There are few things more important than our smile. It is a key factor in the first impression we give people. It tells others the kind of person we are, the mood we are in, and how we look at life. Yet too many of us are afraid to embrace our smile. We are self-conscious. We don’t let our smile shine the way we should. Reasons we don’t smile as big and beautifully as we should include:
- Our teeth lose their shine with age
- We have crooked or misaligned teeth
- Years of coffee and alcohol have yellowed our teeth
- A lack of confidence
- We are miserable
The thing is, hiding your smile does you a great disservice. Your smile does more for you than you realize. In many ways, it can be your most alluring feature. Here are things your smile does for you:
- Makes you more attractive than makeup, according to a recent study
- Give people a good first impression of you
- Can brighten your own mood; the more you smile, the more you’ll want to smile
- Puts those around you in better spirits
- Boosts your confidence and self-esteem
- Gives your customers/clients the impression that you are offering great service
And that list only just begins to scratch the surface of how beneficial your smile can be for you. No matter your field, no matter your walk of life, no matter the nature of your social life, your smile is truly a BIG DEAL. Knowing that, you’ll probably consider asking your dentist in Barnegat what they can do to help you improve your smile. It’s a good question! The basics, of course, always apply:
- Brush at least twice daily
- Minimize your intake of coffee and soda
- Floss regularly
- Consider asking your dentist for a whitening treatment
But what if you already do these things? What if your issues with your smile are much bigger than something a little brushing could solve? Then you might consider some cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic procedures are easy, affordable, and can do amazing things for your appearance. Here are some of the basic procedures to know about:
Veneers – Typically made or porcelain, these are shaped to conform to your teeth and then placed over them, allowing you to restore perfect whiteness while also addressing minor straightening and “snaggletooth” issues.
Whitening – Simple, safe, fast and effective, in-office whitening treatments can greatly enhance your smile at little cost.
Composites & Implants – Intended for those who have lost teeth, this is a way to fill gaps in your mouth with a natural look. They are also used for those with unsightly dark fillings.
Straightening – One of the oldest and most common cosmetic dentistry procedures, this process is a method to (you guessed it) straighten your teeth. There are several ways to accomplish this, depending on your needs. If any of these options sound right for you, contact a dentist serving Barnegat, Manahawkin, and Forked River today for more details!
You want whiter teeth. We all do. The confidence that comes with having a white, bright smile can be a huge part of living a happy life.
Modern teeth whitening treatments can help you get the glowing teeth you’ve always wanted, but if you want to keep that smile you’ll want to avoid eating or drinking too much of the following:
- Coffee – You had to know this would make the list. As much as many of us don’t like to hear it, coffee is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining your teeth. It may be the morning pick me up for half of America, but it’s also putting a damper on our bright smiles.
- Red Wine – Like coffee, red wine is a big favorite that can also wreak havoc with our teeth. It’s no surprise that so many red wine enthusiasts end up seeking a teeth whitening treatment, available to people in Barnegat, Manahawkin, Forked River and beyond. Long years of the good stuff is a great part of your social life, but a bad part of your dental life.
- Tea – Sorry, caffeine lovers, switching from coffee to tea will not cure your teeth staining blues. In fact, tea can be even more aggressive on your teeth than coffee. High in tannins and somewhat acidic, a lot of tea in your diet can be bad news for your teeth (and also, incidentally, for your kidneys). The good news is, black tea is the primary culprit. Switching to green, white and herbal teas can help.
- Cola – Your dentist in Ocean County has probably been telling you for years that soda is bad for your teeth. It’s something we all learned in childhood: all that sugar in soda will rot away your teeth. What they didn’t tell us is that cola can stain your teeth, too. The sugar, when couples with the dyes and coloring and other ingredients of cola, means you’ll be seeking a teeth whitening after a few years of regular cola consumption.
