Thursday, July 30, 2015

Want Clean, Healthy Teeth? Then Remember That Floss is Boss!

The next time you think, “I will floss tomorrow,” or the kids say, “We promise to floss in the morning,” you might want to revisit your oral healthcare strategy.

While brushing removes surface plaque, it misses up to 40 percent of plaque that decides to hide between your teeth! This is worrisome because plaque buildup cannot only lead up to tooth decay, but it can also lead to gum disease, which is linked to over 200 other diseases.

Do not skip flossing for yourself or especially for your children. Flossing is by far the most effective way to remove plaque and junk stuck between your teeth. There are a couple ways of doing this correctly; the first way is to use a strand of floss and the second is to use floss picks. Our dentist in Chicagoland has given some great advice for flossing correctly.

If you use a strand of floss, then grab about 18 inches of floss, then wind the majority of the floss around your middle finger on one of your hands and wrap the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. You should have about one inch of floss to use in between for your teeth. Use your thumbs and pointer fingers to kindly pull the floss between your teeth and to the gum line. Move the floss from below the gum line to the top of the tooth a few times to remove the plaque. Rub the floss up against all the sides of the tooth; once you do this, wind the floss so you have fresh floss in between each tooth.

If you use a floss pick, then the hard part is done for you, making the floss taut and having a secure hold on it. Do the same sort of maneuvers with the floss pick that you did with the regular floss. If your teeth are close together and it is difficult to get it to the gum line, then use a gentle, sawing motion to maneuver it down there. You might need to use more than one pick in a flossing session if the floss bit shreds or becomes too loose.

You can also use a WaterPik to compliment your flossing habits, not to replace them.

Flossing is not difficult, but kids may need a refresher and seniors who belong to a generation that never learned how to floss might need a lesson. Call today to ensure your family’s regular check-ups are scheduled, and we will have a flossing refresher for everyone at our Park Ridge dental office.

Friday, July 17, 2015

What is Dental Erosion?

Dental erosion is a very common and growing problem for people of all ages, yes, all ages; erosion is especially a problem for adults and seniors.

Many dentists have seen a significant increase in premature wear to our patient's teeth in the last fifteen years. As most people keep their teeth throughout their lives, we have become more aware of the variety of wear issues that can occur. Dental erosion is a broad category describing premature loss of tooth structure, starting with enamel, which can be cause by many different factors.
Signs of dental erosion can be:
  • A translucent appearance of front teeth
  • A rounded or cupped appearance of back teeth
  • Notches and yellow areas along the gum line
  • A noticeable, severe loss of general tooth structure on multiple teeth
In some cases, patients can become hypersensitive to hot, cold, and sweets but often the progression is symptomless until it becomes severe.
The most common causes of dental erosion are:
  • Acid in food that we eat and drink repeatedly on a regular basis
  • Parafunctional habits such as grinding or clenching teeth
  • Medical conditions like gastric reflux disease, sleep apnea, bulimia, and anorexia
  • Vegetarian diets
  • Decreased saliva flow
Many dentists are now screening their patients for signs of dental erosion on a regular basis. At our Park Ridge dental office, Rubino Dentistry has detailed diagnostic routine, which will help us identify the specific factors in a particular event. Once that is done, then we can begin to form a solution that often includes dietary, saliva, and cavity activity analysis followed by modifications to reduce the source of dental erosion.

In addition, dental appliances to control harmful habits like grinding and sleep apnea may be recommended. In some cases, we suggest that a patient have a comprehensive evaluation by their physician if systemic disease is suspected. The good news is that many dentists can now identify dental erosion in its early stages and stop what can be a very destructive oral health problem.
Sometimes, it can be hard to detect dental erosion on your own, as it can be symptomless until the problem is much more severe.

Make sure to schedule regular dental visits to make sure your dentist is able to catch it before it is a bigger problem.

If you think you have dental erosion, then contact Rubino Dentistry, a dentist in Chicago. We would love to see you!

Friday, July 10, 2015

5 Tips for Helping Your Child With Their Dental Fear

When it comes to having a fear of the dentist, it is very common; even as adults, some of us still tend to have at least a little anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Now, imagine the fear that a child will have when it comes to going to the dentist. This is someone they do not know, using intimidating tools, and saying things that sound scary.

