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! 

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.

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! 

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!

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the cornerstone of periodontal therapy for gum disease (gingivitis). SRP is usually accomplished under local or topical anesthetic to allow the therapist to meticulously clean root surfaces, remove chronic inflammatory irritants under your gums, and eliminate the bacteria involved in active gum disease. In addition to the mechanical removal of calculus (tartar), some scar tissue adherent to the tartar and roots may be removed in a non-surgical manner. As a result, the bacteria imbedded in these irritants is also removed, producing a much healthier environment for the gums, roots, and bone to heal.

We use an antimicrobial gel, called Arestin, in those areas where there is bone loss  and pockets over 5 mm which remains under your gums for about 1 week. This was a key addition to eliminate the bacteria most often involved in reoccurrence of gum disease. As a result, we do far fewer surgeries than was necessary 15 years ago.

After administration of anesthetics, the other areas of your mouth not being treated under the gums are scaled ultrasonically. Once this is complete, the target areas are cleaned ultrasonically, with hand instruments, and again ultrasonically. The second ultrasonic cleaning sprays a special antibacterial rinse (chlorhexidine) through the tip to flush debris out of your gums and kill bacteria. Then the Arestin gel is injected under your gums where needed. You will not be able to feel it and it dissolves over time. Wait 10 days to floss or WaterPik in the areas your therapist advised the Arestin was placed.

You will be given the same antibacterial rinse, called Periogard, in a home use bottle and will be instructed in its use. Your participation with meticulous home care is very important! If you smoke, stopping or reducing to less than five cigarettes per day will be very beneficial.

Post treatment symptoms are often minimal. Some gum soreness, hot-cold sensitivity, and possible minor tooth soreness can be expected, but last only a few days in most cases. During this time, following home care recommendations and the use of the chlorhexidine rinse not only helps keep you comfortable, but also contributes to the healing and final result. Brush and floss all of your teeth, including the treated area (although gently there unless otherwise directed). If you have a WaterPik for you chlorhexidine use as directed. Discomfort can be controlled by taking Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Tylenol as needed.

If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Park Ridge dental practice and have great knowledge about this subject and can help you with any curiosity about it. 

Do You Experience Dry Mouth While Sleeping, During the Day, etc.?

Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem for many people, especially older adults. What causes it are certain medical conditions; it is also often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, and diuretics. Hundreds of medications list dry mouth as a possible side effect. Since many patients take multiple medications, the potential for any particular patient on medication to develop dry mouth is significant. As a Park Ridge dentist, I have plenty of patients who have medications that can cause dry mouth, it's a very common issue.

Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. If left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur. It is a significant contribution to dental erosion, which can be very damaging. Meticulous home care routines, using our recommended aids, is very crucial to controlling this potentially serious threat to your oral health.

We recommend Biotine over the counter products to our Park Ridge dental patients experiencing dry mouth. There are hygiene products you can use that cleanse the oral environment and remove bacterial. Soothing gels and liquids that clean and refresh plus intelligently formulated toothpastes with unique enzyme systems combine to protect dry mouth sufferers. There is also a spray that can be used anywhere.

For stimulation products to stimulate saliva glands, using chewing gum and mouth rinses that help manage bad breath while stimulating the mouth's own defenses is a huge help.

For moderate to severe cases, we here at Rubino Dentistry of Park Ridge may recommend the use of dry mouth gels, prescription fluoride toothpastes, and/or remineralization fluoride paste to aggressively fight the serious problem with rampant decay that often can be found in dry mouth patients. Our goal is to not only make your mouth feel better but to prevent dental disease from this growing problem.

If you have any questions, contact Rubino Dentistry and ask us. Or stop by our Chicagoland dental office.

Cracked Teeth? Tips from a Chicagoland Dentist

A very common and often difficult problem for patients is having cracked teeth. Teeth crash for a wide variety of reasons; the most common reasons are having back teeth with moderate to large silver fillings. Patients with parafunctional habits such as grinding or clenching teeth and having cracked teeth that were never fixed. teeth that have had root canals are also good candidates for cracking.

