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Every year, Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of the country and its independence on the Fourth of July. There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, fireworks displays, and smaller scale celebrations among family and friends. For some people, July 4th is synonymous with baseball, while for others it is all about the beach of barbecues. However you celebrate, you can be sure that red, white, and blue is visible everywhere throughout the area.

The Beginnings of Fourth of July Celebrations

Although it wasn't officially designated as a federal holiday until 1941, the actual tradition of celebrating Independence Day goes back to the time of the American Revolution (1775 – 1783). At the time of the American Revolution, representatives from the 13 colonies penned the resolution that ultimately declared their independence from Great Britain. The continental congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2nd of 1776. Two days later, Thomas Jefferson's famous document that is now known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted by delegates representing the 13 colonies.

First States to Recognize the Fourth of July

In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state (or commonwealth) whose legislature resolved to designate July 4th as the date on which to celebrate the country's independence. Two years later, Boston became the first city to make an official designation to honor the country's birth with a holiday on July 4th. In that same year, North Carolina's governor, Alexander Martin, became the first governor to issue an official state order stipulating that July 4th was the day on which North Carolinians would celebrate the country's independence.

Fun Facts About the Fourth of July

• The reason the stars on the original flag were arranged in a circle is because it was believed that would indicate that all of the colonies were equal.
• Americans eat over 150 million hot dogs on July 4th.
• Imports of fireworks each year totals over $211 million.
• The first “official” Fourth of July party took place at the White House in 1801.
• Benjamin Franklin didn't want the national bird to be the bald eagle. He believed that the turkey was better suited to the coveted distinction. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed with him, and he was outvoted, so the bald eagle became the official bird of the United States.

For many, the tradition is something entirely different. Along the coastal areas of the United States, people may haul out huge pots to have lobster or other types of seafood boils. Others may spend the day in the bleachers at a baseball game, or at a park, cooking a great traditional meal over an open fire. No matter how or where you celebrate, one thing is certain: all Americans celebrate July 4th as the birth and independence of our country.

Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants and our team at Central New England Endodontics and Implantology wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canals have a success rate of over 95% and in most cases they last a lifetime.

There are a few factors that ensure the root canal will last and should be followed.

• You want to make sure you allow Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants to perform a permanent restoration of the tooth. That means getting the filling and the crown immediately after the canals have been cleaned of all bacteria and debris.

• Practice good oral hygiene; that means brushing and flossing at least three times a day especially after meals and before bed.
• Just because a tooth has had a root canal that does not mean the tooth is safe for as long as it remains in your mouth. That tooth can still get a cavity. Since the nerves are no longer present in that tooth you will not feel any pain or experience any other signs of a cavity. That’s why it is important to get regular cleanings and checkups.
• If the tooth becomes fractured or you develop an abscess, you will feel pain and know there is a problem with the tooth.

Why do root canals fail?

As mentioned above, only about five percent of root canals fail, and sometimes it is not actually a “failure.” In cases, of teeth that have more than one root, it is possible that only one root was infected and filled. If the remaining root(s) become infected in the future, they will also need a root canal performed on them.

There are a few other reasons why your root canal may fail:

• The first reason is you may not have taken good care of your tooth (teeth). This is commonly seen in children and teens who often have inconsistent oral hygiene habits.
• If the tooth has more than one root, and one of the roots has a minute infection that is undetectable and goes unnoticed it can cause the root canal to fail. While this scenario is very unlikely, it does occasionally happen.
• Over time, the seal can become weak and bacteria can enter the tooth. This is also very uncommon but it does happen.

No procedure dental or medical comes with a 100% guarantee to last a lifetime, but if you take care of your treated tooth, the chances of success are great.

If you have any additional questions about root canals and your oral health, be sure to ask a member of our team at our Worcester office.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is probably not a matter of life or death. But it can make you feel self-conscious and have a negative impact on your life. The majority of people suffering from bad breath are dealing with oral bacterial. However, there are other causes of this embarrassing problem. Learning more can help you fight this solvable problem.

Five Causes of Embarrassingly Bad Breath

1. Dry Mouth. A decrease in saliva flow can be caused by several things. Most often, medication or mouth breathing are the culprits. As saliva helps wash away food particles from your mouth, it prevents bad breath. Dry mouth can be dealt with by stimulating salivation.
2. Gum Disease and Poor Oral Hygiene. Not brushing and flossing well enough or with enough frequency can lead to gum disease, which leads to bad breath. Halitosis can be a sign that plaque is present on your teeth.
3. Food-Related Bad Breath. Food particles that aren't brushed or flossed away attract bacteria that leads to bad breath. It's especially important to brush after eating strong-smelling foods, such as garlic or onions.
4. Smoking and Tobacco. Tobacco is bad for your health, and that includes your oral health. Smoking or chewing tobacco can contribute toward the development of gum disease, as well as oral cancer.
5. Mouth Infections and Other Medical Problems. A mouth infection, sinus infection or even the common cold can cause you to temporarily have bad breath. Even conditions such as diabetes and reflux can cause halitosis. It's always wise to see Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants to help determine the cause.

We are Your Ally

Even if you maintain good oral hygiene, it's important to see Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants at our Worcester office to deal with or avoid problems with bad breath. We can help you uncover the cause of halitosis, while also providing solutions that allow you to enjoy fresh breath without relying on mints and breath fresheners. As is the case with all things related to oral health, we are your number-one ally when it comes to eliminating the problem of bad breath.

Across the continent, the May calendar is filled with meaningful days. Cinco de Mayo. Memorial Day. Victoria Day. National Patriots’ Day. And, of course, Mother’s Day. One occasion that’s probably not on your calendar? This May marks the return of the American Association of Endodontists’ “Root Canal Awareness Week”! Let’s take this opportunity to talk about the many amazing ways a root canal can improve your dental health.

• Root Canals Save Teeth

Left untreated, a seriously damaged or infected tooth will almost inevitably be lost. And even one lost tooth can affect your eating, your speech, your bite, and your confidence. A root canal procedure at our Worcester office can prevent tooth loss, and is safe and straightforward. After infected and damaged tissue is removed from the pulp chamber in the crown of the tooth and from the root canals within the root, the interior of the tooth is carefully cleaned, disinfected, shaped and filled. A crown will help protect the tooth after treatment. A tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure can go on to last a lifetime.

• Root Canals Relieve Pain

If you have suffered a tooth injury or pulp infection, you know how painful that trauma can be. With a root canal, the source of your pain and discomfort is removed. Many patients experience immediate relief from severe pain after the procedure, and any post-treatment sensitivity or discomfort usually only lasts a few days.

• Root Canals Protect Your Health

You are saving more than a tooth when you are proactive about root canal treatment. If infection persists, it can spread to other parts of the body, resulting in tooth loss, bone loss, and even more serious consequences. A root canal can not only save your smile, it can actually save your health.

If you’ve been postponing a trip to the dentist because you’re worried about a root canal—don’t! Here’s another great fact about root canals:

• Root Canals Are Nothing to Fear

Endodontists have two or more years of additional training after dental school to become specialists in the treatment of the inner tooth. They keep up with the latest in endodontic technology, tools, and treatments, and the root canal is a procedure that they perform on a daily basis. With today’s advances in the field, many patients find a root canal appointment with an endodontist no more uncomfortable than getting a normal filling!

Root Canal Awareness Week is meant to remind us that we can have a lifetime of healthy, natural smiles with proper dental care and treatment. But, really, any week is a great time to acquaint yourself with what endodontists like Drs. Manzoli, Russo, Pauk, Desrosiers, Sahakyants can do for you and for your smile. It will be time well spent!