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!

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.

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.

Effects of Stress on the Body & Mouth

It is time that you garden away the stress and cultivate a calmer you! Stress is incredibly harmful on the body and especially the mouth. It can manifest in teeth clenching and grinding, which can lead to Temoromandibular Joint Disorder, aka TMD. The clenching and grinding can also lead to cracked teeth, worn teeth, and other damage, which often requires tooth crowns or other fixes.

When it comes to TMD, it can become a very serious problem if it is not taken care of. It is an inflammation in the jaw joint; it affects up to 30 million North Americans – the majority of which are women. TMD can lead to:

• Earaches
• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Tooth damage
• Gum trauma and disease

Why not try something to deal with the stress? One common way to help with stress is to do something calming, like gardening? You get lots of fresh air, exercise, communing with nature, and creating something truly wonderful and beautiful. It can greatly help your mind and reduce the stress hormone called cortisol.

Don’t have a green thumb? Try something else! You would much rather find a new hobby than spend thousands on dental services. However, if you are in need of dental services, then reach out to Rubino Dentistry.

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. 

The Risk of Oral Cancer for Men

The risk for oral cancer in men is increasing and has been on the rise for quite a while. The rates are not only increasing all over the world but especially in developed countries; the research for this trend is pointing to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

If you read the name Human Papilloma Virus and thought, "I've heard of that before but where?" or "Wait, isn't that disease for women?" Well, it does affect women a bit more but as we see, it has an impact on men too; the HPV is the sexually transmitted disease that is responsible for many cervical cancer cases. As for men, HPV infections increase male oral cancer by approximat
ely 50 percent and it is rising for women too. There is not vaccine for HPV for adults; however, health professionals recommend getting vaccines done for boys, in addition to girls.

Oral cancer take up to a decade to fully develop but early detection is possible and crucial. It often begins as a tiny, hard-to-detect white or red spot or sore that does not heal. Doctors state that the survival rate is about 80% for over 5 years when detected early.

Make sure to conduct self-exams between your dental visits to your dentist; if you are in Chicago, then contact Rubino Dentistry, a dentist in Chicago. At our dental practice in Chicagoland (Park Ridge), we conduct oral cancer exams at each visit. Keep your regular appointments.

3 Common Gum Problems People Experience

Common gum problems can be prevented, fixed, and even reversed! Not sure if you have common gum problems? Then let us ask you this: Does the appearance of your gums keep you from smiling?

If you answered yes, then you'll be glad to hear that some of the most common gum problems are preventable, treatable, and even some are reversible. As a Park Ridge dentist office, Rubino Dentistry is able to help you.

If your smile shows too much of your gums, not enough of your gums, or your gums are simply not looking their healthiest, there are solutions.

• Gummy smile: If you were born with a gummy smile, gum sculpting can expose more tooth surface, giving your smile more pleasant proportions! 
• Receding gums: Whether caused by tooth brushing or gum disease, a tissue graft can help prevent further recession and bone loss, cover roots, and reduce sensitivity, Receding gums require professional attention. 
• Swollen and/or bleeding gums: If your gums are inflamed, they should be examined for gum disease. You will respond better to treatment if the disease is caught sooner, rather than later. 

Gum disease can be prevented by a good brushing and flossing regimen and regular dental checkups. If it's already present or advanced, it can be very effectively treated to prevent further damage. For your sake of your health and your smile, take good care of your gums! 

If you are concerned about your gum health, then visit a Chicago dentist and have them get checked out! We would love to be your dental home. Visit our Park Ridge dental office. 

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). 

Why Use Custom Mouthguards?

Play is the new word of the day. Whether you're enjoying family fun time or your favorite sport, just getting out and playing should always make you smile. Just make sure you protect that smile with a great mouthguard.

Custom-made personalized mouthguards:

• Offer top-notch protection
• Fit comfortably & stay in place
• Allow you to talk & breathe easily
• Growing jaws & new teeth can be accommodated properly

Mouthguards, especially Under Armour Mouthguards, protect more than just the teeth and face. There is also evidence that they reduce the incidence and severity of concussions. Everyone, including grownups, should wear a mouthguard during activities that put them at risk of injury; for example, hockey, football, basketball, and even mountain biking should be enjoyed with a mouthguard. 

Like any sports gear, a mouthguard will wear out. Bring yours along to every checkup to confirm that it's providing optimum protection. 

If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry- a dentist in Chicago. We offer custom fit mouthguards from Under Armour. A performance mouthguard can even give you the confidence to perform better! 

Smile Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

Getting your teeth whitened can be a great way to improve your smile. However, people often have questions when it comes to getting smile whitening.

What is the difference between dentist-supervised whitening and drugstore kits?
Rubino Dentistry prescribed home systems and in-office treatments are customized to your unique needs. we can determine the most effective whitening procedure for you based on they type and extent of the staining and the location and number of restorations you have.
Will whitening brighten my restorations too? 
No, however, you and Dr. Rubino can discuss options so that older restorations are not able to sabotage your new, beautiful smile.
At what age is it safe to start whitening? 
Sensitive pulp is closer to the surface in younger teeth, so age is 18 is usually considered the youngest age we recommend so patients avoid irritation. Our recommendation is important! If you visit another Chicago dentist, they will likely tell you the same thing.
What options do I have if I need to repair damaged or discolored teeth? 
There are many wants to repair teeth and even improve their shape while also making them look whiter. Beautiful white bonding or porcelain veneers can correct damage and imperfections. Old, silver fillings can be replaced with attractive, tooth-colored fillings.

If you have any questions about teeth whitening, then contact Rubino Dentistry. 

A Camera that Finds Cavities? Available at Our Park Ridge Dental Office

It's true. We have a camera at our Chicagoland dental office that is replacing intramural camera that we used for many years. Intramural photos of your teeth, gums, etc. are very valuable in their own way by helping us diagnose dental problems and show/explain them to you. The new camera, SoproLife® is an excellent cameral for this but has one big advantage: it can also find decay. 

The special light in the camera penetrates the enamel and underlying tooth structures and bounces back to the camera. If there is decay, it shows as red on the image of the tooth. We have used a laser (DIAGNOdent) in the past, and will continue to do so, but the DIAGNOdent could not be used around old fillings crowns, or in between teeth. The SoproLife will work in these areas and help u to be as accurate as possible in finding cavities as early as possible. This is especially important around old fillings and crowns that are stained, look suspicious, or have become symptomatic to you.

 

We will continue to use our digital x-rays and the DIAGNOdent, but the addition of the SoproLife is a big step forward. 

SoproLife also has a high magnification setting, which will help us to evaluate cracks in teeth and find calcified canals when doing root canal therapy. 

In addition, Dr. Rubino will use it when removing deep decay near the nerve chamber. The SoproLife will allow him to remove the decay only and not the sound tooth structure, which could help avoid an exposure of a nerve. 

We will be using the new camera on most patients at their preventative maintenance appointments. So next time you're here, you'll get to see how it works. Feel free to contact Rubino Dentistry and let us know what you think!