Many teeth have surface cracks which are not a problem; once a crack begins to discolor, we become suspicious of the crack as it progresses into the teeth. In a tooth that has a vital nerve, cracks can actually cause chronic inflammation and eventual irreversible nerve damage. Sometimes, this process is symptomless until the nerve damage is irreversible. We monitor any cracks that are visible every time you come in for exams. Unfortunately, often very since cracks exist which are undetectable at the beginning. Cracked teeth are one of the most unpredictable and difficult scenarios for doctor and patient. Diagnosis is sometimes a product of process of elimination.

Teeth with moderate to large silver fillings eventually will crack! Most of the time, the fillings to not brake but rather the enamel of the tooth does. Usually, these cracks will progress until a corner of the tooth breaks. These breaks will be to the deepest part of the filling and beyond. It is very common to remove an old silver filling and find a significant crack underneath the filling very close to the nerve chamber. Many of these cracks are symptomless but often a patient will begin to have symptoms and hypersensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets, discomfort while chewing or biting, and eventually escalating pain as the nerve becomes damaged. We try and stop this progression by removing the old filling, following and removing the crack and placing a protective lining in the deepest area. This is usually followed by a dental crown. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of teeth with moderate to deep cracks will eventually require root canal therapy in spite of our efforts to stop them. Therefore, the sooner we identify and treat active cracks, the lower the possibility of root canal therapy.

Worse case scenario with cracked teeth are cracks in the root system. It is one of the most common reasons for failure of root canals and usually results in extraction of the tooth. We have a variety of options to help reduce the risk of cracked teeth, which we will discuss with you if we find cracks in any teeth.

If you have any cracked teeth, come into our Park Ridge dental office. As a Chicagoland dentist, Dr. Rubino has seen it all, you can have confidence in his ability to treat your dental concerns, including cracked teeth.

What to Know About Cavities and Fillings

As a dentist near Chicagoland, I do see my fair share of patients come through my Park Ridge dental practice door with a cavity or two. It's not at all uncommon for people to have cavities, it doesn't make it okay, but it is common.

Dental cavities have been around since people have been around; the treatment of them has been been around for centuries at least, however, it was in the wonderful year of 1875 when the organization of the treatment came about. Dr. G. Black created a plan for how to successfully treat the cavities that his patients were regularly suffering from. Dr. Black created the idea of using a filling to treat the cavity as well as removing any decaying part of the tooth. His concepts were so good that they fostered the modern treatment of dental cavities. 

The treatment is comprised of two simple parts: remove the decayed part of the tooth and then fill that with some sort of filling material; today, we use silver (amalgam). For the procedure, the dentist will often give the patient a local anesthetic like Xylocaine or Novocain; if the patient does not want this, then they can get "laughing gas". Once that has taken effect, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth with a high-speed drill; do not worry, since you have the anesthetic, you do not feel any pain.

Once the tooth has been drilled, the dentist will often use some sort of liner to help reduce any tooth sensitivity. Many dentists will use a liner that is comprised of gluma, copalite varnish, and then some dycal. This liner will help the dentin regenerate in your tooth and help heal it. If you have a deep cavity, then the dentist will likely use a bass as well as the liner. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I have used these both before.

Once the tooth is ready for the filling, the dentist, along with the patient, can choose a filling; most common one is amalgam, resin, silver, or even gold. This last layer will help rebuild the tooth to its original integrity and strength.

It is entirely common for your tooth to be a bit sensitive for a day or two; if you experience discomfort for an extended period of time after your filling, then contact a dentist immediately. If you are in Chicagoland, contact Rubino Dentistry and we can take care of it. It is possible that you can have an infected pulp, which is remedied by root canal therapy.

Here are 5 Things You'll Want to Know About Teeth

Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body; they help you speak, eat, and have a good looking smile. We know we are supposed to take care of them and even people who are not dentists still know how to take good care of teeth. However, there are still things that many people do not know about their teeth.

We have compiled a list of 5 different things that you will want to know about teeth.

