Oct 10, 2022
It’s National Dental Hygiene Month!
Get out your toothbrush and floss..it’s National Dental Hygiene Month! This month-long campaign is focused on raising public awareness about oral health and hygiene as well as a reminder to practice daily habits that promote healthy teeth and gums. At FDA, we have an amazing team of hygienists who are wonderful ambassadors of excellent oral health care: Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly and Lydianne. They are always putting their patients’ comfort first and they love educating others about setting up a personalized and effective oral health routine. We heart our hygienists!! In honor of our rock star hygienists and National Dental Hygiene Month, here are our top three – hygienist-approved – tips for daily oral health care!
Brush!
It’s not rocket science, just good old-fashioned oral hygiene. Get yourself an ADA-approved toothbrush with soft bristles and treat your teeth and gums to a gentle massage twice a day for two minutes. Bonus points if you upgrade to an electric toothbrush – they are more effective at removing plaque. Think of your daily brushing routine as an important part of your self-care routine. If you’d like a demonstration of the best way to brush, ask your hygienist at your next appointment. They are experts!
Floss!
We know this can be a tough one to incorporate into your daily routine, but flossing once a day is a crucial component of oral health. Flossing gets into all the nooks and crannies where the brush doesn’t reach and cavity-causing bacteria can hide. If you find flossing difficult, try a water flosser or use a product like ‘Go-Betweens’ or ‘Plackers.’ Find an option that works for you and stick with it! Your gums and teeth will be grateful!
Eat well!
Oral health and hygiene are one part of a self-care routine for your overall wellness. Eating a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals is not only good for your body, but it’s good for your teeth and gums, too! There are lots of ways to pack your plate with mouth-friendly food: load up on crunchy veggies and leafy greens, grab a hunk of cheese for extra calcium, sip on green tea for extra antioxidants. Need more ideas? Chat with Alex, Diann, Erin, Jean, Kelly, or Lydianne at your next appointment…think of them as your partners in oral health and hygiene!
While good oral hygiene is important every month, we hope you help us spread the word about the easy ways you can incorporate mouth-friendly daily habits into your self-care routine this October. Also – give some gratitude to your hygienist at your next appointment. They are truly compassionate professionals and work hard every day to make sure our family of patients feel cared for and comfortable. If you have questions or want to go over your healthcare routine, give us a call: 207.781.5900. We are here to be your partner in excellent oral health care!
Aug 11, 2022
Summer is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy, but it’s still important to keep up with your oral health routine, even during the hottest days. Here are some tips to keep your pearly whites in tiptop shape during the dog days of summer and beyond.
1) Skip the Sugary Drinks
Instead of reaching for a sugary drink to quench your thirst, stick to beverages with no added sugar whenever possible. Skip the soda (not only do sodas have high sugar content, but the carbonation is also acidic and can harm tooth enamel). While sports drinks contain electrolytes, which are helpful in preventing dehydration, did you know that they also contain more than 30 grams of sugar and 250 grams of sodium? Stick to sugar-free versions instead.
2) Drink More Water
A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Some ideas to help you reach your water goal are to find an insulated, refillable water bottle you like, infuse your water with lemon or use flavor drops for a little pizazz. Drinking is not only good for your metabolism, it’s also good for your teeth!
3) Prevent Tooth Discoloration
Many of us love an iced coffee or tea on a hot day but if you drink them frequently, there is a chance this can lead to tooth discoloration. Other summer favorites like cola, red wine, grape juice, cranberry juice, and blueberries are also common causes of tooth staining.
There are a few things you can do to keep your smile whiter, however, such as adding milk to your iced coffees and drinking out of a straw. It is also helpful to drink a glass of water after consuming one of these foods or beverages or rinse with a mouthwash. If you are concerned about the stains you already have, we’d be happy to discuss your options for teeth whitening. We offer both in-office whitening and at-home options and Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos would be happy to recommend an option that is best for you.
4) Don’t Bite the Ice
We know how satisfying it is to chew the ice left in the bottom of your drink, but this is a common cause of tooth breakage. If you are looking for a safer alternative, try adding crushed ice to your drinks instead. Try mixing ice with your beverage of choice or some fresh fruit in a blender and until smooth.