It has been reported that almost 20 percent of school age children have a fear of the dentist. It is hard for parents and dentists alike to convince children that a visit to the dentist is not going to be difficult or scary. So what can you do to help your child with their dental anxiety? 

Give information. Children are young and have not experienced many things in the world like us adults have; they need to be told some things. Giving information about the dentist can help the child gain some confidence and relax a bit if they know a general idea of why they are going to the dentist. Now, you do not have to get specific by saying, “The dentist will scrape the plaque and tartar off your teeth.” Rather, say things like, “The dentist is going to make sure your teeth are healthy and strong.” A positive spin on things. As a dentist, I can explain what the child will experience during the visit.
Relaxation strategies. Using some relaxation strategies will help the child feel much more comfortable while at the dentist. Simple breathing exercises will be great; blowing bubbles is a great way to accomplish this and also gives the child more fun. When the child is in the dental chair, allowing them to close their eyes can help as well as tensing and relaxing muscles in specific order can help release tension.
Give distraction. Along with blowing bubbles, there are some great ways to distract the child so they do not let their anxiety, become the focus. One method is to allow the child to play with a toy in the waiting room as well as have simple dialogue with one of the hygienists.
Give the child reinforcement. Positive reinforcement will be a huge deal. Things like stickers, words of affirmation, things of that nature go a long way. When you confirm that the child is doing a good job with their dental health, they’ll feel better about going.
Get the parents involved. Having a parent involved with the child’s oral health, it will make a world of difference. A parent can help reduce the child’s stress during the dental visit, perhaps by holding their hand, etc.

Bottom line, while it is very common for a child to feel scared about the dentist, there are several ways to help reduce that and get them in a good place with dental hygiene.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

How Does Precision Gum Sculpting Work?

When you look in the mirror, do you see a pleasing, well-proportioned toothy grin? Or are your gums monopolizing your smile? No matter where you are in life, a beautiful, confident smile can transform the way you address the world and the way it addresses you.

The perfect proportion of pink, well-cared-for gums will always make you look healthier and more youthful. Gum sculpting is a fast and effective procedure that can improve your smile by:

  • Giving an irregular shaped gum line a more pleasing, uniform look. 
  • Making short teeth look longer and perfectly proportioned in your mouth. 
  • Giving you the confidence to flash a bold, toothy grin that lights up a room. 
Gum sculpting can be performed on a single tooth, or on a number of teeth, and is usually done in a single visit. For a complete smile makeover, consider a tooth whitening procedure to highlight your new smile! A quick fix with bonding may correct damage, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth. 

No more closed-lipped grins for you! Rubino Dentistry will help you achieve that beautiful, bold, confident smile of your dreams! Call us or stop by! 

Friday, June 19, 2015

Myths About Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath is incredibly common. Everybody has it to some degree, even if it is just in the morning when we wake up. However, for something so common, there are a lot of misconceptions about bad breath, or halitosis.

  1. Bad breath comes from the stomach. Only in rare cases does this occur. As for things like Gastric Reflux, this is yet to be scientifically proven. 
  2. Bad breath comes from the lungs. Only in rare cases does this occur. 
  3. It is hereditary. Not true. There is no genial linkage for halitosis. There are certain conditions that cause bad breath that are hereditary but bad breath itself is not. 
  4. It is contagious. Not true. 
  5. Breath mints and mouthwashes help. Temporarily, yes. But if your bad breath is caused by something like gingivitis, then it will return. 
  6. Brushing my teeth more will help. Brushing your teeth too much can actually dry out your mouth, making the bad breath issue worse. 
  7. Bad breath is caused by food. Foods like onions, garlic, etc. can create odors in our mouths that aid bad breath.
  8. Probiotics help. There is no support for this yet. 
If you are experiencing chronic halitosis, then consult a oral healthcare professional, like Dr. Rubino and see what the cause is and how it can be treated. 


Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Brush After Reading- Dental Plaque is Bad News

The word "plaque" is associated with many illnesses but is the plaque found on your teeth the same stuff in your arteries? No.

Plaque that causes heart attacks and strokes is made up of cholesterol, fat, and inflammatory cells. This plaque is linked to eye plaque.

Dental plaque is completely different. It's a deposit of bacterial that actually sticks to teeth and gums, which is why you need to manually brush it off. Plaque buildup leads to acid production, which can cause tooth decay, gum inflammation, and ultimately tooth loss.

