Feb 4, 2020
Happy Children’s Dental Health Month from Falmouth Dental Arts! This national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and their caregivers all February long. Falmouth Dental Arts looks forward to any opportunity to help our youngest patients love their healthy smiles and dentist appointments. In celebration of Children’s Dental Health Month, here are 5 tips to help you care for your little one’s teeth:
1. Start Early! Did you know that you can start your kids on the path of good oral hygiene before your child even has a tooth? It’s true! The earlier you begin, the easier it will be to establish a routine. The ADA recommends parents gently wipe their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth once a day. This will help prepare your child for using a toothbrush.
Once your child does have their teeth, you can begin to brush twice a day. Brush the teeth very gently on the inside and outside and try to brush the gums as well. Give our office a call to schedule your child’s first visit with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. We always love having little ones visit the office!
2. Use the Proper Toothpaste, and the Proper Amount. Look for a children’s toothpaste with fluoride and the ADA seal of approval. Also, know that a little goes a long way for your little ones! For children under the age of 3, the recommendation is to use about the size of a grain of rice. For kids ages 3 to 6, use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Remind your kids that toothpaste is not candy (even though it comes in some yummy flavors) and they should spit it out.
3. Make it Fun! “When you wake up in the morning at a quarter to one, and you want to have a little fun…you brush your teeth! “
Singer Raffi had it right, brushing your teeth can be fun! You’ll find when you make it a positive experience for them, it’s less of a struggle. Plus, laughing or dancing while those teeth get clean is a great way to get the habit to stick, so find ways to motivate your kids to brush with music, silly voices, fun toothbrushes, or books.
4. Healthy Snacks Help. Good oral health goes beyond the bathroom sink! Help your kids have healthy teeth by encouraging them to eat healthy snacks as well. Avoiding sugary drinks and candy is always advised, and being proactive by eating crunchy veggies and calcium-rich yogurt and cheese will support your children in developing that healthy smile from the inside out.
5. Come See Us! Having your children get regular check-ups with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos is an important part of their oral health care. We are here to help show you how to care for your kids’ teeth and keep their smiles shining bright! Call our office at 207.781.5900 today to schedule an appointment.
*Image courtesy of www.vectorstock.com
Oct 15, 2019
Fluoride and flavors and flip-caps oh my! If you’re staring down the selection of toothpastes and wishing there was a Yellow Brick Road leading to the perfect one, you’re not alone. Luckily, your friends at Falmouth Dental Arts are here to help!
First and foremost, as you’re examining the tube of toothpaste, keep your eye out for two key details: the ADA seal of approval and fluoride content. The American Dental Association tests the safety and effectiveness of toothpastes on the market, and gives its seal to those pastes which pass the test with flying colors. Varieties without the ADA seal either have not been tested, or have not passed the ADA tests. Either way, choosing a product without the seal is a gamble for your teeth. Take the safe bet, and look for the ADA seal.
Most toothpastes contain fluoride, a chemical compound with a variety of uses. In the dental realm, fluoride protects your teeth from decay by reinforcing your enamel. Fluoride has been used as an active ingredient in toothpaste for over a century, and has been introduced into a majority of city water supplies to improve oral health in the community. In recent years, fluoride has become a bit of a hot topic because it is toxic when ingested in large doses. Additionally, high levels of fluoride can lead to fluorosis: a discoloring of the teeth. However, because over-the-counter pastes contain such trace amounts of fluoride that fluorosis and toxicity are not of concern, Falmouth Dental Arts recommends fluoridated toothpastes.
Dr. Karagiorgos states that “adding fluoride to our water supply has been statistically significant to help to improve oral health in at-risk communities. However, at Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe in a patient’s freedom to choose what goes into their bodies, and whether fluoride is right for them as an individual.”
“Proper oral health maintenance including brushing with any sort of paste, is the best method of reducing the risk of dental decay. Fluoride is not a nutrient, and our bodies have no need for it metabolically. It is very good at doing is killing the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Using it appropriately, in small topical doses such as those found in ADA approved toothpastes and mouthwashes can help to prevent decay, and also to reverse small amounts of acid damage. Acid damage can occur from cavity causing bacteria, acid erosion from reflux or consuming acidic foods.”
Beyond the ADA seal and fluoride content, your selection of toothpaste is entirely up to you! As you narrow down your choice, here are a few additional factors to consider:
1. Sensitivity: most toothpaste brands have a line specifically designed to address tooth and gum sensitivity. Some brands are entirely devoted to helping soothe sensitive teeth. Either way, most over-the-counter sensitivity pastes deliver on their promises to pacify any pain. If your sensitive teeth aren’t responding to an OTC sensitive-specific paste, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about prescription strength options.
