The first line of defense in the war against all things that harm your mouth – tooth decay, gum disease and more – is a deceptive simple weapon: your toothbrush. It’s the tool that will give you great teeth in Forked River!
The toothbrush has been around for millennia, though not always as we know it. The ancient Egyptians frayed tiny branches in order to create their toothbrushes. The 15 Century Chinese used natural bristles to create something very much like to the brushes we use today. But it was less than 100 years ago, in the 1930s, when nylon was invented and toothbrushes finally became modern.
Modern toothbrushes have been refined and redesigned over the decades, with many fine adjustments helping them become more effective at keeping your teeth clean.
But without YOU, your toothbrush can’t do its job properly. Here is what you need to know:
How to Brush Properly
A surprising number of people do not brush their teeth properly. Even though this is part of our daily routine and it seems like it should be easy, over time even the best of us can develop up bad habits. Once formed, bad habits are hard to break – and when they are bad brushing habits, they can make your brushing far less effective.
Here is some advice to keep in mind:
- Brush twice a day, three times if possible
- Each brushing session should last two minutes
- Use short strokes when you brush
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue (gently)!
- Brushing too hard can damage your enamel, so don’t do it!
A good way to be sure that you brush effectively is to divide your mouth into four quadrants: bottom left, bottom right, top left, top right. Brush in each quadrant for 30 seconds, using short, and gentle strokes and/or swirls. If you do this two to three times per day, you’ll be well on your way to taking amazing care of your teeth!
Once you’ve mastered brushing, the next step is to keep your toothbrush in good shape.
How To Care For Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush is your best tool for ensuring you have a healthy mouth, so naturally you’ll want to take care of it. Toothbrushes that are a gnarled, mangled mess won’t do a good of keeping your mouth fresh and clean.
In order to keep yours in great shape, follow these tips:
- Do not ever share your toothbrush!
- Be sure to brush gently; let the bristles do the work
- Be sure to thoroughly rinse the toothbrush after you’re done
- To keep microorganism growth to a minimum, don’t store your toothbrush in a closed container
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Remember, your toothbrush is the single most important part of your oral health routine. Treat it poorly and it will treat your mouth poorly. Treat it well, however, and you can have many years of excellent oral health. When you visit your dentist near Forked River, they’ll notice the difference!
And isn’t that what this is all about? Having the healthiest mouth possible?
What to Expect From Your Next Teeth Cleaning
If you haven’t had a professional teeth cleaning in a while, you may be wondering what to expect. As a dentist serving Manahawkin, Barnegat, and Southern Ocean County, we can answer that for you. This article will give you all the information you need to know about the process! We’ll tell you how to prepare, what will happen during your appointment, and the benefits of professional teeth cleaning.
Before your appointment, it is important to brush and floss your teeth. This will get rid of any plaque or tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth so that your hygienist can easily access them for cleaning. It’s also important to let your dentist know about any changes in medication or health concerns since these can impact the type of treatment you receive. These concerns might include diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or any other health condition that could affect your oral health.
During your appointment, you’ll be asked to sit in a comfortable chair while the hygienist examines and cleans your teeth. They may take an x-ray to check for cavities and other problems beneath the surface. Then they use special tools like ultrasonic scalers, probes, and mirrors to remove tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line. They may also buff away hard plaque on difficult to reach areas in between and around your teeth. They will also floss your teeth to remove any plaque or food particles that may be stuck in between them. Finally, they will use a polishing paste to give your teeth a smooth, shiny finish, and will give you a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from decay.
After the cleaning is done, the hygienist will floss and polish your teeth to make them shine. Finally, they’ll provide you with tips on how to keep your teeth clean and healthy between visits, such as brushing twice a day and using dental floss.
The benefits of professional teeth cleaning are numerous. It helps reduce the risk for cavities and gum disease, both of which can have serious health consequences. It also helps keep your smile looking bright and healthy, as it removes any surface staining that may be present. Finally, regular cleanings help reduce bad breath caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth.
Your mouth will feel cleaner and fresher after each appointment, giving you the confidence and assurance that your smile looks its best! So if it’s been awhile since your last teeth cleaning, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist or hygienist. They can help keep your mouth healthy and beautiful!

With miles of pristine beaches like