3 Tips to Make Dental Care Fun for Your Kids!

3 Tips to Make Dental Care Fun for Your Kids!

Feb 1, 2024

February is Children’s Dental Health Month and an excellent time to think about the ways you can set your kiddos up with a dental routine that keeps their teeth healthy! Want to know our favorite way to help kids have good oral hygiene habits? Make it FUN! Here are three tips that will help make dental care sillier, more playful, and – most importantly – a regular part of your kid’s day!

  • Super Toothbrushes!

Invite Superman and Wonder Woman into your bathroom! Get your kids a toothbrush with their favorite superhero or cartoon character. You can then make brushing their teeth a game: POW! Superman is fighting all the bad guys in your kids mouth! ZAP! Wonder Woman is kicking out all the bad guys as you brush away all that cavity-causing bacteria. If superheroes aren’t your kiddo’s thing, get them a toothbrush in their favorite color. They can delight that their teeth were cleaned with PINK POWER! Find what is fun for your little one and brushing will no longer be a chore, it will be a game!

  • Silly Songs!

“When you wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to one and you want to have a little fun…You brush your teeth!” From Raffi and Laurie Berkner to Elmo and the Sesame Street Gang, there are a lot of fun and silly songs out there that will have your kids tapping their toes while they brush those pearly whites. If you need ideas, the ADA put together a list of their family-favorite songs to inspire healthy dental habits. Don’t feel you have to limit yourself to dental songs…if your little one loves Taylor Swift or Frozen, blast their favorite tunes and have a fun family dance party while they brush! 

  • Flossing Adventures!

Transform flossing into an exciting quest! Make up a fun and exciting story for your kiddo as you floss. Perhaps there is a brave hero who needs to explore between every tooth to look for the lost treasure! Or perhaps there is a lost hippopotamus and you’re on a flossing safari to find it! Use your imagination and have fun with it..your kiddo will be giggling and their gums will be healthy! 

Our team of dental care professionals is here to help you and your family have the best oral care possible. If you have questions, need to schedule your kids’s next cleaning, or want some more help getting your kids to commit to a regular dental routine, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re your partner in oral health and in keeping your kids smiling!

Employee Spotlight: Sue Libby – Office Manager

Employee Spotlight: Sue Libby – Office Manager

Jan 10, 2024

At Falmouth Dental Arts, we are lucky to have a compassionate team of some of the best oral health care professionals in the world!  Everyone loves coming to work each day to help our patients meet their oral health goals and receive the best care possible. To celebrate our amazing team, we are starting a new Employee Spotlight series on our blog. We want to highlight the individuals who make FDA an incredible place to work and receive dental care.

This month, we are thrilled to put the spotlight on our fabulous office manager, Sue Libby. She got her start with the beloved Dr. Knock and this month she celebrates 35 years working in oral health care! Congratulations, Sue!

What is your favorite part of your job?

Sue: My job now is more focused on the team and their needs. I love working with the newer employees and teaching them about dentistry and all that comes with serving our patients. I also enjoy celebrating the milestones with our more “seasoned” team members.

 

Tell us about a “day-in-your life” at FDA.

Sue: I handle anything from patient questions to staff payroll. Most days I am watching to be sure things are running smoothly in the office.

 

What is your favorite part of your personal oral care routine?

Sue: I use an Oral B electric toothbrush exclusively to brush my teeth. My teeth feel squeeky clean when I finish!

 

What is something most of your patients would be surprised to learn about you?

Sue: My husband and I ran a small motel for 6 years in the Sebago Lakes Region. Not only did running my own business help me with some aspects of my current position, but the customer service approach at Falmouth Dental Arts helped me handle some of our traveling customers at the motel!

 

What is something you like to do when you’re not at work?

Sue: I love to cook and I enjoy sewing. I also just became a grandmother so I am now spending lots of time with my sweet grandson!

 

Do you have a favorite place or thing you love to do in Maine?

Sue: My family has a camp in the Jackman Area. I really enjoy getting away and spending time relaxing there in the summer. It’s a great place to unwind, disconnect, and just enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of our state.

Thank you, Sue!

 

How to Stick with Healthy Habits

How to Stick with Healthy Habits

Jan 4, 2024

We all want healthier habits. We set our New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions, but it can feel so difficult to stick with them! We get it! Creating a new habit requires repetition and time…and it’s worth it! At FDA, we want to be your partner in oral health and support you in setting up a home care routine that works for you. So, to help you stick with your healthy habits, here are a few tips.

Start Small

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Focus on that first step you can take to improve your health. If you’re struggling to floss daily, start with flossing once a week. Make Fridays “Flossing Fridays!” As you achieve small goals you will be motivated to keep going. Plus once you see how you feel afterwards, it will encourage you to keep it up!

Stack it Up

An effective way to stick with a new habit is to combine it with an existing habit. This is called habit stacking. If you’d like to drink more water each day, try to do it alongside something else you do regularly. For example, after you brush your teeth…drink a glass of water! After you eat a meal…drink a glass of water! These two actions will become connected and overtime it will become part of your regular routine!