It's believed that inflammation, not plaque, links poor oral health to heart disease, stroke, and other inflammatory diseases. A good oral maintenance regimen, including checkups and cleanings, can have great health benefits!

Concerned about plaque, tartar, or gum inflammation? Then contact Rubino Dentistry and see how we can help!



gif source: https://www.tumblr.com/search/teeth%20gif

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Here's Why You Need to Floss

Do you want clean, healthy teeth? Then you can no longer tell yourself, "I'll just floss tomorrow." If you want your kids to have healthy teeth, then don't let them tell you, "We'll floss in the morning." Even if you hold true to those promises, you are still skipping a nighttime or morning floss that needs to happen.

While brushing your teeth will remove the surface plaque on those pearly whites, brushing will miss up to 40 percent of plaque hiding beneath the gum line. That can be a real issue because plaque buildup leads to tooth decay and gum disease and is also linked to over 200 diseases, not just oral diseases, either!

Flossing seems daunting and difficult but it doesn't have to be; however, the kids may need a lesson on how to do it correctly. If you floss with your child, they are much more likely to learn how to do it correctly and form the habit. If it is too difficult to use normal floss, then consider floss picks.

Questions or comments? Call or visit Rubino Dentistry about flossing tips! 

Monday, May 18, 2015

Do I Need a Root Canal Procedure

How do you know you need a root canal? That is a question that not many people want to know the answer to. When most people hear the term, "root canal", a sense of fear runs through us and we think the worst.

Regardless of our thoughts about root canals, if you need one, you can't ignore it. So how do you know when you need one done? The best way to know is to consult a dentist but here are some ways to know yourself and the causes.

Common causes of root canals:

  • Tooth decay that has penetrated the enamel and dentin to reach the nerve and the pulp that are in the root canals and chambers of the tooth. 
  • Tooth decay that went unchecked and has caused the tooth to become infected or abscessed. 
  • When a nerve has become exposed after a broken or chipped tooth. 
  • Age
  • Untreated tooth trauma. 
So what are the symptoms you need to pay attention to and know you need a root canal procedure?
  • Severe pain in a tooth; this pain often persists for long periods of time and can even interrupt your sleep. The pain you feel is the pulp of the tooth dying or becoming infected. 
  • Radiating jaw pain. The pain tends to be in the jaw but can extend to the ear or temple right by the ear. 
  • Chewing pain or pain by touch. When you bite down with the tooth, or when you touch it, you might experience great pain. If you have this, the pain is caused by inflammation or infection at the root's tip. 
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.
  • Darkened tooth. If you see a tooth is darker than the ones around it, then get it checked out by a tooth crown dentist
  • A broken or chipped tooth. 
  • Decayed teeth. If you have untreated cavities or cracks, then they can lead to a need for root canals. 
If you experience any of these symptoms, pay attention to them and check them with a dentist. If you are in Chicagoland, contact Rubino Dentistry, a Chicagoland dentist in Park Ridge. While a need for a root canal is often noted by a patient experiencing these symptoms, patients who need a root canal do not always experience the symptoms. 






Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Do You Love Sugary Drinks?

Statistics show that 50 percent of us have a sugary drink every day; that;s pretty scary considering that new studies suggest that drinking as little as one sugary drink per day can raise a man's risk for heart disease by 20 percent. Another study has shown very
similar studies for women, too. While studies are still underway, the American Heart Association recommends no more than the equivalent of three soda cans per week.

While we know that sugar is not good for our bodies, from a dental perspective, it causes irreversible damage to teeth and can lead to gum disease, which is linked to heart disease. Good oral health care, including brushing, flossing, and regular visits to a great dentist- is essential to a healthy body and gorgeous smile!

Any questions or concerns? Call or visit Rubino Dentistry

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Take This Quiz to See If You Need to Update Your Smile

Smiling is a natural and effortless way to make yourself, and others, feel and look great. Your brain gets an instant mood lift when you smile back, so everyone wins when you grin!

But what if you're not so proud of your smile and always try to hide it? You may be missing out on things that life has to offer.

Take our self-assessment quiz - what's your score? 

