer look:
Causes of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not a disease, but can be a symptom of other medical conditions. One example is Sjogren’s Syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands. Other conditions that can cause dry mouth include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cystic fibrosis. Hormonal changes in the body like women experience during pregnancy and menopause can also impact saliva production. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are part of your health care team, and if you have a medical condition that impacts your saliva or mouth, it is helpful to keep us in the loop. Share your medical history with us so we can help you be proactive about your symptoms and your oral health.
Along with your medical history, it is also important to share what medications you take with Dr. Bruncini and Dr. Karagiorgos. Certain medications can have dry mouth as a side effect. These medications can range from chemotherapy to antidepressants to over-the-counter antihistamines. Dry mouth is one of the most common adverse side effects and fortunately there are options to help restore moisture to your mouth. Sharing your medication list with us helps us know all the factors contributing to your oral health so we can help design a treatment plan that is right for you.
Complications of Dry Mouth
It can be uncomfortable to experience dry mouth and problematic to your dental health. You may experience complications such as a sore throat, trouble speaking, difficulty chewing and swallowing, or notice that your saliva feels sticky and that you have bad breath. Mouth sores and yeast infections are other complications that may arise. If you wear dentures, you may experience issues with their fit and comfort without proper saliva production. Your mouth will also be exposed to more bacteria which puts you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Don’t worry, if you’re experiencing some of the discomfort associated with dry mouth, we can help! Talk to Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, or your hygienist. We will have tips and recommendations to help you find relief while you care for your teeth and mouth. For example, we can help you find a sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and restore moisture, or steer you towards oral rinses that will replace moisture. As always, remember to keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day! If you have more questions or concerns about your oral health or would like to schedule an appointment or consultation, give us a call at 207.781.5900.
**Image courtesy of www.thedoctorweighsin.com
Nov 23, 2020
Did you know that saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay? We speak the truth…saliva is a really big deal! Saliva helps wash away food, fortify your teeth with minerals, and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. It is crucial to your oral health, which is why if you experience dry mouth, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos want to know. Dry mouth, also known xerostomia, can be a symptom of another medical issue or a side effect of certain medications. It can be a particular issue for patients over 60. So, what causes dry mouth? And what are the complications that can result from it? Let’s take a closer look:
Causes of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not a disease, but can be a symptom of other medical conditions. One example is Sjogren’s Syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture producing glands. Other conditions that can cause dry mouth include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cystic fibrosis. Hormonal changes in the body like women experience during pregnancy and menopause can also impact saliva production. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are part of your health care team, and if you have a medical condition that impacts your saliva or mouth, it is helpful to keep us in the loop. Share your medical history with us so we can help you be proactive about your symptoms and your oral health.
Along with your medical history, it is also important to share what medications you take with Dr. Bruncini and Dr. Karagiorgos. Certain medications can have dry mouth as a side effect. These medications can range from chemotherapy to antidepressants to over-the-counter antihistamines. Dry mouth is one of the most common adverse side effects and fortunately there are options to help restore moisture to your mouth. Sharing your medication list with us helps us know all the factors contributing to your oral health so we can help design a treatment plan that is right for you.
Complications of Dry Mouth
It can be uncomfortable to experience dry mouth and problematic to your dental health. You may experience complications such as a sore throat, trouble speaking, difficulty chewing and swallowing, or notice that your saliva feels sticky and that you have bad breath. Mouth sores and yeast infections are other complications that may arise. If you wear dentures, you may experience issues with their fit and comfort without proper saliva production. Your mouth will also be exposed to more bacteria which puts you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Don’t worry, if you’re experiencing some of the discomfort associated with dry mouth, we can help! Talk to Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, or your hygienist. We will have tips and recommendations to help you find relief while you care for your teeth and mouth. For example, we can help you find a sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and restore moisture, or steer you towards oral rinses that will replace moisture. As always, remember to keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day! If you have more questions or concerns about your oral health or would like to schedule an appointment or consultation, give us a call at 207.781.5900.
**Image courtesy of www.thedoctorweighsin.com
Nov 11, 2020
Welcome to Dental Health 101! Educating our patients is one of our top priorities at FDA, and we thought it would be fun to test your knowledge of some oral health care basics with a pop quiz! Relax, this won’t impact your final grade. 😉 So, grab your extra-sharp No.2 pencils and see if you pass the FDA Basic Dental Health Pop Quiz!
1.When should you bring your child to the dentist for the first time?
