Blog

If you’ve heard about (or experienced) mononucleosis, often shortened to “mono” or “the kissing disease”, you might think it can’t be compared to gum disease in any way. However, there is one trait these infections have in common. According to pathologists, mono is caused primarily by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and it’s definitely something you’ll… (Read More)

We’ve all heard the expression that a dog is a (hu)man’s best friend, and dog lovers wouldn’t disagree. There’s also a common misconception that “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth”. As it turns out, that’s not true at all, and there are many reasons you should never let your dog kiss you… (Read More)

If you fear shots, injections, or medical needles in general, you may be suffering from trypanophobia—and an estimated 10 percent of Americans share the same aversion. The general public calls it “needle phobia” but the DSM-IV classified it as a specific phobia of medical needles as of 1994.  Dr. Nozik & Dr. Tumminelli understands these… (Read More)

We know a lot of our friends and neighbors aren’t fans of being asked how often they brush and floss, but at White Spruce Dental, we hope you know it’s because we care and want to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life! Getting to know your habits also helps us personalize… (Read More)

For such a seemingly small part of your body, the tongue plays a major role in many everyday functions, such as talking, helping you digest and taste food, and swallowing. In fact, the appearance of your tongue may speak volumes (pun slightly intended) about the state of your oral and overall health.  Today, Rochester dentists,… (Read More)

No one wants to think about the words “abscessed tooth” applying to their own mouth, but to paraphrase Sun Tzu, it’s a good idea to know your enemy. Causes of an abscessed tooth include: Tooth decay Gum disease A cracked tooth When a tooth is compromised by one or more of these conditions, bacteria may… (Read More)

Teeth are typically the first thing that comes to mind for people when they hear the words dentist or dentistry, which makes sense—the root word dent actually means tooth! However, your teeth require healthy gums to hold them in place.  Did you know gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss? That’s why… (Read More)

At White Spruce Dental, we know a lot of people feel they’re adding a layer of tooth decay and gum disease prevention to their oral hygiene routines when they swish with mouthwash—which may be true, but it depends on the mouthwash. If you floss and brush properly, mouthwash isn’t always necessary, and certain types could… (Read More)

You’ve worn your braces or aligners, kept your checkup appointments, and followed treatment instructions from Dr. Kenneth Nozik & Dr. John Tumminelli. You love your new smile, but it’s not over yet—how long will you have to wear a retainer? There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are taken out of… (Read More)