Do You Really Want to Get Your Tongue Pierced?

These days oral piercing is considered trendy, and if you or someone you know has been thinking about lip, tongue, uvula, yes that tissue that calls the back of your throat home, or cheek piercing, your dentist has some information that he would like to share that just may change your mind.

According to the American Dental Association, oral piercing not only causes infections, but could also be to blame for infectious diseases such as Herpes Simplex and Hepatitis. Oral Piercings could also cause permanent nerve damage, problems with your heart, excessive bleeding, and gum disease.

Because your mouth is moist, it is home to millions of bacteria. That bacterium is the perfect place for an infection. Infections can quickly spread and could become a threat to your life if not treated immediately.

Your dentist has seen his fair share of oral piercings gone wrong including tongue swelling so bad that it meant a trip to the hospital. Swelling is normal, but if it blocks the passageways, you may not be able to breathe.

People who wear tongue, lip, and uvula or cheek jewelry have a habit of playing or biting down on the barbells, posts, or rings. Doing so can injure your gums. If this occurs, your gums could recede leading to eventual tooth loss. Playing with your mouth jewelry could also crack dental restorations such as crowns, fillings, and caps not to mention breaking or damaging healthy teeth.

If you are sensitive to metals, you will find out quickly if you wear mouth jewelry. Allergic reactions can also occur at the site of the piercing itself.

An increase in the production of your saliva is a real possibility following oral piercings. In fact, you may notice that you are drooling uncontrollably, and when you think about it, who wants to do that?

After an oral piercing your dentist will tell you that numbness is normal, but according to your dentist, that numb feeling could become permanent, especially if you had your tongue pierced by someone who damaged the tiny nerves. This will affect your sense of taste and how your mouth moves when you speak.

Undetected heart problems could suddenly become a real issue if you have had your cheek, lip, uvula, or tongue pierced. Your heart and your heart valves could become infected with a disease known as Endocarditis if a bacterium hits your bloodstream.

If you would like more information regarding oral piercings, schedule an appointment with your dentist who just may be able to convince you that ear piercing is a much safer alternative.

Foods that are good for Your Teeth

A few weeks back, your dentist talked about foods that were bad for your teeth, but all is not lost, as there are some foods that are actually good for you and your pearly whites.

According to Web MD, how often and when you eat is just as important as the foods you put in your mouth. If you enjoy snacking, be sure to rinse after you eat and try to stay away from sugars and carbohydrates. These types of foods will convert to acids eroding the enamel on your teeth.

Your dentist recommends that you include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Pears, apples and carrots not only add crunch but will also help rinse away some of the food particles. Crunchy fruits and vegetables also have a high water content, which helps the saliva clear the bacteria from your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables also dilute the natural sugars that are contained in the pear or apple you had before you went to bed. Snack on celery and you will be clearing the food in between your teeth. Celery is known as nature’s dental floss. Try to avoid citrus fruits on their own and include tomatoes, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges with a meal to help minimize the acids.

Believe it or not, your dentist understands that meats such as pork, poultry, beef, and fish are actually good for your teeth and gums. Loaded with iron, that hamburger that you had for lunch is actually strengthening your bones and your teeth.

Peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, cashews and other types of nuts provide phosphorus. This is needed in order to remineralize your teeth.

Milk, sugar-free yogurt and other dairy products are a must if you want healthy teeth and gums. Calcium protects the enamel on your teeth and can actually provide a protective coating even if you didn’t brush after enjoying that big cheese plate for dinner.

Unsweetened tea, milk, and water are the best beverages to consume. If you must have a soda go for the diet variety, as they will not feed the bacteria as much as the sugary laden varieties do. If you enjoy sipping through a straw cut back. Excessive all day sipping will expose your teeth to sugar eroding the enamel on your teeth.

For more healthy food options for your teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you make the right choices for oral health.

How to Find a Bi-lingual Family Dentist in Chicago

Finding the perfect dentist can be daunting, especially if you had to move quickly and were unable to get referrals from your Family Dentist in Chicago. Even if you have just moved across town, it can be difficult to locate a dentist whether you are a single person relocating for a new job or a family man moving across country with six kids and another one on the way, finding a dentist for your needs can be tough. Calling and scheduling an appointment with a dentist that you have never met before isn't the best idea in the world, and if you want to make sure that you and your family have the best care, there are some things you can do. 