5) Protect your lips with SPF Lip Balm
Any time you are outside enjoying the sun, remember to wear sunscreen on any exposed areas, including your lips! Choose a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply often, especially after swimming or drinking.
6) Keep Your Regular Hygiene Appointments
We know summer gets busy, but the best way to ensure good oral health in any season is to keep your regular hygiene appointments. If you have any questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, call us today at 207.781.5900.
Jan 10, 2022
The new year brings an excellent opportunity to update your health and wellness habits. At Falmouth Dental Arts we often talk about how part of your overall wellness is good oral health, so this year, why not commit to having the healthiest smile possible, starting with this list of dental health resolutions:
1) Get a Fresh Start with a New Toothbrush
Ideally, toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, but the new year is also a great time to start fresh by replacing all the toothbrushes in your household. We recommend electric toothbrushes to our patients; they provide a superior clean and help keep your gums healthy. If you prefer a traditional toothbrush, look for one with soft or ultra-soft bristles. Choose a toothpaste that is ADA-approved and contains fluoride.
2) Brush Up on Your Technique
Are your brushing skills 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. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth, both front and back. Our team of hygienists is always happy to demonstrate “best brushing techniques” so feel free to ask at your next appointment!
3) Add Flossing to Your Routine
If you are skipping the flossing step in your dental routine, this is the perfect time to make a positive change. Start with once a week and then build up to a daily flossing habit. Also, if you find that you often forget to floss at night, try a different time of day or set a reminder on your phone. Using water flossers or regular floss will help clean food and plaque from between your teeth, helping to keep your gums healthy.
4) Use a Mouthwash
Studies show that using mouthwash on a regular basis is beneficial to your mouth, teeth, and gums. Rinsing with mouthwash gets to the places that toothbrushes can’t, cleans your whole mouth (including your tongue), and freshens your breath! Our hygienists recommend Oxyfresh mouth rinse, an alcohol and dye free formula flavored with essential oils.
5) Drink More Water
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is good for your entire body, and your teeth are no exception. Water is by far the healthiest beverage choice, and drinking a glass after every meal is a great way to rinse away bacteria and help prevent tooth decay.
6) Kick the Tobacco Habit
Ring in the new year by resolving to quit using tobacco products – both smoking and chewing. Tobacco use is linked to oral cancer, as well as tooth decay and gum problems. For help with quitting smoking, consult the Center for Disease Control’s Tips From Former Smokers or talk to our team for additional ideas and support.
7) Upgrade Your Smile
In keeping with a “new year, new you” theme, why not treat yourself to the smile you’ve always wanted with cosmetic dentistry? We offer teeth whitening, bonding, Invisalign, and more – just ask! If you have been delaying dental work, like fillings, crowns, or other repairs because you have maxed out your dental insurance plan, the new year usually resets your maximum benefits back to zero, meaning that your full allowance should now be available again. For any questions about your dental insurance coverage, feel free to give us a call at 207.781.5900 and we would be happy to look into this for you.
8) An Ounce of Prevention
Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, in conjunction with our team of compassionate dental professionals, will help you to develop a hygiene schedule at home, as well as in our office. Routine hygiene visits that include digital x-rays and cleanings are the best way to address issues before they arise and to maintain your dental health in the new year and beyond!
Dec 13, 2021
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which likely means that we will soon be treating ourselves to some festive food and drinks! That’s why the holiday season is a great time for us to take extra good care of our teeth. To keep your mouth merry and bright this holiday season (and every season), we’ve come up with the 12 Days of Dental Health!
Choose Tooth-Friendly Stocking Stuffers
Instead of stuffing the kiddos’ stockings with sugary treats, consider filling them with a colorful new toothbrush, flavored flossers, sugar-free gum, and fun mouthwashes. Let your little ones in on a little secret – Santa is all about healthy dental habits!
Drink Lots of Water
Adults and children alike should be sure to drink lots of water around the holiday (and every day!). Drinking water helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles and can even reduce plaque build-up. This is especially important when sweets are on the menu.
Brush Your Teeth with Your Favorite Holiday Tunes
Get into the spirit of the season and ensure that you (and your little ones) are brushing for two minutes or more by humming your favorite holiday song. Most classic carols are at least two minutes long, making this a perfect way to add some fun to your dental routine. Although twice a day is great, you may want to add in an extra brushing after eating foods heavy in carbs or sugar.
