Aug 26, 2025
It’s back-to-school season! While kids are getting ready with fresh notebooks and new routines, it’s also the perfect time to brush up on the basics of oral health—starting with what’s inside your smile. Understanding the different parts of your teeth can help you take better care of them. So let’s go back to basics with a refresher on the anatomy of your teeth!
What Are Teeth Made Of?
Your teeth are small, but they’re made of several layers that each have an important job. Here’s an explanation of each layer and how they work together.
Enamel
This is the hard, shiny outer layer of your tooth—and it’s the strongest substance in your body! Enamel protects your teeth from chewing, biting, and bacteria. But it can wear down over time, especially if you eat a lot of sugar or skip brushing.
Dentin
Right underneath the enamel is dentin. It’s not as hard, and it’s a little yellowish in color. If enamel wears away, dentin can become exposed—and that can make your teeth feel sensitive.
Pulp
The pulp is in the center of the tooth. It’s soft and full of nerves and blood vessels. The pulp helps your tooth grow and stay healthy. If a tooth gets a deep cavity or crack, the pulp can get infected and may need treatment.
Cementum
This covers the root of the tooth and helps hold it in place. It’s not something you can see, but it works hard below the surface!
Periodontal Ligament
This is the stretchy tissue that connects your teeth to your jawbone. It acts like a cushion every time you bite or chew.
Why This Matters
Just like knowing how your heart or lungs work, understanding your teeth helps you keep them strong. When you brush and floss every day, you’re protecting all those layers—especially your enamel and gums. And remember: your permanent teeth need to last your whole life. The better you care for them now, the happier your smile will be in the future!
Back to School = Back to the Dentist!
The start of the school year is a great time to schedule a check-up. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we make visits easy and comfortable for the whole family. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into high school, we’re here to keep their smiles healthy, strong, and ready to shine in school photos.
Jul 30, 2025
Is your smile ready for a little refresh? Whether you’ve got a big event coming up—or just want to feel more confident when you look in the mirror—cosmetic dentistry can help you love your smile a little more.
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe everyone deserves to feel great about their smile. That’s why we offer a range of cosmetic services, from small touch-ups to full smile makeovers, all delivered with the same care and comfort you’ve come to expect from our team.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. It’s not just about looks—it’s about helping you feel confident and comfortable.
Here are a few of the ways we can help you spruce up your smile:
Brighten your smile with safe, professional whitening that removes stains and discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, or age.
We replace old silver fillings with natural-looking composite material that blends in beautifully with your teeth.
A quick, affordable way to fix chips, small gaps, or misshapen teeth—bonding uses tooth-colored material to give your smile a smooth, even look.
Want a dramatic change? Veneers are thin shells placed on the front of your teeth to correct shape, size, or color. They’re custom-made and long-lasting.
Restore damaged teeth quickly and beautifully with a crown made and placed in just one visit.
Not sure which option is right for you? That’s where we come in! Dr. B & Dr. K. take the time to listen, understand your goals, and create a personalized plan that fits your needs and your lifestyle.
Let’s Make Your Smile Shine
Whether you want a whiter smile, straighter teeth, or just a little polish, cosmetic dentistry can make a big difference in how you feel day to day. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re here to help you explore your options in a no-pressure, friendly environment.
We love seeing our patients walk out of the office smiling a little brighter—and we’d love to help you do the same.
Jul 30, 2025
Backpacks are packed, fall sports are in full swing, and for many kids and teens in Southern Maine, that means time on the field, court, rink, or at a park. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we love cheering on our young athletes—but we also want to make sure their smiles stay safe all season long.
Whether your child plays soccer, football, hockey, or even skateboards with friends after school, protecting their teeth is just as important as wearing a helmet or pads. Here’s how to keep those pearly whites game-ready.
Why Mouthguards Matter
Mouthguards are a simple and effective way to prevent dental injuries during sports. They help protect teeth, gums, lips, and even the jaw from impact.
Here’s what a good mouthguard can do:
- Cushion the blow from a fall or collision
- Protect against chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth
- Reduce the risk of cuts to lips and tongue
- Even help prevent jaw injuries and concussions
A well-fitting mouthguard should feel snug but comfortable, and allow for easy breathing and talking.
Custom-fit is best:
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards made right in our office. These are specially designed for your child’s mouth, offering better protection, comfort, and durability than over-the-counter versions. If your student athlete needs one, just let us know—we’re happy to help!
What If a Tooth Gets Cracked or Knocked Out?
Even with the best protection, accidents can still happen. Here’s what to do if your child has a dental injury during sports:
If a tooth is chipped or cracked:
- Rinse the mouth gently with warm water
- Save any tooth fragments (if you can)
- Call our office as soon as possible—early care makes a big difference
If a tooth is knocked out:
- Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Gently rinse it off—don’t scrub
- Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in a glass of milk
- Get to the dentist within 30 minutes if possible
Don’t panic—we’re here to help. Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, but our caring team is just a phone call away. We’ll guide you through every step to protect your child’s smile.
Safe Smiles Start Here
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe every child deserves a confident, healthy smile—on and off the field. Whether you’re looking for a custom mouthguard or need quick help after an injury, we’re always here to support your family with trusted, compassionate care.
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!
