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. 

image source: http://theamericankid.com

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!



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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. 

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! 

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! 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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!

5 Most Common Oral Complaints & Issues

All of these oral complaints and issues are treatable. Some of the most commonplace mouth problems can be prevented with some proper home care and regular dental checkups. And the good news is that they are all treatable!

Here are the top 5 most common oral complaints and issues:

1. Bad breath- Don't blame strong foods or drinks, like garlic or coffee. Poor oral health is the major cause of chronic halitosis, and it can be a warning sign of gum disease. Due to this, if you have bad breath, you should consult with a dentist, such as a dentist in Chicagoland. 
2. Tooth decay- Plaque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, if these are not removed from teeth through thorough brushing and flossing will form. We can fill cavities but they can severely compromise teeth, the only part of the body that cannot heal itself. 
3. Canker sores- Their cause is still unknown, but stress, diet, and weakened immunity all play a part. If they persist, visit us as they can warn of other oral health and overall health problems. 
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, or bleeding gums, bad breath, mouth infections, or loose teeth, see a dentist in Chicago immediately. Gum disease is treatable and sometimes it is reversible too! 
5. Receding gums- Tied with receding gums for number 5 spot is the issue of a 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 us at Rubino Dentistry. 

3 Risks of Poor Oral Maintenance

We schedule tuneups for our cars, we make sure to take our clothes to the dry cleaner, and we make sure to have our meetings. We do so many important things in life to make sure things function correctly and don't have mishaps.

However, what about our teeth? Why do some people skip dental checkups that are supposed to maintain their smile? Men are almost 50% less likely to maintain regular dental checkups than women, which means they are more likely to experience dental risks.

There are three risks men and women take when they practice poor oral care--

1. Periodontal disease- Men are 26% less likely to floss and are more likely to miss cleaning appointments even though poor oral care is linked to life-threatening diseases. 
2. Oral cancer- Tobacco users risk oral cancer. Men are twice as likely to be affected than women, yet they often skip checkups that include essential oral cancer screenings. 
3. Dental injuries- More often socialized to take physical risks, men are more likely to have facial trauma. Wearing a mouthguard is essential during body-contact sports. 

It is important that everyone-- male or female-- practices good oral health and has regular checkups to protect their precious smile! 

Don't skip your checkups. If you are in Chicagoland and hate waiting forever for your appointment to start, then visit Rubino Dentistry-- we rarely keep patients waiting. 

How We Can Help Your Kids Protect Their Teeth & Prevent Cavities

It is time to get hooked on hygiene and have another way to protect your kids from cavities. 

In addition to scheduling regular dental appointments, we can coat molars and premolars with "dental sealant". The surfaces of these chewing teeth have folds and buckles that trap food which is often missed when brushing. It is a simple and quick procedure that will eliminate trapped food and prevent cavities.

Healthy, bright smiles breed self confidence, help convey a sense of personal pride, and promote good general health. No wonder parents are willing to be accused of "nagging" just to establish good oral health habits in their children.

Help your children achieve life-long smiles, call for an appointment today or fill out our online appointment scheduling form at any time!

As a dentist near Chicago, a Park Ridge dental office, we have a nice range of patients from children all the way to seniors. View our services to see how we can help you, in addition to general cleanings.

A Thank You from Rubino for Thanksgiving

A Thank You from Your Park Ridge Dentist

As people, we are often thankful for our relationships that are most beneficial to us that bolster our health (physical, mental, and emotional) as well as make us feel wanted and loved. 

Due to the critical relationship between your oralhealth and your health overall, our Park Ridge dental team is more committed than ever to providing an exceptional, well thought out and thorough dental experience.

We do not take your loyalty to our practice for granted, whatsoever. We are very, very thankful that you continue to be our patient; your dedication is a constant inspirat

ion for us to make sure our performance is top of the line. When we seek out the best technology, we do it because you expect us to keep your oral health in prime shape; if we failed at that, we would have failed at our promise to you.

We are dedicated to building up your trust and creating an environment that you enjoy and feel comfortable in.

So thank you, patients and the community, for being as great as you are. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

If you are in need of a new dental home, then contact Rubino Dentistry, we are a dental practice located in Park Ridge, IL, a very short distance from Chicago.

Give Your Smile a Lift with These Oral Health Tips

Get fast and effective rejuvenation with great cosmetic dentistry procedures. If you are looking for ways to revive your smile, the consider teeth bonding and teeth whitening will make you look younger, more vibrant, and even healthier!

Like a mini-facelift, these smile lifts are less invasive than other dental procedures, plus they are affordable and quick- usually the transformation is complete in a visit or two. Dr. Rubino, our Chicago dentist, has a great amount of experience with these procedures so you can rest easy knowing they will be done in the best way.

Supervised teeth whitening- Dentist-prescribed hime systems and in-office treatments are customized for your unique smile, giving you a long lasting, gorgeous bright smile. This is something a cookie-cutter kit from the store cannot offer you.

Dental bonding- Whether used as white fillings or as veneers to cover unattractive flaws, bonding can hide tooth stains, correct alignments, close minor gaps, and repair damage- giving you a beautiful, white, uniform smile!

A refreshed smile can boost confidence and make you look and feel fantastic. Bonding and whitening, for the fact, effective, and well-deserved beauty lift. Contact Rubino Dentistry and see how we can help you get the smile you deserve! View our services to see what we can do for you.

Unexplained Head Pain? Talk with Your Dentist

Do you suffer from headaches? Ringing in the ears? Neck pain? Don't simply blame your exhaustion, migraines, or allergies! You may have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD. This Manifests when inflammation of the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull is caused by clenching and grinding (often due to stress), an uneven bite, and even arthritis. 

TMD affects up to 30 million North Americans, and the majority of that crowd are women. 

