Dec 2, 2024
Shake those jingle bells, the holiday season is upon us! This time of year we make it a priority to give back to our community. At FDA, we love helping people smile and we believe that everyone should have access to oral health care. This is why we work with two dental charities that are doing great work in our community: Dental Lifeline and Dancing with the Dentists. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll recognize these charities…perhaps you even got tickets to watch Dr. Karagiorgos at Dancing with the Dentists! To inspire you to join us in giving back, here is some more information about the important work of these two organizations.
Dental Lifeline
For 50 years, Dental Lifeline’s mission has been to improve the oral health of people with disabilities, those who are over 65, and those with a chronic serious illness. Through its flagship program, Donated Dental Services (DDS), oral care is provided to people who cannot afford necessary treatments and cannot receive public aid. With its network of 39,000 dentists and 6,500 labs nationwide, the DDS program has provided $500 million in donated therapies and transformed the lives of 170,000 people. They have a quote from one of their patients that sums up the impact of their work beautifully: “I will never forget these volunteers for what they did to restore my dignity. I got my smile back. I got my life back. I can’t stop smiling.”
Dancing with the Dentists
Dancing with the Dentists was founded by our beloved Dr. Knock. He envisioned an event that brought his local dental network together to build a ballroom dancing competition to raise money for local charities. Both Dr. Brunancini and Dr. Karagiorgos have hit the dance floor for this wonderful charity! A fun competition that also makes a real impact, Dancing with the Dentists raised over $40,000 for these local charities: The Root Cellar, Mainely Teeth, and Veggies to Table.
We have also worked with Dentists Who Care for ME and look forward to continuing to support their great work when they are able to hold the next event for their services.
As a locally-owned small business, we feel grateful to be a part of such a conscientious and kind community. Giving back is a meaningful way we can share our professional skills and compassionate care with our larger community.
We wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season! Thank you for being a part of the FDA Family!
Nov 6, 2024
Routine visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. They help Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos monitor your oral health and catch any dental issues early. But if it’s been awhile since you’ve been in for a checkup or if an issue arises in between your appointments, the FDA team is always here for you! After all, we are your partner in oral health! Here are five situations when you should pick up the phone and call us.
Pain
If you’re in pain, your body is trying to tell you something. Experiencing tooth, gum, or jaw pain means it’s a good idea to call our office and have Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos give you an exam. There are a number of reasons you could be experiencing pain in your mouth, ranging from a cavity or gum disease to TMJ syndrome or a cracked tooth. Whatever the cause, come in for an exam so we can work with you to design a treatment plan that will alleviate your pain and support your overall oral health.
Gum Issues
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you may have gum disease. The sooner you treat gum disease the better, so give us a call so we can help. The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and sometimes a professional cleaning with our amazing hygienists will get you back on track. Plus they will have tips and tricks for you to keep your gums healthy and happy in your home care routine.
Jaw Trouble
If your jaw is clicking, popping, or causing you pain, you may be experiencing TMJ syndrome. Common TMJ syndrome symptoms include jaw pain, neck or shoulder pain, migraines or headaches, and even difficulty chewing or opening and closing your mouth. The FDA team can help you find some relief and determine if you need help beyond treatments such as a mouth guard, relaxation exercises, or over the counter painkillers. Give us a call so we can support you!
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant…first congratulations! Second, give our office a call! Your routine dental visits can continue during your pregnancy, and it’s helpful for Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos to be aware of any medications or supplements you take during your pregnancy. One thing to note – pregnancy causes hormonal changes that can increase the risk of gum disease. Keep up with a good oral hygiene routine at home and call our office if you have swollen or bleeding gums. We’re here to support your health…and your developing baby’s health, too!
Hiding Your Smile
If you are embarrassed to show your teeth because of cosmetic issues, this may prevent you from smiling and talking. At Falmouth Dental Arts we offer a variety of cosmetic procedures that can help, which can often be completed in as little as two visits! Give our office a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. Let us help give you the smile of your dreams!
