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