General Dental Articles

As November rolls around, you might notice more men sporting facial hair than usual. That’s because No Shave November, or Movember, is a popular campaign encouraging men to grow their mustaches and beards to raise awareness for men’s health issues, including mental health, cancer, and more. But while growing out… Read More…

As more people explore intermittent fasting and keto diets to improve their overall health, it’s essential to understand how these popular trends can impact oral health. While both approaches have benefits, they can also introduce challenges for your teeth and gums. Here’s what you need to know about intermittent fasting… Read More…

A tooth abscess is a painful condition that requires immediate attention. It occurs when a pocket of pus forms in or around the tooth due to an infection. Understanding the signs of a tooth abscess can help you seek timely treatment and prevent further complications. What is a Tooth Abscess?… Read More…

Dentures are a fantastic solution for restoring your smile and maintaining the functionality of your mouth. However, like natural teeth, they require proper care and maintenance. By taking care of your dentures, you can ensure they last longer and stay comfortable. This guide will cover the essential steps for keeping… Read More…

Sports drinks are popular among athletes and active individuals, but many people don’t realize how these beverages can affect their teeth. While sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost during physical activity or hot summer days, they can also threaten oral health. How Do Sports Drinks Affect Teeth? Sports drinks… Read More…

In recent years, 3D dental technology has revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering new and innovative ways to approach dental care. This cutting-edge technology enhances the precision of dental treatments, improves patient outcomes, and streamlines dental procedures. Here’s how these advancements are changing the dental landscape. What is 3D Dental… Read More…

Experiencing a toothache can be an uncomfortable ordeal. Whether it’s sudden sharp pain or a persistent ache, knowing how to manage this discomfort effectively is crucial. If you’re dealing with a toothache or any dental emergency, these strategies can help alleviate pain temporarily before you can visit your dentist in… Read More…

Summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy the sunshine and all the fun activities that come with it. However, amidst all the excitement, it’s important to remember to take care of your teeth. With sugary treats and refreshing drinks, your teeth can face some challenges. Here are some useful… Read More…

When it comes to sports, safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, the risk of injury is always present. One crucial aspect of sports safety that often goes overlooked is the protection of our teeth. That’s where sports mouthguards come into… Read More…

Maintaining good oral hygiene is a key aspect of overall health, and the best way to protect your oral health is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. However, the age-old question of whether to brush or floss first has sparked numerous debates. While both brushing and flossing play pivotal… Read More…

How Do I Know If My Toothache Is Serious? February 9th is Toothache Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of dental health and the prevention of toothaches. While occasional tooth sensitivity is common, it’s essential to recognize when a toothache may indicate a more serious… Read More…

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a cause of concern. While it’s not uncommon for people to experience occasional bad breath, persistent issues may indicate an underlying problem and require a visit to your dentist in Rochester. But what exactly causes bad breath and how can you address it? Poor… Read More…

As the chilly winds of winter sweep in, so does the dreaded season of colds and the flu. While most of us are familiar with the typical symptoms – runny noses, coughs, and fatigue – few may realize the significant impact these illnesses can have on our oral health. The… Read More…

It is that time again when kids eagerly collect bags full of candies during their door-to-door trick-or-treat adventures, and adults are bombarded with sugary sweets in the grocery aisles or haunted by all the treat-or-treat leftovers in the kitchen cabinet. It can only mean one thing – Halloween is here…. Read More…

We’ve all experienced that familiar and uncomfortable sensation of a sudden sharp pain when you accidentally bite down on the inside of your cheek. It’s an annoyance we often dismiss as a mere accident, but if you find yourself frequently biting your cheeks, there might be more to it than… Read More…

People who get a lot of headaches or have chronic migraines may be surprised to learn that a dental problem may be to blame. In fact, these two seemingly unrelated ailments can have a significant impact on each other, and recent research suggests that there may be a strong connection… Read More…