2. Whitening: Who doesn’t want a brighter, whiter smile? Many toothpastes claiming to possess whitening powers typically do address basic surface stains. However, the different ingredients in whitening toothpastes can cause dental sensitivity over time. Additionally, any sort of abrasive ingredient advertised to whiten your teeth (such as activated charcoal, natural exfoliants, or microbeads) can erode your tooth enamel. Avoid abrasive materials in your toothpaste, and always keep smart brushing techniques in mind. If you’re looking for more intensive whitening, talk to Dr. Brunacini about in-office and at-home options at your next appointment!
3. Options for Kids: For brand new brushers, look for a training toothpaste which does not contain fluoride. When your child understands that toothpaste should be spit out and not swallowed, you can make the switch to a fluoride paste. Fun toothpaste flavors can be helpful if you’re trying to make brushing fun–which goes for children and adults alike!
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do for your teeth is to brush them properly twice a day! What you use to brush helps or hurts your effectiveness as a brusher, so you do want to choose your tools and pastes with care. Look for a toothpaste stamped with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. Feel free to choose a toothpaste with a fun flavor and ingredients to address sensitivity or whitening concerns–just avoid any ingredients that might erode your tooth enamel.
If you have questions about proper brushing techniques, or want to have Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos put their stamp of approval on your toothpaste–just ask them at your next dental exam and cleaning! If you have any questions, or to schedule your appointment, please call our office at 207.781.5900
Aug 23, 2019
We love helping our patients achieve the smile of their dreams! Many dental issues can be corrected through cosmetic dentistry and the first step for any cosmetic procedure is a simple consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. They are here to discuss your dental health goals and help you find the right fit for your needs. A question we often get from patients is if they should replace old metal crowns and bridges with porcelain. There are many advantages to replacing your old crowns, but the reason to replace them isn’t one-size-fits-all. To learn more about porcelain restoration and who could benefit from this procedure, we spoke with Dr. Brunacini.
1. What is porcelain restoration?
Dr. Brunacini: Porcelain is the material that is used to give crowns and veneers the esthetic properties–color, luster, and a tactile sense. Porcelain restoration provides you with the translucency and shine of your natural teeth—you’d never be able to tell there was a need for a crown—and the texture of the polished porcelain is very similar to that of enamel. It is a restoration that needs to be fabricated in a lab, and requires taking an impression to send to the lab. We are now doing crowns that are metal-free. By doing so, we can create highly esthetic AND very strong restorations with minimal risk of chipping or breaking. It is a great option for patients!
2. Why would I need to replace a metal crown or bridge?
Dr. Brunacini: There can be numerous reasons for patients to need to replace their metal crowns. The most obvious one is when a new area of decay develops under an existing crown or bridge. This is one reason we do regular x-rays; they are very important to discover any changes underneath crowns before they become loose or problematic.
Also, for some patients, they find it unsightly to have metal show, so replacing a metal crown with a porcelain crown is a good solution for their needs. For many years, dentists placed crowns with a metal substructure and porcelain overlayed on top of the porcelain. Over time, the porcelain can chip, which may lead to poor esthetics or difficulty cleaning the crown. The only way to fix this situation is to replace it with a new crown.
If you have questions or concerns about your metal crowns, schedule a consultation with me or Dr. Karagiorgos. We are here to help you achieve your dental goals!
3. I’ve heard porcelain crowns can cause more wear and tear on my other teeth. Is this true?
Dr. Brunacini: With newer types of porcelain, there is less concern with wearing down opposing teeth. Of course, it is very important to finely adjust the bite on crowns to be sure they function well with the other teeth. This is why when we fit a porcelain crown, we sculpt and shape the porcelain to fit perfectly with your existing bite.
4. Are there any special care instructions for porcelain crowns and bridges?
Dr. Brunacini: There really isn’t much “special” care needed. For patients who grind their teeth, a night-guard may be indicated to protect the porcelain from chipping. However, most patients can simply stay on top of their regular home care, such as brushing twice daily and flossing daily. This should be sufficient enough to maintain porcelain crowns for many years!
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!
Whether your reason is cosmetic, physical, or a bit of both, our team of caring dental professionals is here to help you find the right path toward a better smile. If you have more questions about porcelain restoration or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, call our office at 207.781.5900 today.
