When Was the Last Time You Saw Your Dentist?

An astounding 100 million Americans put off a trip to the dentist each year, even though regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene will prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Regular trips to the dentist are imperative as your dentist can spot problems with your teeth and gums before they get worse. If spotted early, that cavity will most likely not be a root canal costing you less time and money.

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your dentist if your teeth have become sensitive to cold or hot temperatures.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or if they are swollen, make an appointment with your dentist today.

Other signs that you need to see your dentist include chronic bad breath and a persistent bad taste in your mouth.

If you have dentures, dental implants, crowns, or fillings, regular dental checkups are vital to make sure that your dental restorations are still doing their job and functioning properly.

See your dentist if you have problems swallowing or chewing or if your family has a history of tooth decay or gum disease.

Folks with cardiovascular disease, HIV, or eating disorders should also see their dentist on a regular basis.

If you smoke or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or hormone replacement therapy make an appointment with your dentist.

That popping sound that you hear when you open or close your mouth could have something to do with your TMJ, otherwise known as your temporomandibular joint.

Even if you do not have any of the above symptoms, you should see your dentist regularly as preventive care is the best care, especially when it comes to your teeth and gums. Recent research indicates that poor oral health could cause additional health problems including heart disease.

In-between dental visits, it is important to brush twice each day for two minutes. Flossing once a day is essential for everyone regardless of your age. Good oral health habits are the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

If you cannot remember the last time you saw your dentist, schedule an appointment today. Remember, and ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

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.

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.

It May Be Wise to Think Before You Chew

A good diet is not only good for your body, but good for your smile as well. Steering clear of foods that are not so good for your teeth and gums will keep your mouth healthy and you out of the dentist’s chair. Of course, you will need regular checkups with your Dentist in Chicago, but if you pay close attention to the foods you eat, your dentist may not detect tooth decay giving you a clean bill of health.

According to the American Dental Association and Dr. Romo, a diet that is rich in tooth healthy foods is just as important as regular checkups, brushing and flossing. Sugary and sticky foods are extremely bad for your teeth, as they will stay on your teeth for longer periods. Those gummy bears and caramels that you enjoyed at your daughter’s birthday party could have caused damage to the enamel on your teeth.

Drinks that are acidic and loaded with sugar will cause twice as much trouble for your teeth. Drinking soft drinks can stall saliva activity in your mouth, which helps to clear away food particles.  

Dried fruits may be good for your waistline, but not so good for your teeth. Those processed fruit snacks are loaded with sugar and incredibly sticky. This means that they will adhere to your teeth while the sugar quietly feeds on the bacteria in your mouth promoting dental erosion.

Those hard candies that you enjoy may be curbing your appetite, but they will wreck havoc on your teeth as the sweetness lingers in your mouth while dissolving long after they have been gone. If you do enjoy the occasional hard candy, be sure and rinse your mouth after eating.

Most people know that red wine can stain teeth, but all kinds of alcohol can hurt your teeth as it causes a decrease in your natural saliva production stopping the food particles from washing away. Alcohol can also damage the inside of your cheeks and gums, as it is very corrosive. People who drink more tend to be more susceptible to gum disease and dental problems.

Starchy foods such as white bread, potato chips, and those yummy crackers that you enjoy are not so good for your teeth either as starchy foods can become trapped in between your teeth. If you do not rinse after consuming starchy foods you will be feeding the bacteria in your mouth, which could cause plaque or even tartar.

Avoiding your favorite foods does not have to be a problem if you brush, rinse, or floss after eating something that could affect your teeth and gums. According to your Dentist in Chicago, it might be wise to think before you chew. 

Ancient Cosmetic Dentistry Techniques that Will Surprise You

Thanks to the wonders of Modern Cosmetic Dentistry in Chicago, you no longer have to resort to ancient cosmetic dental procedures that were less than pleasant.

Thousands of years ago, the Romans and Greeks would use urine to whiten their teeth, while other civilizations would mix pumice with vinegar to brighten their pearly whites.

Barbers started to get into the act back in 1130 when they began to assist with dental procedures. In 1210, Barbers formed a guild that consisted of dental hygienists and dental surgeons. Oral surgery performed by barbers was discontinued in the 1400’s but they still performed oral hygiene services including tooth whitening. Barbers would file down a patients tooth before coating it with acid. Of course, this method of tooth whitening worked quite well, but it eventually destroyed the tooth’s enamel.

Dental Implants are the second oldest form of cosmetic dentistry with oral surgery topping the list. According to your Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago, root form implants were used over 4000 years ago with the Chinese tapping pegs made from carved bamboo into the bone. Archaeologists have uncovered Ancient Egyptian mummies that have transplanted teeth made from precious metals, ivory and human teeth.

When Cosmetic Dentists tried to use human teeth for dental implants in the 1700s, they soon discovered that the body would reject any such implant almost immediately. Dentists decided to put metal into the tooth sockets to replace missing teeth, but unfortunately, that didn’t work too well either.

2,500 years ago, Native Americans were very sophisticated when it came to dentistry. The Mayans and other tribes in southern North America would go to early cosmetic dentists to have grooves and notches put into their teeth in order to show off semiprecious stones such as jade, obsidian and turquoise. According to anthropologist Jose Concepcion Jimenez, the men sported the fancy grills from all walks of life. Meant for decoration they did not mark any social class. In fact, the Red Queen, a Mayan mummy discovered in the Palenque Temple did not have any tooth decorations at all.

Thanks to your Cosmetic Dentist in Chicago you do not have to resort to such barbaric practices when it comes to a beautiful smile. Schedule a no obligation consultation today with Romo Dental.

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. 

Give Your Mouth a Clean Bill of Health with Romo Dental

If the holidays wrecked havoc with your waistline, all of those goodies that you enjoyed for the past two months probably haven’t done much good for your teeth either. You may think you are doing yourself a favor by heading to the gym everyday starting tomorrow, but what about your teeth and gums.

Start the New Year off with a check up with your Chicago Dentist, Dr. Romo. You may think you were extra cautious after those rich meals by brushing a few extra times a day, but if you didn’t rinse after enjoying Grandma Ester’s rich Christmas fudge you could be asking for trouble. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Romo and get the all clear. Your teeth and gums are directly connected to the rest of your body and if you do not practice good oral hygiene, including regular checkups with your dentist, your immune system could be affected.

Poor oral hygiene is responsible for all kinds of health problems including respiratory issues and diabetes. Skipping brushing and flossing in favor of the pillow may be tempting, but it could also be the reason for your new cavities with the addition of periodontal disease. Skipping your regular checkups is more harmful than you think.

Having healthy teeth and gums starts with brushing and flossing. Buy a good toothbrush and don’t be afraid of the electric ones. You can go online and buy a new electric toothbrush, or better yet, ask Dr. Romo when you see him for your check-up. Don’t forget to floss once a day and remember to brush in the morning and before you go to bed.

Call or schedule an appointment online with your Dentist in Chicago and get a clean bill of health when it comes to your teeth and gums. If there are issues, you will be ahead of the game and ready to enjoy the foods that you did and a healthier smile before you got that tasty toothache. 

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.