Beware of Valentine’s Day!

By melissa on January 23, 2012

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.

So even though at Falmouth Dental Arts, we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshippers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise?

But February 14th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another
Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s processing of emotions, pleasure and pain
Serotonin, which affects a person’s mood and feelings
Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body’s fight-or-flight response

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.
Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay – we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)
Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which as been proven to reduce tooth decay.
Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.
See your dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we want you to have a kissable February 14th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 207-781-5900. We are here for you!

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Categories: Blog Posts, Cosmetic Dentistry

You Say You Want a Resolution??

By melissa on December 21, 2011

As 2012 approaches, you have probably already started your list of New Year’s resolutions. If you are like most people, this list probably includes: go to the gym, lose weight, take tango lessons, call your mother more often, find the cure for cancer, etc… But let’s face it – EVERYONE has those resolutions, and they are all usually broken by January 10th.

So, let’s shake it up a little this year and try ten “Dental Resolutions” which are not only easy to keep but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health. Here they are!

1) CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have long-standing sentimental value. The fact is – you should replace your brush every two months or so. If the bristles don’t look almost brand new, chances are your teeth aren’t being cleaned well and your toothbrush is harboring lots of yucky bacteria.

2) FLOSS EVERY DAY

Look – we’re dental professionals. We know that most people don’t floss. But that really is a shame. Flossing every day helps to prevent gum disease – so not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances are heart disease and other illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will significantly decrease. If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don’t be embarrassed! Our fantastic team will be glad to show you how.

3) WEAR YOUR SEATBELT

We all know that seatbelts save lives, but even in a minor accident teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward. So buckle up and save your smile!

4) USE A MOUTHGUARD

Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable. There’s a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouthguard – and it’s not to scare their opponents. Give us a call and we will fit you (and the entire tiddly winks team) with beautiful custom mouthguards.

5) GET RID OF SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS

We all need to hydrate, but we don’t need excess sugar and artificial chemicals. These drinks are bad for your body and pull an all out assault on your pearly-whites. Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, it will save you money as well!

6) TEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING

Please don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else. Nibbling on your friends is optional (with their permission, of course).

7) SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH

As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren’t reason enough to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo. There are so many reasons to quit smoking – so please make this the year!

BUT THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOU!

The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well. Yes – eating your veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts not only increases your overall health, it boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums. Added benefit: crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

9) WHITEN YOUR SMILE

There is no question that a nice white smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to others. If you’ve been putting this off – make 2012 the year you finally will be showing your beautiful smile to the world. There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be – give us a call or stop in and we will be glad to show you how.

10) DON’T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS

We know that visiting Falmouth Dental Arts may not be at the top of your “things to do” list for the New Year, but by seeing us on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from ever occurring. It’s a small investment with a big payoff – a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, fresh clean breath, and so much more. Please give us a call at 207-781-5900 today and get 2012 off to a great start!

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Categories: Blog Posts

Don’t be a Dental Turkey!

By melissa on November 22, 2011

When the pilgrims left England on the Mayflower, they were looking for a land free of persecution. By the time they landed in Massachusetts 66 days later, they found the journey to be a lot more grueling than they orginally planned.

Among the many health issues they encountered was “scurvy” – caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. The lack of fresh food on board, especially fruits and vegetables, caused horrible symptoms, including spots on the skin, weakness, extreme drowsiness, spontaneous bleeding, and eventually death. Oh yes – this disease also caused the pilgrims to have bleeding gums and tooth loss!

This Thansksgiving, be sure to prepare a meal that is not only delicious but healthy for your teeth and gums too! Some vitamins and nutrients which are good for your oral health are vitamins A, C and D, phosphorous, and calcium. A delicious Thanksgiving dinner can include them all!

Here are a few things that will make your chompers thank you:

Turkey is high in phosphorous, which is not only healthy for developing teeth but can actually help rebuild tooth enamel.
Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients including vitamins A, C and B6 and are thought to be much healthier than regular white potatoes.
Greens and winter vegetables are great sources of vitamins A and C, both of which are excellent for gum health.
Cranberries contain flavonoids which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth and forming plaque.
Pumpkin pies are loaded with vitamin C and calcium – important for gum health and developing teeth.

“Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need many essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong and healthy,” says Ontario Dental Association Past-President Dr. Ira Kirshen. ”In fact, to ensure proper tooth development and strength, adults, children and seniors alike need a lot of calcium, vitamins and minerals.”

Dr. Kirshen goes on to say: “Many take oral health for granted, but countless studies have shown that there is a strong association between good oral health and good body health. Spending time with your loved ones at Thanskgiving is even better when everyone is healthy and happy.”

Thanksgiving is a great holiday, and it can be a healthy one for your teeth, gums and body as well! Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we want you to be healthy! Remember, prevention is the key, so be sure to stick with your recommended dental care schedule for the best health of all! Call 781-5900 to schedule your appointment today! Enjoy a fantastic holiday, and even though your schedule may be hectic this time of year, don’t forget to take care of your teeth, gums and entire body!

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Categories: Blog Posts

Why The Heck Do You Need To Know That?

By Dr. Glen Knock on November 14, 2011

When you come in for your dental visit, you may notice that we do a lot more than examine your teeth and gums.