  • Is your smile holding you back socially or in your career? 
  • Do you have crooked, gapped, poorly aligned or missing teeth? 
  • Are your teeth stained or yellowed? 
  • Do you have unsightly, dark, or discolored fillings? 
  • Do you have an aging worn-down smile? 
  • Are you embarrassed to smile or lack confidence because of your smile? 
If you answered "yes" to even ONE of these questions, you may be ready for a smile recharge! Modern dentistry can absolutely be transform your smile. From gorgeous whitening, to repairs and enhancements, to replacing missing teeth- there are options to suit all budgets and lifestyles! And don't ignore your molars! 

All teeth can be seen when you enjoy a good belly-laugh, and who wants to miss out on the fun? Give Rubino Dentistry a call! We'll get you smiling again! 

Monday, April 20, 2015

5 of the Most Common Oral Health Complaints

Some of the most commonplace mouth problems can be prevented with proper home care and regular checkups. And the good news is that they're treatable!

  1. Bad breath- Don't blame the strong food you ate for lunch. Poor oral health is the major cause for chronic halitosis, and it can be a warning sign of gum disease, so if you have bad breath, we should take a look. 
  2. Tooth decay- Plaque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, and if not removed from teeth via brushing and flossing, cavities will form. We can fill cavities, but they can severely compromise teeth, the only part of the body that can't heal itself. 
  3. Canker sores- Their cause is unknown, but stress, diet, and weakened immunity can all play a part in their formation. If they persist, visit us as they can warn of other oral and overall health issues. 
  4. Gum disease- Gingivitis is often caused by poor oral hygiene, and if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. If you have red, swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, mouth infections, or loose teeth, see Rubino Dentistry immediately, or your local health professional. Gum disease is treatable and sometimes it is reversible! 
  5. Receding gums OR gummy smile- Gum sculpting can fix a gummy smile, but if your gums are receding, you may have periodontitis. We can help stop further damage and make reparations. 
If you have oral health concerns, don't wait for them to escalate. Come and see our Park Ridge dental office! 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

FAQs About Gum Disease & Bacteria

Poor oral health can put you at risk for many serious illnesses. Here are answers to your frequently asked questions and concerns.

What causes gum disease? In its mildest form, gingivitis, is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a chronic inflammation of the gums. Gum disease can advance without symptoms, but warning signs include red, swollen, or bleeding bums persistent bad breath, and loose teeth.

How can plaque harm the rest of my body? Oral infections, like tooth decay and gum disease, are caused by plaque bacteria. If it enters the bloodstream, say through a mouth cut or scrape, it could cause infection in other parts of the body. However the greatest health risk is the inflammation- caused by bacterial infection of the gums- which may put yo in danger as it may exacerbate other chronic inflammatory diseases.

What other serious illnesses are associated with gum disease? Potentially, periodontal disease is linked to 200+ health issues including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's, and pregnancy complications.

How can I prevent gum disease? Brush twice daily, flossing daily, and having regular dental checkups are the best preventable measures. Spending a little time on your oral health can truly promote good overall health.

Has it been a while since you've seen a dentist? Then visit Rubino Dentistry- a dentist in Park Ridge. As a Chicagoland dentist office, we know how much people like to keep their teeth in great shape and not wait in a waiting room forever to do so; to accommodate this, we rarely make patients wait to see the doctor past their appointment time. 

Friday, March 27, 2015

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures: Get a Beaming White Smile

The way we dress and present ourselves says a lot about who we are, so we need to stay true to ourselves when we define our look. Beauty starts from inside, and when we feel great, we project our confidence and optimism. Whatever we're wearing, including our smile, should reflect our positive energy. But what if your smile is not beaming its brightest? Our Park Ridge dental office has solutions!

Supervised teeth whitening. Including dentist-prescribed home systems and in-office treatments, are customized for your unique smile and can make your natural teeth their whitest.

Teeth bonding. This covers the teeth with a beautiful gap, white resin, reshaping them, fixing chips, and filling gaps.

Porcelain veneers. These cover the front surfaces of teeth cleverly masking any stains, fillings, and chipped or uneven teeth.

White fillings. These are an attractive alternative and an option to replace unattractive silver-colored fillings.

Inlays & Onlays. These repair teeth that have been damaged due to decay, strengthen teeth, and restore structure and color.

A confident, white, healthy-looking smile will help you feel positive and look your very best. Give our Chicagoland dental office a call today to discuss the best way to brighten your smile and look as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Improve Your Smile With This Technique

Take a big bite out of life and get confident with tooth crowns! Every tooth has a job, whether its job is chewing, grinding, or slicing. Every tooth also has the job of keeping its neighbors neatly aligned.