What are the symptoms? 

• Earaches or headaches
• Popping or clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth
• Restricted jaw movements
• Having some pain in the lower face or jaw
• Pain in your neck, shoulders, or even your upper back

TMD an lead to other oral health problems such as gum disease, chewing problems, and damaged teeth. 

There is therapy that can be provided by your local dentist, such as use of oral appliances, medications to reduce inflammation and pain, and even alterations to your diet and daily routines. We will likely have to make a mention of this to your doctor due to other serious medical conditions that can stem from TMD. 

Every patient will have a customized plan for treatment from Dr. Ross Rubino. 

Do you or someone you know have any of these symptoms? Then chat with Dr. Rubino and explore your treatment options. 

Tips for Brightening a Tween's Smile

It can be tough to be a tween. Kids between the ages of 10-13 are in the no man's land between two worlds: adolescence and teenage years. Negative peer pressure take on a whole new meaning for people in this age range; it can be rough.

As a dentist in Park Ridge and father myself, I know what it can be like for kids to begin realizing their appearance matters, which includes their smiles. Adults can even start to worry about their tweens and the pressures of smoking and oral piercings being in the future. There are other less-visible gestures of independence that can threaten the oral health of your tween.

Do any of  these ring a bell?

• Sports and energy drinks
• Ditching lunch in favor of sugar-packed snacks
• Forgetting to brush in the morning or during sleepovers
• Forgetting to wear performance mouthguards during sports
• Using implements other than floss to clean between teeth

Poor goal hygiene can lead to things other than cavities, such as gum disease. It places your tween's self-esteem at risk. 

What can you do about it?

1. Take a deep breath. 
2. Offer choices like a cool electric toothbrush and toothpaste your child will want to use.
3. Practice what you preach; also practice good oral hygiene. 
4. Keep soda and sugary snacks to a minimum at home. Have chilled water (fluoridated, preferably) at home as well as veggies, fruits, and whole grains. 

Are you looking for a good general dental office in Chicagoland? Then contact Rubino Dentistry about any one of our dental services. 

3 Great Tips to Save Your Smile

Science is exploring the use of breath, saliva, and blood samples from your mouth to establish your risk for some cancers, diabetes, and other health issues. THis illustrates how your oral health is intricately and importantly linked to the rest of your body. You can see that maintaining gum health can help you sustain your overall wellbeing as well as avoiding tooth loss, the great smile spoiler.

Here are 3 helpful tips…

1. How it starts. Normal bacteria creates a film called plaque on your teeth- you can feel this. If it build ups and hardens, your gums become inflamed and can eventually pull away from the tooth, leading to tooth loss and other health issues. 
2. What to look for. If you still have a sticky film on you teeth after brushing, you could need some instruction. Or, if flossing is becoming a challenge, then hardened plaque may be building up. Gums that are swollen or bleeding may be a sign of gum disease. 
3. What to do about it. Although daily brushing and flossing is the best prevention, dental visits can ensure that you have no plaque buildup. Since gum disease is easily treatable and can be reversed, especially when caught early, it is important to see us regularly! 

How long has it been since you've scheduled a dentist appointment? Schedule an appointment at our Park Ridge dental office, Rubino Dentistry, and keep your smile healthy! 

7 Diseases That Can Be Triggered by Gum Disease

No disease acts alone and gum disease is no exception. How can gum disease affect your body? In many ways, in fact, there are seven other diseases that can accompany gum disease.

Did you know that gingivitis can affect up to 75 percent of us in our lifetime? In fact, many medical studies show that 30 percent of us may actually be genetically predisposed to developing it.

Gum disease is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, a chronic infection of the gums. This is because it can advance without giving off any symptoms, it is sometimes called the "silent disease". Why is this a cause for concern? IT's suspected that periodontal disease sets off the body's inflammatory response and can exacerbate symptoms of other serious inflammatory diseases.

So what are the other diseases?

• heart disease
• stroke
• cancer
• respiratory disease
• osteoporosis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• diabetes

This is why you shouldn't skip your regular dental checkups during which we can monitor your oral health effectively. If you're expecting a child or considering becoming pregnant, check in with us at our Park Ridge dental office as gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications such as premature birth.

It is essential that you practice good home care and visit Rubino Dentistry for regular checkups. Call us today and get an appointment scheduled. We at Rubino, a Chicago dental office, are here to help you take care of your oral health and overall health.

Don't Let the Dentist Scare You: 5 Tips

Do you get a little nervous before you visit your dentist? Well, as a Chicago dentist, I hear from patients that they are nervous when they show up to my Park Ridge dental practice... at least the ones that are new.

It is fear that drives millions of Americans from getting the proper preventative oral health care that they need. However, there is no need to be fearful of the dentist! Don't worry, we do not take it personally, people are afraid of visiting any doctor. Going to the dentist, at least this Chicagoland dentist, is more comfortable than ever before. Here are five tips for helping your calm thoughts win over your nervous thoughts.

1. Do relaxation techniques before your visit, even during your visit. You can take deep breaths, meditate, think of happy thoughts, etc. If it is a child, then they can bring a stuffed toy that helps them gain confidence. 
2. Bring someone with you. Select someone to join you to the dentist office that is comforting and soothing. For a child, this might be a parent. For an adult, maybe a significant other or best friend. 
3. Step-by-step. Go for a shorter appointment rather than a long one. Start with a cleaning and then schedule follow-up appointments at a later time (you don't want to go too long between, though). 
4. Distract your mind. Listen to the music. Get lost in thought. Etc. Of course, you will still need to answer important questions from the hygienist or dentist. 
5. Talk about it. If you are fearful, then talk about it with our Park Ridge dental staff and we can work something out that helps you remain calm. We can adapt treatment to your needs and even offer you sedation options (this can be added to your bill).