Happy National Dentist’s Day! An Interview with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos

Happy National Dentist’s Day! An Interview with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos

 

March is a month full of celebrations to make you smile…like Dental Assistants’ Week and National Dentist’s Day! Celebrated on March 6, National Dentist’s Day is to recognize all the men and women who keep our teeth and mouths healthy! At FDA, we are lucky to have two of the most amazing dentists around – Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, who are both deeply devoted to providing the best oral health care possible. We wanted to know more about what makes them both such great dentists, so we asked them a few questions about their profession.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Dr. Brunacini: I like having the ability to find a solution to someone’s dental concerns – whether it is in an emergent situation or minor day-to-day concerns. I am always encountering new situations that require me to pull from previous experiences or to think “outside the box.” I love working together with patients to find the right care for their needs.

Dr. Karagiorgos: Everything. I absolutely love being a dentist! Dentistry is a perfect blend of art and science and feeds my passion for each. My career before dentistry was engineering. In my mid-twenties I became very ill and came close to losing my life. Thankfully, I survived. Going through that experience, I came to realize how short life can be and that each day is a gift. I spent a good deal of time looking for a career that could fulfill me professionally, personally, and allow me to help people. I am very fortunate to have found all of those things in dentistry. The fact that I get to do this job at FDA with a wonderful business partner, the best staff, and fantastic patients makes it just that much better.

What is the most surprising thing that has happened during your dental career?

Dr. Brunacini: It amazes me how much dentistry is in the “people business” more than anything. In dental school, all I could focus on was developing the technical skills to do the procedures, but you soon realize that it really is about building trust with patients and creating relationships by treating them well. That is what we strive to do at FDA everyday.

Dr. Karagiorgos: Before dental school I was under the impression that when you graduate that you are a dentist and then you work as a dentist. Having been out of school for many years now, I have a different understanding. While graduating dental school prepares a person to learn to be a dentist, I find that the field is changing so quickly nowadays that unless you are constantly expanding your education, you are falling behind.

What are you looking forward to in dentistry?

Dr. Brunacini: I am excited about the technological advancements on the horizon. The continued progression of digital dentistry gives us the ability to better plan out treatments before procedures. This ability will continue to improve outcomes for our patients, which is always our goal.

Dr. Karagiorgos: This is a very interesting time in dentistry. The integration of computers and technology into dentistry makes it a very dynamic profession. Dentistry at Falmouth Dental Arts today is almost unrecognizable from when I first started. To remain a licensed dentist in Maine we have specific amounts of required continuing education that we need to fulfill by taking classes in person or online, attending seminars, and dental meetings. Brian and I are finding that we are far and away exceeding these requirements in order to keep FDA at the crest of the wave of modern dentistry.

Thank you Dr. Brunacini & Dr. Karagiorgos for all you do to keep us healthy!

Another great way to say thank you to the doctors is to keep up with your home oral health care – brushing twice-a-day, flossing once-a-day – and to schedule regular check up appointments. If you need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.

The Basics That We Always Forget: Top 3 Ways to Achieve Better Oral Health

The Basics That We Always Forget: Top 3 Ways to Achieve Better Oral Health

September is here which means back-to-school and back to our routines. As you get back into the swing of things, don’t forget about your teeth!  Your daily oral health routine is important for not just your mouth, but your overall health as well.  We’re here to help with our top three tips to achieve better oral health!  

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SMILE IN SHAPE

 

1. Have a Consistent Oral Routine. 
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (remember to change the toothbrush, every 3 months!).
  • Clean between your teeth (you can use floss, a flossing device, or an interdental brush, whatever is more comfortable for you!).
  • Scrape your tongue.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet.
  • Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. They are packed with the nutrients your body needs to be up and running, and they help support oral health, too!
  • Limit foods high in sugar, such as processed foods. This includes alcohol! Sugar causes cavities.
  • Stop smoking or using any tobacco products. Not only does smoking stain your teeth, but it can also cause gum disease and cancer in the long term.
3. Visit Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos for Regular Check-Ups.
  • The best way to fix dental issues is to detect them as early as possible. Visiting us will prevent dental issues from going unnoticed or getting worse.

Having a good oral health routine can be as easy as 1,2,3!  Consistency is key when it comes to establishing new habits, so stick with it. If you have questions or concerns about any of these tips, please let us know! You can ask your hygienist, Dr. Brunacini, or Dr. Karagiorgos at your next appointment. It is a conversation that we have with many patients and it will help you have better overall health!

The Anthropology of Teeth – An Interview with Dr. Brunacini Part 2: The Evolution of Our Teeth

The Anthropology of Teeth – An Interview with Dr. Brunacini Part 2: The Evolution of Our Teeth

Not only does Dr. Brunacini love to learn more about your personal dental history during a checkup, he also loves to learn more about the larger history of human teeth.  What’s not to love?!  Our teeth are the result of hundreds of millions of years of evolution and are amazing!  This month we continue our Dental Anthropology interview series with Dr. Brunacini.  Join us for Part 2: The Evolution of Our Teeth. 

