Dr. Gilly Calcagno serves patients in Rochester, Minnesota, and the surrounding communities. After working as a general and cosmetic dentist for over a decade, she often receives similar questions from our patients. We understand that our patients want to take a proactive stance with their oral health. With our new blog site, we hope to provide educational resources to our patients and community on all topics related to dentistry. Dr. Calcagno and our staff provide answers to frequently asked questions below.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
You should visit our Rochester dentist office every six months for examinations and cleanings. During dental examinations, we screen patients for oral cancer and gum disease. We also use state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to detect potential problems such as enamel erosion and cavities. Visiting the dentist regularly is important for detecting and addressing oral health problems early on. Professional cleanings are also important. Even if you brush and floss your teeth meticulously, plaque is still left behind. Over time, plaque buildup hardens into tartar and can only be removed by handheld tools that our dental hygienists use.
Why is Flossing Important?
If you properly floss your teeth every day, you reduce the risk for developing many oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease. Flossing removes plaque that accumulates in the crevices between your teeth. Additionally, flossing disrupts colonies of bacteria that contribute to tartar buildup.
Why are Store-Bought Whitening Products Ineffective?
If you have tried to whiten your smile with whitening products sold at grocery stores, you may have noticed that these products don’t produce visible results. Dr. Calcagno has whitened smiles for over 15 years. She uses effective whitening systems that produce dramatic and long-lasting results. Patients may choose between in-office whitening and whitening systems that can be used at home.
For questions or to schedule an appointment at our Rochester dentist office, contact Calcagno Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from Red Wing, Farmington, Winona, Hastings, and the surrounding areas.