Celebrate Your Success

Help yourself stay motivated by celebrating your progress. It takes commitment and some hard work to make new habits. Give yourself the recognition you deserve! When you hit every “Flossing Friday” in a month, treat yourself to a movie or a nice meal out at your favorite restaurant. Find what gives you joy and make it a part of your new habit! Not only are you celebrating your success, but you’re celebrating your healthy life choices!

Another way to keep up with your healthy habits is to make yourself accountable by sharing your goals. Let us know what healthy habits you are working on when you come in for your regular check ups with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos. We can help track your oral health progress and be your cheerleader for sticking with it! After all, we are your partner in oral health. Give us a call if you have questions or need to schedule your next appointment – 207.781.5900.

3 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Oral Health

3 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Oral Health

Jan 3, 2024

Happy New Year! A new year is a new beginning which makes it the perfect time to incorporate some positive changes into your oral health care routine. At FDA, we consider oral health an important part of your overall health. In other words, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy whole body. Give yourself a boost with these three resolutions that can help transform your oral health care.

  1. Upgrade Your Brush!

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? According to the ADA, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If you’ve had one of those pesky viruses that has been circulating this winter, that’s a good time to replace your brush, too. As you’re shopping for a new toothbrush, why not upgrade to an electric toothbrush! Our team of amazing hygienists swear by them. Electric toothbrushes really do a superior job removing plaque and cleaning the surfaces of your teeth. Many electric toothbrushes also have a built-in timer so you’re sure to brush for a full two minutes. Going electric is an easy way to improve your home care routine!

2. Eat with Your Teeth in Mind!

What you eat has an impact on your oral health, so consider your teeth next time you’re snacking! Of course we recommend limiting your sugar intake, but there are also foods you can choose that will give your oral health a boost. For example, foods that are high in calcium, like cheese and yogurt, will support the health of your pearly whites and your gums. Yogurt also has the benefit of being a probiotic, which will help keep your mouth balanced with healthy bacteria. Also, cheese contains a protein called casein which helps fortify your tooth enamel. Eating crunchy fruits and veggies will help clean your teeth as you chew, as well as stimulate saliva so your mouth gets rinsed of harmful bacteria. Plus they are chock full of vitamins and minerals that support your health! An apple a day…keeps you smiling away! ?

3. Get Regular Check Ups!

Have you been avoiding coming to the dentist? Prioritize your oral health and schedule regular check ups with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos this year! Our top priority is making sure our patients receive the best oral care in an environment that is comfortable and supportive. If you feel nervous about visiting the dentist – we can help put you at ease! Give us a call and we can discuss our mild sedation options as well as other techniques we recommend for reducing dental anxiety. Our approach is all about designing a dental plan that fits your needs and budget so you can attain your dental health goals.

Embracing these easy New Year’s resolutions will help put you on the path to improved oral health. At FDA, we are your partner in oral care, and our compassionate team of professionals is always here to answer your questions and help you maintain a healthy and happy smile. If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900. Together, let’s make 2024 the year of radiant smiles and excellent oral health!

Happy, Healthy Holidays

Happy, Healthy Holidays

Dec 2, 2023

Hooray! The holidays are approaching! There’s so much to look forward to this time of year: gathering with family and friends, decorating the house with all the trimmings, giving back to your community, feasting on delicious holiday treats, giving and receiving the perfect gift…the list could go on and on! As you indulge in all the wonderful experiences this season has to offer, don’t forget to treat your mouth to some oral care that will keep it happy and healthy! Give your teeth the gift of excellent dental care! To help, here are our top three tips for a healthy holiday season:

Upgrade Your Toothbrush

You brush your teeth twice a day, so give yourself the best brush for the job. Our hygienists LOVE electric toothbrushes – they are more effective at cleaning plaque from your teeth and do a better job getting into all the nooks and crannies. If you’re not ready to go electric with your oral care, think about treating yourself to a new regular brush. We recommend you replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become frayed. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush after an illness to ensure you don’t spread more germs. Look for a brush with soft bristles and the ADA seal of approval.

Drink More Water

This time of year, we all tend to eat more sweets and drink more sugary beverages. Hot cocoa is just too good! With all the extra indulgences, it’s especially important to drink lots of water. Drinking water helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles and can even help reduce plaque build-up. Reach for a glass of water after your meals or snacks to keep your mouth and your whole body feeling good!

Find Time for Flossing

Flossing is a hard habit to keep up with, especially when life gets busy…we know! Try reframing the task as a gift to yourself – flossing is truly one of the best things you can do for your oral health and your overall health. For example, studies show that flossing regularly is linked to improving health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If traditional floss is challenging for you, explore the alternatives such as water flossers and dental picks. Our team of hygienists often recommend products like ‘Go Betweens’ and ‘Plackers’ to patients. Find a product that works best for you and then find a time that works as well. It doesn’t matter when you floss, anytime is a good time to floss! If bedtime flossing feels like too much, try to set up the habit for your morning brush. This holiday season, give yourself the gift that will keep on giving to your overall health and wellness…flossing!

We hope you and your family have a truly wonderful holiday season this year! If it’s been awhile since you’ve been in to see Dr. Karagiorgos or Dr. Brunacini, please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We love giving our patients the best oral health care possible and would love to see you!