- Blueberries – Blueberries are a great part of your diet. High in antioxidants, they’re some of the very best fruits you can be eating – except, of course, when it comes to your teeth. Blueberries are especially high in tooth-staining colors, which is one of the reasons they were historically used in dyes. Blackberries, raspberries and other dark berries have similar qualities, but blueberries are by far the worst. Keep eating them – they’re good for you – just be sure to brush when you’re done.
- Tomato Sauce – Sorry, pasta lovers, but that great red sauce that is used in every other pasta dish you enjoy also has qualities that can contribute to stained teeth. The acidic nature of tomatoes coupled with their deep red color means that you may want to see your Ocean County dentist after long years of eating Italian food.
All of this may seem like bad news, but it’s not. Most of the above food and drinks have good health qualities (though you may want to skip the cola), and their staining effects can be reversed by modern teeth whitening treatments. Remember, consume them in moderation, practice good oral hygiene, and you can have a great smile your whole life long.
There is a reason why real estate is in demand in our area: Because the Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to live!
From easy access to some of the best beaches on the East Coast to New York City and Philadelphia being a short drive away and much more, people are eager to live in towns like Long Beach Island, Manahawkin, and Forked River.
But house hunting can be a chore. It doesn’t need to be if you follow these simple house hunting tips, though. With these in mind, you’ll have your perfect home in Southern Ocean County in no time.
Location, Location, Location – It’s not a cliché, it’s a fact of life! When it comes to real estate, location is everything, so be sure to look at more than the house. Check out the neighborhood, its access to local shopping and highways, and the school system.
Get Pre-approved – It’s rarely a bad idea to go to the bank BEFORE you start shopping for homes. A preapproval will not only give you peace of mind during the often stressful process of home shopping, it will also give you a clear idea of your budget limitations. Being equipped with this information will make the entire process smoother for you.
Create A Checklist – When you’re touring multiple homes during your survey of real estate, it can be easy to get a little overwhelmed. The best way to keep things straight is to create a simple checklist of features you want (or want to avoid). As you tour each home, mark off the checklist. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will be there to jog your memory when you’re trying to remember which home had what.
Know What You Want – It’s surprising how many home buyers don’t really know what they want when they go out looking. This can only make the entire process harder for you. Before you start shopping for homes, make a list of what you want from your purchase. This will make it much easier to zero in on the perfect home for you.
Do Your Research – The days of letting your real estate agent do all the work are long over. These days, it is incumbent upon the buyer to do their research as well. The Internet is a big place full of tools that can help you get the background you need on potential houses and neighborhoods to make a decision you won’t regret.
Be Ready To Make An Offer – When the moment finally comes to claim the Jersey Shore home they’ve been after, a surprising number of people find themselves paralyzed. It’s not altogether surprising. Buying a home is a major investment, after all. But if you’re out there shopping for a new home, you have to be prepared to make an offer the moment you know this is the home for you, otherwise you risk someone else sweeping the home out from under you. It happens!
Dentists see teeth every day. They work with them every day. They know them inside and out. Despite all this up close and personal experience, teeth never cease to amaze the people in your Ocean County dental office. We bet you’ll be amazed as well when you read some of these amazing facts about your pearly white teeth:
- Babies only have about 20 teeth. Once you grow into an adult, you get your full set of 32 teeth.
- Surveys suggest that 50% of folks say that a person’s smile is the first thing they notice.
- The hardest part of your body is in your mouth – your tooth enamel!
- The amount of saliva you produce over the course of your lifetime is enough to fill two entire swimming pools!
- Mosquitoes may seem to “bite,” and in fact they do have teeth! They have about 47 in all.
- You can extend the life of a tooth that gets knocked out by putting it in milk or placing it temporarily in your mouth. Keep that in mind if you have to take an emergency trip to your Ocean County dentist!
- When you skip flossing, you fail to clean up to 35% of your tooth surface area.
- Humans beings will get two sets of teeth during their lifetime. By comparison, sharks will get about 40!
- Every single year, students in America lose 51 million hours of class time due to dental-related maladies.