You hear it time and time again – from your doctor, the famous Mary Schmich, articles on the Internet, and yes, even from your dentist in Rochester – wear sunscreen. This advice applies to both kids and adults, and it’s especially appropriate during National Sunscreen Day, celebrated every year on May… Read More…

If you or members of your family have been itching, sniffling, and sneezing lately, allergies may be to blame. In fact, a recent study shows that allergies may be starting earlier and be more severe than ever before. This could mean that more and more people are experiencing the side… Read More…

Each and every year on March 20th, the FDI World Dental Federation sponsors World Oral Health Day with the mission of “empowering people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to secure good oral health.” Oral health is often considered secondary to overall health, but the truth is, oral health diseases… Read More…

There are a lot of things in this world to be afraid of, especially during the month of October with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins all around. However, your dentist in Rochester wants you to know that being afraid of going to your dental appointments doesn’t need to be something you fear…. Read More…

People know that what they eat can affect their teeth. But did you know that what we drink can also impact smile health? The truth is, that what we drink plays a crucial role in tooth health as well as overall oral health. Join your dentist in Rochester as we take… Read More…

Brushing your teeth regularly is a crucial part of making sure your teeth and overall oral health stay healthy. The American Dental Association and your dentist in Rochester recommend that everyone brushes their teeth twice a day, but what if you brush your teeth more often than that? Could it actually… Read More…

At your routine dental checkups, your dentist in Rochester is likely to take dental x-rays. The images obtained through x-rays allow your dentist to see a clearer picture of your overall oral health, beyond what’s visible during a manual exam and cleaning. However, since all x-rays expose patients to some… Read More…

Whether or not you see your dentist in Rochester every six months, the truth is, things in your mouth can change rapidly and you may experience a sudden onset of symptoms that may concern you. However, not every new thing that you notice in your teeth, gums, or mouth is… Read More…

Our teeth are essential to our health and well-being, but unfortunately, they can also be one of the most fragile parts of our bodies. Cavities, broken or missing teeth, and gum disease all weaken your teeth and can cause you serious problems down the road if they’re not taken care… Read More…

It’s common knowledge that high sugar diets are bad for your teeth, which is one reason why your dentist in Rochester recommends limiting your sugar intake daily. But what you might not know is that many of the foods and drinks that you enjoy may be secretly packed with sugar…. Read More…

In recent years, there’s been an environmental fight against the use of non-reusable plastic straws. These one-time use straws make up about 7% of plastic product waste in the U.S., so there is a need to talk about how much we actually need straws. Now, while your dentist in Rochester… Read More…

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for our overall health. But there are numerous things that can keep us from sleeping soundly, especially snoring. In fact, if you or your bed partner snore, there’s a good chance that you’re not getting enough sleep. But why does your dentist in… Read More…

We’ve all heard of the book, “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus,” which explains some of the main psychological differences between these two genders. But did you know that these differences extend into dentistry? It’s true! Just ask your dentist in Rochester. Since men are more likely to… Read More…

This past year has taught us a lot, including just how important it is to wash our hands, how to juggle toddlers and Zoom meetings, and how to be comfortable in our own homes day after day. When it comes to your dentist in Rochester, we also learned a lot… Read More…

Just like you can buy sushi from a gas station, you can also use your teeth as tools. However, neither comes highly recommended. And for good reason. While your dentist in Rochester isn’t an expert on local sushi, we are experts on teeth. Our teeth are designed to help us… Read More…

What we eat not only affects our overall health but our oral health, too. It’s important to eat well-balanced meals, limit the sugary snacks, and choose fresh fruits and veggies whenever possible. But what exactly do you eat after dental treatment? You can’t chomp on a crunchy carrot very easily… Read More…

Over the past couple of months, you may have been feeling more stressed out than usual, and rightfully so. Our lives have changed, some dramatically, and there’s a lot of uncertainty about the future and a bigger focus on staying healthy than maybe ever before. But believe it or not,… Read More…

