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Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Oral Health

Archive for April, 2023



Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Oral Health

Posted on: April 26th, 2023 by admin

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and anxious at the mere thought of having to visit a dentist? You’re not alone! Fear of the dentist is very common, with statistics showing that up to 15% of Americans avoid seeing a dentist because of it. But it doesn’t have to be like this – taking control of your oral health, and overcoming your fear of the dentist can be an empowering experience. Here’s your guide on how to do just that!

1. Understand your fear

Before you can start taking steps to overcome your fear of the dentist, it is important to understand why you feel the way you do. Are there certain experiences that have caused this fear? What kind of thoughts and feelings come up when thinking about going to a dental appointment? Identifying these triggers will help you in taking the right steps towards addressing them.

2. Find a supportive dentist

Visiting a dental practice that specializes in helping those with dental anxiety or phobia can make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel. Do research and look for practices with staff who are patient, understanding, and willing to offer sedation options if necessary. This can also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and build trust with your dentist.

3. Create a plan

Write out a step-by-step plan of what you need to do in order to get through your appointment. This can include things like scheduling an appointment at a certain time, taking deep breaths throughout the procedure, or bringing something to help distract yourself during the visit. Having a plan ready will help reduce some of the stress and anxiety leading up to your dental appointment.

4. Take it slow

Don’t be too hard on yourself if certain steps don’t work right away – it may take multiple appointments before you start feeling comfortable enough for more complex procedures. Allow yourself to slowly progress at your own pace, and remember that even small steps towards taking control of your oral health are still important.

5. Reward yourself

When it comes to facing our fears, positive reinforcement can be a great motivator! After each successful dental visit, reward yourself with something that makes you feel good – whether it’s treating yourself to your favorite food or buying a special gift for yourself.

By following these steps, you can take control of your oral health and make the dentist office a place where you can receive the care you need without feeling anxious or overwhelmed. With time and effort, you too can overcome your fear of the dentist and start looking forward to appointments instead! Good luck!

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These 16 Facts About Dental Implants Will Blow Your Mind

Posted on: April 19th, 2023 by admin

There have been many amazing advances in dental technology over the years, from braces to teeth whitening and more. Many of those scanners and machines you see used at the dentist office near Manahawkin seem like something out of a science fiction movie!

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-and-white-mouth-plastic-toy-and-food-plastic-toys-1073776/

The same holds true for medicine in general. For example, the images provided by an MRI machine and the astonishing technology behind artificial hearts is truly impressive.

There have been so many big advances in modern medicine and surgery, in fact, that it’s easy to  take them for granted.

For instance, there is one big leap forward in dental technology that you probably see every day of your life without even realizing you’re seeing it. This dental technology that has improved countless lives, offered people a greater sense of self-confidence, and improved their overall health. Despite this, you probably don’t even realize it exists.

We’re talking about dental implants, and they are more amazing than you realize.

How amazing? Check out these facts offered by your local dentist near Forked River:

  1. Dental braces date all the way back to about 2,000 BC.
  2. More advanced dental implants date back to at least 600 AD.
  3. The Mayans  in pre-Colombian South America used pieces of shell to replace lost teeth.
  4. The ancient Greeks often thought about better ways to straighten their teeth or replace lost teeth.
  5. We’ve been brushing our teeth for thousands of years, but the modern bristle toothbrush was “only” invented in China around the year 600 – about 1,400 years ago!
  6. Over two thirds of Americans between the ages of 35 and 44 suffer from having at least one missing tooth.
  7. About 25 percent of people in the United States over the age of 74 have lost all their teeth.
  8. About 30 million people in the United States are missing ALL their teeth in at least one jaw.
  9. Every single year, round 500,000 people get dental implants to help improve their quality of life
  10. More than 5.5 million dental implants have been provided to patients in America through the year 2006.
  11. These days, dental implants are proven to be safe, and have a long safety record under their belt that goes back decades
  12. Modern dental implants are generally made of highly durable titanium.
  13. Strange as it sounds, titanium can actually fuse with bone. That means that implants can help stimulate bone growth.
  14. Believe it or not, it’s impossible to get a cavity in a modern dental implant!
  15. Dental implants have a well documented success rate that reaches 98%.
  16. In most cases, modern dental implants will last your entire life.

Pretty impressive stuff, isn’t it! In fact, the market for dental implants has eclipsed $1 billion a year. It continues to grow today, too.

If you are missing teeth or have other issues that may require dental implants, see your dentist near Forked River for details on how this can be addressed. It’s surprisingly common, surprisingly easy, and will give you a surprisingly improved quality of life.