- Consumers in America buy about 14 million gallons of toothpaste every single year.
- If you think kids eat more candy than adults, you’d better think again. The truth is, adults consume about 65% of all the candy made in the United States
- Over the course of your lifetime, you are likely to spend about 38 days brushing your teeth.
- Snails have about 25 teeth in the weirdest place: on their tongue.
- The most common childhood disease is one your dentist knows too well: tooth decay.
- You can reduce your chance of tooth decay by 25% by brushing daily.
- About 80% of dental injuries sustained by children in the United States happen to their front teeth.
- A tooth that gets knocked out has to be treated fast: it will start to die within 15 minutes.
- Your tongue prints are unique! No two are alike.
- People used to use charcoal ashes, lemon juice, chalk, and other odd stuff to brush their teeth.
- So-called “milk teeth” start to form while the baby is still in the womb, but they don’t actually show up until a child is six months to a year old.
- Modern toothpaste is a fairly new thing: it has only been around for about 100 years.
- George Washington only had one real tooth at the time of his inauguration!
- About 25% of kids won’t have seen a dentist near Manahawkin before they reach kindergarten. Parents, do something about that!
- Your teeth – or at the least the parts you can see – are only part of your dental health concerns, because about one third of your teeth are actually located underneath your gums.
- If you added up all the people on Earth right now, it wouldn’t tally up to the number of bacteria in your mouth RIGHT NOW!
Pretty amazing stuff, huh? It’s easy to see why your pearly whites are so fascinating. They are far more interesting than people realize!
Ever thought about living near coast of New Jersey, especially in towns like Manahawkin, Forked River and Barnegat? If you haven’t before, you sure will after reading these seven reasons why it’s AWESOME:
1) Easy Access To Recreation
If you want recreation, there are few better places to be than the beach, especially in Southern Ocean County and Long Beach Island. Surfing, boating, fishing, swimming, sun bathing, games, music, paddle boarding, night clubs, nature preserves, food festivals, and so much more we can barely list it all. If you can’t find something to do at the shore it’s because you refuse to leave the house!
2) It’s Relaxing
Think about the sound of the surf, the smell of the water, the laid back way people go about their lives, and then think about yourself in the middle of it all right here in Ocean County. Yes, that is what living at the shore can be like – and it can be like that every single day of the year! Doesn’t matter if you live in a small bungalow or have a huge beachfront house, being near the the ocean can lift your spirits and help you do something few people can manage: relax!
3) You’ll Enjoy A Longer Life
It might sound like nonsense, but it’s true. Studies show that people who do not take annual vacations are 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. So what better way to extend your life then by building a perpetual vacation into your life? That’s exactly what living at the beach is like. At any moment you choose, you can flip the switch from normal life to relaxing. Take a walk to the sand, go look out over the way, enjoy some water sports, go fishing, walk your dog, go people watching – the whole area here near Long Beach Island a tremendous place to unwind!
4) Visits From Friends And Family Will Be Great
If you enjoy making people feel welcome, you’ll have an easy time if you live near the shore. People love to visit the region for a reason, and they love it even more when they are visiting good friends and family. Give them something to see and something to do, often without much effort on your part. That’s exactly what living near the shore can do!
5) Get In Touch With Nature
It may appear that the shore region is built up to a major degree – and in some ways, it is – but there are not only plenty of parks and open areas, even the built-up communities allow access to mother nature you can’t get in the suburbs. When was the last time you watched dolphins and whales play in your McMansion community, or walked two blocks to do some ocean fishing, or fed ducks and gulls on the bay right in your backyard?
6) Salt Water Is Good For Your Health
Yet another mark in favor of shore living, salt water is not just calming to the soul, it can actually help heal little nicks and cuts. Add in the fact that beach sand can help exfoliate your skin, helping you to feel cleaner and fresher, and you have the makings for a healthier life.