What interests you about the evolution of teeth?

Dr. Brunacini:  I think there is always fascination in where we came from and there is so much for us to learn!  Learning more about our dental history helps us know more about the issues that impact a lot of patients currently.  For example, we are learning that as our jaws have become smaller over time our ability to breathe through our nose properly has also been affected.  This may contribute to developing sleep apnea and/or bruxism (grinding your teeth) and can affect multiple systems in the body.  

What else have we learned about how our teeth have evolved over time?

Dr. Brunacini:  As I mentioned our jaws have become smaller over time, but our teeth have changed very little.  This is due to our early ancestors subsisting on a diet of chewy leaves, roots, and raw meat, which required more chewing and thus contributed to them developing much larger jaws.  This allowed enough room for all of our teeth to develop properly and erupt into the correct position.  As man evolved to have larger brains, our diet became softer and more processed, and our jaws shrunk.  The wisdom teeth stuck around though, but with less space to accommodate them.  That’s why we often have to remove wisdom teeth for our patients!

Is there an evolutionary explanation for some of the current-day dental afflictions? 

Dr. Brunacini:  The evolution of our diet plays a significant role in cavity formation.  Cavities can develop due to eating more soft, processed foods.  Of course, proper brushing and flossing help reduce the risk of cavities, but cultures that do not eat sugary, processed foods have significantly fewer dental problems.   Processed foods also require less chewing, which contributes to improper jaw development and misaligned teeth.  All the more reason to eat a healthy diet and come in for regular checkups with us!

Thanks, Dr. Brunacini!

We’ll continue this series later on this fall with a final interview with Dr. Brunacini on the topic.  If you have a question on our dental evolution or need to schedule a checkup, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.

Earth Day, Every Day! 3 Ways to Make Your Oral Health Routine More Eco-Friendly

Image courtesy of www.seattlemag.com

Earth Day is a good reminder for us to be mindful of the ways our habits impact the environment…even our healthy habits. At FDA, we make an effort to go green when we can and know many of our patients are making the same effort.  There are steps we can all take to improve our environmental footprint as we improve our oral health.  Here are 3 ways you can make your oral health routine more eco-friendly:

Turn off the Water While You Brush.

This tip is an oldie but a goodie – turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.  This simple act can save up to 8 gallons every day and over 200 gallons a month!  Not only will you be conserving water and helping the planet, but you’ll also be saving money on your water bills.  Turn off that tap!

Explore Green Floss Alternatives.

We talk about it constantly – dental floss is an important component in your oral health care routine.  Flossing once a day helps prevent gum disease and cavities.  It truly is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, but it’s not necessarily one of the best things for the planet.  Most dental floss is made out of nylon and comes in plastic containers, which all end up in the landfill, or worse, the ocean.  There are sustainable alternatives, however.  Look for silk dental floss or consider a Water Flosser.  Here is a resource for exploring some eco-friendly alternatives.  Take care of your gums while you reduce the amount of waste in your dental routine!

Make Your Own Toothpaste.

DIY toothpaste?  Yes!  We’ve posted recipes on our blog before and in honor of Earth Day this year we thought we’d share one of our all-natural recipes that will leave your mouth feeling fresh and leave less plastic waste behind.  Most of these toothpaste ingredients can be found at any health food store or online retailer:

Coconut Oil Toothpaste 

Ingredients

  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • 2 to 3 TBS baking soda
  • 2 small packets of stevia powder
  • 15 to 20 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil (for flavor)*
  • 10 drops myrrh extract (optional for flavor)*

Melt or slightly soften the coconut oil, then mix in all other ingredients and stir well. Mix using a fork if you are using semi-hard coconut oil and use a spoon for liquid coconut oil. If you melted the coconut oil using a heat source, stir the mixture as it cools to prevent the baking soda from separating.

*Essential oils can be potent, so start with a few drops then add more to taste. Make sure to use therapeutic-grade essential oils that are safe to ingest. Feel free to substitute other essential oils if you prefer.

At FDA we strive to take care of the planet as we provide the best oral health care for our patients.  From using digital records and x-rays for our patients to our mercury-free fillings to our commitment to Holistic Dentistry, we are continually finding ways to be more sustainable in our practice.  This Earth Day, we hope you join us in making an effort to improve your oral health routine for the health of the environment.  If you have any questions about other ways to be eco-friendly while caring for your smile or need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 207.781.5900.

Springtime Renewal: 5 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Smile!

