Blog | Rochester, MN

Rochester Dentist Explains the History of Fluoride Use

You’ve heard that fluoride is good for you and your teeth, but how were the benefits of fluoride actually discovered and how has that discovery changed the way we live? The Discovery of Fluoride In 1909, Dr. Frederick McKay, a dentist working in the Colorado area, discovered that while most of his child patients had […]

A Healthy Mouth Equals Healthy Grades?

A new school year is underway and schedules are getting busier, but if your child hasn’t seen the dentist in a while, his GPA may be on the line. A recent study from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry shows there is a strong connection between healthy teeth and academic success. Published in the American […]

Strange, But True, Tooth Tales

Babies Born with Teeth Most people don’t know one in 2-3,000 babies can be born with a tooth or two! These teeth are known as natal teeth. Though rare, in some cases, babies are born with a front tooth dangling from a piece of soft tissue. To reduce the risk of choking, the tissue is […]

Rochester Dentist Explains Single-Day Crowns

Sometimes a dental filling simply is not enough to restore a tooth. In some cases, your Rochester dentist may have to place a dental crown. Many dentists require two visits to place a crown. Dr. Calcagno is one of the few dentists in Rochester who can place dental crowns in just one visit. Purpose of […]

The Importance of Parent Education and Early Childhood Cavity Prevention

A new study links oral health problems in teens with poor levels of emotional health and education in mothers. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine suggest the oral health of teens directly relates to early education by primary care givers. While brushing and flossing go a long way in cavity prevention, […]

Your Rochester Dentist Discusses Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, and Licorice

Scientists recently discovered a potential new use for dried licorice root. In a study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products, researchers identified two substances in licorice that may combat tooth decay and gum disease, giving credence to the use of licorice in traditional Chinese medicine. Possible New Application for a Traditional […]

How to Prepare Your Family for a Dental Emergency

Even the most meticulous oral hygiene regimen only goes so far in protecting the health of your family’s teeth. Sometimes events beyond your control may lead to a broken or knocked-out tooth. Accidents happen. While dental emergencies are not always preventable, you are not helpless in the event one occurs. Preparation goes a long way […]

Rochester Dentist Discusses Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked tooth syndrome is a term used to describe the symptoms associated with a cracked tooth. Teeth crack for a number of reasons. They endure a lot of pressure simply from the work they do as you bite and chew every day. Older teeth are less strong, and the daily use of teeth may eventually […]

How to Protect Your Teeth at the Movies

The weekend is almost upon us. That means many of us will spend time with friends and loved ones, perhaps taking in a movie. While movies are a great way to kick back after a long week at work, the foods we typically eat at the movies can wreak havoc on our oral health. Soda […]

Rochester Dentist Provides Fun Facts on Chewing Gum

A widely embraced habit, chewing sugarless gum can actually help improve your oral health. Chewing gum causes your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps keep it clean. Harmful bacteria that feed off food particles in your mouth secrete an acid that contributes to tooth decay. Because saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acid, chewing gum […]