If you’re surprised to hear your dentist say that you might be at risk for heart disease, you may be curious to know why that’s possible. The reason may be that your gums are not in the best of shape, and unfortunately, gum disease can cause more problems than you think. Not only is your oral health at risk, but the infection can result in serious cardiovascular diseases. Let’s take a look at how unhealthy gums can wreak havoc on your body and what you can do to prevent gum disease.

Very few of us go through life free of unpleasant surprises. The rest of us have to take what life sends our way, whether good or bad. Sometimes this can take the form of a dental emergency. Knowing what to do when the unexpected occurs can help you to manage things until a dentist is available. With that in mind, let’s look at how to deal with three common dental emergencies.

The American Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings to ensure your oral health. When you think about reasons why it’s important to see your dentist, you may think about problems like cavities or tooth decay. However, there is a part of your routine checkup that has the potential to save your life: oral cancer screenings. Keep reading to see how your dentist detects oral cancer as part of your routine checkup and cleaning.

Once you lose all your baby teeth, your set of permanent teeth grow in. Then, you’re done—that’s all the teeth you get for the rest of your life. In order for them to last an entire lifetime, you need to take good care of them. But how? What are some ways to help you maintain your oral health in the long term? Here are four healthy oral habits from your dentist in Rochester that can keep your smile healthy and happy for years to come.

You’ve dreamed of a straighter smile for years, and since you never got braces when you were younger, you begin to toy with the thought of what they would look like on you. The only problem is that traditional braces seem way too expensive! While googling braces, you may have seen the new trend of DIY braces, and they don’t look that bad! Why not try them out just to see if they work? Well, your dentist may not be able to fix the damage that DIY braces will inevitably cause your oral health. Read on for a list of consequences from giving yourself braces.

When you’re tracing your way down the toothpaste aisle, you usually just go for the brand you normally use. But what if there were toothpastes you could be using that were better-suited for your smile? Your smile is unique, so it’s a good idea to hand-select your toothpaste based on that. Your dentist can help narrow down your decisions and provide you with the information you need to purchase what’s best for your pearly whites!

Gum disease affects about 50% of the US population, making it a very common health issue. While its earliest symptoms are mild, it can eventually lead to serious gum damage and even tooth loss. Additionally, recent research has shown a relationship between this disease and even more serious overall health issues. Keep reading to learn how gum disease can affect you and the best ways to prevent it from an expert dentist.

All of us know that brushing our teeth and seeing the dentist for regular appointments are essential for keeping our teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that flossing is just as important? By not flossing, you allow plaque and tartar to build up on the sides of your teeth, greatly increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why dentists recommend flossing at least once daily.

When most people set their new year’s resolutions, they have great intentions — but maybe they don’t plan as well as they should. Therefore, their resolve to lose weight, save more money, or have more time to themselves doesn’t work out like they hoped it would. Why not set a resolution that you know you can achieve this year? Improve your oral health by visiting your dentist. Who knows? Your healthier smile might be the confidence boost you need to reach your most ambitious goals. Let’s talk about some of the benefits you can experience when you attend routine dental visits every six months.

The flu has been seeing exponentially higher rates in recent years, according to figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the 2017-2018 season, influenza killed approximately 80,000 people, breaking the record of 56,000 previously recorded several decades back.

If you do have the flu, you’re probably reaching for cough drops and decongestants on a regular basis. But how do these products affect your oral health? To prevent any cavities from appearing, take note of these flu season tips.