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7 Oral Health Issues You Need to Know About

Posted on: April 12th, 2023 by admin

Keeping your mouth healthy is essential for overall wellbeing – yet, many of us don’t know enough about oral health issues and how to keep our smiles in top condition, even if we regularly see our dentist in Ocean County. If you’re looking to brush up on your own knowledge, then this post exploring the 7 most common oral health issues is a great place to start. From what causes them to how to prevent them, we cover all the information you need to understand and take care of your teeth.

1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is the sticky film that builds up on your teeth due to bacteria, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque that can only be removed with professional cleaning. If not addressed, this buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To prevent it from occurring in the first place, good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing are key.

2. Tooth Decay

Also known as cavities, tooth decay occurs when bacteria erode away at enamel – the hard shell protecting your teeth’s inner layers – which can result in pain, infection, or even complete destruction of the affected tooth if left untreated. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods are key to avoiding decay.

3. Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums, gingivitis is a mild and reversible form of gum disease that’s caused by bacteria accumulating along the gum line. This can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing teeth, but with regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits (brushing, flossing) it can be prevented.

4. Periodontal Disease

Also known as periodontitis or gum disease, this occurs when bacteria in plaque causes an infection in the gums which results in deep pockets of infection around the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, advanced periodontal disease can cause tooth loss – so regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for prevention.

5. Dry Mouth

A condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva, dry mouth can cause an increase in cavities and gum disease due to lack of lubrication to rinse away bacteria. Common causes include dehydration, certain medications, or even salivary gland issues – so if you have a dry mouth, speak to your doctor or dentist about possible treatments.

6. Tooth Sensitivity

This is when the teeth become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures due to worn enamel or exposed dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). To reduce symptoms of tooth sensitivity, avoiding acidic foods/beverages and using special toothpastes/mouthwashes may be helpful – and see your dentist if needed.

7. Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be caused by a number of factors – from poor oral hygiene to certain medical conditions. The best way to prevent it is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once, plus using an antibacterial mouthwash. If you still have persistent bad breath, see your dentist for further evaluation.

By understanding these 7 common oral health issues, you can take steps to ensure that you keep your smile healthy for years to come! So make sure to practice good oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing!) regularly, and don’t forget to schedule regular dental visits in Ocean County for thorough checkups and cleanings. Doing so will help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life!

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9 Fun Facts About Long Beach Island, NJ aka LBI

Posted on: April 5th, 2023 by admin

Anyone who has been to LBI knows it’s a beautiful, cozy community that thrives during the summer months. Whether you own a home there or you just take day trips to the beach, you probably love to visit.

So if you love to visit Long Beach Island, you might enjoy knowing a little more about it. With that in mind, we have some interesting facts for you. Take a look:

  1. Long Beach Island has been battered by some major storms. In 1920, most of the island was destroyed by a devastating winter storm that even reopened a once closed inlet in Holgate. In 1923, another storm smashed the island and knocked out rail service for a full three years, and in 1935, a storm washed out the railroad bridge to the mainland.
  2. Perhaps the worst storm was the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962. That storm split the island into several pieces and causes the USS Monssen, a Navy destroyer, to run aground. The storm is considered one of the 10 worst storms of the 20th Century in the United States, and almost destroyed all of Long Beach Island.
  3. Long Beach Island was also battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm flooded the island and cause the bridge to the island to be closed for 13 days.
  4. The current causeway that connects Long Beach Island to the mainland was constructed in the late 1950s.
  5. Long Beach Island is known as a fairly well to do area of New Jersey. Even as far back as 1970, Philadelphia Magazine joked that “the haves turn right and the have mores turn left,” referring to the turns south and north people make after arriving on the island.
  6. The communities on the north of the island, including Loveladies and North Beach, feature sprawling Victorian homes that often spark rumors of celebrities vacationing there.
  7. Though Long Beach Island is a highly desirable resort and vacation area, it is not comparable to nearby Jersey Shore communities like Seaside Heights, Wildwood, and Belmar. Instead of a thriving night club scene and rides and boardwalks, it’s a family oriented vacation spot with more focus on restaurants, museums, and beaches.
  8. Long Beach Island is home to many fishing and charter boats, some of which get 100 or more miles off the coast.
  9. Long Beach Island is home to the famed Surflight Theater. Built in 1950 by Joseph P. Hayes, for decades the theater has offered a place for the local arts to be performed, including music, dance, theater, and comedy.

What do you know about the Long Beach Island community? How in touch with its history are you? If you know some interesting facts we didn’t mention, tell us about them in the comments!

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