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How to live up to your New Year’s Resolutions

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How to live up to your New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on: January 4th, 2023 by admin

The New Year is here again, and you’ve got some goals in mind. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds, or read some of the classic novels, or be a more patient driver.

Believe us, as dentists serving southern Ocean County, NJ, we know many of our patients have big goals for the year ahead!

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Whatever you goals, remember the following and you’ll be well prepared to ensure those New Year’s Resolutions are not mere hot air:

  1. Keep Track Of Your Successes – If you’ve resolved to read 12 classic novels this year, post about your progress to Facebook. If you want to get more exercise, keep a log of your daily progress. If you are trying to lose weight, take weekly pictures to track how you’re doing.
  1. Allow Yourself To Celebrate Achievements – The road towards your final goal may be a difficult one, so don’t be shy about patting yourself on the back now and then. Rewards for meeting key milestones – losing you first five pounds, running a mile for the first time, going three months without alcohol, etc. – are well-earned. Give yourself a day off from work, go shopping, or some other reward that won’t set you back.
  1. Be Ready To Reassess – Making big changes in your life is a noble goal, but big changes often come with roadblocks you may not have foreseen. That’s okay. Be prepared to periodically reassess your goals and to adjust them as necessary. That’s not failure, it’s simply being smart and realistic.
  1. Put Something Of Value On The Line – Loss can be a great motivator. Consider making a friendly wager that you can meet your goals, or use a site like stickK.com, a site set up by behavioral analysts through which you can forfeit a chosen amount of money if you don’t succeed. Quite a motivator!
  1. Let Others Do The Work For You – With some goals, it’s possible to automate the process and/or let others do the heavy lifting for you. Saving money, for instance. If you want to save more, arrange for your employer to direct deposit a specific amount from each paycheck into a side account. Opt for the bank not to send you monthly statements on that account, and do not accept a bank card. Before you know it, you’ll be building savings with no effort at all.
  1. Mix And Match For Better Success – If you hate exercise but love music, use your exercise time to catch up on music you may have missed. If you want to eat better and love to eat out, start eating at restaurants that specialize in healthy food. If you want to read more but have a hard time staying focused, take a book with you to the gym and use that time for reading. The combinations are endless, and they can help you meet your goals.

But the most important thing to remember is both the simplest and the most difficult: Be positive. As dentists serving Manahawkin and the surrounding area, we know it works!

Good luck!

Your First Visit to a Nutritionist

Posted on: November 16th, 2022 by admin

Consulting with a nutritionist is a great way to get tailored information about improving your eating habits and making better health choices. But if you’ve never been to see a nutritionist before, you might not know what to expect. According to a recent survey, many people fear being judged by a nutritionist or worry that the visit will be too expensive.

So here’s a quick overview of what you can expect during your first visit.

1. Lots of questions

During your first visit, the nutritionist will likely ask about your medical history, family history, and eating habits. They may also ask about your weight-loss goals and any other health concerns you have. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly so the nutritionist can clearly understand your health situation and make the best recommendations.

When answering these questions, it’s also important to be open and honest about any challenges you face with your diet or eating habits. The nutritionist is there to help you overcome these challenges, not to judge you. You may be surprised at how easy it is to open up about your eating habits when talking to someone who is supportive and non-judgmental.

2. Health tests

Sometimes, the nutritionist may recommend that you have some health tests done before your first visit. These tests can help the nutritionist understand any underlying health conditions affecting your diet or eating habits. This is not always necessary, but it can be helpful in some cases. Your nutritionist only wants what’s best for you, so if they recommend testing, it’s probably in your best interest to do it.

One test the nutritionist may recommend is a laboratory chemistry analyzer to check for deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. This test is usually covered by insurance, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the cost. But if you’re not covered by insurance, the nutritionist may be able to provide you with a discount.

3. A personalized plan

The nutritionist will then use the information you provided to create a personalized nutrition plan. This plan may include recommendations for specific foods to eat or avoid, portion sizes, and meal timing. They may also recommend supplements or other lifestyle changes to help you reach your goals. Many nutritionists also offer ongoing support, so you can check in with them periodically to see how you’re doing and make any necessary adjustments to your plan.

Of course, the plan will only work if you’re willing to commit to it. So be honest with yourself about whether you’re ready to make some changes to your diet and lifestyle. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. The nutritionist can still provide some useful information and resources. But if you’re not willing to make any changes, the nutritionist may not be able to help you much.

