Take a look at your toothbrush. It is a familiar part of your daily routine, something you see early every morning (or at least we hope so) and just before bed every night (ditto). Your toothbrush is your friend
But the fact of the matter is, that toothbrush is probably due for replacing.
If you’re like a lot of people, you probably brush your teeth a little more energetically that you need to. With time, the brush’s bristles will begin to fray, looking like a used broom or paintbrush. The bristles may even be a touch off-white now, too. Those are all sure signs that it’s time to replace your brush with a new one.
And trust us, you don’t want to use a toothbrush that is past its useful life. If you do, it just won’t do the job that it’s designed to do.
If you brush your teeth the way we’ve taught you here at Bayside Dentistry, a dentist serving Manahawkin, Forked River, Barnegat and all of Ocean County, the signs might not be as obvious. They may not jump out at you, but small changes in your toothbrush will make it less effective in doing its job. They include:
- Slight curve/slant to the bristles – This can happen after using it over a long stretch of time. Though it can often be barely noticeable, this can prevent the bristles from reaching around the gum line and between your teeth.
- Loss of elasticity – Modern toothbrush bristles are made to be elastic and bendable. This is to allow the brush to provide the gentle sweeping movement necessary for the most effective brushing. As the bristles’ elasticity wears down, your brushing becomes less effective.
- Harboring bacteria – No matter how clean you keep your brush and its holder, over time bacteria will begin to make a home there. This makes fighting plaque and germs even harder.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If you are seeing the family here at Bayside regularly, you already know that having a new, fresh toothbrush is essential to your oral health. Some things we recommend to ensure it lasts a long while include:
- Air dry it; do not store it in a closed container. This helps prevent bacteria growth
- Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use. This keeps the bristles flexible
- Don’t share your toothbrush with others! The reasons why should be obvious
- Brush firmly but gently. Many people brush too hard, wearing out their brush faster
- Replace it every 3-4 months
Doing what you can to make sure your toothbrush is well taken care of is one of the easiest things you can do to be sure you have good oral health. Doing so will guarantee that every time you brush, your teeth they are as clean as can be, your breath is fresh, and your future trips to Bayside will be as smooth as possible.
And let’s be honest, isn’t the whole reason you visit us here at Bayside in the first place to have healthy teeth? We serve Manahawkin, Lacey / Forked River, Barnegat, and all of Ocean County!
If you’re looking for things to do this summer, the Jersey Shore is the place to be! With miles of coastline and plenty of activities to keep you busy, you’ll never run out of things to do. Today, we’re taking a break from practicing dentistry at the shore to discuss five fun activities that are perfect for a day at the beach. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun!
The first activity on our list is swimming. Of course, one of the best things to do at the beach is to take a dip in the water! Whether you’re looking to cool off or just have some fun, swimming is a great way to spend your day. Just be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks often if you’re in the sun for extended periods of time.
If swimming isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. One popular option is building sandcastles. This is a great activity for all ages and can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. If you’re feeling creative, try incorporating shells or rocks into your design. Or, if you’re looking for a challenge, see how tall you can make your castle before it collapses.
Another great option for things to do at the beach is fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, there’s nothing quite like spending a day out on the water. Just be sure to check the local regulations before you start fishing, as there may be limits on what you can catch. And if you don’t have a boat, no worries! There are plenty of spots along the shore where you can cast your line and enjoy some time in nature.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, why not try stand-up paddleboarding? This popular activity is perfect for those who want to explore the coastline at their own pace. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try paddleboarding in the waves! Just be sure to wear a life jacket and practice safety first.
Last but not least, one of the best things to do at the beach is simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Soak up the sun, read a book, or just take a nap on the sand. No matter how you spend your day, there’s no doubt that a day at the Jersey Shore is sure to be a memorable one.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and head to the shore for some fun in the sun!
Don’t let the show “Jersey Shore” fool you. The coastal areas of New Jersey are a beautiful, relaxing place where people enjoy the beach lifestyle in friendly, down to Earth communities. As anyone who lives here will tell you, once you live at the shore you never want to live anywhere else!
Don’t believe us? Go visit these fantastic Jersey Shore communities for a taste of what life is like here:
Manahawkin / Stafford
Manahawkin is the gateway to Long Beach Island, a beautiful little community that is technically a part of Stafford Township. It’s a warm, pleasant place to live filled with great people and excellent access to local beaches and attractions such as Long Beach Island, Atlantic City, and Seaside Heights. That’s why we are proud to be a dentist serving Manahawkin!
Lavallette
Located just north of Toms River, this sleepy little beachfront community is nestled between the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to shore hotspots like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but is itself a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It’s a beautiful place to relax.
Ocean Beach
Technically part of Toms River, the quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this the perfect community for summer rentals or affordable retirements.
Beach Haven
This subdued community on Long Beach Island is as beautiful as it is quiet. It’s a small town in which everyone knows their neighbor. Longtime residents are common. It’s the ideal place to live if you like to have good friends nearby. Even better, it boasts easy access to the attractions in places like Barnegat and other nearby LBI communities.
Cape May
This historic town is filled with old inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways. Many of these home have been here since the 19th Century. This is a fantastic place to get away from it all, with great boat tours, secluded places to eat, and more.
Asbury Park
Asbury Park is back and in a big way. Once run down and decrepit, this town is now thriving with great restraints, shops, art galleries and more. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. The bar scene is excellent, the music scene even better, and there are good apartments available. If ever there was a welcome return to form at the shore, it’s the return of Asbury Park.
Wildwood
Sometimes called “The Wildwoods,” though that actually refers to several towns, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. With a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and a town filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy, Wildwood is a weekender’s perfect getaway. No wonder it’s such a popular destination!
As you can see, the Jersey Shore is more than night clubs and boardwalks. It’s varied and interesting enough for almost anyone!