A. Between the age of 1 to 3
B. When they lose their first tooth
C. If they have yellow teeth
Answer: A – We recommend you start bringing your children around the age of 1 to 3 to start their dental care. As soon as your child has teeth, they can get cavities and it is helpful to be proactive about oral health care. Each child is different as to when they are ready and our goal is to make coming to the dentist a positive experience for them. Our compassionate team is here to help you start a lifetime of healthy habits for your kids. If you need tips for getting your kids to brush, give us a call!
2. True or False: Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
Answer: True! It is even harder than bone! A highly resilient surface, it is 96% mineral which makes it extremely durable, lasting hundreds of years. Despite its toughness, enamel can still chip or crack. Take care of tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay by brushing twice-a-day and flossing daily. If a chip happens your tooth enamel can’t repair itself, so come see Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos to talk about your options for repair or restoration.
3. How long should I brush my teeth?
A. 45 seconds
B. 2 minutes
C. 90 seconds
Answer: B – Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice-a-day. While the average American only brushes their teeth for about 45 seconds, give your teeth the extra love they need to help reduce plaque and maintain your gum health. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that automatically shuts off after two minutes…how easy is that?! Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice-a-day, along with daily flossing, regular dental check-ups, and a healthy diet is the basic recipe for a healthy mouth and a healthy life!
4. True or False: A healthy diet can impact your oral health.
Answer: True! A diet rich in vegetables, high-calcium dairy products, protein, and omega-3s, not only keeps your body healthy, but helps your mouth stay healthy, too! Those crisp fruits and veggies help stimulate saliva to keep your teeth clean…kind of like brushing your teeth. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D help maintain a strong tooth structure, while those omega-3s contribute to a healthy inflammatory response in your body. When you nourish your body, you also support your oral health…so load up your plate with leafy greens, nuts, crunchy veggies, fish, and dairy products. We’re always happy to share healthy tips, so feel free to ask us about what food to incorporate into your diet for improved oral health at your next appointment!
5. For optimal cleaning, brush your teeth:
A. Like you’re scrubbing a toilet
B. Like you’re scraping paint
C. Like you’re massaging a friend
Answer: C – You can brush your teeth too hard: over-brushing your teeth with a stiff-bristled brush or with a lot of force you can damage your tooth enamel and erode your gums. Treat your teeth and gums with care and take a more gentle approach with your pearly whites. Look for an extra soft-bristled brush with the ADA “Seal of Approval” and gently brush at a 45-degree angle so you clean your teeth and massage your gums without causing damage.
How did your dental health knowledge stack up? Whether you aced this quiz or bombed it, please know that FDA is always here to answer your questions and show you the best dental care techniques. We are your partners in your oral health and strive to empower you with knowledge so together we create a customized course of treatment that works for you. Call us at 207.781.5900 with questions or to schedule your next appointment!
Oct 26, 2020
When was the last time you checked in with your jaw? In these stressful times, perhaps you’ve noticed that you clench or grind your teeth more frequently, or that your jaw has begun to pop as you chew or talk. While occasional grinding or clenching may not be harmful, regular grinding can cause damage to your teeth and impact your jaws and joints. Sounds scary! However, you’re not alone! Some 30 to 40% of Americans have jaw pain or grind their teeth. Talking to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos is a great first step to addressing the aches in your jaw and face. Here are some symptoms to look out for and some tips to keep your jaw from causing you pain.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, often happens at night while you sleep. Even if you’re not aware of grinding and clenching your teeth, you’re probably experiencing some symptoms in the daylight hours. Here are a few common symptoms:
- Dull headache
- Sore jaw, neck, or face muscles
- Popping or cracking when moving jaw
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Chipped or flattened teeth
There are steps you can take to stop grinding your teeth and Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos should be part of your plan. If you feel like you have been experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, come in for a comprehensive dental exam so we can help develop a special treatment plan for you. For example, we can prescribe and fabricate a night guard to help protect your teeth. We can also help you address your stress, as well as find resources and support for relaxing your mind and your jaw muscles. Some tips to consider include:
- Exercise for whole body health and stress reduction
- Counseling to help with stress and anxiety
- Warm compresses to help ease jaw tension
- Jaw exercises to help relax the muscles before bedtime
So, remember to brush your teeth, floss, and relax your jaw! If you need help addressing your jaw pain or teeth grinding, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are here to help you have dental care that treats you and helps you have a healthy mouth and a healthy life!