If you didn’t get the chance to talk to your own dentist before you moved, go online and check with the American Dental Association who can help you locate a local dentist. If you are lucky enough to be moving to a place where you know people you can trust, ask. If you are Social Media savvy, go online and post a comment to your Twitter friends. Do your research, and don’t forget to use Google. Check online review sites. Yelp isn’t just for restaurants.

Explore a couple of dentists that have been recommended or who you found on the ADA website and check out the dental offices website. Go through the gallery and take a photo tour. You want to feel welcomed the moment you walk through the door. If the environment is stale and uninviting, you may want to look for a dentist elsewhere. Up to date magazines, a TV, and some kid’s toys make all the difference in the world. If the office looks inviting and the equipment is modern and clean you could be on the right track.

Read about the dentist and his staff. Make sure that both the Chicago Dentist and his team of practitioners are continuing dental education by attending seminars, classes, and workshops.

Most dental practices will tell you what type of equipment is used and what to expect when you visit the office. Don’t be afraid to ask what anesthetic is used and if your new dentist practices Sedative Dentistry. If you have a dental phobia and are seeing this particular dentist for the first time, it is important to have a dentist who can put you at ease.

Call the office and talk to the receptionist. The person is question is your first contact with your soon to be dentist, if you are bi-lingual make sure that the receptionist is as well. If he or she is friendly and able to answer your questions, schedule an appointment.

If you are searching for a new bi-lingual dentist in the Chicago area, call Romo Dental today and put your mind at ease.

Chicago Dental Bonding To Give You Your Smile Back

Dental Bonding is very affordable, and if you have been hiding your smile because of that gap in-between your teeth, schedule an appointment with a Dentist in Chicago who can repair that chipped tooth or replace your silver amalgam fillings with tooth colored restorations.

Web MD will tell you that Dental Bonding is a 21^st century modern dental procedure using a durable plastic resin that is applied directly to the problem area. Once your Chicago Dentist applies the Dental Bonding it will be hardened using a light that bonds the restoration to the area.

Dr. Romo will recommend bonding if your teeth are discolored or stained or if you want to close that gap in-between your teeth. Chipped teeth can also be repaired as well as the shape of your teeth. That front tooth that is a bit farther back than the other can be repaired with dental bonding in a single appointment.

One of the most popular dental procedures is also the most affordable and easiest. The tooth colored resin is normally used for cosmetic reasons, but can also be used to fill that cavity in your front tooth. Other reasons that your Chicago Dentist may recommend Dental Bonding is to protect part of the root of your tooth that has receded because of gum disease. In nearly all cases anesthetic is not required for cosmetic Dental Bonding, but may be necessary if you are having a filling replaced or need your dentist to repair a cavity. 

Dental Bonding is different to veneers in that Dental Bonding only requires a single 30-minute visit. Veneers require a couple of visits as your Dentist in Chicago will need to make a mold to insure proper fit.

When you schedule an appointment for Dental Bonding, your dentist will of course make sure that you are a good candidate giving you a clean bill of health when it comes to your teeth and gums. Once given the all clear, your dentist will choose a resin color from a shade guide that best matches your natural tooth color. Once the color has been chosen, your Chicago Dentist will lightly etch the surface of the tooth in order to roughen it up a bit. One the abrasion is complete; your dentist will coat the area with conditioning liquid helping the bonding material adhere properly.

After the preparation, your dentist will apply that resin that is much like putty, before smoothing and modeling to the proper shape. After Dr. Romo is happy with the look, the area will be hardened with a laser or ultraviolet light. Once hardened he will shape, trim and polish.

Dental Bonding will not last forever. Don’t bite your nails and never chew on ice as it can chip the Dental Bonding. Try avoiding smoking, tea coffee or red wine, which can stain the Dental Bonding.

If you would like more information about Dental Bonding, schedule an appointment with your Chicago Dentist today. 

Those Old Fillings Could Be Causing Problems

With all of the media attention that silver amalgam fillings are getting these days, you may be considering swapping out your old mercury fillings for tooth colored restorations.  

Although you may be proud of those fillings that you have had for five, ten, or even fifteen years, the American Dental Association recommends that you schedule an appointment as there may be new cavities lurking beneath your old silver amalgam fillings.

Resin, or bonded fillings, will reduce the chance of leakage meaning dental caries will have a hard time invading the area beneath your filling. Bacteria and plaque can seep under an existing filling if your tooth is cracked, and because it is difficult to detect could be quite extensive, especially if you are not in pain. Scheduling regular appointments with your Dentist in Chicago will be able to detect any problems before they get worse.

