Jun 1, 2025
We all have heard the basics of good oral health—brushing, flossing, and regular preventative care. However, other everyday habits, even ones that seem harmless, could be damaging your teeth. Here are four surprising ways you might be putting your pearly whites at risk.
Brushing Too Soon After Eating
Brushing right after a meal may sound like a good idea, but if you’ve had something acidic—like coffee, citrus, or soda—acidic foods temporarily soften your enamel, and brushing too soon can wear your enamel away. Waiting 30 minutes before brushing will give your saliva time to neutralize acids and protect your enamel.
Sleeping Face-Down
Guilty as charged! We all have our favorite sleeping positions, but over time snoozing face down can put pressure on your jaw, potentially leading to misalignment, TMJ issues, and even grinding your teeth. If you are a dedicated stomach sleeper, try transitioning to a side or back position to reduce pressure—your jaw (and your dreams) will thank you!
Mouth Breathing
Do you breathe through your mouth while awake or asleep? It is worth paying attention to because mouth breathing can dry out saliva, and our saliva plays a vital role in washing away bacteria and preventing cavities. A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for plaque buildup, leading to bad breath and tooth decay.
Struggling with dry mouth? Stay hydrated, try using a humidifier at night, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. B or Dr. K for personalized solutions. They’re happy to help you keep your smile healthy and comfortable!
Sipping on Acidic or Sugary Drinks Throughout the Day
Even drinks that seem “healthy,” like lemon water, kombucha, or apple cider vinegar, can weaken enamel if you sip them frequently. Constant acid exposure wears down your teeth over time, increasing sensitivity and the risk of cavities. To minimize damage use a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to rid away acids, and limit these drinks to once a day instead of sipping throughout the day.
Protect Your Smile! By making these small changes—waiting to brush after meals, staying hydrated, and being mindful of what you drink—you can keep your smile healthy.
Apr 30, 2025
Falmouth Dental Arts has been providing complete, compassionate care for our patients in Southern Maine for over 50 years. We believe in partnering with patients to help them achieve their healthiest, happiest smiles. Have questions? You’re not alone! We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions we hear in the office—and answered them all in one helpful spot.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We would be delighted to provide you with our quality oral health care. Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our entire staff are dedicated to providing the most caring, comfortable environment possible while providing top quality dental care. We offer a range of treatments to help you attain your oral health goals – from routine hygiene visits to cosmetics enhancements. You can fill out our New Patient Form and one of our team members will reach out to get you scheduled! We look forward to being your partner in oral health!
Do you take my insurance?
We can bill most insurance companies. We are out of network with all insurances, so we encourage our patients to check their policy to see if they will work with us as an out of network dentist. It’s important to us that we can provide individualized treatment plans for all of our patients and not let the insurance company dictate the care we provide. This is a value for many of our patients. We are always happy to talk through all the options with our patients, so please call if you have any questions about insurance, billing, or your treatment options.
Do you see kids?
Yes! We see kids of all ages. At FDA, we believe good oral habits start early. We love helping our youngest patients have positive dental experiences both at home and at our office. Our team of caring and compassionate dental care professionals are wonderful at meeting your kids where they are and pay close attention to your child’s comfort level. We’ll work with you and your child to develop proper homecare habits and design office visits around your child’s readiness and needs. It is our pleasure to welcome your children to our practice!
How long has FDA been a practice?
FDA has been a local dental practice in Southern Maine for over 50 years! Our beloved Dr. Knock started it all back in 1974. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos carry on his legacy of providing compassionate patient care in concert with crest-of–the-wave dental technologies. At FDA, we don’t just see your smile, we see you as a whole person. Our team works to provide a comfortable environment in every aspect of our care, from scheduling and making payments to getting a check up or a cosmetic enhancement. We’ve been a part of the small business community in Falmouth for decades and are dedicated to providing the best oral care possible!
What do you mean by “dental arts”?
As our founder Dr. Knock has said, “There is an artistry to dentistry, if the dentist is conscientious. It is quite aesthetic…the cosmetic dentistry that can be done to help a person.” We continue to provide this conscientious and aesthetic approach to dentistry and are further aided by the cutting-edge technology in our office, like our CEREC Same-Day Crowns. We have a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can give you the smile that not only a work of art, but the smile of your dreams!
If you have other questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 207.781.5900! We are always happy to answer questions and are here to help!
Apr 29, 2025
Hello, Spring! Ready to give your smile a fresh start this season?
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your health and wellness habits. As you declutter your home and reset your routines, don’t forget about your teeth! At FDA, we often talk about the connection between oral health and overall wellness—because taking care of your smile is an important part of taking care of yourself. To help you bloom into healthier habits, here are 5 simple ways to give your smile a seasonal refresh.
Drink More Water
Want to feel more energized, boost your mood, and take care of your teeth all at once? Grab a glass of water! Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is good for your entire body, helping to flush out toxins and support your organs. Water also helps rinse away bacteria in your mouth which prevents tooth decay. Drink a glass of water after every meal and you’ll be doing your teeth and your body a favor!
Incorporate Healthy Dairy Into Your Diet
Want to give your teeth a boost? Incorporate healthy foods into your diet! An easy place to start is with cheese and yogurt – foods that are high in calcium. Calcium is crucial for the health of your teeth because it helps strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities. Cheese packs a double dose of fortification for your teeth because it also contains a protein called casein. Yogurt has an additional benefit as well; it is a probiotic, which will keep your mouth’s microbiome balanced with healthy bacteria. So say yes to cheese and yogurt!
