May 2, 2023
If brushing your teeth, drinking, or eating causes you pain, you may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn enamel or exposed tooth roots. There are ways you can adapt your home-care routine to minimize your sensitivity. However, if you are really bothered by your sensitive teeth, the first thing to do is come in to see Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. It’s important for them to examine your mouth and address any cavities, cracked teeth, worn fillings, or gum disease which may be contributing. Treatment options will vary depending on the nature of your issue and may involve adjusting your home care or coming in for a procedure. As always, we are your partner in your oral health care and will go over all your options so we can make a treatment plan that works for you. Here are a few oral care options for patients with sensitive teeth.
Be Gentle
A good oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways you can care for and prevent sensitive teeth. That said, when brushing twice a day, remember to be gentle! Brushing harder doesn’t mean you’re doing a better job! Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth and to also massage your gums. Use soft, circular motions. Your teeth and gums will love the pampering!
Consider Your Toothpaste Options
We offer several types of toothpaste that are crafted to help with sensitive teeth. When used regularly, they can help reduce some pain while also improving overall tooth and oral health. MI Paste and MI Paste Plus is a uniquely formulated tooth crème fortified with calcium and phosphate to replace beneficial minerals lost from the tooth’s structure. Fluoridex is prescription strength fluoride toothpaste designed for use at home. It helps to prevent tooth decay and the development of harmful bacteria. Fluoridex is a great addition to your homecare routine to help strengthen the enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. Please ask about these options at your next appointment!
Be Mindful of Certain Foods and Beverages
Before guzzling a soft drink or sipping on wine, think about your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time, which will lead to sensitivity. If you do enjoy a soda or orange juice, do yourself a favor and drink some water as well to help balance the acid levels in your mouth.
Dental Bonding, Gum Grafts, & Root Canals
Beyond your home care routine, there are a few procedures that Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos may recommend for you to help address sensitivity. For example, if you have an exposed root surface, we can apply a dental bonding resin to the area to help protect it. If you have lost some gum tissue due to excessive brushing or gum disease, we may refer you to a periodontist for a gum graft, a procedure where gum tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and affixed to your exposed root. If you are experiencing severe pain, we may refer you to an endodontist for a root canal. This procedure allows us to treat your tooth at its core – a soft substance called pulp.
Our goal in all of these procedures is to provide you with compassionate oral care that helps you have a healthy mouth and happy smile. Talk with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos about your options if you are experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity; they will talk you through all the possible treatment plans that are right for you.
If you have questions about sensitive teeth or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We love to help our patients!
May 1, 2023
Here at FDA, we are always working to help our patients have a happy and healthy smile! For many of our patients – both kids and adults – that involves braces. Braces can align your bite, improve your ability to chew food, and even correct speech impediments. Having braces also requires an extra layer of oral hygiene care and consideration. Here are three tips to help you care for your teeth while you get those pearly whites aligned!
Up Your Brushing Game
A reminder to brush regularly should come as no surprise. However, for folks with braces, your brushing game is even more important! Food and bacteria love hiding in little nooks and crannies, and teeth with braces have oodles of extra hiding spots. We recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal (or three times a day) to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and discoloration. Your brush bristles will likely wear out more quickly with braces, so remember to replace your toothbrush regularly. We always love to see our patients use electric toothbrushes – they truly provide a superior cleaning – and this is especially true for our patients with braces. Need to brush up on your brushing technique? Ask your wonderful hygienist for a demonstration at your next appointment!
Make Smart Food Choices
Certain types of food can present additional challenges when you have braces. Foods that are high in starch and sugar can get stuck in your braces and lead to extra plaque build up, which can contribute to cavities and gum disease. Foods and beverages that are highly acidic can erode your enamel and are best to avoid. It’s also wise to avoid sticky, gummy, or hard candy treats that could cause a bracket to pull off, or wires to bend. Stick to healthy choices that support your oral health in multiple ways – foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C will support your enamel, teeth and gums! Want some more tips? Ask for suggestions at your next appointment!
Floss & Rinse for the Win!
Flossing with braces can be a real challenge, but it is a crucial step for removing plaque from between the teeth where the brush can’t reach. Support your flossing with the right tools! For example, floss threaders can be found at most drug stores and will help you get your floss in between your teeth and braces. Also, water flossers are a great alternative to traditional floss and are especially helpful for people with braces.
After you brush and floss your teeth, give them a good rinse with water. Swishing water around your mouth will help loosen any food left behind. Take rinsing to the next level with a gentle mouthwash. We recommend Oxyfresh – a natural mouthwash that is alcohol and dye-free. Feel free to inquire about our selection of flavors at your next appointment!
Of course, coming in for regular appointments with Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our team of caring hygienists is one of the best things you can do for your oral health! If you have questions or need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are here for you!
Mar 1, 2023
National Dentist’s Day is March 6th. While we don’t need a holiday to sing our praises for our beloved dentists, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, we’ll take any opportunity to highlight how wonderful they are! They are two of the most caring, compassionate and thoughtful dental professionals out there…dedicated to providing our patients with the best oral care possible. But you don’t have to take our word for it! We regularly receive 5 star reviews from happy patients who have positive experiences with our dentists. Let’s hear from a few of them!