Your fillings can fall out if you bite too hard as the material that was used for the tooth is unable to withstand the force. Unfortunately, if a large portion of your tooth is broken, you are inviting additional cavities. If the area is too large, Dr. Romo may recommend a dental crown.

Both resin and amalgam fillings will crack over time and will need to be replaced. Smaller cracks can occur around the edges of your filling causing additional tooth decay.

When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Romo’s office, your dentist will be able to determine if your existing fillings need to replaced. He will do this by taking x-rays and performing several tests including tapping on your teeth. If your fillings are worn, they will need to be replaced.

According to your dentist, silver amalgam fillings have a lifespan of about 12 years, with composite fillings having a shorter life span. Schedule an appointment if you cannot remember how old your fillings are, whether they are resin or amalgam. Some signs to watch for include sensitive teeth, cracks or if you notice that part of your filling is missing.

If your dentist has determined that you need to replace your old fillings, he will discuss your options, which could include repairing or replacing. Schedule an appointment with your Hispanic Dentist in Chicago who will be able to select the best material for your particular situation.

Dental Veneers to Improve Your Smile

Porcelain Veneers, or Dental Veneers, are custom made wafer thin shells that fit and cover the front surface of your tooth or teeth. Talk to your Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago, Dr. Genaro Romo, who will be able to determine if you are good candidate for Dental Veneers.

Dental Veneers can be made from resin or porcelain, resin Veneers are thinner and do not resist stains they way that porcelain veneers do. Porcelain veneers also look more natural as they reflect light much in the say way that your natural teeth do. Resin veneers are thinner and do not require your Dentist in Chicago to remove as much of the surface of your tooth. As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of Veneers, but your Chicago Cosmetic Dentist will be able to advise you on the best choice for your particular situation.

Dental Veneers can fix teeth that are discolored from stains or root canal treatment, from tetracycline or excessive fluoride use. Talk to your Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago about discolored resin fillings, teeth that are broken or chipped or teeth that are uneven, misaligned, or irregularly shaped as Dental Veneers can help fix those problems as well.

Dental Veneers usually require three visits to your Chicago Cosmetic Dentist with the first appointment involving your treatment planning and diagnosis. During your first appointment with Dr. Romo, it is important to let him know what results you want. Your Dentist in Chicago will examine your teeth to make sure you are a good candidate for Dental Veneers. Dr. Romo may also take x-rays.

Your second appointment involves the tooth preparation for the Dental Veneers. A small amount of enamel is removed from the surface of your tooth, which is about equal to your Dental Veneer. Your Dentist in Chicago may recommend a local anesthetic before trimming, to relieve any discomfort. After trimming, your Chicago Cosmetic Dentist will make an impression or model that will be sent to the dental laboratory in order to make your Dental Veneers.

After a couple of weeks, your Dental Veneers will be ready to be bonded to your teeth, which constitutes your third and final appointment. Before your tooth or teeth are cemented permanently, your dentist will temporarily place for color and fit. Once adjusted, Dr. Romo will prepare your tooth or teeth by cleaning, polishing, and etching. This actually roughens the tooth for stronger bonding. A special adhesive is applied to your tooth and the Dental Veneer and once placed is cured with a laser or light beam that hardens the cement.

If Dental Veneers sound like something that you would like to consider, schedule a no obligation consultation with your Chicago Cosmetic Dentist who will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for Dental Veneers.

Smoking and Oral Health

Most people are aware of the health problems that can occur if you smoke or chew tobacco, but your lungs and heart are not the only things that can be affected if you light up.

According to your Dentist in Chicago, Dr. Genaro Romo, smoking can have a lasting and distinctive impact on your oral health and can lead to some serious dental issues including, but not limited to: 

• Tooth discoloration
• Halitosis
• Salivary gland inflammation on the roof of your mouth
• Bone loss in your jaw
• Build up of tartar and plaque
• Increased risk of white patches, or leukoplakia on the inside of your mouth
• Gum disease
• Delayed healing after periodontal treatment or extractions
• Lower dental implant success rate
• Higher risk of oral cancer

Smoking, even with pipes and cigars, can lead to gum disease as it affects the soft tissue around your teeth. According to your Chicago Dentist, smoking will interfere with normal gum tissue cell function making you much more susceptible to infections. Smoking can also impair the blood flow to your gums.