*Image courtesy of www.thespruce.com

Even though there may still be snow on the ground in Maine when you read this, Spring is just around the corner!  With each wonderous bulb that pops up, Spring brings the promise of renewal and growth.  Why not apply the spirit of Spring to your smile? Cosmetic procedures can rejuvenate your teeth and give you the smile of your dreams!  We offer a variety of options for patients looking to brighten, whiten, or fix their teeth, many of which can be accomplished in as little as one or two appointments.  Here are 5 ways we can help you improve your smile:

Porcelain Veneers

If you have chipped, worn, or stained teeth, porcelain veneers can provide a sleek and attractive option for changing their shape, color, and length. Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells that are shaped and fixed to your natural teeth, and can be custom fitted to your teeth in just two short visits.  They look and feel just like your other teeth, and don’t require special or additional care. 

If the condition or color of your teeth has been detracting from your everyday life, porcelain veneers may be the perfect solution for you. Have a  short conversation with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos to learn more!

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most well known cosmetic treatments, and we offer both in-office whitening and at-home options. Teeth whitening is a safe way to achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted, and can be done in just a few treatments.  However, whitening is not for everyone.  For example, whitening previously restored teeth, especially in the front part of the mouth, can make the fillings more noticeable, since the enamel will whiten while the fillings resist the bleach. Also, bleaching can also be uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth.  Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos can work with you to determine if bleaching is right for your teeth.  

Dental Bonding

Small chips and discolorations in your teeth are often unnoticeable to others, but we understand that seeing the same stains and fractures everyday can become a significant irritation. Dental bonding is an affordable and painless procedure that can address many different cosmetic flaws or injuries, by smoothing out or repairing damaged teeth.  We use dental bonding to sculpt individual teeth with a special tooth-like material that looks, acts, and feels like the real thing. Bonding can also be completed very quickly, as the composite resin adheres quickly to your teeth and can then be polished and shaped to match your other teeth.  This is a great option for a lot of our patients!

Dental Implants

If you have missing teeth, there may be a better solution for you than wearing uncomfortable dentures. Many people believe that if they can still eat, then tooth loss isn’t an issue; however, missing teeth leads to a loss of support in the mouth and forces other healthy teeth to drift. Dental implants provide a great long-term option for replacing lost teeth in a safe and predictable way, as they are designed to last a lifetime.

You may be better suited for implants than you realize as your general health is a better indicator than your age.  We aim to make every process as comfortable and safe as possible, and we can help you to determine whether implants are the right choice for you.

Invisalign

Did you put off getting braces when you were younger? Do you notice changes in the way your teeth fit together? 

Falmouth Dental Arts can help you correct crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, or other bite issues with Invisalign treatment.  Invisalign can be a great alternative to traditional wired braces.  More than simply giving you a straighter smile, Invisalign can also enhance your ability to chew and even alleviate some speech impediments.  Straighter teeth are also easier to clean and give many people some added confidence behind their smile.

There are several clear tray straightening products. Invisalign is the one we recommend and use at Falmouth Dental Arts. Using the world’s most advanced clear aligning process, Invisalign can start transforming your smile from the first fitting! 

If you want to rejuvenate your smile and have any questions about if a cosmetic procedure is the right option for you, please give us a call at 207.781.5900!  We are your partner in oral health care and love to help patients have a healthy, beautiful smile!

 

 

 

Season of Giving: FDA’s Favorite Dental Charities

Season of Giving: FDA’s Favorite Dental Charities

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…to give back! Healthy smiles are one of the best gifts, and we believe that everyone should have access to oral health care.  That’s why we work with Dental Lifeline and Dancing with the Dentists to help people in our community receive the dental care they need.  If you haven’t heard of these two wonderful organizations, let us help you learn more about great work being done in oral health!

Dental Lifeline is a national charitable organization that was founded in 1974.  Its mission is to improve the oral health of people with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile.  Through its flagship program, Donated Dental Services (DDS), oral care is provided to people who cannot afford necessary treatments and cannot receive public aid.  With its network of 15,000 dentists and 3,500 labs nationwide, the DDS program has provided $378 million in donated therapies and transformed the lives of 120,550 people.

Our beloved Dr. Knock envisioned Dancing with the Dentists and drew from his local dental network to build a ballroom dancing competition that generated funds for several local charities.  Our very own Dr. Brunacini and his wife, Jenny, won the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy in Season 1!  Dancing with the Dentists Season 4 will take place in 2022, and will feature 10 courageous dental professionals on the ballroom floor, showing off their moves to raise money for The Root Cellar and Dental Lifeline.  A fun competition that also makes a real impact, Dancing with the Dentists raised over $40,000 for charity at their last event!

We have also worked with Dentists Who Care for ME and look forward to continuing to support their great work when they are able to hold the next event for their services.

Giving back and caring about our community has never felt more important. 2020 has been full of challenges, to say the least.  This holiday season, we also look forward to supporting our local business community.  As a locally-owned small business, we feel grateful to be a part of such a conscientious and kind community.  We’re all in this together!

We wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season!  Thank you for being a part of the FDA Family!

*Image courtesy of www.shutterstock.com