Mar 4, 2020
Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we always love seeing our patients! However, we know that not everyone loves going to the dentist. This anxiety can range from mild apprehension to full blown Dental Phobia–a fear so intense that it causes people to avoid dental care altogether.
Infrequent dental visits have a negative impact on your overall health, which is why we are committed to helping everyone receive the oral health care that meets their needs. Our team of experienced and compassionate dental professionals strive to help our patients feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they step in our doors. Still feeling a little nervous? Here are some relaxation techniques that we’ve found helpful for many patients:
1.Talk it Out! If you suffer from anxiety or fear caused by the thought of your dentist visit, please let us know! Getting to know you and your oral health needs is a central part of Falmouth Dental Arts’ approach to oral health care. We care about the well-being of our patients and find that talking about their fears and going through procedures step-by-step can be very comforting. We are always happy to take the extra time to answer your questions and listen to you!
2. Music, Podcasts, & Books-on-Tape — Oh My! Bring your headphones to your next dental appointment, or ask to borrow a pair from us! Many people find it helpful to distract themselves during the dental procedure by immersing themselves in their favorite podcast or tunes. Find something that puts you at ease and watch the time fly by…you’ll be done with your appointment before you know it!
3. Breathe In…Breathe Out. Try to focus on your breath during your next appointment. Slow, conscious breathing techniques give your body more oxygen and help your nervous system calm down. This technique is central to yoga and meditation practices and can be extremely helpful for reducing anxiety. It’s something you can start to do at home, in the waiting room, as well as throughout your appointment.
4. Laugh it Off! For patients with more severe dental phobia who need additional support being comfortable during a dental procedure, we offer nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas). When you arrive in our office, you’ll be escorted to your dental chair, given a small mask to fit over your nose, and will breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. With nitrous oxide, you maintain consciousness so you can still communicate with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos throughout the procedure. You’ll just be a little more comfortable and much more relaxed!
Give us a call at 207-791-5900 today to learn more about the use of nitrous oxide and the other techniques we recommend for a relaxing dental visit. Let us provide you with the best oral health care that keeps your teeth healthy and your mind calm!
Feb 25, 2020
Dental implants are a replacement or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Dental implants have a lot of advantages in comparison to having dentures or bridges. Dentists indicate that when a patient has missing teeth, it’s important to have bone preservation. Dental implants allow this by being embedded in the bone, which will preserve the bone. Often, what occurs with missing teeth is the bone deteriorates. This creates some changes in a person’s facial appearance. The advantage of dental implants is since the dental implant will replace the natural tooth root it will be attached to the bone like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are stronger and last longer and appear to be more effective in comparison to bridges and dentures. Bridges and dentures often can be loose and unstable. Other advantages of dental implants include:
- Not distinguishable from other teeth. So, the implants do not stand out in a person’s mouth. Dental implants are close in appearance to a natural tooth.
- More comfortable and convenient for a person. A person with dental implants does not have to worry about having to remove dentures on a daily basis. Dental implants are permanent.
- Ease of eating. Often, people complain about the difficulties with dentures of eating food. Since dental implants are permanent, you don’t have to worry about dentures falling out.
- Improved oral health. If a person gets a bridge, they may have to reduce other teeth. However, dental implants would not require any reduction in teeth. All other teeth will remain intact.
- Durability. As mentioned, dental implants last a long time and may last a lifetime for many people
- 95% success rate with dental implants. Dental implants are small fixtures and they are often not rejected by the body.
Feb 13, 2020
Cinnamon floss is red, mouthwash is blue.
Brush twice a day, and to your dentist be true!
Happy Valentines Day from Falmouth Dental Arts! In celebration of a day of love, we have a list of the Top Ten Reasons to Love (and take care of) Your Teeth!
10. Your teeth give you the ability to smile at the people you love!
9. Your teeth are how you bite into candy hearts, and…
8. Your teeth help you chew those candy hearts! (Just remember to brush after enjoying your Valentine’s sweets!)
7. Your teeth support your oral structure and speech, allowing you to say “I love you.”
6. Feeling more theatrical? Your teeth let you sing “I Will Always Love You.”
5. If you’d rather whistle Whitney, your teeth help you do that, too!
4. Your teeth enable you to chew gum. Heart shaped bubbles, anyone?
3. Doctors and dentists agree that oral health affects heart health. Show your teeth some TLC and keep your heart healthy in the process!
2. Your teeth bring you and your dentist, Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos, together! We love getting to know our patients, and we have your teeth to thank for that.
1. Your teeth hold the rose while dancing the tango with your sweetheart.
As you celebrate Valentine’s Day, your team at Falmouth Dental Arts reminds you to enjoy sugary sweets in moderation. Don’t forget to show your teeth some love by brushing and flossing twice a day, every day of the year! If you have any questions or would like to schedule a cleaning, please call our office at 207.781.5900.
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
Jan 22, 2020
Dieting is a popular New Year’s Resolution. This year, why not take a dental approach to the traditional diet? The team at Falmouth Dental Arts has whipped up the perfect plate–and poured a cuppa– for your pearly whites.
Dairy: Cheese and yogurt both contain Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. This mineral is just as important for your teeth as it is for your bones; calcium-deficient diets suffer from underdeveloped teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Cheeses and yogurts address your need for Vitamin D, and boast the added bonus of counteracting acid erosion of teeth, making them excellent options to end a meal. Cheese for dessert, anyone? **Dairy allergies? Fatty fish such as salmon are also a wonderful source of Vitamin D.
Oranges: Surprise! Although citrus fruits contain erosive acids, they pack a powerful punch of Vitamin C, which encourages collagen production and strengthens tissue and blood vessels. Increased collagen, stronger tissue and better blood flow means stronger gums and happier homes for your teeth. An orange a day keeps the periodontist away–just make sure to wait at least 30 minutes between eating and brushing to minimize acid erosion.
Fruits and Veggies: Looking for another reason to make a salad? High-fiber leafy greens act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing your teeth while you eat and encouraging saliva production. Meanwhile, the high-water content of traditional lettuces help rinse your mouth. Carrots and celery are also excellent snack options, washing your teeth with every crunch! For tooth-conscious options from the fruit bowl, choose apples and strawberries. Apples offer the same healthy crunch benefits as snappy vegetables, while strawberries actually contain malic acid, a natural enamel whitener.
Tea: Black and green teas contain compounds called “polyphenols”. Polyphenols ward off bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease. Less bacteria means fewer cavities and less bad breath. When combined with other good dental habits, drinking tea can cure halitosis, so drink up and breathe easy.
While a balanced diet represents one facet of your dental health, you can’t substitute twice-daily brushing and flossing with apples and carrots. Falmouth Dental Arts encourages you to the best of both worlds! If you have any questions about the best foods for your teeth, just ask us at your next appointment. To schedule your appointment, please call our office at 207.781.5900.
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
