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. 

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!

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.

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.