Feb 2, 2023
February is Gum Disease Awareness month and we at FDA are here to help spread the word on how important it is to keep your gums healthy. We are always looking for ways to educate our patients about the importance of oral health and best practices, and learning more about gum disease can be a great motivator for taking better care of your gums and teeth. Here are three facts about gum disease that you may not know:
1) Almost 50% of Adults in the US Have Gum Disease
A recent report by the CDC showed that almost 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. The cause is bacteria in the mouth, which infects the tissue surrounding the teeth and leads to inflammation. Warning signs of gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
If you notice some of these warning signs, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos at your next appointment. We’ll work with you to find a home care routine and treatment plan that will support your oral health…with a focus on gum health.
2) Gum Disease is Linked to an Increase Risk in Heart Disease and Stroke
We often talk about the link between your oral health and your overall health, and this is particularly true with gum disease. Research has shown a correlation between gum disease and a whole host of health issues such as heart disease and stroke. People with gum disease are 2x as likely to have heart disease. People diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke are more likely to have gum disease. While research is ongoing, the theory is that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and cause blockages and inflammation elsewhere in the body. Let us know if you have either of these health issues; we are here to be part of your health care team.
3) Gum Disease is the Leading Cause of Tooth Loss in Adults
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. While this is the result of severe gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, it is still a good reminder to pay attention to your gum health.
What is the best way to take care of your gums? Practice good oral hygiene – brush and floss every day – and come see us for regular check ups. Aside from the fact that we love seeing your smiling faces at least twice per year, it is also a great way for us to monitor the health of your gums and look for any signs of disease. Is it time for your routine hygiene appointment? Give us a call at 207.781.5900, as we’re here to help!
Feb 1, 2023
At FDA, we believe that healthy habits start early! In honor of Children’s Dental Month, we’re talking about your child’s baby teeth: what to expect, and how to care for them. Here are some frequently asked questions:
1) How Important are Baby Teeth?
Although they are eventually replaced by adult teeth, baby teeth are still very important! Not just cute, they actually help with chewing solid food, learning to talk, and they serve as placeholders for when the big teeth grow in.
2) When Will My Baby Develop Baby Teeth?
Children develop at different rates, but typically a baby will sprout his or her first tooth between 6 to 12 months of age. Usually, the two bottom front teeth pop up first, with the top two teeth following right behind. New baby teeth continue to make their appearance until about age three. Around age six, you can expect your child to get their first loose tooth!
Your baby or toddler may have lots of space between their teeth and that’s ok! This is normal and allows more space for adult teeth when it is their time to move in. For more information on new teeth timing, check out the American Dental Association’s Eruption Chart.
3) When Should My Child Start Brushing and Flossing?
Even though all baby teeth will eventually fall out, tooth decay and cavities are still possible, even at a young age. To clean your baby’s first tooth, use a wet washcloth to gently wipe the tooth and the front of the tongue. Do this after feeding your baby and again before bed.
When your baby has more than one tooth, you can start brushing them with a soft-bristled, baby toothbrush or you can use your finger. Use an ADA-approved toothpaste specifically formulated for babies or just plain water works too! Flossing isn’t necessary until two or more teeth are touching together, usually between the ages of two and three.
4) When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
Every child is different and we want to help them build a positive relationship with oral health and dental care. We recommend scheduling your child’s first dentist appointment between their first and their third birthday. Give us a call to determine if your child is ready for their first appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos will help them to feel comfortable with the dental chair and all of the tools we use. We will examine your child’s teeth for cavities and will also give you and your child a lesson on proper brushing technique.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s little pearly whites, feel free to get in touch – we’re here to help! Our team of fun and friendly dental professionals looks forward to caring for your child and helping them develop life-long healthy habits! Give us a call at 207.781.5900!
Jan 2, 2023
Happy New Year from the Falmouth Dental Arts team! The new year is always a great time to recommit to making positive changes to your health routine, and oral health is no different! Small changes, repeated often, become habits. At FDA, we believe that practicing healthy habits at home can make a big impact on your oral health. Here are seven tips to improve your oral health in 2023. They are tried and true and are sure to help you!
1) Brush for Two Minutes, Two Times a Day
Gently brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, using a soft-bristled, ADA-approved toothbrush. Check out our tips for proper brushing technique. We are always happy to make suggestions about the best type of toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, so please don’t hesitate to just ask us!
2) Floss Your Teeth Once a Day
In addition to brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, it is important to floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Use traditional string floss or flossers to gently get between each tooth.
3) Use a Mouth Rinse With Fluoride
Using products with fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce bacteria, which helps with overall oral health and teeth sensitivity. We offer several professional-strength, alcohol-free mouth rinses made with essential oils.
4) Make Healthy Food Choices
There are many dietary changes you can make which will have a positive impact on your oral health and will help keep your smile shining bright! For example, you can:
- Reduce the sugar in your diet.