1. The sour stuff can be bad for your teeth, just like the sweet stuff. Almost everyone knows that sugar can be bad for your teeth; the more sugar you eat, the more likely you are to have cavities. However, sugar is not the only bad guy for your teeth; acidic foods can be just as bad for your teeth as sugar is. Foods (citric fruits, sour candy), and drinks (soda, juices, etc) can have acids that do work on your teeth. Citric acid is one of the worst acids for your pearly whites. What does acid do? It weakens the enamel on your teeth. 
2. Enamel is strong but it has its limits. Things like chewing ice, holding a pencil with your teeth, oral piercings, these are all things that can crack the enamel that protects your teeth. Also, be careful when eating popcorn to avoid chomping down on a popcorn kernel. Piercings on your tongue can be bad for your teeth as well; whenever you say something, it can collide with your teeth. 
3. Tooth loss happens at any age. As a dentist in Park Ridge, I can assure you that tooth loss can happen when you are 75, 45, even 25; it does not matter how old you are, if you do not take care of your teeth, they can come out. Gum disease and cavities are two big reasons for tooth loss and these things can happen at any age. 
4. Too much fluoride can have a negative effect. We have all been taught that having fluoride is good for our teeth; this is why the American Dental Association always wanted communities to have fluoridated water supplies. However, that is not the issue; the issue arises from ingesting too much fluoride from sources like toothpaste. This typically happens with children, when they swallow excessive amounts of toothpaste, the issue of too much fluoride can happen. Too much of the stuff can make teeth porous. Everything in moderation. 
5. Braces can be rough for cavities. If you are not good at cleaning with your braces, then cavities can form around the braces since teeth become more difficult to brush. 

If you are looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then make an appointment with Rubino. 

Children's Dentistry 101

Caring for your child's teeth is not an option, it is a must. This means having foods and drinks that are not loaded with sugar or acid as well as developing a strong oral hygiene habit.

Flouride is a big help to developing teeth into strong bodies and gives them the ability to ward off cavities and dental decay. Reports have shown that fluoride helps children have 65 percent fewer cavities than those who have no access to fluoride; this means that children should be drinking water infused with fluoride as well as use toothpaste that contains it as well. Many of the children who drink fluoridated water have healthy teeth, even into their teen years.

If your area does not have fluoridated water, then you can purchase some fluoride tablets, gels, drops, and treatments.

Aside from fluoride, we have mentioned that having a proper diet is a big help to the children. Children should have calcium in their diet, not only for strong bones but strong teeth as well. Having milk, cheese, yogurt, and all things dairy is a great source. Having broccoli helps too. If you have cheese after eating a meal, it helps negate the acid in the foods or drinks that can lead to dental decay.

A proper dental hygiene routine is essential to having healthy teeth as well. Ensuring that your children have proper brushing, flossing, and even using a mouthwash are important to having healthy teeth and gums.

If you are in the Chicagoland area and looking for a dentist in Chicagoland, then contact Rubino Dentistry for your dental needs as well as your child's.

Restorative Dentistry -- Veneers

So what are dental veneers?

Well, in short, they are shells made from very thin ceramic/ porcelain or perhaps a composite material and then they are bonded to the front of your teeth. This is a great choice for improving the look of your teeth to give you the smile you always dreamed of. The procedure requires little to no anesthesia and the procedure is easy-going.

Why should you get veneers over other options?

A veneer is a great option versus something like a crown (however, if you need a crown to replace missing strength in tooth, then a crown is truly needed). A veneer is a more conservative solution to giving a tooth or teeth a new look in terms of color, shape, or the size. If you have any discolored teeth, a gap in teeth, or chipped teeth, then veneers are a great solution for those problems.

Veneers last for a long time, unless there is an unforeseen issue such as something knocking the veneer; however, they are designed to be a long lasting solution to aesthetic dental issues and have proven to be that way.

What is the procedure like?

To complete the procedure, there will likely be three separate appointments; the first for diagnosing, the second for planning the treatments, and the third for actually doing the treatment.

In order to get the teeth ready for the bonding, they are gently buffed so there will be a slightly added thickness to the veneer. If you go with composite, once the tooth is ready to go, the dentist will bond and mold the material to your teeth. If you go with porcelain, then there will be a mold made of your teeth, which is sent to a lab, and that will shape the new veneer. Once that is ready, it is applied to the tooth. The veneers are bonded to the tooth with a cement, which is then hardened between the tooth and the veneer.

