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.
May 31, 2025
Does a sip of ice water make you wince? Or maybe that first bite of ice cream sends a zing right through your tooth? Tooth sensitivity happens when the protective layer of your tooth—called enamel—gets worn down or when gums start to recede. This can expose the soft inner part of your tooth, which is more sensitive to temperature, pressure, and even sweetness.
Some common causes of sensitive teeth include:
- Brushing too hard (your teeth need love, not scrubbing!)
- Tooth grinding or clenching
- Acidic foods and drinks, like soda or citrus
- Gum disease or receding gums
How to Care for Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth are a common problem, and thankfully, there are simple ways to soothe the sting and protect your smile.
Here’s are a few tips:
- Use an extra soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s gentle on your enamel and gums.
- Switch to toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These help block the tiny pathways to the nerves inside your teeth.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks. Or at least rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Don’t forget to floss! Keeping your gums healthy is key.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Sometimes sensitivity is a sign of something that needs professional care, like a cavity or worn enamel.
We’re Here to Help You Smile Comfortably
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we understand that sensitive teeth can take the fun out of your favorite foods—and even make daily brushing a little nerve-wracking. We are here to help you find the right solutions to keep your smile healthy, strong, and comfortable.
If you’re dealing with sensitivity, don’t just tough it out. Be sure to ask your hygienist for personalized care plans—we’re always happy to help!
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!
Apr 29, 2025
Hello, Spring! Ready to give your smile a fresh start this season?
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your health and wellness habits. As you declutter your home and reset your routines, don’t forget about your teeth! At FDA, we often talk about the connection between oral health and overall wellness—because taking care of your smile is an important part of taking care of yourself. To help you bloom into healthier habits, here are 5 simple ways to give your smile a seasonal refresh.
Drink More Water
Want to feel more energized, boost your mood, and take care of your teeth all at once? Grab a glass of water! Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is good for your entire body, helping to flush out toxins and support your organs. Water also helps rinse away bacteria in your mouth which prevents tooth decay. Drink a glass of water after every meal and you’ll be doing your teeth and your body a favor!
Incorporate Healthy Dairy Into Your Diet
Want to give your teeth a boost? Incorporate healthy foods into your diet! An easy place to start is with cheese and yogurt – foods that are high in calcium. Calcium is crucial for the health of your teeth because it helps strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities. Cheese packs a double dose of fortification for your teeth because it also contains a protein called casein. Yogurt has an additional benefit as well; it is a probiotic, which will keep your mouth’s microbiome balanced with healthy bacteria. So say yes to cheese and yogurt!
Floss, Floss, Floss!
Want to know the best way you can improve your oral health? Flossing! Flossing will not only improve your gum health, but it will help prevent cavities, too. This is because flossing removes plaque and bacteria in the areas between your teeth that brushing alone misses. It’s one of the best things you can do during your oral care routine! We know it’s a tricky habit for many to stick with, so find what works best for you. Ready to take the flossing plunge? Set a goal for flossing once a week and work up to flossing once a day. You can try Plackers or a water flosser if you find traditional floss is difficult. Another idea – you can try bringing floss to work to take care of it during your lunch break if the morning is too rushed. Your teeth and gums will say thank you!
Brush Up on Your Brushing Technique
Want to get the most out of your brushing? Make sure your skills are 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. Brush every surface of your teeth, both front and back. Also give your entire gum line a little massage as well – this will stimulate circulation and improve your gum health. If you want to take your brushing up another level, consider an electric toothbrush. They will help you get a superior clean every time you brush. Also, our team of hygienists is always happy to demonstrate best brushing techniques so feel free to ask at your next appointment!
Visit FDA!
Want to make maintaining your oral health easy? Come for regular checkups at our office! At FDA, we’re here to be your partner in oral health. Routine hygiene visits that include digital x-rays and cleanings are the best way to maintain your oral health. They also help us with early detection of issues such as oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos, along with our team of compassionate dental care professionals, will help you to develop a hygiene schedule at home, as well as in our office! If you need to schedule your next appointment, please give our office a call at 207.781.5900!
Mar 31, 2025
April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day and we are so lucky to have a fantastic team at the FDA front desk. Chances are you’ve been welcomed and cared for by Eliza, Geena, Camille, and Marlene. They are there to help you feel comfortable and at ease as they get you checked in for your appointment with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos and answer your questions. We consider them the heart of our practice and are so grateful for their commitment to patient care. To celebrate and honor these wonderful women, we share a little about each of them and what they enjoy about their work:
Eliza
“I love working at FDA! I feel accepted and valued as a member of the team. We all collaborate on making FDA a comfortable and relaxing space for our patients to get the care they need.”
Eliza joined FDA in 2024 and has a background in education and insurance. She works with patients to ensure we have the correct information to file insurance claims and communicates about the costs estimates for upcoming treatments.
Geena
“As a kid I remember being so scared of the dentist. Being the first person a patient sees is beyond important and helps set the scene for how an appointment will go.”
With a background in patient care in a hospital setting, Geena joined FDA as our Patient Scheduling Coordinator. She ensures all our patients are able to schedule and reschedule their appointments with ease and is always available to answer questions.
Camille
“Everyone [at FDA] is so incredibly friendly and welcoming. It really feels like being part of a team.”
Camille provides a warm welcome for new patients at Falmouth Dental Arts. As our New Patient Coordinator, she is responsible for making sure new patients have all the information they need for their first appointment.
Marlene
“Everyone works together as a team and we all care about each other, which makes it such a great practice to work at and be treated as a patient. There is such a connection between staff and patients – it is very special.”
Marlene has been working in the dental field since 1990 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our front desk team.
Thank you, Eliza, Geena, Camille, and Marlene!
If you have questions or need to schedule your next check up, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. We look forward to helping you have a healthy, happy smile!
