Sep 4, 2024
You can feel it in the air – September has arrived! That means it is back to school time! As you get your child ready for another year of learning and growing, it’s a great time to make sure they have their next check-up with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos scheduled. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe good dental habits start early and we love helping our youngest patients learn more about their oral health. Books are a great way to prepare your kids for what they can expect during a dental appointment and encourage healthy habits. In the spirit of the back to school season, we put together a list of some of our favorite books about visiting the dentist!
Tooth by Leslie Patricelli
It’s an exciting time when your baby gets their first tooth! Your kids will love this colorful and fun board book that will introduce your child to the wonderful world of teeth and how to keep them healthy!
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
This book is a classic! Your kids can tag along as the whole Bear Family goes to the dentist to get their teeth cleaned and learn about oral health care. It’s also a great introduction to the tooth fairy!
The Tooth Book by Dr. Suess
Another classic to add to your bookshelves! When it comes to writing that is silly and clever, nobody beats Dr. Suess, and this book teaches kids all about why it’s important to take care of their teeth.
Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Brush
Even monsters need to brush their teeth! This pop-up book features all your favorite Sesame Street monsters as they learn how to brush their teeth and visit the dentist.
The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing
This rhyming story follows a boy on his journey to the dentist for a check up. Filled with helpful details so your child will know what to expect, this is a great book for kids who feel a little nervous about coming in for an appointment.
The list could go on and on…there are so many great books for kids that will help them feel more comfortable about coming in for check ups with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos and more confident about taking good care of their teeth at home. Reading books together is a great way to talk about the importance of good oral health habits! What are your favorite books about visiting the dentist? Let us know on our Facebook page! If you have questions or need to schedule your child’s next dental appointment, please call us at 207.781.5900. We love helping our patients smile!
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!
Oct 2, 2023
Need a reason to smile? The first Friday in October is World Smile Day. This unofficial holiday has a simple mission: to encourage people to do acts of kindness and help others smile. At FDA, we love helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams! Whether it’s finding a home-care routine that supports your oral health goals or a cosmetic procedure that boosts your confidence, we are in the smile business. To honor World Smile Day, we look at the history of this fun worldwide celebration, and outline the ways we can help you smile today…and everyday!
World Smile Day
Back in 1963, commercial artist Harvey Ball created the smiley face – that iconic cheerful, yellow circle with an eyes and mouth. The image became one of the most recognizable symbols of goodwill and cheer in the world. Concerned about the over-commercialized use of “Smiley” and the loss of its original meaning, Ball created World Smile Day. He believed that everyone should devote at least one day to smiles and acts of kindness. The first Smile Day was held in 1999 in Ball’s hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts. You can join the celebration each year on the first Friday in October by following its simple challenge: “Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.”
Helping Mainers Smile
Since 1974, Falmouth Dental Arts has been on the cutting edge of dentistry and focused on patient care. For us, a healthy and happy smile is about more than just clean teeth. It’s about your whole-body health and your comfort when you are in our care. We work closely with you to design a dental plan that fits your needs and your budget so you can make the best possible choices for your health. We offer a wide range of services to provide the best oral care possible and help our patients achieve the smile of their dreams!
- Family Dentistry – We believe that oral health is important at every age, no matter the state of your dental health. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos and our entire staff are committed to providing a caring and compassionate environment for you to receive excellent dental care. Our use of crest-of-the-wave technology, such as 3D Imaging and Same-Day Crowns, offers patients the highest quality of care and more comfortable experience. We will help you maintain your oral hygiene and develop a home care regimen that improves your oral health and gives you a bright smile that will last a lifetime!
- Cosmetic Dentistry – When you’re self-conscious about showing your teeth, you may talk less, laugh less, and smile less. We can help you change that in just one or two dental visits. Many dental issues can be addressed with cosmetic dentistry – from chipped teeth to crooked teeth, stained teeth or lost teeth. A simple consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos can help you get on the path to the smile of your dreams!
We’d love to hear about what is making you smile these days! Please share with us on our Facebook page! Bonus points if you share an act of kindness on World Smile Day! If your smile needs a little attention and care, give us a call today at 207.781.5900. We can set you up with a consultation appointment for a cosmetic procedure or help you schedule your next check up. Let us help you have a healthy, happy smile!!
Oct 1, 2023
Have you thanked your dental hygienist recently? Well, now is the perfect time because October is National Dental Hygiene Month! FDA’s caring and wonderful team of hygienists are truly the heart of our practice. Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, and Lydianne are who you see at every cleaning appointment and are all committed to patient comfort and care. Their love of building relationships is what helps our patients find an individualized oral health care routine that supports whole-body health. As a fun way to honor our amazing hygienists and encourage you to practice excellent dental hygiene, we’ve spelled out some hygienist-approved tips and reasons why Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, and Lydianne are such amazing and compassionate professionals!
H is for hydrate! Drinking plenty of water improves oral health. It washes away leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria.
Y is for yogurt! Yogurt is a healthy snack that will support your oral health as well as your overall health. It’s full of calcium for strong teeth and the probiotics will support a healthy mouth.
G is for gentle! Patient comfort comes first. With a gentle touch, our team of hygienists provide a calm and caring environment for patients to receive the best oral care.
I is for individual! We see each patient as a unique individual and get to know your personal history and dental needs. We work with you to find the right oral care and treatments.
E is for education! Our hygienists are life-long learners committed to staying on top of the latest dental technologies and treatment. Plus, they *love* educating patients on best practices.
N is for nice! You’ll never meet a nicer, more caring group of oral health professionals. Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, and Lydianne are people you will enjoy seeing at your regular appointments.
