Waterbury Smiles Blog

If you have a tooth that is severely infected, antibiotics and waiting for the infection to heal on its own won’t do you any good. The only way to repair an infected tooth is with a root canal. Though this procedure has a success rate of around 95%, there is a ton of misinformation about the treatment that’s spread throughout the years. In fact, some people have even been led to believe that they might develop cancer after undergoing root canal therapy. But do root canals cause cancer, or is this a myth? Read on to learn more about how the procedure works and if it puts you at risk of developing cancer. 

Odds are that if you’re googling “root canal vs tooth extraction,” you’re in a fair amount of pain. In that condition, it can be a little bit difficult to make decisions about what’s best for your oral health.

For serious toothaches caused by infected pulp, there are two common options: a root canal and an extraction. Here’s how to decide which one would be best for you.

Bacteria are everywhere. They’re in food, in plants, and in different parts of the body. As abundant as they are, many people are unaware that not all bacteria are bad. In fact, you naturally have many kinds of bacteria in your mouth. Some can cause cavities, but some can help keep your body healthy. Read on to learn about how many oral bacteria the average person has in their mouth and how they impact your body and smile.

Having a stained, discolored smile can make your pearly whites look anything but that. Feeling confident in photos and social situations are made much harder when you feel self-conscious about flashing a smile. There are several things that can cause stained teeth, including certain foods and drinks, medications, and tobacco use. Research shows that there are also some genetic factors that can cause dental discoloration. Read on to learn more about the relationship between genes and having a stained smile.

Did you know up to 50% of adults have persistent bad breath? It’s normal for your breath to stink occasionally, like when battling nasal congestion or after eating your favorite garlicky dish. However, 60 million Americans suffer from chronic halitosis. You don’t have to be embarrassed by dragon breath anymore because August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day. The annual celebration raises awareness about how to keep foul odors in check with a solid oral hygiene routine. 

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You don’t have to be rich or famous to invest in cosmetic dentistry. There’s a solution to fit all budgets because of the diversity of treatments available, like dental bonding. It offers a lot of bang for your buck because it’s effective, convenient, and affordable, but how long does it last? You can enjoy a confident, beautiful smile for many years with the right maintenance, and here’s how. 

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Teeth are meant to last for a lifetime; however, 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Many people believe cavities are the only threat to their smiles, but gum disease is also a leading cause of lost teeth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of adults have the preventable infection. Thankfully, when caught in the earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease won’t have any lingering complications for your smile. Don’t worry, here are 6 home remedies to combat gingivitis to keep your gums healthy.

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During the summer, hanging out in the sun is a great way to spend the season and get some vitamin D. This vitamin is known for improving sleep, strengthening the immune system, boosting your mood, and helping you lose weight, but can it impact your smile, too? Read on to learn more about the relationship between spending time in the sun and having a healthy smile.