Here are 5 Things You'll Want to Know About Teeth

Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body; they help you speak, eat, and have a good looking smile. We know we are supposed to take care of them and even people who are not dentists still know how to take good care of teeth. However, there are still things that many people do not know about their teeth.

We have compiled a list of 5 different things that you will want to know about teeth.

1. The sour stuff can be bad for your teeth, just like the sweet stuff. Almost everyone knows that sugar can be bad for your teeth; the more sugar you eat, the more likely you are to have cavities. However, sugar is not the only bad guy for your teeth; acidic foods can be just as bad for your teeth as sugar is. Foods (citric fruits, sour candy), and drinks (soda, juices, etc) can have acids that do work on your teeth. Citric acid is one of the worst acids for your pearly whites. What does acid do? It weakens the enamel on your teeth. 
2. Enamel is strong but it has its limits. Things like chewing ice, holding a pencil with your teeth, oral piercings, these are all things that can crack the enamel that protects your teeth. Also, be careful when eating popcorn to avoid chomping down on a popcorn kernel. Piercings on your tongue can be bad for your teeth as well; whenever you say something, it can collide with your teeth. 
3. Tooth loss happens at any age. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I can assure you that tooth loss can happen when you are 75, 45, even 25; it does not matter how old you are, if you do not take care of your teeth, they can come out. Gum disease and cavities are two big reasons for tooth loss and these things can happen at any age. 
4. Too much fluoride can have a negative effect. We have all been taught that having fluoride is good for our teeth; this is why the American Dental Association always wanted communities to have fluoridated water supplies. However, that is not the issue; the issue arises from ingesting too much fluoride from sources like toothpaste. This typically happens with children, when they swallow excessive amounts of toothpaste, the issue of too much fluoride can happen. Too much of the stuff can make teeth porous. Everything in moderation. 
5. Braces can be rough for cavities. If you are not good at cleaning with your braces, then cavities can form around the braces since teeth become more difficult to brush. 

If you are looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then make an appointment with Rubino. 

Children's Dentistry 101

Caring for your child's teeth is not an option, it is a must. This means having foods and drinks that are not loaded with sugar or acid as well as developing a strong oral hygiene habit.

Flouride is a big help to developing teeth into strong bodies and gives them the ability to ward off cavities and dental decay. Reports have shown that fluoride helps children have 65 percent fewer cavities than those who have no access to fluoride; this means that children should be drinking water infused with fluoride as well as use toothpaste that contains it as well. Many of the children who drink fluoridated water have healthy teeth, even into their teen years.

If your area does not have fluoridated water, then you can purchase some fluoride tablets, gels, drops, and treatments.

Aside from fluoride, we have mentioned that having a proper diet is a big help to the children. Children should have calcium in their diet, not only for strong bones but strong teeth as well. Having milk, cheese, yogurt, and all things dairy is a great source. Having broccoli helps too. If you have cheese after eating a meal, it helps negate the acid in the foods or drinks that can lead to dental decay.

A proper dental hygiene routine is essential to having healthy teeth as well. Ensuring that your children have proper brushing, flossing, and even using a mouthwash are important to having healthy teeth and gums.

If you are in the Chicagoland area and looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then contact Rubino Dentistry for your dental needs as well as your child's.

Restorative Dentistry -- Veneers

So what are dental veneers?

Well, in short, they are shells made from very thin ceramic/ porcelain or perhaps a composite material and then they are bonded to the front of your teeth. This is a great choice for improving the look of your teeth to give you the smile you always dreamed of. The procedure requires little to no anesthesia and the procedure is easy-going.

Why should you get veneers over other options?

A veneer is a great option versus something like a crown (however, if you need a crown to replace missing strength in tooth, then a crown is truly needed). A veneer is a more conservative solution to giving a tooth or teeth a new look in terms of color, shape, or the size. If you have any discolored teeth, a gap in teeth, or chipped teeth, then veneers are a great solution for those problems.

Veneers last for a long time, unless there is an unforeseen issue such as something knocking the veneer; however, they are designed to be a long lasting solution to aesthetic dental issues and have proven to be that way.

What is the procedure like?

To complete the procedure, there will likely be three separate appointments; the first for diagnosing, the second for planning the treatments, and the third for actually doing the treatment.

In order to get the teeth ready for the bonding, they are gently buffed so there will be a slightly added thickness to the veneer. If you go with composite, once the tooth is ready to go, the dentist will bond and mold the material to your teeth. If you go with porcelain, then there will be a mold made of your teeth, which is sent to a lab, and that will shape the new veneer. Once that is ready, it is applied to the tooth. The veneers are bonded to the tooth with a cement, which is then hardened between the tooth and the veneer.

You will take some time to adjust to you new teeth. Brush and floss daily, just like you would with your real teeth. After a week or two, you will have a follow-up with your dentist. Dr. Rubino, here at our Park Ridge dental office will see how things are going with you and your new teeth.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rubino Denistry. We are a Chicagoland dentist office and have lots of experience in veneers.