Apr 2, 2024
Did you know that regular dental care is a first line of defense for oral cancer? April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and is an opportunity to talk about the importance of early detection. It’s encouraging to note that when oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a 80-90% survival rate. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we’ve long had a commitment to oral cancer screenings for our patients. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos as well as our hygienists perform screenings during your regular check up appointments. To help raise awareness and answer questions, we wanted to provide some basic information about our screening procedures and common oral cancer warning signs.
Why Oral Cancer Awareness is Important
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 58,500 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in America, which translates to 132 people each day. 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.
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:
We start with a visual exam of the mouth, looking 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 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 and helpful for early detection of oral cancer.
FDA also performs CBCT 3D X-Rays which enables us to better visualize all of the structures within the head, neck, and mouth and assess our patients’ 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 performing 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.
Oral Cancer Warning Signs
You also have an opportunity to screen for oral cancer in your home care. For example, if you notice any changes to your mouth or experience any pain or tenderness, you should let us know. Also, you can be on the lookout for some of the common 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
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If you do discover an area of concern, please let us know so we can see you promptly for a thorough exam. As always, when you have any questions about your oral health or the oral cancer screening process, please don’t hesitate to call us! As your dentist, we are part of your healthcare team and happy to answer your questions!
Apr 1, 2024
Earth Day is on April 22, a time when people across the globe come together for a greener future for our planet. From joining beach clean ups to composting, there are lots of ways we can help take care of the earth, and our oral health care practices can be one of them. Many of our patients at FDA ask about how they can make more sustainable and earth-friendly choices in their home care routine. Here are 3 ways you can make your oral health routine more eco-friendly:
Recycle Your Brushes!
Almost 1 billion toothbrushes get thrown out every year in the United States. That’s a lot of plastic waste! While most municipal recycling programs don’t accept items like toothbrushes, you can collect your old brushes (and other oral care plastic waste!) and send them to a company like TerraCycle for recycling. We recommend you replace your brush every 3-4 months, and recycling the old ones can help reduce your plastic footprint.
Explore Floss Alternatives!
Flossing is a crucial part of your oral hygiene routine and our number one tip for improving your oral health. Unfortunately, since it’s made of nylon and housed in single-use plastic containers, dental floss is not the best thing for the planet. Sustainable alternatives do exist! Look for silk dental floss in reusable containers or consider a Water Flosser. You can care for your gums and the planet!
Turn Off the Tap!
An easy way to be earth-friendly in your oral care is to turn the tap while you brush your teeth twice a day. This simple act can save up to 8 gallons every day and over 200 gallons a month! Plus, as you conserve water, you’ll also save money on your water bills!
At FDA our goal is to provide the best oral health care for our patients and we strive to be as earth-friendly as possible. From using digital records and x-rays for our patients to providing mercury-free fillings, we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable in our practice. This Earth Day, join us in caring for our planet’s future by making earth-friendly choices in your oral care! As always, if you have any questions or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
Aug 2, 2023
The keystone to every oral health care routine is brushing your teeth. You brush in the morning and you brush at night, but is there a right way to brush? Ask any of the marvelous hygienists at FDA and they’ll share some of their professional tips for brushing your teeth and call out some mistakes to avoid. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been in for an appointment, we’ve got you covered (but please do come in soon for your check up!). Here are three ways you can boost your brushing!
Use the right kind of brush.
Find a soft-bristled brush with a size and shape that allows you to reach all parts of your mouth easily. We also recommend investing in an electric toothbrush as it truly gives you a superior clean. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles are frayed.
Use the right technique.
The proper way to brush your teeth is to hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums. Then, gently move your brush over your teeth: make circles and go up and down as you polish all the surfaces of your teeth. Think of it like a massage! You can brush too hard and damage your gums or enamel, so keep your touch light. Don’t forget to brush your tongue (or scrape it) and rinse with water.
Use the right motivation.
There’s a lot going on inside your mouth. Every time you eat or drink, residue is left behind on your teeth and gums. If it’s not brushed or rinsed away, it can turn into a sticky film called plaque. Untreated, plaque hardens into something called calculus that releases bacteria and acids that can turn into cavities and bore into your teeth and cause damage to nerves and bones. Ouch! Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to a whole host of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and high blood pressure. Feeling motivated to brush all those potential problems away? Find what helps you pick up that brush two times a day!
Of course brushing is just one part of a proper oral health care routine. Don’t forget to floss daily, eat well, and come in for regular check ups with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos. If you have any questions, need a brush up on your brushing techniques with our team of hygienists, or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are your partner in oral health and love to help you have a beautiful and healthy smile!