Jun 20, 2019
Did you know that your routine dental check-up could save your life? Dentists are on the front lines of a growing health concern: oral cancer. Oral cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (part of the throat at the back of the mouth). According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 people will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2019; that means 145 people each day. Prevention and early detection is one of the most effective strategies for treating oral cancer, as when it is caught early there is an 80-90% survival rate. Oral cancer screenings are an important part of our regular dental exams and something we want to help create more awareness about for our patients. To learn more about this critical health topic and the resources we have at FDA, we talked with Dr. Brunacini.
1. Why is oral cancer screening an important part of care at FDA?
Dr. Brunacini: As dentists, we are part of your health care team. A lot of what is seen in the mouth can be an indicator of overall health and a lot of patients see their dentist more frequently than their physician. That makes an oral cancer screening at the dentist extremely important for early detection of any changes in the mouth which can be the key to easier treatment options for oral cancer, as well as a rapid recovery, and a prolonged life.
2. What happens during an oral cancer screening?
Dr. Brunacini: A lot of the oral cancer screening is simply examining the soft tissues with our eyes. We examine the gum tissue, lips, cheeks, and tongue. We also palpate areas of the face and neck to check for any nodules or lumps. If there is an area of concern, we also offer to do a VELscope screening. VELscope is a non-invasive oral cancer screening device that emits a safe blue light that provides earlier detection of abnormal cell growth that could be cancerous or precancerous.
3. What are some risk factors for oral cancer?
Dr. Brunacini: The most common risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and sun exposure. Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco account for most cases of oral cancer and lip cancer is often caused by excessive sun exposure.
Also, another risk factor, although less known, is HPV (Human Papillomavirus). It is a very common virus that most of us get exposed to throughout our childhood. There is now a vaccine that can be given, which could help decrease the risk for oral cancer.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about these risk factors and your health.
4. Are there any warning signs or symptoms for oral cancer?
Dr. Brunacini: Yes, patients should be aware of any white patches or areas that bleed more easily, as these can sometimes be a sign of oral cancer. If there is a noticeable and recent change in your mouth, such as tenderness or a change in the way your teeth fit together, it is always a good idea to let us know. We will assess and address the issue and make sure that you are equipped with the information you need to make the best decisions for your well-being.
5. If you find something during a screening, what are the next steps?
Dr. Brunacini: Generally, if there is an area of concern, the next step will be a referral to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will perform a biopsy of the area to determine the diagnosis. A lot of times, the biopsy determines that the area is not of concern. However, when the biopsy is positive for cancerous cells, then further treatment may be indicated. Throughout this process, we are here to support our patients with the follow up care they need.
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini!
We strive to be your dental care partner for a healthy life and always want to make sure you have information about how we can help you achieve that. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health or would like to schedule an appointment with an oral cancer screening, please call us at 207.781.5900.
May 28, 2019
Oral health is important no matter your age. It’s not just a part of maintaining a beautiful smile, but also a crucial element in overall wellness and quality of life. The health of your body and the health of your mouth are connected, and both require ongoing care. This is especially true for our older patients. Aging certainly doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to dentures…with proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime. However, there are additional concerns that come up for patients over 60. To learn more, here are 5 tips from Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos.
1. Watch Out For Cavities As You Age
As we age, we become more prone to cavities. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is often the cause and is a side effect of many medications. Saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against tooth decay. Be sure to tell Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about any medications you are taking or if you are experiencing dry mouth. They will have recommendations for how to restore moisture and work with you to help keep your mouth healthy.
2. Share Your Medical History with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos
We are a part of your health care team. Beyond sharing what medications you are taking, it is important to share any medical conditions such as heart conditions. In such cases, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos may recommend antibiotic prophylaxis, which is taking antibiotics prior to a dental procedure. We all have bacteria in our mouths, but for people with certain conditions when that bacteria enters the bloodstream it can cause infection elsewhere in the body. Talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos if you have any questions or concerns about the interactions between your medical conditions and oral care.
3. Cosmetic Procedures Are For Patients of Every Age!
If you are self-conscious about your smile or wish you could improve the look of your teeth, let us know! There are several cosmetic options for patients of any age that can dramatically improve your smile. Examples include:
- Veneers: These can be done on aging teeth can help patients have more confidence in their smiles.
- Teeth Whitening: This works on natural teeth and can make teeth look more youthful. Please note that whitening does not work on crowns.
- Orthodontics: There are options that exist as long as teeth have good bone support. Our teeth become more crowded as we age which can result in some teeth becoming crooked over time.
