Waterbury Smiles Blog
10 Non-Candy Alternatives for Halloween
October 8, 2021
Halloween is right around the corner, which means plenty of scary costumes and decorations. While you enjoy your favorite horror movies and get ready for trick-or-treaters, try something a little different this year with a few Halloween candy alternatives. You can help combat tooth decay in your community by swapping out sweets for other delicious treats. Here are 10 great substitutes to support cavity-free smiles.
How Gum Disease Affects Facial Shape
September 27, 2021
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 1 in 7 adults ages 35-44 have some form of gum disease. As gum disease becomes more severe, it can affect more than just your gums. If it gets bad enough, it may even change the structure of your face. Luckily, there are serval ways to stop gum disease in its tracks. Read on to learn more about the connection between gum disease and facial shape as well as how to avoid further oral health issues.
(more…)Gingivitis or Gum Cancer – How to Tell the Difference
September 9, 2021
Your gums are swollen, red, and you see a bump that wasn’t there before. With over 47% of American adults ages 30 and older having some form of periodontal disease, you may assume this is gingivitis. How can you know if it’s something even more serious like gum cancer? While the only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist, there are a few things you should know regarding prevention and how to recognize the difference between gingivitis and oral cancer.
(more…)How Biting Your Nails Can Impact Your Oral Health
August 27, 2021
Though the percentage of nail biters ranges from 20 to 33% during childhood, it rises sharply to 45% in adolescents. Nail biting is often viewed as just another bad habit, but it can actually have serious repercussions as far as your oral health is concerned. Learning how to resist the urge to bite your nails is a crucial step in keeping your teeth and gums in good working condition.
(more…)Are the Drinks You’re Giving Your Child Causing Cavities?
August 14, 2021
In a recent study, researchers found that 62% of drinks marketed towards children contain large quantities of added sugar. Though the packaging for these products may make them appear to be healthy, the obscene amounts of sugar can increase your child’s risk of developing cavities. By helping your child maintain a nutritious diet and learn how to keep their teeth in good condition, children’s cavities are completely avoidable.
(more…)When Should I Start Whitening My Teeth for a Special Event?
July 23, 2021
You have an interview for your dream job coming up soon, and you couldn’t be more prepared. You’ve carefully rehearsed answering interview questions, perfected your resume, and selected an outfit that exudes professionalism. There’s just one problem – you’re self-conscious about your stained teeth. If you want to boost your confidence, you might be wondering: When should I start whitening my teeth for a special event? Whether it’s a job interview, a wedding, or even a get-together with friends, you deserve to look and feel your best. Here’s how long it should take for professional teeth whitening to help!
(more…)Is Dental Bonding Permanent?
July 6, 2021
Whether you have a small chip in your tooth, significant gaps, or stubborn stains, it can sometimes be hard to choose the right cosmetic dentistry service for you. Luckily, there’s one treatment that is becoming increasingly popular: dental bonding. Also known as cosmetic bonding, dental bonding is quick, painless, and corrects multiple imperfections simultaneously with natural-looking results. Before you invest in this service, however, you might be wondering how long you can expect your results to last. Keep reading as we answer the question: Is dental bonding permanent?
(more…)How Does Popcorn Affect Your Oral Health?
June 30, 2021
How do you like to end a busy day that you spent at the office? For a lot of people, it involves cozying up on the couch at home and putting on a movie. Of course, no film seems to be complete without a big bowl of buttery, salty popcorn. Americans eat approximately 15 billion quarts of it every single year! This delicious, crunchy snack might be better for you than starchy potato chips or a bowl of cookies, but popcorn actually isn’t the best option for your teeth. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between the two.
(more…)How Does Fluoride Impact Teeth?
June 22, 2021
You know that whenever you pick out a new tube of toothpaste, it usually says “contains fluoride” in huge letters, but what does this actually mean? What is fluoride and why is it such an important ingredient in your dental hygiene products? Is it necessary for maintaining excellent oral health? Continue reading to learn more about this ingredient and how it can help you to keep your smile in good health!
(more…)How Long Does Root Canal Therapy Take?
May 13, 2021
If you have an infected tooth, your dentist likely recommends a root canal to treat it. 15 million root canals are performed annually because the procedure has over a 95% success rate to save teeth from extractions. You can benefit from a tried-and-proven treatment to ensure your tooth thrives for a lifetime, but how long will it take? Your dentist understands your schedule is busy, which is why they use the latest advancements in dentistry to reduce your time in the dental chair. Although every case differs, here’s how long you can expect your treatment to last.