Think back to the last time your nose was so stuffy you had no choice but to breathe out of your mouth. Do you remember what your mouth felt like? It was probably dry, scratchy, and almost sticky. This is appropriately known as dry mouth. While dry mouth is an… Read More…

We’re heading into the dog days of summer, which typically means really hot days and a lot of sunshine. This can be great for enjoying some time in the pool, on the lake, or at the beach, but your dentist in Rochester wants you to know that all of this… Read More…

You probably already know that when your teeth hurt, you should see your dentist in Rochester as soon as you can. But what do you do if you’re experiencing gum pain? When your gums hurt, it may be a sign of something serious happening in your mouth, or it could… Read More…

According to the CDC, 1 in 13 Americans has asthma. That’s nearly 25 million Americans who have this chronic disease that affects the respiratory system, resulting in difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain. The most common treatment to combat the symptoms of asthma is the use of an inhaler. However,… Read More…

Everyone knows that your bi-annual visits to the dentist help get your teeth squeaky clean. After all, they’re called hygiene visits for a reason. But your dentist in Rochester believes that these twice-a-year appointments are more important than the cleaning alone. In fact, your bi-annual dental appointments do so much… Read More…

Every March is recognized as National Nutrition Month and is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Its purpose is to raise awareness of just how important it is to eat healthily. But good nutrition doesn’t only benefit our bodies, it can also help protect your oral health. Join… Read More…

You will hear your dentist in Rochester talk a lot about how important it is to brush and floss your teeth every day to protect your teeth and keep your mouth healthy. But did you know that you should also brush your tongue as well as your teeth? The truth… Read More…

Have you ever bitten your tongue and then thought to yourself, “How did that happen? Am I resting my tongue in the wrong place?” The truth is, about 50% of Americans have something called improper tongue posture or positioning. That’s right, there is, in fact, a correct place to rest… Read More…

Almost all of us have experienced the annoyance and pain associated with tooth sensitivity. In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry estimates that 40 million American adults have sensitive teeth. That’s quite a lot of people who suffer from those unexpected zings of nerve pain every day. So many, in… Read More…

Just like you, your dentist in Rochester is overwhelmed this time of year by the amount of sugary Halloween treats on the market. Did you ever notice how much candy there is at every single store, from pharmacies to supermarkets? Where does it all go? (We sure would like to… Read More…

A visit to your dentist in Rochester is a pretty easy thing to check off your to-do list. But did you know that there are things you can do prior to your visit to make the process even easier? In this week’s blog, we provide you with a free checklist… Read More…

It’s very rare that a day goes by at our Rochester dental office where we don’t rely on the power of x-rays to help us plan for or even complete a case. We’re able to get a good look at everything from your teeth and gums to your jaw bone… Read More…

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we thought now is the perfect time to talk a little about the changes you can make to your diet that can help to improve not only your oral health but your overall health too. At our dental office in Rochester, we always recommend… Read More…

While bad breath can be embarrassing, there may be a bigger cause for concern if it’s something that affects you every day. The team at our dental office in Rochester knows that bad breath can be a temporary problem… or… even a sign of something more serious. Join us as… Read More…

As we prepare to enter the new year, people all over the world are making resolutions to get healthier. Whether that means going to the gym more often or eating healthier, the team at our Rochester dental office wants to get involved by helping you set realistic resolutions. Here are… Read More…

Saliva production is a natural and important part of good oral health. We need it to help protect our teeth from cavities, breakdown food so our stomachs can digest them more easily, and fight off bad breath bacteria. But the team at our Rochester dental office wants you to know… Read More…

At our dental office in Rochester, we always recommend that our patients brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes. Following this routine daily isn’t just good for your oral health, but can benefit your overall health, too. However, if you skip a brushing session altogether or don’t brush… Read More…

There are many widely known causes of cavities including eating too much sugar, not brushing or flossing your teeth enough, or avoiding regular visits to your Rochester dentist. But there are also plenty of lesser known cavity-causing culprits out there that you should be aware of… Teeth with Deep Grooves… Read More…

