Franklin Family Smiles

04/10/2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Stephen Walsh. Doc, as he was affectionately known, was the founder of our dental practice fifty years ago. Doc loved being a dentist and caring for all his patients, while also taking great care of his staff. He will be greatly missed.

View Dr. Stephen J. Walsh's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/18/2026

🦷Your Mouth is the Gateway to Your Body- Here’s Why it Matters

Most people think of brushing and flossing as a way to prevent cavities… but your oral health goes far beyond your teeth.

What happens in your mouth can impact your entire body.

👉🏻Gum inflammation( like gingivitis or periodontal disease) has been linked to:
*Heart disease
*Diabetes
*Respiratory issues
*Pregnancy complications

Why? Because harmful bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body.

The good news? Taking care of your oral health is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health.

✅Brush twice a day
✅Floss daily
✅Keep up with your twice yearly dental cleanings

Your healthy smile is more powerful than you think.

If it’s been awhile since your last visit, we are here to get you back on track.

Call today - 508-528-6900

03/04/2026

Staff Spotlight

Dr. Mikaela Brock is not new to our office, she has been with us since August 2024, but has quickly become an integral part of our office. She has a calm, reassuring chair side manner , that offers comfort to her patients within minutes, to put her patients at ease.

Dr. Brock grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. She earned her bachelors degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Biomedical Sciences and went on to attend Harvard School of Dental Medicine to obtain her DMD degree.

While at Harvard, Dr. Brock was able to foster her passion for general dentistry, graduating with honors in clinic and she was awarded the Leo Talkov Award for excellence in Clinical Dentistry. She furthered her dental training in the General Practice Residency at the Boston Veteran Affairs Hospital. She worked with our nations veterans, where she received more in depth training in all aspects of general dentistry. She loves the broad scope of dentistry, working with patients to ensure their comfort, while also helping them achieve their esthetic smile goals.

In her free time, Dr. Brock enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, playing pickleball, running, reading and knitting/crocheting.

Dr. Brock is currently accepting new patients. You can book an appointment at 508-528-6900.

02/23/2026

Stay safe in the snow, everyone! Right now, we plan to open tomorrow (Tuesday) at 10:00, but we will update you if that changes.

In other news, congratulations to Team USA men’s and women’s hockey on the gold medals! And thanks for the shout out, Jack Hughes!

02/04/2026

Thinking about straightening your teeth- but not thrilled about metal braces?

Clear aligners are custom made, and a discreet way to gently move teeth into better alignment. They’re removable, comfortable, and designed to fit seemlesy into your daily life.

Clear aligners can help with:

*Crowded teeth
*to fill in gaps
*Mild to moderate bite issues
Not everyone will qualify, so a clinical exam is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate.

Why people love them:

*Nearly invisible(great for adults & teens)
*Removable for eating and brushing
*More comfortable than traditional braces
*Fewer office visits in many cases

Curious if clear aligners are right for you? Our team is happy to help you explore ypur options.

Call our office to schedule a consultation at 508-528-6900

01/26/2026

UPDATE: We will remain closed all day tomorrow, Monday, January 26, and return to the office on Tuesday at 8:00 AM. Stay safe, everyone!

01/23/2026

Due to the pending snowstorm on Sunday, we will have a delayed opening on Monday at noon. If the snow persists as predicted, we may stay closed until Tuesday. Stay safe and warm!

01/19/2026

We are open on this holiday and we have some hygiene cancellations, just call 508-528-6900.

01/12/2026

The Most Common Dental Mistakes We See( and How To Fix Them)

We see these all the time, the good news is… They are easy to fix.

❌Brushing too hard
➡️The Fix- use a soft bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure. Brushing harder doesn’t necessarily clean better. It can irritate the gum tissue and wear down the enamel.

❌Skipping Flossing
➡️The Fix- Floss at least once a day. After every meal would be amazing! Your toothbrush can’t reach in between the teeth, and that’s where plaque loves to hide.

❌Waiting to see the dentist until something hurts.
➡️The Fix- regular dental checkups( twice a year), can catch small issues before they become painful and more expensive.

❌Using your teeth as tools
➡️The Fix- don’t use your teeth to open packages( I’m sure you know someone who has done that). This can cause chips or cracks in your teeth.

❌Thinking bleeding gums are normal
➡️The Fix- Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation. Regular check ups and daily flossing can improve bleeding gums. But you must commit to good home care.

A healthy smile is possible with good daily habits.

If it’s been awhile since your last check up, call the office today to schedule an appointment at 508-528-6900

10/25/2025

Will anybody be in Washington DC in early January??

Capitals will hand out unique gift to all fans prior to game against Ducks on Jan. 5

07/30/2025

Are Your Gums Bleeding When You Brush or Floss?

While it might seem common, bleeding gums are NOT normal. They are often a sign of gum inflammation(gingivitis) or early gum disease (periodontitis)- and it’s your mouth’s way of asking for help!

Common causes of bleeding gums:

🦷Plaque build up along the gum line
🦷Infrequent flossing( your gums may bleed when you start, but this should stop within a few days of flossing daily.
🦷Poor diet high in sugar
🦷Skipping dental cleanings
🦷Smoking
🦷Brushing too hard

What you can do:

✅Brush 2-3x a day with a soft bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
✅Floss daily
✅Keep up with your 2x a year dental cleaning
✅Eat a well balanced diet( think less sugar)
✅Book a dental visit if bleeding persists.

Healthy gums don’t bleed. If yours are, don’t ignore it.

Call us today to schedule a check up- we are here to help keep your smile strong , healthy and pain free all summer long.

508-528-6900

07/11/2025

Tooth or Dare- is this fact or fiction?

1. Chewing ice can crack your teeth.
👉🏻Tooth or Dare?
✅Truth! Ice is hard and can cause microfractures.

2.Lemon water is great for your teeth.
👉🏻Tooth or Dare?
✅❌False! Its acidic and can erode enamel.

3.Sugar free gum can help prevent cavities.
👉🏻Tooth or Dare?
✅Truth! It boosts saliva and helps neutralize acids.

4.If you lose a tooth, put it in milk until you get to the dentist.
👉🏻Tooth or Dare?
✅Truth! Milk helps preserve the root.

5. Sunscreen protects your lips from burning.
👉🏻Tooth or Dare?
✅Truth! Use SPF lip balm to protect delicate lip tissue.

How did you do?