7) It’s A Great Investment
When it comes down to it, this may be the biggest reason to own property at the shore. Waterfront property is always in demand. It never goes out of style. Your investment is all but guaranteed to increase for you. Add that to all the lifestyle bonuses mentioned above, and the reasons for living at the shore should be obvious.
And naturally, once you’re here and smiling about your choice, choose us as your Ocean County dentist and we’ll keep your smile bright!
These days, few dental procedures are becoming more commonplace than getting dental implants.
To put it in the most basic terms, a dental implant is an artificial root used to support various dental prosthesis, such as dentures, crowns, and so on. They are a part of a wide array of procedures, from some types of false teeth to full dental reconstruction.
Our doctors at Bayside work with experienced surgeons and coordinate your care through each phase of treatment. Once the surgeon has placed the implant or implants, our doctors can finish your case with beautifully fabricated restorations, whether it is a single crown (“cap”), bridge or even a full denture.
What kinds of people get dental implants?
- Those who have lost a tooth or teeth in an accident
- Those facing major tooth replacement due to decay
- Athletes who lost teeth during competition
- Actors and models seeking to improve their smile
- Older patients who do not want traditional dentures
- Anyone who is missing teeth
As you can see, dental implants cover a wide range of people and a wide variety of needs. With such a broad demographic, you might assume that the reasons people get dental implants are just as varied.
That assumption would be correct. Here are just a few of the reasons why patients seek out dental implants from their dentist in Southern Ocean County:
- Prevent Jawbone Loss – Choosing a fixed bridge over a dental implant means your jawbone will begin to deteriorate. A root tooth is required to adequately stimulate the bone. A dental implant supplies that stimulation.
- Maintain Your Appearance – No dental reconstruction procedure goes further in maintaining your appearance than dental implants in Barnegat. This is because other procedures can result in a “sunken” appearance around your jaw, among other issues.
- Help You Speak Better – Unlike other procedures, dental implants effectively recreate the condition your jaw should be in. Other procedures can impact the way you speak, forcing you to relearn certain ways of speaking. This is not the case with dental implants.
- Longer Lasting – Most other dental restoration procedures do not last nearly as long as dental implants do.
- More Permanent Than Traditional Dentures – Traditional dentures have been a necessity for some people, but no one likes them. Dental implants can replace traditional dentures with a more permanent, more comfortable option.
- Prevent Shifting Of Your Teeth – When there is an empty space in your jaw, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift into that space. In time, this will result in crooked teeth. Dental implants will prevent this.
Based on the above, the reasons why people in Southern Ocean County get dental implants should be obvious. No matter how you look at them, they are superior to traditional dentures and tooth replacement.
They are catching on nationwide, too. Consider these facts:
- 3 million Americans now have dental implants
- 10 percent of dentists now perform the procedure
- Dental implants are a $1 billion market in the United States
- The success rate for dental implants is 98 percent
- Only modern materials, such as titanium alloys, are used in dental implants
- The surgery is painless
- Dental implants cannot get cavities
We pride ourselves in having educated, knowledgeable patients. That is why it comes as little surprise to us that when people from Southern Ocean County visit, many are quick to ask about dental implants.
Because the bottom line is that dental implants work better than the other options.
The health of your mouth is important – probably more important than you realize. Good habits can improve your oral health, and can also improve your overall health as well. The bottom line is simple: visiting your dentist serving Manahawkin is a big deal to your overall well being!
In fact, there is strong scientific evidence that your oral health can have a direct role in the health of your entire body. It’s true! Read the following and you’ll see how.
Your Habits When It Comes To Oral Health Can Affect Your Weight
It’s a scientifically proven fact: a good oral hygiene routine can have an impact on your weight. It’s true! You see, brushing your teeth signals your brain that you are finished eating. Try it yourself and see what happens. Your will have a suppressed appetite. In other words, break out that tooth brush! The folks at your dentist office near Manahawkin will be glad about it, too.
