This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff Inc. believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff Inc.

Season’s Greetings from all of us at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc.

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc. reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc.

Flossing 101

Many people think that flossing is only to get the food out from in between your teeth, when actually flossing should be done every day on every tooth to help protect your teeth and gums. Rubinstein and Ducoff, Inc. found this very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth. Enjoy!

Feel free to give us a call if you have any additional questions about flossing.

With Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff, 24/7 access to your account

At Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc., we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Providence, RI.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You can also sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

More happy patients at the office of Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff!

Dr. Mahra Rubinstein, Dr. Michael Rubinstein and Dr. Robert Ducoff and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff Inc., serving Providence and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today!

"The hygienist was very good, thorough and answered my questions." ~Ruth

"Everyone at your office is friendly and professional. It is always a pleasure to come in. It is not often you can say that about your dentist and his support staff." ~Remmie

"Dr. Michael Rubinstein is one of the very finest, most brilliant, most talented people I have ever known. It is my privilege and joy to see him, and I consider him a friend. He is certainly the only reason I still have any teeth left in my skull." ~Annie

"I highly recommend Rubinstein & Ducoff." ~Karyn

Happy Thanksgiving!

The team at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so don't forget to brush and floss after eating! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

The benefits of dairy, from Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff

Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Cold and Flu Season is Here- Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at Drs. Rubinstein a& Ducoff, Inc if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here for us at the office of Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc., a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within Providence, RI. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles

We at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc. want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc. regularly.

Toothbrush Trivia with Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush and toothpaste:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff, protecting you from cavities this Halloween!

As Halloween is only two weeks away, Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff know that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun community activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of young trick-or-treaters in our Providence, Rhode Island neighborhoods.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with trick-or-treaters, it is important that you take the necessary steps to prevent cavities this Halloween. Be sure to visit our "Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, helping our patients understand cavities" blog to learn more about cavities.

For more information on cavities and good oral hygiene habits, don’t hesitate to ask our doctors or staff at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc during your next appointment.

What do you love about Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff?

At the practice of Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc., we strive to create and maintain beautiful and healthy smiles, while building long-lasting relationships with our patients. Today, we would love to hear about your experience at our office.

Whether you’ve just been visiting our office for a week, a month, or even years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here on our Google Places page. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc.

Is it time for your Smile Makeover at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff?

Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff know that your smile is one of the most important, and most noticed, aspects of your appearance. There is no need to suffer from missing, chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth, when we are able to use cutting-edge treatments to enhance and restore your smile. Drs. Michael Rubinstein, Robert Ducoff, and Mahra Rubinstein specialize in cosmetic dentistry, and they have years of experience using the most advanced and effective dental techniques to ensure the health of your smile. Today, we ask, are you ready for your Smile Makeover? Before you answer, ask yourself the following questions:

•Do you hesitate when you smile?
•Would you like to increase your self-confidence?
•Do you want to look your best in social or professional situations?
•Are you ready to reverse dental imperfections caused by Mother Nature or an accident?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff.

Dental implants for patients with diabetes, from Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff

Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff understand that dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases, Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff recommend dental implants as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. In the rare case that the implant does not blend properly to the bone, we will remove it and the procedure at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff can be repeated. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, we may recommend putting off any non-emergency dental care, including implants, bridgework and dentures – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.

Otherwise, feel free to give us a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related questions we can.

Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff want to know: are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Michael Rubinstein, Dr. Robert Ducoff and Dr. Mahra Rubinstein and team can help determine the cause of the problem.

What puts you at ease at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc.?

Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

This September, take care of your oral health for National Gum Care Month!

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

What’s on your reading list this summer?

With summer in full swing, some of us at Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Drs. Rubinstein and Ducoff and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

A great article about changes in dentistry, from Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff

The world around us is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! Recently, we read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff to discuss your implant options.

-Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff and team

Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, helping our patients understand cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff is cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

What are patients saying about Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc?

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Mahra Rubinstein, Dr. Michael Rubinstein and Dr. Robert Ducoff love getting patient testimonials!

" Everyone at your office is friendly and professional. It is always a pleasure to come in. It is not often you can say that about your dentist and his support staff." ~Remmie

"Susan did an exceptional job with the appointment. I love coming in for a cleaning and check-up." ~Michael

"Sandy is wonderful. She is very gentle and very nice." ~Janice

"Everyone is uniformly courteous, friendly and professional. Of course, I really appreciate Judy's expertise and careful attention to my cleanings. I always enjoy having Robin and Allison assisting Dr. Ducoff. And Dr. Ducoff is excellent, of course." ~Stephanie

Why do you choose Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff?

From your very first visit to Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc. our doctors and team strive to ensure that our patients feel welcome and well informed about their dental treatment. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Drs. Rubinstein or Dr. Ducoff's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

The team at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff, Inc.

Getting social with Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff

Isn’t social media great? Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or by sharing photos and events on our interactive Facebook page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we’re taking a little time to research and decide how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

-The team at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff

Meet Dr. Michael Rubinstein

I always aspired to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and become a dentist, and in 1968 my dream came true. Since then I have been providing high quality dental care to the people in my community. I was extremely happy and proud when, in 1999, the family legacy continued and my daughter, Dr. Mahra Rubinstein, joined our practice. Together, with our well trained and highly skilled staff, we provide the highest level of dental care possible.

The community where I live and work is very important to me, and I spend a considerable amount of time supporting various groups and organizations. I am involved in the Redwood Masonic Lodge, the Touro Fraternal Association, the Ledgemont County Country Club Board, the Aurora Civic Association, Temple Beth El, and am a life member of Alpha Epsilon Pi.

I am married to my wife, Linda Rosen, and we have three children and three grandchildren. In my free time I enjoy playing golf, traveling, and breeding dogs.