4. Let Us Know if Your Dentures Are Loose
There have been many advances in recent years to help people with loose dentures. If you have discomfort or concerns about the fit of your dentures, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. They can discuss possible choices for you such as implants which help dentures have a tighter fit, or implant-support bridges. The point is, there are options and we are here to help!
5. Don’t Forget Your Oral Health Care Basics
It’s important for all our patients, especially those over 60 to follow our recommended oral health care regimen: brush twice daily, floss daily, and schedule regular appointments with FDA. We hear from some patients with arthritis that brushing can be a literal pain. We recommend an electric toothbrush to help get to all parts of your teeth while limiting your arm movement. We also like to remind our patients to include healthy diet as part of their oral health care. For example older patients need to make sure they are getting enough calcium–not just from supplements, but from dairy products and leafy greens to support teeth health.
Thank you Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos! If you have more questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. Our entire staff is dedicated to providing you with the most caring and comfortable environment possible while also providing top quality dental care for all ages.
*Image courtesy of www.cdc.gov
Mar 19, 2019
National Dentist Day was March 6 and was established as a way to show appreciation and thanks for dentists. We have two of the best dentists to thank: Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos! As a way to honor these two, we thought we’d ask them some questions about their path to dentistry and what they love about the work they do. Let’s learn more about FDA’s Dynamic Duo!
1. Why did you go in to dentistry?
Dr. Brian Brunacini: I enjoy the variety and problem-solving in dentistry. There are always new things to learn and I’ve enjoyed keeping up with the advancements in digital dentistry to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and quality of care.
Dr. Karagiorgos: After graduating with a degree in civil/structural engineering, I worked in the field but I disliked my job. I was 27 and I knew I didn’t want to do that as a lifelong career. Around that time, I went through a health scare that made me decide to pursue a career that would be meaningful and satisfying to me. I thought more about what a cousin had once suggested: dentistry. So I went back to school to take all the prerequisites to go to dental school, and meanwhile I worked for the Tufts’ Oral Surgery department as a Dental Assistant, where I assisted in surgical procedures such as extraction, implant placement, and even cosmetic surgery. This experience solidified my desire to pursue dentistry. I really enjoyed the surgical aspect of dentistry and considered specializing but the great thing about general dentistry is that you’re able to do a little bit of everything.
2. What is rewarding about your work?
Dr. Brian Brunacini: I love getting to know our patients and working together by sharing what I see and can potentially do for them. I really enjoy empowering patients to be more involved in their healthcare decisions so that they can improve their health.
Dr. Karagiorgos: Every day is about finding the best dental solution for each individual patient while keeping each patient’s special circumstances and aesthetic vision in mind, as well as the financial aspects involved to create the best possible treatment plan for every individual. There’s also an aspect of artistic expression to what we do: it’s making a filling look like a tooth. In a way, dentistry is a very satisfying form of artistic expression on a small scale.
3. What is unique about working at FDA?
Dr. Brian Brunacini: We practice progressive dentistry that allows us to provide excellent holistic care for the whole patient while using crest-of-the-wave technology. We also have a laid-back atmosphere at the office which creates a comfortable, inviting place for patients. That coupled with an amazing team–from receptionist to hygienist to assistant to dentist–who all work together to help patients makes this an ideal practice where we build lasting relationships with our patients.
Dr. Karagiorgos: The patients and staff here make my job feel like it’s not even work. It’s a great feeling to be a part of a team like this. And we meet patients from all walks of life, so it’s great to talk to everyone and get to know them.
4. What is your favorite dental care tip?
Dr. Brian Brunacini: Mine comes down to diet. Everyone knows how important it is to eat well for their overall health, but it also is important for healthy teeth and gums. There is strong correlation between a decrease in sugar/carbohydrate consumption and a decline in tooth decay rates. It’s not just about limiting overall sugar consumption–it’s also important to pay attention to how often during the day you eat or drink sugar. For example, sipping on an iced coffee with sugar all day is worse than drinking it in one sitting.
Dr. Karagiorgos: Floss, floss, floss!!! Flossing can remove plaque and food debris particles in places where toothbrush bristles cannot easily reach, like under the gum line and especially between your teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which daily flossing can help prevent!
Thank you Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos! We appreciate the thoughtful care you both bring to the practice everyday.
Whether you’ve been coming to FDA for years or are a new patient, we hope you learned something about our wonderful dentists. If you have a question for them or need to schedule a visit, give us a call today at 207.781.5900. We are here to give you the best oral health care possible!