We are all aware that there are certain foods your dentist in Rochester just isn’t a big fan of. These foods typically include super sweet candies and treats, popcorn with hidden damaging kernels, and of course sugary sodas and juices. But there may just be one more to add to… Read More…

Root canals have an unnecessarily bad reputation of being painful, which causes many people to be afraid of the treatment. However, the team at our dental office in Rochester wants to ease any concerns you may have about root canals and hopefully relieve any apprehension. Do Root Canals Hurt? There’s… Read More…

At our dental office in Rochester, we’re often asked what certain technical dental terms mean, and we’re always happy to explain them. Which brings us to the topic of the day: Occlusion. What is occlusion? What are we looking at when we talk about it? Why does it matter? We’re… Read More…

Nail biting is a habit that can affect not only the appearance of your nails, it can also cause damage to your oral health. As with any habit, nail biting can be difficult to break, but at our dental office in Rochester, we’re hoping that by providing our patients some… Read More…

If you’ve ever been to your dentist in Rochester and experienced several gentle pokes to your gums followed by hearing some numbers, you’ve had what’s called a periodontal charting. This charting is helpful when evaluating overall oral health and can give your dental team some insight to a proper treatment… Read More…

There are times when the team at our dental office in Rochester may recommend a frenectomy for a patient. But we understand that many patients aren’t exactly sure what a frenectomy is and why one may be needed. So we’d like to cover the basics to help all of our… Read More…

Wisdom teeth usually begin to develop and show on x-rays in our early teens. And that’s the best time to start monitoring their growth to see if your wisdom teeth can stay, or if it’s better to get them removed. While all wisdom teeth don’t necessarily have to be extracted,… Read More…

Do you experience shooting pain through your teeth when you drink something hot or bite into something cold? If so, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. It’s a common problem for many people, but our dental office in Rochester wants to help explain some possible reasons behind your sensitivity… Read More…

If piercings are your thing, we aren’t here to judge. We believe everyone should be free to express themselves how they wish. However, when it comes to oral piercings, the team at my Rochester dental office wants you to be aware of some of the concerns that go along with… Read More…

Hygiene visits and dental checkups at my Rochester dental office are an important part of a proper oral health routine. We’d go so far to say they may even be THE most important part. At these appointments, we’re not only able to identify common dental concerns like decay and cavities,… Read More…

June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, and as anyone who has ever suffered a migraine can tell you, they aren’t fun. While it may seem weird to get a message about migraines from my Rochester dental office, trust us, you’ve come to the right place. What is a Migraine?… Read More…

You’ve just finished a great workout. Your muscles are tired, you’re sweating, and you feel great, yet a bit dehydrated. You grab a bottle of your favorite flavored sports drink and sip away. While that drink may help replenish things your body lost during exercise, at my Rochester dental office,… Read More…

Asthma is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that causes airways to narrow and makes breathing really difficult. While there is no cure for asthma, there are several treatments available to help re-open airways and make breathing a bit easier. However, at my Rochester dental office, we also know these medications,… Read More…

Whenever we hear the word ‘cancer,’ it’s always terrifying. And oral cancer is no different. It’s a very serious, potentially life-threatening disease that’s more widespread than many people realize. At my Rochester dental office, we believe in early detection, knowing the signs, and treating it proactively. We also believe in… Read More…

If you suffer from chronic canker sores, or even if you’ve only ever had one in your life, you know the discomfort and embarrassment that can result. Canker sores are a complex thing to understand, but at my Rochester dental office, we’re here to help. What Causes a Canker Sore?… Read More…

Even if you brush and floss everyday, there are some common daily habits that put your teeth at increased risk for disease or damage. At my Rochester dental office, we’re here to educate our patients on all the ways they can help keep their smiles in the best shape, so… Read More…

