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! 

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! 

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.