One of the most importan parts of your visit is when we ask you questions about your general health. But many people have said to us:

“What does that have to do with my dental checkup?”

The answer – a lot!

More and more research is being published linking dental health to overall health, and at Falmouth Dental Arts we are concerned about both!

Did you know that diabetes, especially when it is undiagnosed, can be a huge factor in gum disease, eventually causing tooth loss?

A recent study by Columbia University concluded:

“Gum disease is an early complication of diabetes.” It continues: “Since 70% of adults see a dentist at least once a year this is a perfect opportunity to screen for diabetes and other diseases.”

According to a recent article in The British Dental Journal, it works the other way around, too, as gum disease can be a contributing factor in heart disease, oral cancer and other illnesses.

Are you taking any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter? Many of these can lead to dry mouth, gum inflammation, and other dental problems.

And it’s even more complicated for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause many changes in dental health. (Isn’t everything more complicated for women!?)

So the good news is, unlike a visit to your physician – you get to keep your clothes on and won’t be poked and prodded anywhere other than your mouth! But as you can see, it is extremely important that we know about your total physical health and any medications you are taking. Not only can we save your teeth – we may actually save your life!

If you want to know more about your dental health and how it relates to your overall health, please let us know. If you have any questions or want to schedule your next appointment, just give us a call at 781-5900. We are here for you!

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Categories: Uncategorized

IV Sedation is Here! Are You a Candidate?

By Dr. Glen Knock on August 4, 2011

Are you a Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?

If you have any of the following:

Fear of dental treatment
History of traumatic dental experiences
Difficulty getting numb
Very sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening
Extremely sensitive teeth
Limited time to get your dental care completed
Complex dental problems; or a need for surgery
Above average disdain for “getting numb”
Embarrassment about your teeth
In denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable
Have not received professional dental care in many years, perhaps decades
Go from dentist to dentist, or doctors, to renew painkiller prescriptions for dental problems
Often make and then cancel dental appointments
Make numerous, lengthy phone calls to the dentist’s office
Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrests

…then yes, you are a candidate!

If you hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care and offices and you can’t block them out (even in an office with many comfortable distractions), then you may want to experience “twilight sleep” while we do the work.

Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental care was fear! That’s right, not time, not money, but fear! Yet dental decay and periodontal disease do not take exceptions!

Finally, IV sedation is what we will discuss below this. It is the deepest of all three, and all of the docs at Falmouth Dental Arts are very comfortable working with the procedure.

IV Sedation

We work closely with an certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) with 7+ years of professional experience. He makes sure that you have a pleasant experience!

How Sedation Works

With safe and proven techniques, patients receive sedative drugs which work rapidly to create a relaxed state that is maintained and monitored throughout treatment. Beyond creating an optimal environment for you, the patient, dentistry with IV Sedation also allows us to complete multiple procedures in one appointment.

An IV is started by the anesthetist allowing all medications for relaxation to enter your body. You will not remember or be aware of any procedures or especially “getting numb.” You breathe on your own. This is not like the hospital anesthesia where a machine breathes for you.

Sedation Facts:

It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment.
You will have little or no memory of the experience.
You won’t remember any sounds or smells.
You can relax for up to five to six hours after the IV sedation (or the anti-anxiety pill if you choose). The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment and type of anesthesia delivered.
Complex dental treatments that often require multiple appointments can often be done in as little as one or two! All while you relax.
People who have difficulty getting numb will have no problem when relaxed.
Sadation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

FAQ’s:

Will I feel any pain?

You will feel almost nothing! We even numb the back of your hand prior to starting the IV.

How long will I be relaxing?

Depending on your needs, from two to six hours. You will rest for 3-4 hours when you get home also, most likely.

Will someone need to accompany me?

Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.

Will I be monitored?

Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are constantly monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

Is IV Sedation safe?

In our office, the dentist’s anesthetist is ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified and all of our doctors and all of their assisting staff are basic life support certified. IV Sedation, in the right hands is one of the safest ways to go for patients who need that “big extra” to make their dental experience comfortable, pain-free and have little or no memory of it. Call us at 207-781-5900 for more information.

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Categories: Uncategorized

Introducing Dr. Brian Brunacini!

By Dr. Glen Knock on July 13, 2011

Dr. Brian Brunacini

We are excited to announce that Dr. Brian Brunacini will be joining our practice in July!

Dr. Brunacini graduated from The Ohio State University in 2009. Since graduation, he has worked as an associate in Rockport, Maine. He is interested in sedation dentistry as well as the surgical aspects of dentistry, such as dental implants.

He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Maine State Dental Association. He stays busy taking numerous continuing education classes, such as classes at the Frank Spear Institute.

Dr. Brunacini enjoys working as a team in order to be able to provide the most comfortable and satisfying appointment possible. It is very important to be sure the patient is being listened to in order to fully be satisfied with the dental treatment. He looks forward to joining the team at Falmouth Dental Arts, and continue the consistent and excellent dentistry for the patients.

He is an avid sports and music fan. He has been married to his wife, Jenny, since 2009, and they both look forward to becoming part of the community here at Falmouth Dental Arts.

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Categories: Uncategorized