When you have a damaged or missing tooth, the entire orchestration is thrown off kilter; bite issues, jaw pain, and even eating difficulties can be introduced. In addition, self-esteem is almost always affected.

Don't worry, there is help! Dental crowns will make your smile whole again and quite possible even more beautiful than before! It's time to enjoy life again, savor the foods you love, and put your best smile forward.

Tooth crowns: Covering an existing decayed, damaged, or misshapen tooth, crowns, strengthen, hide or enhance while complementing your smile with the perfect color, shape, and size.

Crowns and bridges: Permanent bridges add additional support and security tow crowns, which replace one or more missing teeth. They fill in gaps, help maintain your face shape, and alleviate stress in your bite.

Crowns and dental implants: Implants are artificial roots that anchor individual crowns. Implants help arrest bone loss immediately below the missing tooth, helping to maintain a fuller, more youthful face shape.

You don't have to live with damaged or missing teeth. Regain the beauty and function of your smile, and take a big, healthy bite out of life! Our Park Ridge dental practice is here to help you, so call us today! 

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

3 Dental Restoration Options for a Younger-Looking Smile

It is no secret that your smile plays a very  important role in the impressions you make. An attractive smile is engaging- it is one of the most meaningful non-verbal expressions- and it gives great pleasure to  others!

There is no need to live one more minute with a smile that you feel like hiding. A vibrant, healthy-looking smile can make you look and feel years younger, and provide a great confidence boost. Transform yourself with these three dental restoration options:

  1. Dental veneers- These cover the front o the tooth surface with attractive, white porcelain, reinforcing them, perfecting their shape. This will hide any unsightly damage and will correct alignment and spacing. 
  2. Tooth crowns- These fully encase teeth, becoming their beautiful, new outer surface. Crowns repair discolored, misshapen, and damaged teeth. When you pair a dental crown with a dental implant or dental bridge, they can replace entire teeth. 
  3. Dental implants- These support one or more beautiful replacement teeth. Not only do they fill in spaces, they actually help preserve jaw bone structure so you can intercept that inevitable sunken look that accompanies tooth loss. 
If you currently hide your smile, you're also hiding your inviting side of your personality. Look years younger, feel more confident, and open up to the world again with a beautifully restored smile. Contact Rubino Dentistry - a Park Ridge dentist - and see how we can help you gain confidence in your smile! 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Snoring, Can It Affect a Marriage?

Can snoring be grounds for divorce? Can it ruin a marriage? Maybe not but snoring and sleep apnea can cause tension between an otherwise harmonious couple. It's time to silence the snoring and get sleep apnea treatments.

If your partner is a chronic snorer, you could experience classic signs of sleep deprivation- memory, learning, and reasoning difficulties. You could also suffer from headaches, burn-out, irritability, and depression.

The snorer also faces health risks as snoring can be a manifestation of sleep apnea- repeated cessation of breathing during sleep. Sufferers have a 30% greater risk for heart attack and an elevated risk for stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

All things aside, studies show that couple who struggle with sleep apnea have a higher divorce rate than those who sleep peacefully.

Effective dental treatments are available for both snoring and sleep apnea. Call Rubino Dentistry at 847-825-1002 today. We help protect your health, and maybe, your marriage. 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Are Your Gums Receding?

You need to know the risks and causes of your receding gums. 

Is your big grin showing a little less gum than it used to? Gum recession is a common problem in North America. The most common age range is people over age of 40.

Gum recession should not be taken lightly.

Receding gums can warn of periodontal disease, which is linked to so many life threatening diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and some cancers (oral cancer).

Although the leading cause of receding gums is gum disease, there are many m
ore, and all of them can open the door to gum infection and periodontitis. Here are other causes:

  • Hormone fluctuations- Hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums sensitive and more likely to recede. 
  • Over-brushing- Agressive brushing can wear away enamel and increase risk for gum recession. 
  • Grinding, clenching, and an uneven bite- All can put excessive force on the teeth and jaws, causing gums to recede. 
  • Tobacco use- Smokers are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum recession. 
  • Mouth piercings- Jewelry can rub the gum and wear away tissue. 
Don't ignore receding gums. The resulting exposure of tooth crowns and roots opens the door to root cavities, eroded tooth structure, and ligament destruction. All of these things can eventually lead to devastating tooth loss. 