I is for interproximal cleaning! Also known as flossing, interproximal cleaning is our hygienists number one oral hygiene tip for patients. Whether you use traditional floss or “Plackers,” find what works for you and stick with it!
S is for smile. Our hygienists love helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams. We also love seeing the smiles on our patients’ faces when they leave our office feeling heard and cared for.
T is for toothbrush – electric, please! If you haven’t invested in an electric toothbrush yet, now is the time. Our hygienists swear by electric toothbrushes – they are more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush and stimulate the gum tissue, which promotes gum health.
Thank you to our hygienists extraordinaire – Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, and Lydianne! Next time you come in for an appointment, please be sure to say thank you, too – or give them a shout out on our Facebook page! If you have any questions about oral hygiene tips or want to go over your oral health care routine, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are here to be your partner in excellent oral health care.
Sep 2, 2023
You want a beautiful and healthy smile and FDA is here to help! We know you do your best to keep your teeth clean, but don’t forget about caring for your gums. Your gums play a vital role in the overall health of your mouth and your teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth-loss in adults and can contribute to a whole host of health issues such as diabetes and heart conditions. Some early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums and bad breath. So what can you do to keep your gums healthy and your smile sparkling? Read on for our top three tips for healthy gums!
Brush your teeth AND your gums!
Of course you brush your teeth! But your gums need a little love from your toothbrush, too! Next time you brush, give your gums a massage. Simply hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and move it in gentle, circular motions along your entire gum line. This technique will not only help you get into more nooks and crannies where pesky food bits and bacteria can hide, but you’ll also boost blood circulation which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your gum tissue. If you need a demonstration, ask Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, or Lydianne at your next appointment. Our team of caring hygienists love helping patients!
Eat a healthy diet!
What you eat can have a big impact on your oral health which is why eating a healthy diet is so important. For optimal gum health, find foods high in Omega-3s like nuts and fish, which are anti-inflammatory. Eating lots of crunchy fruits and vegetables will help stimulate your gums as you chew, and bell peppers are a particularly great choice due to their high vitamin C content. Yogurt, with its calcium, protein, and probiotics is another food to include in your gum-healthy diet. The probiotics help create a healthy environment in your mouth where cavity-causing bacteria won’t thrive, protecting your gums as well.
Floss!
For healthy gums and a healthy mouth, you simply must floss at least once a day. When you floss regularly, you clean the bacteria from between your teeth that, when left behind, can cause cavities, plaque build-up, and gum disease. If traditional dental floss is difficult for you to use, experiment with floss alternatives. We like to recommend a water flosser or products like ‘Go-Betweens’ or ‘Plackers.’ We know this is a tricky habit for patients to stick with, so find a routine that works for you and stick with it!
Keep up the good work of keeping your gums healthy! Remember, coming in for regular checkups and cleanings is another way you can care for your gums. If you have questions about your gum health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re your partner in oral health!
Sep 1, 2023
Sharpen your pencils – September means it’s time to go back to school! But what are you going to pack in your kiddo’s lunch box? At FDA, we’ve long shared how eating a healthy diet is an important part of your oral health regimen, and including healthy snacks in your child’s lunch is a great way to support their smile and their overall health. So, skip those starchy and sweet snacks and choose foods that are good for your kids’ teeth and body! Here are our top 5 healthy snack ideas for school lunches.
Apples
They say apples are nature’s toothbrush and we agree! Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, an apple a day is a great way to keep your kids healthy. Since apples are so crunchy, they stimulate the gums and encourage saliva production which helps wash away harmful bacteria. We’re lucky to live in Maine where there are oodles of apple varieties. An apple a day will help fight tooth decay!
Almonds
Almonds and other nuts are full of health benefits. High in vitamin E, healthy fats, and tooth-strengthening calcium, almonds are a perfect snack to pack. Watch out for almonds coated in honey or sugar which can stick to the teeth and contribute to cavities. If your child has sensitive teeth, try almond slivers rather than whole almonds.
Cheese
We love cheese! It’s high in calcium and a protein called casein which helps strengthen tooth enamel. Add to that cheese has phosphate which is pH-balancing for your mouth, protecting your teeth further. The only problem with cheese is deciding which variety is your favorite…cheddar? Gouda? Mozzarella string cheese? All of the above?
Celery
Crunchy vegetables are good for your body and good for your teeth and celery is a real rock star! First, they are full of almost a whole alphabet’s worth of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, C, and K. Also, all that chewing required to chomp a celery stalk cleans your teeth naturally and promotes saliva production to flush away bacteria. The fibrous texture of celery is great for your gums, too, making celery the closest thing to a vegetable dental floss. What’s not to love?!
Yogurt
Like its cousin, cheese, yogurt is full of calcium that helps strengthen your bones and teeth. Maintaining bone density is particularly important for growing kids. The probiotics in yogurt also help support oral health, helping to slow the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Be careful with some of the fruit-filled yogurts as they can have a surprising amount of added sugar. We like greek yogurt, which has the highest levels of protein…an extra boost to your kids’ health!
Add these items to your grocery list and you’ll be ready to pack your kids’ lunch full of healthy snacks! Also, don’t forget to also pack a reusable water bottle! It will not only help your child stay hydrated, but have the added bonus of rinsing their mouth of harmful bacteria. Eating a healthy diet is just one part of an A + oral health routine. Keep your kids brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
If they’re due for a checkup with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, or need a cleaning with one of our amazing hygienists, please give us a call today – 207.781.5900. We look forward to seeing you!