Just like cigarettes, cigar and pipe smoking can cause dental problems. A study conducted by the American Dental Association, showed that cigar smokers experience bone loss and tooth loss at the same rate as cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers and cigar smokers are also susceptible to throat cancers even though they do not inhale.

If you chew tobacco, you are not safe either. Snuff contains at least 30 chemicals that can increase your risk of throat and oral cancer. Your Dentist in Chicago will tell you that chewing tobacco products contain more nicotine than cigarettes making it more difficult to quit. Most people have no idea that one can of chewing tobacco has as much, if not more, nicotine than sixty cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco will irritate your gum tissue. This causes your gums to pull away or recede. Once this occurs the exposed roots become more sensitive to irritants making drinking and eating uncomfortable.

If that isn’t enough, your Dr. Romo will tell you that flavors are added to some brands of chewing tobacco in order to improve the taste. Those flavors contain sugar that can drastically increase tooth decay. In fact, a study by the ADA has shown that those who chew tobacco are four times more likely to develop tooth decay.

Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation and don’t forget to schedule an appointment with the best Dentist in Chicago, Dr. Romo. 

Store Bought Mouth Guards Are Not Always the Best

If your kids are involved in sports, you know how important proper protection is, but knee and elbow pads are not the only things you need if your kids play contact sports.

Talk to your Romo Dental about mouth guards and night guards that cannot only be used for sports, but also sleeping if you or your family tends to grind their teeth during the night.

Mouth guards are made from flexible plastic designed to be worn over your teeth and can be custom made by your Hispanic Dentist, or found in major sporting good stores. However, according to Dr. Romo, those store bought mouth guards could cause more damage as they are bulky, not made to fit, and provide little if any protection. In fact, most Chicago Dentists do not recommend using stock mouth guards.

Boil and bite is another type of mouth guard that you can purchase from your local sporting goods store, and just may give a better fit than standard mouth guards may. Easy to use, you just place your mouth guard in warm water, place it inside your mouth, and shape it around your teeth.

When it comes to sports guards and mouth guards, your Chicago Dentist recommends that you schedule and appointment for a custom fitted sports guard or mouth guard.

During your scheduled appointment, Dr. Romo and his professional team will fit you with a mouth guard by making an impression. Each custom fitted sports guard is designed especially for you and is made to fit. Once the lab has received your impression, a specially fitted mouth guard will be molded over the top of your impression. Custom made sports guards and mouth guards may cost a bit more, but the extra money is well worth it for protection and comfort. Check with your insurance company and your Dentist in Chicago as your policy might cover the use of sports guards and mouth guards.  

When you make an appointment for a sports guard or mouth guard fitting, Dr. Roma will suggest the best option for your particular needs. Your dentist will choose a product that will not restrict your speech or breathing, is easy to clean, and most importantly, durable.

Accidents happen, and if you want to avoid potential disaster when it comes to your kid’s teeth, schedule an appointment for a new sports guard or mouth guard with your Chicago Dentist, Dr. Romo. 

Push Your Fears Aside with Romo Dental

Being afraid of your Dentist in Chicago isn’t just for kids. Teens, adults, and even senior citizens have a genuine fear when it comes to sprawling out in the dentist’s chair. However, with the advancement of dentistry in the 21^st century and Romo Dental, you can put your fears aside and relax.

Avoiding that toothache because you cannot tolerate that dentist drill will only make things worse. If you had gone in for a filling, which is virtually painless, when you first noticed the cavity, you would not have to endure a root canal. Scheduling regular appointments with your dentist is vital if you want to have healthy teeth and gums.

Even folks who endure the drill, regular cleanings, and deep cleanings have had to overcome their fear of the dentist, but thanks to the friendly team of professionals from Romo Dental, patients leave the office pain free and grinning from ear to ear.

If your fear of the dentist has more to do with your bank account than actual physical pain, talk to the knowledgeable staff from Romo Dental who will be able to help you decide on the best payment options for your particular needs. Of course, should a dental emergency arise and you are unable to cover the costs on the spot, Romo Dental may be able to work with you making suitable payment arrangements providing the lines of communication are left open.

With the latest technologies and friendly and knowledgeable staff, you will feel confident knowing that you can trust Romo Dental to help you overcome your fear of the dentist.

Sometimes all it takes is a gentle hand and a kind word to make you feel right at home, and that is exactly what you will get when you see Chicago’s friendliest and most well-equipped dentist in Chicago.

