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. 

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! 

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.