“For years, the care I receive has been the best I’ve ever encountered (at 50, and having lived all over the country, I’ve been to a number). Here’s what you probably want to know: Nothing has ever hurt! Really. Secondly, I’ve had a lot of work. Regular cleanings, crown repair, Invisalign… lots. It has all been wonderful. My teeth are totally straight now (no dinosaur teeth!), beautifully white, and really healthy. What’s more, they really care. The Drs (both of them) feel like they’re at the top of their game, and spend time, EVERY time. The facility is super clean, remarkably modern as far as scanning/diagnostic tech, and the people who take care of you really take CARE of you. I couldn’t be happier, and my teeth are no longer a liability.” – Peter L.
“I have been with Falmouth Dental Arts for many years when Dr. Knock was there. He made a wonderful choice by having Dr. Brunacini take over the practice. I had a crown installed yesterday. I hadn’t had a crown in years, so I was completely blown away by the latest technology! The whole process only took about 2 1/2 hours and I had a permanent crown in one sitting. It is all done digitally with virtual photos and drawings that communicate with another machine that fashions the crown out of porcelain. Dr. Brunacini and Mary took their time and explained every part of the process and made sure I was comfortable at all times. I was fascinated watching the computer programs, the different tools that were used, and the perfect symphony that they had as a team working together in tandem. It was an educational and an enjoyable experience! All of the staff that work here are knowledgeable, professional, and personable. I highly recommend Falmouth Dental Arts.” – Cheryl C.
“Dr. K is the best. Exceptionally competent. Laser focused. Creative, communicative, thoughtful, pragmatic. Great ‘chair side manner.’ Couldn’t ask for a better dentist/partner.” – Scott B.
“This office was incredibly thoughtful and respectful. Dr. Brunacini was wonderful, provided information that was comprehensive and understandable. He is so extremely respectful and incredibly knowledgeable. Jean, the dental hygienist, was the best I’ve ever had. She was very thorough and professional. This is the best dental experience I’ve had in 50 years!!!” – Dotsy
“Falmouth Dental Arts and all the staff are absolutely wonderful!!! Dr K is the best! He is professional, has a great sense of humor, and knows how to make your visit a comfortable one! I would recommend them to anyone looking for a high quality experience.” – Nancy C.
Thank you to Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos for all you do to take excellent care of our patients!
Haven’t seen Dr. B or Dr. K for a while? Schedule your appointment with us today by calling 207.781.5900. We are here to provide you with the best oral care possible and to help you have your best smile!
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!
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 2, 2022
6 Tooth-friendly tips for Thanksgiving!
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we are so grateful for our patients and our team of compassionate dental professionals! Our goal is to develop a partnership with you and we want you to have a healthy smile all year round. That’s why, in addition to visiting us at least twice a year, we encourage our patients to follow a good oral health routine at home, which goes beyond the toothbrush and includes a healthy diet and lifestyle choices.. Here are 6 tips to show your teeth some gratitude on Thanksgiving and every day!
1) Quit Smoking
November is National Smoke Out Month, so it’s a great time to make a commitment to quit smoking and vaping for your oral health and general wellness. Not only does smoking and using other tobacco products cause damage to your teeth and gums, but it also has the potential to weaken your immune system and raise your risk of oral and other cancers. For resources to quit smoking, visit the American Cancer Society and let Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos know so they can support you as well!
2) Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Tool
You don’t want to have a dental emergency in the middle of your Thanksgiving festivities, so refrain from using your teeth as a nutcracker, ice crusher, or bottle opener (no matter how impressive these skills may be)!
3) Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods
There are so many delicious foods to choose from on Turkey Day, but which ones will do your teeth some good? A healthy diet is an important part of your oral health, and fortunately there are a lot of tasty options that will support your chompers as you feast.
Turkey is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D, making it a great choice. Fresh and cooked veggies also get a green light. Munch on other healthy snacks like cheese, nuts, and fresh fruit.
4) Drink Water
A good rule of thumb for Thanksgiving and every day is to drink plenty of water. Water is great for your digestion and overall wellness and it’s also a great drink choice to have with meals. This is because water washes away any debris left behind after eating and reduces bacteria. So make sure you guzzle some water as you gobble your turkey!
5) Brush and Floss After the Big Meal
Don’t feel too guilty about eating lots of sweets or having an extra glass of wine on this special day – just remember to brush and floss your teeth after you finish eating or at the end of the day! Link to the toothbush post for tips!
6) Chew Gum
If you are not at home for the holiday and can’t brush and floss after your meal, chewing sugar-free gum can help; gum can clean your mouth by producing extra saliva that can wash food particles away. Then when you do return home, you can go through your regular routine.
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Thank you for being a part of the FDA family! If you have any questions for Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about your oral health routine or need to make an appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900, as we’re here to help!