- Cut back on acidic foods and beverages, like citrus fruits and soft drinks.
- Rinse with water after meals, sugary snacks, and drinks.
- Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods like cheese and yogurt.
5) Kick Tobacco to the Curb
Giving up smoking and other forms of tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for your oral health and overall health. Tobacco use is linked to tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. There is help available to quit this highly addictive habit, and we’ll be here to cheer you on. Let us know if you need support!
6) Treat Yourself to an Electric Toothbrush
Your oral health is worth it! An electric toothbrush can upgrade your oral health routine by brushing more efficiently and by making it easier to brush for a full two minutes. This can be especially helpful for those with arthritis or other conditions that make brushing by hand more difficult.
7) Routine Dental Visits
Start the new year off right by scheduling your recommended cleanings or other dental care appointments. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos recommend coming in for a check up at least twice a year for optimal oral health. Preventative dental care is one of the best things you can do for yourself in the new year. Give us a call at 207.781.5900 if you would like to schedule an appointment – we’re here to help!
Dec 1, 2022
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: here at FDA, we believe that good oral health habits start early! What better way to get the kids excited about brushing, flossing, and taking good care of their teeth than with lots of fun, tooth-friendly dental products in their stocking? Here are a few ideas…
1) A Fun New Toothbrush
Santa can make brushing fun! Regular or electric, fun colors, characters, and themes, toothbrushing timers, and music – there’s a toothbrush for everyone. Ask your hygienist – or anyone on the FDA team of dental professionals – what toothbrush would be best for your child. We also carry professional products we recommend, like toothpaste and mouthwash,, so just ask!
2) Flavored Floss
Encourage your child to floss daily by adding kid-sized flossers to their stockings. Flossers come in lots of cool shapes and colors as well as yummy flavors like grape and bubblegum!
3) A Mouthguard
If your child plays a contact sport, a new mouthguard is always a smart gift! Follow the American Dental Association’s guidelines to make sure you choose one that offers enough protection for your child, or ask Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos for an option they recommend!
4) Lip Balm
Dry weather and indoor heating can lead to dry skin and lips in the winter months. Lip balm is the perfect size to add to your child’s stocking and will help keep his or her lips moisturized at home and at school.
5) Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol can actually help to keep your child’s teeth cleaner between meals. Sugar-free gum with xylitol can help to produce extra saliva and wash away food particles after eating and has actually been found to reduce cavities. Be careful not to let your pets access any products containing xylitol, as it is harmful for our furry family members.
6) A Tooth Fairy Pillow
If your child is at the age when the Tooth Fairy is likely to be making multiple visits to your house, a Tooth Fairy pillow will make a great stocking stuffer. Having a Tooth Fairy pillow makes losing a tooth (link to blog post about loose teeth) even more exciting, and there are lots of inexpensive options available online with websites like Etsy.
So stock up this holiday with some dental products that will keep you kids smiling all year long! If you have questions or need to schedule their next check up, give us a call today! 207.781.5900.
Happy Holidays!
Nov 29, 2022
What is Integrative Dentistry?
Here at FDA, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos and our team of compassionate dental professionals follow an Integrative Dentistry philosophy – but what does this mean? Integrative Dentistry, also called Holistic Dentistry, Alternative Dentistry, or Complementary Dentistry, is a philosophy that takes the patient’s entire wellbeing into account when providing oral care. Dental practices that use an integrative approach believe that oral health and general health are forever connected. By approaching dentistry with the whole body in mind, we can better educate and communicate with our patients. Another important component of Integrative Dentistry is the belief that patients should be actively involved in their own treatment plan. This is why we build a partnership with our patients and encourage them to make a personal commitment to their oral hygiene.
How are Oral Health and General Heath Connected?
At FDA, our goal is to become an integral part of your health care team and help you set up an oral health plan that takes your whole body’s health in mind. Poor dental care has been linked to a variety of health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and complications in diabetes. Sometimes when our patients report that they have been feeling ill or rundown, it is revealed that there is a dental issue behind the scenes that is affecting the person’s entire wellbeing. This is why it is so important for Dr.Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos to be included as part of a patient’s healthcare team.
Our Approach
We always approach dental care with an eye to the health of the whole person. As integrative-oriented dentists, we stay up-to-date on the latest information regarding what materials are the safest to use with our patients. This includes mercury amalgam fillings, metal crowns, root canals and fluoride among others. We are constantly searching for the safest and least invasive products and procedures that “do no harm.”
We build a partnership with our patients and include them when creating a treatment plan. As iIntegrative-oriented dentists, our patients have a voice and we always defer to what is best for you. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos will help you decide which Integrative Dentistry procedures are best for your needs.
To learn more about our Integrative Dentistry approach or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900, as we’re always here to help.