Push your fears aside and schedule that long overdue appointment with the best Dentist in Chicago, Dr. Romo. Open six days a week for your convenience, you will finally be able to relax and maybe even enjoy your dental appointments. 

Running Away from a Root Canal is Downright Dangerous

When the word, “Root Canal,” is uttered most people shudder with fear, but according to the Best Dentist in Chicago, root canals sound much worse than they actually are.

A root canal, also called endodontic therapy or root canal therapy, is something that becomes necessary if a cavity becomes too large for a filling and the decay travels all the way down to the pulp of the tooth. This usually occurs when people neglect their teeth and let things go a little bit too far. Other possible causes for root canal therapy include tooth trauma and nerve damage.

Once the pulp of your tooth becomes damaged, your Chicago Dentist may recommend a root canal. If left untreated a dangerous and painful abscess could form. Abscesses are dangerous because the infection can spread to your jawbone, or other parts of your body.

If the abscess is allowed to spread through your blood vessels, it could lead to a brain abscess, which could send you straight to the hospital. Tooth abscesses can also affect your sinuses. If the dental abscess reaches your heart, you could be asking for trouble as it could lead to bacterial endocarditis. All of these issues are serious, but quite possibly the most dangerous is a condition called Ludwig’s Angina. This potentially deadly infection affects the lower jaw and face. If this happens, it is imperative that you see your Chicago Dentist immediately as Ludwig’s Angina can cause suffocation and even death.

Of course, not all cavities will lead to abscesses, especially if you schedule regular check-ups with Romo Dental. Other ways to avoid tooth decay and possible abscesses include brushing twice and flossing once a day.

You might need a root canal if you suffer from: 

• Throbbing pain when you chew
• Red and swollen gums
• A horrible, sometimes salty taste
• Swelling
• Fever
• A bump in your mouth that is red or swollen
• A tooth that is sore and tender when touched 

Over time, that infection will spread and if you do not schedule an appointment with your dentist, your jawbone could eventually dissolve. If this occurs, it may be necessary to remove the tooth.  

In order to determine if a root canal is necessary your dentist will look for signs of infection. Dr. Romo may also tap your tooth or apply cold or heat to check for infection or abscess.

If an abscess is indicated treatment will begin as soon as possible with Dr. Romo giving you antibiotics in order to kill the infection. Depending on the severity of the situation your Dentist in Chicago may perform a root canal or extract the tooth.

Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, you could have tooth decay, and the best way to avoid a root canal is to schedule an appointment with Romo Dental.

Teeth Whitening Can Boost Your Confidence

People all over the world would love to have beautiful white teeth just like their favorite Telenovela star and thanks to the best Dentist in Chicago, everyone can. 

White teeth are everywhere these days. All you have to do is turn on the TV and you will be reminded how yellow and stained your teeth have become, but when you schedule an appointment with a Chicago Hispanic Dentist, your frown will quickly be turned upside down thanks to teeth whitening in Chicago.

When you have your teeth whitened by one of the professional Dentists from Romo Dental you will be advised on the best treatment for your particular situation, which could be either in office whitening or at home bleaching trays. If you want immediate results, in office whitening is for you.

With in-office, whitening your new smile will be ready in as little as an hour. After a protective gel is applied to your gums, your dentist will follow it up with a gel that is activated by light. Once the two gels have been applied, your Chicago Dentist will use a special dental laser or light that activates the gel. Once the teeth whitening procedure has been completed, Dr. Romo will make custom trays for you to use at home for whitening touch ups giving you results that will last for years. In office whitening in Chicago is the perfect solution for busy people on the go.

At home tray whitening is another method of tooth whitening that takes a bit longer, but is not as expensive as in office whitening. When you schedule an appointment for in home tooth whitening with your Dentist in Chicago clear trays will be made to fit your mouth perfectly. Once the trays are ready, which normally takes a couple of days; you can come to the Romo Dental office and pick them up along with the whitening gel. Your Chicago Hispanic Dentist will give you instructions on how to use your gel and trays. You can whiten your teeth up to two times a day for 30 to 60 minutes with astonishing results in as little as four weeks.

When it comes to the perfect smile, you can depend on the team from Romo Dental in Chicago to provide you with the tools you need to give you back your confidence. Call today and schedule an appointment for in office or at home whitening and you will be happy to flash those pearly whites even when nobody else feels like smiling.