You’ll Look Better Than Ever
If we’re honest with ourselves, we all want to look as good as we can. Your mouth is an important part of that, since your eyes and smile are the first two things people notice. So with that in mind, good oral hygiene is not just important for your health, it helps you look and feel better than ever. A bright smile can boost your confidence, and that is priceless.
Oral Infections Often Spread
When you have gum disease it can lead to oral infections, and those infections can spread to other parts of your body. They can worsen digestive issues, spread to the heart and result in bacterial endocarditis, and more. This is why some diseases can be diagnosed by symptoms in your mouth. Some of them include heart disease, diabetes, leukemia, and kidney disease.
The Link between Gum Disease And Diabetes
Your dentist serving Manahawkin knows that people suffering from diabetes are more prone to gum disease. We also now know that the link may go in the other direction. In other words, gum disease may contribute to diabetes by impacting blood glucose control. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the bacteria associated with gum disease produces toxins that can increase insulin resistance and, as a result, blood glucose levels.
Bad Oral Health Can Affect Your Pregnancy
Pregnant women already know they’re eating for two. What they might not know is that bad oral health can affect their baby. Doctors have linked periodontitis to low birth weight and premature birth. Good reason to maintain a healthy mouth!
What all this means is simple: it’s a good idea to take good care of your mouth, because it can have a major impact on your overall health! Ask your dentists near Manahawkin for more information on how your healthy and oral hygiene are linked so you can learn how good habits can benefit you.
In the meantime, happy brushing, eat the right foods, and of course, don’t forget to floss! That will get you off to a great start!
Life at the Jersey Shore is pretty great. That much is clear if you ask the people who live there.
It’s even pretty great for visitors, provided you’re visiting the right communities. Have no fear, though, we have a list of six towns that you should add to your “must visit” list if you want to have a good time when the weather is good. Between the six you’ll find relaxation, fun, excitement, and more. Check them out:
Ocean Beach
This small subsection of Toms River was battered during Hurricane Sandy but is making a valiant comeback. The quaint bungalows that make up most of Ocean Beach make this a nice town for summer rentals or affordable retirements. The damage from Sandy is still apparent, but it’s getting better by the day.
Point Pleasant
This bustling shore community has everything from historic homes to a traditional downtown to a busy boardwalk with rides and games and nightclubs – and, of course, a lovely beach. There are few communities more fun to visit than Point Pleasant, which is why it’s known as one of the premier destinations in Ocean County.
Cape May
An historic town filled with charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and romantic getaways, Cape May is one of New Jersey’s most cherished shore communities. Many of these homes have been here since the 19th Century, giving the town a feel that now many others in the state can boast.
Wildwood
It’s right there in the name. If you like your weekends wild, Wildwood and the surrounding towns showcase the fun side of the Jersey Shore. The town boasts a lengthy boardwalk packed with games and rides and places to eat, and is also filled with things to do, eat, drink, see and enjoy. There is a reason why Wildwood is such a popular weekend getaway!
Asbury Park
Asbury Park fell into decline for many years, but it is back and in a big way. Thanks to great restaurants, shops, art galleries and more, this town is once again thriving. It’s a town ideal for hip young people. Not only is the bar scene is excellent, but the music scene is great, too, and there are good apartments and homes available. This is a return to form long in the making!
Lavallette
Located adjacent to Toms River, this tiny little beachfront community is on the barrier island separating the Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It enjoys a close proximity to hot shore towns like Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights, but Lavallette itself is a quiet town with plenty of local shops and neighbors who know one another. It was recently ranked one of the top places to live in New Jersey, too.
Toothpaste is one of the most important tools in your oral health arsenal! But keep in mind that your Ocean County dentist will tell you that you have to choose the right type of toothpaste if you want your brushing to be as effective as it can be.
Wait, there can be a right and wrong kind of toothpaste? Actually, yes! You really can use the wrong type of toothpaste!
