Blog - General Dentistry

Not all dental emergencies can be avoided, of course. Some come flying out of nowhere, like a sports injury to the face or biting down on something hard enough to crack your tooth. These every day mini-disasters take place all over the country as we speak. As your preventive and emergency dentist in Springfield, IL, Dr. Shane Ruggless is always prepared to...

It's easy to lose sight of what's important—the beauty of our smile. It looks strong, durable; surely, it can withstand a little abuse? When we let our oral hygiene slip, we can easily fall into a bad routine. The fact is, most dental emergencies that happen are entirely preventable.  Maintain Good Oral Health Care If you can't see your dentist, then it's...

If you’re like most people, you want a dental office and a dentist that instills confidence. You want a compassionate team who will address your concerns and answer your questions. In the event of a dental emergency, you want a team dedicated to treating your situation quickly and saving your teeth. At Ruggless Dental, we pride ourselves on our commitment to...

Dry mouth feels uncomfortable, especially when trying to speak with that pasty feeling gluing your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Did you know that dry mouth may also contribute to oral health conditions? Periodontal Disease Saliva helps to combat gum disease and having a chronically dry mouth may cause you to develop an infection or recession of the gums. Irritation...

Bad breath may cause people to wrinkle their noses or back away when you’re talking. How embarrassing! The problem is that most people with bad breath don't know they have it. Having temporary odors caused by onions, garlic, or curry is one thing. Having chronic bad breath is a bigger problem. Here are some ways you can reduce your chances of having...

A common saying, aging is not for the weak. It means that as we age, we face a number of health challenges that can interfere with a high quality of life. These can include conditions causing chronic pain, medical conditions, more frequent doctor visits, and even necessary treatments to help you stay healthy. Your teeth and gums are no different than...

When thinking of your oral health, your mouth likely comes to mind, but if you think about eating, kissing, speaking, and smiling, it really is much more than that. After all, your teeth and smile is part of almost everything you do. You use your smile to convey emotion, friendliness, and love. Your smile means a lot to those who...

Having gum disease puts your health at risk. It seems like every new study that emerges outlines a link between gum disease and another system in the body.  These include: Circulatory risks – heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure Respiratory risks – COPD and chronic bronchitis Nervous system risks – Alzheimer’s Reproductive risks – low birth weight babies Now a new study links obesity and periodontal...

Modern women have a number of complex concerns when it comes to staying healthy and enjoying increased vitality as they age. Since people are living longer and staying socially and professionally active beyond middle age, staying tuned-in to the latest information can give you the necessary knowledge to maintain optimum health. Though more men suffer from periodontal disease than women –...

We all know that sugary foods can cause decay, but we also consume beverages that put our teeth at risk every day. Beverages can not only cause decay but also stain teeth rapidly, making your smile looker darker and more aged than it needs to be. Dark Sodas Like Coke and Pepsi Dark sodas like Coke and Pepsi are full of sugar...

Everyone knows by now that smoking is bad for your health and can lead to conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease. The impact of tobacco use on oral health goes beyond just the main health problems we hear about every day. Tobacco contains a number of chemicals and carcinogens that create a perfect storm for certain oral health...

How Nutrition Affects Your Oral Health March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to discuss all the ways that your diet can affect the health of your teeth. You have probably grown up hearing that calcium and vitamin D are the keys to success when relating the foods we eat to the health of your teeth. The truth is that...

Gum Disease Gum disease can sneak up on anyone. Even if you have great home care and twice-yearly dental appointments, a change in your medical health, hormone fluctuations, and even stress can all affect the health of your gums. If you have systemic conditions, such as diabetes, you may suddenly find yourself battling gum disease when you have never suffered from it...