Each March 20th the dental community comes together to promote oral health across the globe for all ages. World Oral Health Day was established to bring awareness to the issues surrounding oral health and educate everyone on the effects oral health can have on the rest of the body. At… Read More…

The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold. Of course we all know that we can catch a cold by kissing, but cavities? Sounds pretty far fetched. But guess what everyone at my dental office in Rochester knows? Catching a… Read More…

Why in the world would a dentist be part of your Heart Health Month Celebration? Shouldn’t you be seeing a cardiologist for that? Well, maybe. But seeing your dentist is much more important than you may think. There have been lots of studies over the last few years that show… Read More…

Eating disorders usually stem from any combination of emotional, psychological, or social factors and affect around 10 million Americans. Some whole-body health problems that arise from eating disorders range from muscle loss, decreased bone density, and increased risk for heart failure. At my Rochester dental office, we also want to… Read More…

At my Rochester dental office, we love to see our patients smile. Not only because we are in the business of creating healthy, beautiful grins, but also because we know the health benefits behind showing those pearly whites. We’d like to share a few reasons you should smile more and… Read More…

Artist Antoinette van Kleeff once said, “When snow falls, nature listens.” My Rochester dental practice is always ready to listen, especially when it comes to maintaining your pearly whites.  Give us a call with questions and don’t forget to follow these simple steps to help ward off unsightly stains. Brushing… Read More…

This time of year means more mistletoe and festive parties with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether you’re greeting someone with a smooch or simply engaging in a close conversation, make sure your breath is fresh by brushing up on these helpful dental hygiene tips. My Rochester dental office wants you… Read More…

A glass of wine at family dinner. A few beers at the bar while catching up with old friends. A mixed drink or two at the office holiday party. When it comes to alcohol, it’s a fairly standard beverage of choice for U.S. adults. While enjoying it in moderation is… Read More…

The craziness of the holiday season is right around the corner, and we’re sure the planning has already begun. Sometimes this time of year causes stress levels to rise and health to suffer because of it. But it’s not only your overall health that’s affected by stress. The team at… Read More…

Did you know that just by chewing a little piece of the right kind of gum you can: Prevent tooth decay Starve bacteria Prevent oral inflammation Reduce your risk for gum disease It may sound too good to be true, but one important ingredient can make all the difference: Xylitol…. Read More…

Everyone has some dental floss. We are especially sure of that considering we give you a roll at every visit to my dental practice in Rochester! And if you are anything like us, you probably have a few extra rolls lying around the house. Why not tuck one in your… Read More…

At my dental office in Rochester, we recommend brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, every day. But we know there are times when brushing may not be an option. Perhaps you forgot your toothbrush or ran out of toothpaste. When these things happen, it’s common to turn… Read More…

As parents, sometimes when our offspring announce their intentions we can barely contain our horror, fear, or, perhaps less flatteringly, our unwillingness to accommodate phases that make extra work for us. But if your teenager has decided to stop eating meat, don’t worry. According to the American Dietetic Association, a… Read More…

You wake up each morning, eat your breakfast, then head to the sink to brush your teeth and give your grin a thorough flossing. You’re doing everything correctly, right? Maybe. The truth is, oral hygiene isn’t as simple as just making sure you brush and floss. At my Rochester dental… Read More…

Super-white smiles used to be a thing reserved for TV stars and the big screen. But advancements in dentistry have made this cosmetic dentistry procedure accessible to the general public. Now nearly everyone is on the journey to get a dazzlingly white smile. At my dental office in Rochester, we’re… Read More…

We get this question a lot at my dental office in Rochester. While it’s not a cut-and-dried answer, we can definitely explain a few pros and cons behind both of the common flossing methods. Floss Picks Pros Ease of Use. Many people prefer floss picks over traditional floss because they’re… Read More…

Do you spend a lot of time soaking in your nearest swimming pool during the summer months? We don’t blame you. Kicking back on a raft, playing an intense game of Marco Polo, or swimming laps for exercise are great ways to beat the heat. But did you know that… Read More…

