Blog | Rochester, MN

Miles of Smiles from Your Rochester Dentist

Most people believe that smiling is an involuntary physical reaction to happiness. Though we can all fake a smile, if need be (whether for a picture, or when greeting someone we don’t quite care for) a genuine smile comes when all is going well in your world, right? Well, you may be surprised to know […]

Halloween History from your Rochester Dentist

As you get ready for your Halloween night festivities, imagine back to 100 years ago. All Hallow’s Eve looked quite a bit different in the early 1900s. Tricking reigned, and treating was just a glimmer in the eyes of future candy moguls. Trick-or-treating, known to bring children joy (and thought to keep dentists in business) […]

Nature vs. Nurture in Dental Issues Explained by Rochester Dentist

Some people think they are born with a tendency towards tooth decay. This idea, unfortunately, can inspire people to adopt a why bother attitude when it comes to dental hygiene. Why should you put forth the effort to brush and floss often, and visit the dentist regularly, if you’re only going to end up with […]

Gum Disease and Hormones Linked by Your Rochester Dentist

Hormonal changes can affect a woman’s oral health more than most of us realize. Take plaque and tartar build-up, for instance. Fluctuations in hormones can change the body’s response to the toxins involved. This can potentially lead to higher rates of periodontal disease (gum disease). Your Rochester dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, highlights the ways that […]

Rochester Dentist Answers: Are Apples Bad for Your Teeth?

Choosing to eat an apple for a snack, or packing one in our child’s lunchbox, seems like a no-brainer. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, as the old saying goes. What about the dentist, though? Long thought to be a healthy option that could even be considered a substitute for brushing your teeth, […]

Rochester Dentist Explains the Close Proximity of Teeth and Sinuses

Usually, a substantial toothache will have you dialing your phone to make an emergency dental appointment. You are right to act quickly, as tooth pain is quite often an indication of something wrong. The sooner you seek medical attention, the sooner the problem can be fixed, and the pain can be stopped. Did you know […]

In-Flight Toothaches Explained by Your Rochester Dentist

Have you ever heard of barodontalgia? This is probably a foreign name to most of us, yet many people can relate to painful sensations in their teeth when altitude shifts during an airplane flight. High-altitude toothaches are similar to the way a scuba diver might experience decompression sickness from gas build-up when they descend into […]

Rochester Dentist Explains the Crazy World of Craze Lines

Have you ever seen a porcelain doll that has tiny cracks all over it? A similar thing can occur with your tooth enamel. These small vertical fractures are called craze lines. Though the depth of the cracks are usually shallow enough that your teeth aren’t in danger of severe damage from craze lines, they can […]

Rochester Dentist Explains Eruption Cysts in Teething Babies

When you’re adjusting to parenthood, any change in your baby’s health can cause a wave of anxiety. Have you ever noticed a bluish-purple bump on your teething child’s gums? This can be extremely disconcerting if you don’t know what you’re looking at. However, eruption hematomas, or eruptions cysts, are actually fairly common with teething. Your […]

Rochester Dentist Explains Connection Between Breast Cancer and Gum Disease

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? You may have been noticing pink ribbons and other merchandise designed to provide solidarity with people fighting breast cancer, but you probably haven’t made a connection between breast cancer and oral health. Dr. Gilly Calcagno, your Rochester dentist, is here to educate you on important […]