You will take some time to adjust to you new teeth. Brush and floss daily, just like you would with your real teeth. After a week or two, you will have a follow-up with your dentist. Dr. Rubino, here at our Park Ridge dental office will see how things are going with you and your new teeth.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rubino Denistry. We are a Chicagoland dentist office and have lots of experience in veneers.

What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

If you are considering getting a dental crown because your dentist mentioned it or you are already sure that this is something you want, well, it's important to know all you can about them. If you are indeed considering this procedure, do not worry, this is a common deal. It will only improve your oral integrity and health.

So what is a dental crown? A dental crown is a piece that a dentist will use to cover a tooth that has been broken, cracked, or part of your tooth is missing. The crown will cover the damaged tooth so your tooth is restored back to its original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Once the crown is placed (they are cemented into place), the crown will completely cover the structure of the tooth and improve the tooth.

How do you know when you should get a crown? As we mentioned, you should get a crown when your tooth is cracked, broken, or is missing part of the tooth and the remaining tooth cannot support a filling. You can also get a crown if your tooth is decayed. If you have a cracked tooth, you can have the tooth saved if it is treated and crowned ASAP. After the crown is cemented into place, it is permanently in place and made stationary as it covers the tooth.

If you are in the Chicago area and are looking for a dentist who does crowns and bridges, the contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Chicagoland dental office located here in Park Ridge. As a Park Ridge dentist, Dr. Rubino and Dr. Wnek have great experience with crowns and bridges.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Having white teeth is a dream for many people who struggle to get them; sometimes, brushing, flossing, and mouthwashes do not make the teeth white, or at least as white as we'd like. So what can you do? Teeth whitening solutions either from your dentist or from a kit.

Here are some FAQs of teeth whitening. 

• Does teeth whitening harm enamel? Teeth whitening does not cause any permanent damage to enamel. 
• Does it cause permanent sensitivity? Having sensitive teeth from whitening is indeed a side-effect but if it does happen, it will go away within a few days of the whitening, often a day or two. You will return to your state of sensitivity you had before getting the whitening. 
• Am I able to whiten my teeth? For the most part, anyone can whiten their teeth; however, you will want to have your dentist give you the green light because everyone is different. You might not be a candidate or may require less whitening treatments than others. 
• How long do the effects last? If you get your teeth whitened by your dentist, then the effects will often last between six months and a couple years. If you do it yourself with an at-home kit, the results last much shorter. 
• How much does it cost? This depends on where you go. If you do an at-home kit, then you will likely spend around $20 but if you do professional, it can cost as much at $1000, sometimes as low as $300-$600. 
• Does it affect dental work like crowns, fillings, or vaneers? Getting your teeth whitened will not affect things like porcelain vaneers or any crown work; it can temporarily reduce the strength of the bond between enamel and composite restorations like fillings. 

If you are in the Chicago area and want to discuss teeth whitening, then contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Chicagoland dental office and offer great whitening services. As a Park Ridge dentist, I see patients of all ages. 

Effects of Soda on Your Teeth

Soda, or pop, can be a tasty beverage, especially when we pair it with a hot day or our favorite food. However, just because it tastes good does not mean that it is something we can indulge in anytime we want, the truth is that pop can be harmful for your teeth.

No matter what you call the beverage, the drink has the same effect on your pearly whites. Soft drinks have proven themselves to be a good source of tooth decay, which can impact people of any age, not just the elderly. The sugar and acid in the soft drinks can be a cause of softening tooth enamel, w
hich can lead to cavities and sensitive teeth. Drinking soft drinks, along with a poor oral hygiene habit, you can experience some poor oral health.

Statistics from 2013 say that nearly 80 percent of youth, children and teens, consume at least one soft drink a day (that can be cans, bottles, cups, etc). Some reports have mentioned that some teens drink as much as 12 pops a day.

What can you do to help resolve the consumption of so much pop?