Even if you brush and floss everyday, there are still many things that cause damage to your smile. At my dental office in Rochester, we’re all about keeping teeth healthy and being dedicated to educating our patients on all the ways to keep their mouths in tip-top shape, as well… Read More…

Nervousness or legitimate fear of the dentist is completely normal. In fact, an estimated 80 million Americans suffer from it. At my dental office in Rochester, we understand a visit to the dentist can be scary. But we also know avoiding professional dental care can have serious health complications. We’re… Read More…

Whenever we hear the word cancer, it’s always scary. For everyone at my Rochester dental office, we place emphasis on educating our patients on one type of cancer specifically. That type of cancer would be oral cancer. When you think of oral cancer, you may automatically assume it’s due to… Read More…

Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns we hear about at my dental office in Rochester. While worries about cavities are valid since they can lead to pain, sensitivity, and more serious oral health conditions, there are many beliefs behind cavities that just aren’t true.   Fact or… Read More…

When you walk into a dental office and breathe deeply, you’ll immediately recognize that dental office smell. There’s nothing quite like it. But why do all dental offices have that certain super-clean stench? At my dental office in Rochester, we become immune to the everyday smells that go along with… Read More…

The legal age to purchase tobacco products of any kind in the United States is 18. If a smoker picks up the habit on their 18th birthday, and smokes a pack a day until they’re 35, they will lose an average of four or five teeth. Smoking can also cause… Read More…

At my dental office in Rochester, we stress the importance of regular visits and professional cleanings at least twice a year. Do you know why these biannual visits are so important? This blog will help explain the importance behind regular professional cleanings.  Keep Gum Disease Away. Gum disease isn’t only… Read More…

You know that regular brushing and flossing can help keep your mouth healthy, but did you know that a healthy mouth could also mean a healthy heart? Each February, Americans observe American Heart Month, a time to educate ourselves about the risks associated with heart disease and analyze our own… Read More…

It’s the season of sneezes and coughs, and the risk for colds and the flu is on the rise. At my dental office in Rochester, we strive to keep our patients healthy, but even we don’t have a cure for the common cold. While many of us turn to over-the-counter… Read More…

The type of dentistry we practice at my dental office in Rochester, that ensures comfort, oral health, and overall wellbeing, wasn’t always the norm. If we go back a few years, a mere 9,000, we find some extraordinarily crazy beliefs, wild practices, and a dental philosophy that’s much different from… Read More…

An important business lunch. A promising first date. Meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time at a fancy restaurant. There are plenty of times in our lives when we’re nervous about picking out just the right outfit, deciding what to say and what not to say, and when… Read More…

Your smile is one of the first things other people notice about you, and it’s how they arrive at a first impression. The thing is, their response to your smile is largely subconscious. So we ask, is your smile saying the right things about you? If it’s not, there’s never… Read More…

Since 1863, the United States has been celebrating a day of feast, complete with turkey, pies, stuffing, and too much more deliciousness to name. But Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating a plentiful dinner and slipping into a tryptophan-induced afternoon nap, it’s a day dedicated to reflecting on all we are… Read More…

November is dedicated to bringing awareness to a disease that affects nearly 30 million Americans – diabetes. Diabetes may cause problems throughout your entire body from your eyes, nerves, and kidneys, to your heart and even your mouth. My dental practice in Rochester wants to increase awareness of how diabetes… Read More…

We all have things about our smiles that we don’t quite like – gaps, crookedness, or even some long, pointy canines (the teeth that can resemble vampire fangs). At my dental office in Rochester, we can advise you on the best ways to fix all of your dental problems, but… Read More…

The foods you choose to eat can not only affect your overall well-being, they can also contribute to a healthy, or unhealthy, smile. At my dental office in Rochester, we’re focused on ensuring that both your smile and your body are healthy, strong, and in the best shape possible. That’s… Read More…