Floss, Floss, Floss!
Want to know the best way you can improve your oral health? Flossing! Flossing will not only improve your gum health, but it will help prevent cavities, too. This is because flossing removes plaque and bacteria in the areas between your teeth that brushing alone misses. It’s one of the best things you can do during your oral care routine! We know it’s a tricky habit for many to stick with, so find what works best for you. Ready to take the flossing plunge? Set a goal for flossing once a week and work up to flossing once a day. You can try Plackers or a water flosser if you find traditional floss is difficult. Another idea – you can try bringing floss to work to take care of it during your lunch break if the morning is too rushed. Your teeth and gums will say thank you!
Brush Up on Your Brushing Technique
Want to get the most out of your brushing? Make sure your skills are up to speed! Proper technique includes brushing gently for 2-3 minutes, twice a day, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. Brush every surface of your teeth, both front and back. Also give your entire gum line a little massage as well – this will stimulate circulation and improve your gum health. If you want to take your brushing up another level, consider an electric toothbrush. They will help you get a superior clean every time you brush. Also, our team of hygienists is always happy to demonstrate best brushing techniques so feel free to ask at your next appointment!
Visit FDA!
Want to make maintaining your oral health easy? Come for regular checkups at our office! At FDA, we’re here to be your partner in oral health. Routine hygiene visits that include digital x-rays and cleanings are the best way to maintain your oral health. They also help us with early detection of issues such as oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, along with our team of compassionate dental care professionals, will help you to develop a hygiene schedule at home, as well as in our office! If you need to schedule your next appointment, please give our office a call at 207.781.5900!
Mar 30, 2025
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and regular visits to the dentist can be your best defense against the most common form of head and neck cancer. That’s because early detection is crucial. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we provide oral cancer screenings – Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as well as our hygienists perform screenings during your regular check up appointments. To help raise awareness, here’s what you need to know about oral cancer, its causes and common symptoms, and our screening procedure.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a general term that covers cancers in your lips and mouth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 11 out of 100,000 people will develop oral cancer in their lifetime. If it is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your head and neck. It’s encouraging to note that when oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a 80-90% survival rate.
Common Causes of Oral Cancers
For the majority of cases, oral cancer is linked with the following habits:
- Smoke and/or use tobacco
- Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- Spend long periods in the sun without protection
- Have the Human papillomavirus (HPV).
While smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer, there are increasingly more and more young people developing oral cancer due to the HPV virus.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
If you notice any changes to your mouth or experience any pain or tenderness, you should let us know. Here are some of the common symptoms and warning signs for oral cancer, including:
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Sores that fail to heal
- Abnormal lumps in the gums or neck
- Numbness or pain in the face, mouth or neck without cause
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic bad breath
If you discover an area of concern, please let us know so we can see you promptly for a thorough exam.
FDA’s Oral Cancer Screening
At FDA, Dr. Brunacini, Dr. Karagiorgos, and our hygienists perform oral cancer screenings for our patients at every hygiene appointment. These screenings may include:
Visual Exam
During a visual exam of the mouth, we look at the gum tissue, lips, checks, and tongue. Additionally we gently palpate or press on areas of the face and neck to check for any irregular lumps. If we have any concerns, we may offer to do a screening with VELscope.
VELscope screening
VELscope is a screening device that emits a blue light that quickly identifies abnormal cells before they are visible to the naked eye. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure. We find it to be helpful for early detection of oral cancer.
CBCT 3D X-Ray
We also perform CBCT 3D X-Rays which enables us to better visualize all of the structures within your head, neck, and mouth and assess your oral health. 3D imaging can be helpful in determining subsequent steps for the ideal treatment of an area of concern.
If we have any reason for concern after a screening, our next step would be to refer you to an oral surgeon for additional consultation and a possible biopsy. As your partner in oral health, we will remain involved every step of the way to provide support and follow-up care.
As always, when you have any questions about your oral health or the oral cancer screening process, please don’t hesitate to call us. We are always happy to answer your questions so you feel informed and confident about your oral health!
Mar 4, 2025
National Dentist’s Day is held annually on March 6th and is an opportunity to honor all the men and women who keep our smiles healthy. At FDA, we have two skilled and compassionate dentists – Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos. There are many reasons to love Dr. B & Dr. K and this month we highlight a few of the comments we’ve received from you, our patients.
“Dr K is an artist and consummate craftsman with a fabulous chairside manner. He demonstrated mastery with the newest dental technology and an eye and hand for detail. … He and the staff made sure I was comfortable, not in pain, and kept me informed about the steps during the entire procedure.”
“Going to the dentist gives me anxiety and everyone at Falmouth Dental Arts makes an unpleasant experience that much easier. I truly appreciate the kindness and caring given to me. Dr. B. is awesome as well as a talented dentist. I have recommended Falmouth Dental Arts to several people!”
“Dr. K blew my expectations with a repair on two of my front teeth I had broken. I’ve been self conscious about my smile for 15 years, and I left his office feeling like a new person and showing my smile to everyone! You literally cannot tell that they are repaired. I feel SO good. Thank you Dr. K and FDA team. I’ll never go anywhere else.”
“Dr. Brunacini takes the time to explain and discuss things with you. The front desk and clinical staff welcome you with smiles and laughter is heard throughout the practice. I had a great visit.”
Thank you, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos! We are so grateful for all you do to care for our patients! If you need to see Dr. B or Dr. K for a check up, give us a call today – 207.781.5900. We are here to be your partner in oral health!