• Swap the soft drinks for other beverages like water, 100% juice, milk, etc. Go for things that are more natural and have less sugar and acid. If you are a parent, then you can partake in this venture as well, encourage your kids to do it as well. If you are drinking more natural, teeth friendly beverages, then your teeth will look and feel a lot better. 
• Rinse your mouth with water. If you enjoy a soft drink now and then, that is fine. However, after you finish, try rinsing your mouth out with some water to rid your mouth of the sugars that try to attach to your teeth. Also, this will rinse out the acid that can have long exposures on your teeth. 
• Brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride and use an oral rinse. The fluoride in your toothpaste (and possibly even the rinse) will help strengthen the enamel and reduce chances of cavities. 
• Get fluoride applied to your teeth by your dentist. If you stop at your dentist's office, they can apply fluoride to your teeth in the form of gel, foam, or rinse. 

If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry - a Park Ridge dentist. As a dentist in Chicagoland, I see a lot of patients and we make sure each patient gets quality care and attention. We rarely make our patients wait for their appointment. 

Common Oral Diseases

Oral diseases can be rather bothersome and preventable. For most of them, they are caused or at least enabled by the lack of proper oral care. So what are some of the common oral diseases?

Note: these are not in order of most common to least or vice versa.

The first one is gingivitis. You may also know this by the name, "gum disease" and it is one of the most common diseases for people to get. Some common risk factors for gingivitis include: general illness, poor/lack of dental hygiene, pregnancy, and uncontrolled diabetes. Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease and is an inflammation and infection of the gums and oral tissues. It can harm the support of your teeth such as the gums, ligaments, and sockets. It comes from plaque deposits that have been around a while.

Another common disease is the next stage of gum disease, periodontitis. This is the inflammation and infection of the teeth ligaments and the bones that support the teeth. It can reach this stage by not treating gingivitis or delaying in treating it for too long. This can result in the loss of teeth and that can require dental implants if the jaw is still in good enough condition, or, if it is not, then you will need dentures.

One of the bigger diseases you can get is oral cancer. This often forms in the lips or the tongue but can also happen in the cheek lining, floor of the mouth, gums, or roof of the mouth. Typically, oral cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas. This cancer can spread rather quickly. Common causes of it are tobacco (especially chewing tobacco) and excessive alcohol consumption; other causes include: chronic irritation from things like rough teeth, dentures, etc, HPV, medications that weaken the immune system, and poor dental health.

One that sounds rather unpleasant is trench mouth. What is it? It is a rather painful infection caused by bacteria that creates swelling and ulcers in the gums. Why is it called that? Well, it was rather common for soldiers to get when fighting in the trenches of World War I. Common causes include: emotional stress, poor dental hygiene, poor nutrition, smoking (and chewing tobacco), and oral infections. This disease tends to affect people between the ages of 15-35.

A fifth common oral disease are mouth ulcers. Just like ulcers in your digestive system, these are sores or open lesions, except they are in the mouth. Common causes and risk factors include: canker sores, Gingivostomatitis, herpes simplex, Leukoplakia (do not confuse with leukemia), oral cancer, oral lichen plans, and oral thrush.

If you have any questions, then contact Rubino Dentistry - a Park Ridge dentist. 

Why Should You Floss?

Flossing is another part of your oral health routine, however, it is not the small role player that many people think it is; flossing is actually one of the biggest things you can do for your smile. So why should you floss?

Flossing and brushing do more good for your teeth than only brushing. See, when you brush your teeth, you are removing all the plaque from the top and two sides of your teeth, however, if you do not floss, then you are missing the other two sides (that are between your teeth) as well as your tooth below the gum line). Toothbrushes have a hard time reaching in between your teeth and can't reach below your gum line very well either, this is where floss helps you a ton. If you skip your flossing, you are skipping a significant portion of your mouth when it's all added up.

Flossing protects your gums as well. When we eat food, they can leave behind food particles and also sugars on our teeth that are attractive to bacteria. If these things make their way to below the gum line, they can cause some damage to the root of the tooth and the tissue connecting the tooth to the jaw. What can happen is that these things form plaque which can turn into tartar and that can be what really causes some issues for your gums; it can lead to gingivitis.

If you floss regularly, it can end up saving you money because it can prevent the need for future medical procedures for your mouth, such as root canals and tooth extraction. It can even help prevent other diseases as well; the plaque and tartar that forms can lead to other deceases like Heart Disease.

If you have questions or want to schedule a visit, then contact Rubino Dentistry. We are a Park Ridge dental office located on South Prospect Ave, near Cumberland in Park Ridge. We are walking distance from the train station.