Call Rubino Dentistry if you have any concerns. We can treat and repair receding gums and help prevent further damage to your beautiful smile! 

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

3 Tips for Combating Sugar Cravings

Any dentist will tell you that sugar can be harmful for your oral health; however, it can be difficult to ward off those tempting cravings, especially when we see something we know is especially delicious.

If you think your family has sugar on the mind, then you would be right! The brain uses nearly 80 percent of your daily sugar consumption. It is programmed to crave sugar's energy and sweetness. The brain sends out a nice, pleasurable sensation when satisfied.

So what can you do to keep the sugar cravings at bay? Well, our Chicagoland dental office has three great and easy tips for you

  1. Keep blood-sugar levels steady. This can be done by eating three meals and two snacks each day. When you have snacks, things like carrots and even popcorn (low salt & butter) are great options-- they can scrape away the plaque. 
  2. Keep mind & body occupied. Enjoy physical activities that take you away from the cookie jar. Try doing something outside, when the weather is nice. 
  3. Refuel the reserves. Get enough sleep and daily nutrients to fight the fatigue-induced cravings. 
Sugar-related obesity and type-2 diabetes are on the rise, and sugar can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums, along with hours of missed school and work due to discomfort and the need for repair. For a healthy future, use sugar sparingly, and always brush & floss after eating. 

For questions, concerns, and treatments, email or call Rubino Dentistry. We are a dentist in Park Ridge, just a short distance from Chicago. 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

How Does Poor Oral Health Impact Your Overall Health? Here's How.

At any age, poor oral health can eventually lead to periodontal disease (gum disease), a chronic inflammatory disease which has been linked to a long list of inflammatory conditions including:
  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • cancer
  • respiratory diease
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • osteoporosis
Approximately 75% of adults have some form of gum disease. Research suggests that it can be transferred to other s via saliva, so a simple kiss or just sharing a snack or even blowing on food can be enough to put your child or significant other at risk of transmission. 

Gum disease is often silent- progressing without symptoms - but warning signs may include swollen, red, or bleeding gums, mouth infections and tenderness, bad breath, and loose teeth. The good news is that gum disease can almost always be prevented, sometimes reversed

It's important for the whole family to commit to a good oral healthcare regimen, including regular dental checkups. The dentist will check for signs of this disease and recommend any necessary courses of action for treatment. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I never recommend unnecessary treatment for patients and I know any other good dentist will be the same way. 

If you are in Chicago, then contact Rubino Dentistry, a Chicagoland dentist, who performs general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, tooth crowns, and more. 

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

What Does Fluoride Do for Our Teeth?

The mineral fluoride was first introduced to toothpastes and municipal water in the 1950s because of its ability to harden tooth enamel and fight tooth decay-causing bacteria. However, almost 80 years later, the war on cavities has just gotten a little dirtier.

Recent findings indicate that the bacteria that cause cavities can now fend off fluoride, brilliantly working to sabotage its tooth-positive effects. Scientists don't know how bacteria does this, but when they do, it will offer the means to create an oral health regimen that is more bacteria-hostile.

Wait! Don't abandon fluoride just yet! Using fluoride in toothpaste at least twice a day, and flossing once a day, continues to be your best defense against plaque buildup and cavities. Regular professional hygiene (dental cleanings) appointments are also critical to maintaining your healthy smile.

As a dentist in Park Ridge, I am a big supporter of fluoridated water and a healthy smile. Need a good dental home? Then visit our Chicagoland dental office and see how we can help your smile!

Friday, January 9, 2015

Dental Implant Solutions Restore Beautiful Smiles

For a beautiful, strong, natural-looking smile, consider dental implants when replacing missing or aging restorations. Implants offer permanence and stability, and they securely anchor replacement teeth to effectively stop jawbone loss. Another benefit? They prevent the sunken look that inevitably accompanies an edentulous (toothless) smile.

With dental implants, aka teeth in one day, you can have a healthier smile that looks and feels very natural, because dental implants alleviate bite problems, allow you to chew and speak unhindered, and preserve the structure of your smile.

Your overall joy of life can be enhanced by replacement teeth that look, feel, and function just like normal teeth. We can discuss whether implants are right for you. Call us today to book your consultation at Rubino Dentistry, a Park Ridge cosmetic dentist office.