If you have questions about your oral health, are experiencing any of the issues listed above, or need to schedule your next appointment – please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re here to provide you with the best oral health care possible!
Aug 1, 2024
At the heart of every oral care routine is toothpaste. You brush your teeth twice a day, so you want to find the toothpaste that’s right for you. Visit any drugstore, however, and you can get overwhelmed by the amount of choices! How do you know which one is right for you and your needs? At FDA, we are always happy to assist our patients in making decisions about their well-being, whether that means choosing the right dental treatment plan or helping a patient set up a home care routine. In that spirit, here is some helpful information for choosing a toothpaste that’s right for you and your oral care.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
First things first – the ADA is a great resource when you’re looking for the best products to help maintain your oral health. When choosing a toothpaste, make sure you buy a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. They’ve done their research! Toothpastes with the Seal must contain fluoride and meet the ADA’s requirements for “safety and efficacy in reducing tooth decay.” So, look for their seal on any tube of toothpaste you are considering for your home oral care.
Next, you’ll want to consider your oral health care needs and priorities. Here are a few examples:
- Whiter Teeth: You can achieve a brighter, more confident smile with a whitening toothpaste. Look for a tube with ingredients such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide; these are effective whitening agents. Please note whitening toothpastes can use abrasives and/or chemicals to polish teeth and eliminate surface stains, which may trigger a reaction in some people. FDA also provides both in-house and at-home whitening treatment options. Please give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. B or Dr. K if you’d like to learn more!
- Tartar Control: If your check-up revealed that you have a tartar issue, you may want to look for a toothpaste with extra tart control. Tartar is a hardened form of dental plaque and can lead to gum disease. Please note that tartar control toothpaste may cause sensitivity for some individuals.
- Sensitive Teeth: If you find yourself reacting when you come in contact with food or drinks that are cold or hot, you likely have sensitive teeth. There are a variety of reasons you may be experiencing sensitivity, from exposed dentin or receding gums. Fortunately, there are also toothpaste that can help lessen your sensitivity symptoms. For example, toothpastes with potassium nitrate can help soothe nerve endings, while toothpastes with chlorhexidine can help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. One product we carry at FDA is MI Paste, which is fortified with calcium, fluoride and phosphate and helps replace minerals lost in the tooth’s structure. If you have concerns about your teeth sensitivity, your first step should be to come in for an appointment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos so they can assess your oral health and help you find the product that will best alleviate your sensitivity symptoms.
- All-Natural Ingredients: If you’re interested in a more organic lifestyle, consider an all-natural toothpaste free of harsh chemicals. For example, ingredients in traditional toothpastes, such as SLS, which acts as a foaming agent, can irritate some people’s gums. Choosing a natural toothpaste can be a great choice for both your oral health and the health of the planet!
- Toothpaste for Kids: We love getting kids to brush and often hear from our littlest patients that the taste of their toothpaste is important. Fortunately, you can now find way more exciting options than just minty fresh! From a berry-blast to a bubblegum sparkle, there are all sorts of fun flavor options out there. Beyond flavor, toothpaste for kids can often feature their favorite cartoon characters as well. Empower your little ones to participate in their oral care by letting them choose their own toothpaste.
Whatever tube of toothpaste you choose, make sure you brush those beautiful teeth of yours twice a day. If you still have questions about the best toothpaste for you, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re here to be your partner in oral health!
Jun 4, 2024
June marks the beginning of summer, which means summer vacation is here! However, that doesn’t mean you can take a vacation from your oral hygiene routine. At FDA, we’re your partner in oral health and here to help you develop a home routine that will keep you healthy and happy. After all, taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Here are four easy tips to keep you smiling your way through summer.
Hydrate!
When the weather heats up, stay hydrated! Drinking enough water is good for your body and good for your teeth and gums. Like saliva, drinking plenty of water can help rinse away food particles and cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Plus nothing beats a cold glass of water on a hot day!