Aug 1, 2023
Don’t you just love that fresh feeling after you’ve brushed your teeth? August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day and a great time to celebrate the ways that a clean and healthy mouth will give you that fresh breath feeling. However, if you’re experiencing an unpleasant taste in your mouth or worried you have bad breath, you could have an underlying oral health issue. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and sometimes cause anxiety. There’s no need to suffer! Below are three causes of bad breath and our recommendations for keeping your breath fresh and your mouth happy this National Fresh Breath Day…and every day!
- Tobacco Products
If you’re still searching for reasons to quit smoking, add bad breath to the list. Beyond the myriad health risks linked to tobacco use, smokers and oral tobacco users are more likely to have gum disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of bad breath, and is linked with other health conditions as well. If you’re looking for resources or help quitting tobacco…please let us know. We are here to help!
- Dry Mouth
Ever wake up with the dreaded “morning breath?” This is often due to dry mouth, which naturally occurs for many people while sleeping. Saliva is so important for your oral health; it helps clean away cavity-causing bacteria as well as odor-causing bacteria. If you have a dry mouth beyond just the morning time, it could be linked with certain medications you are taking or a condition known as xerostomia. Drinking extra water can help flush your mouth of the bad bacteria and keep it fresh. Be sure to also let Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Kargiorgos and your hygienist know about your medications and any health concerns you may have, such as dry mouth. We can work with you so your home oral care routine supports your needs.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
If you’re not brushing and flossing then food, plaque, and bacteria are left to their own devices to wreak havoc on the health of your teeth and gums, AND cause bad breath. Develop a home care routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to take care of your whole mouth and prevent that stinky breath. If bad breath is a concern throughout the day, try brushing after every meal and consider tongue scraping as well. This will help remove extra food particles and bacteria and will help you feel extra fresh! Our team of amazing hygienists are always happy to share tips and techniques for brushing and flossing, so please ask how we can help you stick with an oral hygiene routine that works for you!
This National Fresh Breath Day, give your teeth and gums some extra love so your mouth feels extra healthy and fresh! If you still have concerns about persistent bad breath, talk to us and your doctor. Bad breath can also be linked to other health concerns. Please call us at 207.781.5900 with any questions, concerns, or to schedule your next appointment.
Jul 2, 2023
At FDA, we don’t just see your smile, we see you as a whole person. That’s because when it comes to improving your overall health, oral care is the gateway. Studies show that problems with your teeth and gums are linked with other health concerns like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This means that brushing and flossing daily is a practice that will benefit you beyond just keeping your teeth clean and healthy…it benefits your whole body! Your dentist – Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos – can be a part of your health care team and help you set up an oral health plan that takes your whole body’s well-being into account. Here is a deeper look at some of the ways your oral health and general health are connected.
Cardiovascular Disease
This term refers to a group of disorders related to your heart and your blood vessels. According to the Cleveland Clinic, having poor oral health is associated with forms of cardiovascular disease like:
- Coronary artery disease: This is the most common type of heart disease and can lead to heart attack. It’s the leading cause of death in the United States.
- Clogged arteries: Studies show that people with periodontal disease have significantly higher rates of atherosclerosis, or plaque build up inside the blood vessels that deliver blood and oxygen from your heart to your body.
- Stroke: Studies show a correlation between periodontal disease and strokes, specifically strokes related to atherosclerosis.
Diabetes
Diabetes increases your risk of dental diseases. One place you may experience symptoms is in your mouth. Some of the most common oral symptoms include:
- Dry mouth: People with diabetes often have less saliva in their mouth so you may find yourself being parched.
- Gum disease: If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, you may have gum disease. Research shows keeping your blood sugar under control can help improve gum disease.
- Problems with taste: You may begin to notice that food tastes differently from the way you remember, particularly sweet foods. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, please come see us.
- Periodontal disease: Nearly 22% of all diabetics develop this dental disease. It is a chronic, inflammatory condition that can destroy your gums and bone, and can also lead to increased blood sugar levels. Early signs include bad breath, swollen gums, and painful chewing.
Your health is important to us and we are committed to giving you the best care possible. As part of your care, the FDA team of caring and compassionate professionals will ask about your health history, medications, as well as your needs and questions as we put together a treatment plan for you. Our goal is to build a partnership with you as we make sure your mouth is healthy and supporting your overall health needs. If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, or need to schedule your next appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.