The fact is, not all toothpastes are made to work the same. They can be designed to address many different dental needs, depending on whatever the folks at your dental office serving Manahawkin tell you you should address first. An essential part of making good decisions about your oral care is knowing which toothpastes are the right choices for your family.
Experts in dentistry near Manahawkin will suggest you follow these five tips when making a choice:
1) Fluoride!
Don’t make the mistake of thinking every toothpaste contains fluoride. They don’t! Some “natural” toothpaste brands are free of fluoride. These are good for very young children under the age of six – fluoride can actually discolor teeth in young children – but once they are older, follow the recommendation of your dental office serving Manahawkin and use a toothpaste with fluoride. It’s one of the most vital ways in which brushing can help you battle cavities.
2) Whitening!
Whitening toothpastes are bigger than ever and easily available. But do you need one? They are fine options that might help slow down staining, but don’t expect dramatic results. They might be able to lighten your teeth by up to a shade, though even that would be a great result. The truth is, if you have sensitive teeth you should not use whitening toothpastes because they have chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive.
3) Who’s Using It?
Remember that there are toothpastes made specifically for adults, and there are toothpastes made specifically for children. Always read labels carefully so you understand who the intended user is. For further advice, an a dentist in Ocean County for their input. Remember that a brand of toothpaste may not be suitable for the whole family!
4) ADA Approval!
Look for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance on your toothpaste. Any brand that is proven to be safe and effective will have that logo. It doesn’t matter the style you choose – whitening, all natural, baking soda, and others – if it doesn’t have the seal of approval by the ADA, take a pass. Your dentist near Manahawkin will give you the same advice.
5) Chronic Dental Problems?
Be sure to inform your dentist serving Manahawkin if you have chronic tooth problems that you are feeling on a regular basis. Pain, temperature sensitivity, and other chronic maladies are a sign there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. You may be surprised to learn that your dentist may even be able to suggest a new type of toothpaste to help with your symptoms, such as desensitizing toothpaste.
Ready to start brushing? They get in the bathroom and do it, then visit your dental office near Manahawkin for a check up to see how well your teeth are doing.
The Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to spend a vacation. The beaches are beautiful, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are excellent. Those of us who live and work here have to remind ourselves that it’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!
Fishing – The Long Beach Island region has a thriving fishing scene that goes back centuries, with deep ties to fishing and trade that date back hundreds of years. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The region has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, and charter boats are plentiful. It’s as easy to spend a day out on the ocean as it is fishing in the surf or casting into the bay.
Sunbathing – Yes, this one is simple. It’s what most people want to do when they visit the shore, anyway! And it’s easy. When you’re staying in towns like Manahawkin and Long Beach Island, the beach is just minutes away. Spread out a blanket, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the water if you need to cool off. There is a reason why our beaches are so popular!
Restaurants – You don’t have to travel far from your Manahawkin hotel to find some fantastic places to eat in the area. It should go without saying that seafood is a specialty around here, with fresh catches coming in multiple times a day, but we also have a wealth of Italian eateries, amazing delis, classic diners, a wide array of ethnic food, excellent steakhouses, and much more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!
Paddleboarding – One of the fastest growing water sports is stand-up paddleboarding, and for good reason. It’s a fun, relaxing, easy way to get in the water and enjoy the shore. Unlike surfing, paddleboarding doesn’t require years of practice and amazing agility. As long as you can stand, you can use a SUP, or Stand-up Paddleboard. You can rent paddleboards, so consider taking some time out on the water!
Local History – The Long Beach Island and Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the famed Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that showcase the area’s rich ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. We urge you to pay them a visit!
Cocktails – There is nothing quite like a cocktail in the sun, and the Manahawkin and Long Beach Island region offers you plenty of opportunities to enjoy exactly that. Have a few cold ones, sip on a margarita, and just enjoy a little bit of the beach life before you return to the daily grind. You’ve earned it!
As you can see, there is plenty to do nearby, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. From watersports to hiking to nature to shopping and much more, you will love your time away at the Jersey Shore!