Add a Rinse to Your Routine
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, give yourself the gift of a healthy mouth by adding a fluoride mouthwash to your routine. Rinsing with mouthwash after eating sweet and sticky treats can help to remove any residue leftover on your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Here at FDA, we recommend Oxyfresh mouthwashes, a powerful yet gentle mouth rinse designed to help keep your smile healthy and breath fresh.
Be Prepared with Travel-Sized Dental Care Products
If you plan to travel over the holidays, don’t forget to pack your toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. To save space in your luggage, shop ahead of time for travel-sized versions of all of your favorite products. Kids love miniature versions of things, so this creates an added incentive for them to take care of their teeth while they are away from home.
Treat Yourself (and Your Loved Ones) to a Water Flosser
Waterpiks and other water flossers make it easier to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, reducing the risk of gingivitis. This is a nice alternative to flossing for those who find flossing difficult or painful. It is also a great option if you’re concerned about all those little plastic floss containers ending up in the landfill.
Gobble Up the Turkey – It’s Good for Your Teeth
Turkey is high in nutrients such as protein, calcium, and Vitamin D, and low in sugar, making this a good choice for your teeth and bones (although you may need a nap after eating it, due to its tryptophan content – a natural sleep aid).
Reach for Calcium-Rich Appetizers
Grab finger foods that are rich in calcium, like cheese, and vegetables such as broccoli and snow peas, along with dips made with cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Your teeth and bones will thank you!
Watch Out for Sugary Drinks
In addition to sugary, non-alcoholic drink choices, such as soda, eggnog, and hot chocolate, many alcoholic beverages are also surprisingly high in sugar. No need to skip the festive beverages altogether – just drink them in moderation, followed by a glass of water or a rinse with mouthwash.
Beware of the Crunch!
Common causes of broken fillings and teeth are ice, hard candies, and popcorn, so proceed with caution! Accidents do happen, so if you do have a dental emergency, rest assured that our team of compassionate dental professionals will get you in as soon as possible to make any necessary repairs.
Get Smile-Ready with Teeth Whitening
If you want to make sure your smile is in tip-top shape for photos, consider scheduling an appointment with either Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos to go over your teeth whitening options. Here at FDA, we offer both in-office whitening and at-home options.
Get Your Hygiene Appointment on the Books
After all the festivities, make sure that you have scheduled your regular hygiene appointment with us. To check on an existing appointment, or to make a new one, feel free to give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are your partners in oral health and are here to help!
May 26, 2021
Here’s a reason to smile… National Smile Day is May 31! National Smile Day was founded by two family dentists in Illinois to celebrate the power of a smile and draw attention to the importance of good dental health and hygiene. This is our kind of national celebration! At FDA, we love helping our patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. Here are 5 easy tips to take care of your smile on National Smile Day and every day!
1. Don’t rush the brush
Although it might seem like the most basic of dental tips, brushing at least twice a day is just the beginning. Brush your teeth for a minimum of 2-3 minutes each time in a gentle, circular motion with an ADA-approved toothpaste. Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months. Don’t hesitate to ask our caring team of hygienists to give you a refresher on brushing basics at your next appointment!
2. Floss like a boss
Flossing is just as important as brushing, as bacteria is most likely to form in between the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. The ADA recommends flossing one time per day. If using traditional string floss is difficult for you to maneuver, try using a water flosser instead.
3. Rinse and repeat
After you’ve flossed and brushed, we recommend that you use an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse away any remaining bacteria and plaque. Even if you don’t have mouthwash on hand, swishing with water is still better than nothing at all.
4. Take care of your teeth from the inside out
A diet rich in calcium, along with lots of fruits and vegetables, is good for your oral health! Eating foods that are full of essential vitamins and minerals can help to reduce inflammation and support healthy teeth and gums.
5. Schedule regular check ups with our team of compassionate dental professionals
As your partners in oral health, we want you to have the healthiest and best smile possible! Regular check ups with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are an important part of a good oral health care routine. If you have put off your routine check up due to concerns about COVID-19, or you are hesitant for any other reason, please get in touch, as we are here to help!
We hope these tips are helpful and we hope you have lots of reasons to smile this National Smile Day! If you have questions about your oral health or need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900.
*Image courtesy of www.emojipedia.org