Floss on the Go!
Flossing is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Floss gets into the nooks and crannies between your teeth that brushing alone doesn’t reach, removing plaque and bacteria. We know how hard it can be to incorporate flossing into your daily routine, and even harder when you’re packing in all the summer fun. Do yourself and your gums a favor by flossing on the go! Many of our hygienists swear by the floss picks, Plackers. Toss a few into your beach bag or suitcase so you can floss your way to a healthier smile!
Avoid Chewing Ice!
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy icy, cold beverages. Many people love to crunch on the ice after they finish the drink, but this bad habit can damage your teeth! Ice is hard enough to crack a tooth and we often see patients with chipped teeth. If you do chip a tooth, fret not, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos can help repair any damage done, often in as little as two visits!
Visit the FDA Team!
An easy way to take care of your oral health is to come in for regular cleanings and check-ups with our compassionate team of oral health care professionals. Beat the heat and come in for an appointment in our cool and comfortable office. We’ll give you a thorough cleaning and check for cavities and gum disease, as well as do an oral cancer screening. Regular appointments with Dr. B & Dr. K can help prevent larger dental issues from developing and will keep your smile going strong.
If you need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re here to provide you with the highest quality dental care in every season!
Dec 1, 2023
Winter is coming and along with it cold temperatures and dry air. You’ve probably noticed the seasonal shift impacts your skin, but did you know the cold weather can also cause some dental issues? Perhaps you’ve felt increased sensitivity in your teeth and tighter jaw muscles. FDA to the rescue! To help keep your mouth and your teeth happy and healthy all winter long, we wanted to share some cold weather dental tips.
Bundle Up!
This may seem obvious for anyone who has experienced a Maine winter, but staying warm can be good for your oral health. People who suffer from TMJ disorder (a tight jaw) or bruxism (teeth clenching) may notice their jaw is more tense in the cold weather. Get a cozy scarf or sweater and keep warm; it will help you to clench your teeth and tighten your jaw less.
Drink Water!
Less moisture in the air can lead to your mouth producing less saliva. Saliva is crucial to your oral health; it helps rinse away food debris and bacteria that could lead to tooth decay. Staying hydrated and drinking water will help! It is good for your overall health as well as beneficial for your oral health. Drink up!
Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth!
People with sensitive teeth sometimes experience sharp pain in their teeth when they enjoy hot or cold beverages. Sensitivity can also be triggered by cold temperatures in the air. This often stems from broken down tooth enamel which exposes the tissue underneath, known as dentin. This winter, try brushing your teeth with a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. We have a couple of products we recommend, such as MI Paste and Fluoridex. Ask for more information at your next appointment!
Come in for Regular Appointments with FDA!
No matter what time of year it is, good oral health care always includes regular visits with the caring and compassionate team at FDA. If you need to schedule a cleaning or have questions about your oral health this winter, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We’re here to help!
Nov 3, 2023
November is here and Thanksgiving is around the corner. It’s a good time to pause and reflect on what you are grateful for right now. At FDA, we have so many reasons to be thankful! To celebrate the season, we wanted to share with you what is number one on our gratitude list…
Our Patients!
We are so grateful for you – our family of patients. Thank you for trusting us with your oral health care! We have dedicated our lives to helping our patients have the healthy smiles of their dreams and are honored to be a part of your health care team.
Our team of compassionate dental professionals is committed to providing patient comfort while also providing the highest quality dental care. We want you to feel confident in your understanding of dental health so that you can always make the best decisions for your well being. If you have questions, we are always happy to go deeper with you into your treatment options and home care. We love educating our patients about oral hygiene best practices as well as the importance of a healthy diet. Our goal is to develop a partnership with you. We wouldn’t be here without you, so thank you for helping us do the work we love.
What are you grateful for this season? We’d love to hear from you – let us know at your next appointment or comment on our Facebook page. If you have any questions about your oral health or need to come in for a cleaning to show your teeth some gratitude, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