4. Follow-up visits

The nutritionist will likely schedule follow-up visits so that they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your plan. These follow-up visits are crucial to helping you reach your long-term health goals. You may not need to see the nutritionist as often once you’ve made some progress, but it’s important to keep them in the loop so they can help you stay on track.

Some nutritionists also offer online or phone support between visits. This can be helpful if you have any questions or need some motivation. Ask your nutritionist if they offer this service so you can take advantage of it if you need to. If not, plenty of other resources are available online and in books to help you stay on track.

5. An investment in your health

Seeing a nutritionist is an investment in your health. It’s important to remember that you’re not just paying for their time. You’re also paying for their expertise and knowledge. This is something that you can’t put a price on. The cost of seeing a nutritionist will vary depending on the nutritionist’s experience, location, and the services they offer. Many insurance plans cover at least some of the cost of seeing a nutritionist. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, there may be other options available to help you pay for it.

If you’re considering consulting with a nutritionist, you don’t need to be nervous! Just be prepared to answer some questions about your medical history, family history, and current eating habits. The nutritionist will use this information to create a personalized plan for you that includes recommendations for specific foods to eat or avoid, portion sizes, and meal timing. With the help of a qualified nutritionist, you’ll be on your way to reaching your long-term health goals in no time!

How to Make Healthier Choices for Your Family at Home

Posted on: June 8th, 2022 by admin

Making healthier choices for your family at home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of small changes you can make to lead to a healthier lifestyle for your whole family. You only want what’s best for them, so you need to make an effort to give them what they need.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Ensure everyone eats a balanced diet.

Start by looking at your diet. What are you eating? Is it healthy? Are you getting the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables? If not, then it’s time to make some changes. You can’t expect your family to eat healthy if you’re not eating healthy yourself. Lead by example and make sure everyone in the house gets the nutrients they need.

You can cook healthier meals at home or, if you’re short on time, look for healthy restaurant options when you eat out. Just be sure to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Some families even choose to eat organic foods to avoid pesticides and other chemicals. They may cost a little more, but they’re worth it for your family’s health.

2. Make physical activity a priority.

A sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health, especially kids, so encourage your family to be active. Get everyone moving with some fun activities that get everyone’s heart rate up. You can go for a bike ride, play tag, or take a trip to the park. Just make sure you’re getting in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

You can also take some simple steps to make your home more active. For example, you can put a TV in the family room instead of each individual’s bedroom. This way, your kids will be more likely to watch it together and be active instead of sitting in front of the TV alone in their room. You can also get a Wii or Xbox and play active video games together as a family.

3. Buy healthy products.

When you’re at the grocery store, make an effort to buy healthy food options for your family. This means avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy snacks. Instead, choose nutritious alternatives like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread, and lean protein sources.

You can also buy healthy products, like air purifiers and water filters. These products can help improve the quality of the air and water in your home, which is essential for your family’s health. Always look for safe products for your family to help them live healthier lives.

Additionally, when buying items online, order from reputable sites. For example, you only want to buy safe baby products online from a trusted source to ensure your child’s safety. You can also purchase health and fitness products online to help your family live a healthier lifestyle.

4. Create a safe and healthy home environment.

You can do a few things to make your home safer and healthier for your family. For example, you can install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It would be best if you also had a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.

In addition, you can make your home more energy-efficient by installing energy-saving light bulbs and appliances. This can help you save money on your utility bills and reduce your family’s carbon footprint. You can buy eco-friendly products for your home, like recycled paper and natural cleaning supplies.

You can also create a healthy home environment by keeping your home clean and clutter-free. This can help reduce the risk of accidents and improve your family’s overall health. Be sure to vacuum and dust regularly, and don’t forget to clean behind and under furniture.

5. Encourage good sleep habits.

Some families have trouble getting to bed on time, but it’s essential to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep. A lack of sleep can lead to health problems, so try to establish a bedtime routine that everyone can stick to. This means no more late nights in front of the TV or computer.

Set a bedtime for everyone in the house and make sure everyone sticks to it. You can even turn off the Wi-Fi at night, so no one is tempted to stay up late and surf the web. A good night’s sleep is vital for everyone’s health, so make it a priority in your home.

 

Making healthy choices for your family at home can be challenging, but it’s worth it in the long run. By putting your family’s health first, you can help them live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Implement some of these tips in your home today and see the difference it makes for your family.

Manahawkin is amazing in the summer!

Posted on: May 25th, 2022 by admin

We’re all hoping to escape from confinement this summer and enjoy summer at the Shore. There are some big question marks, of course, but hopefully better days are ahead!

After all, the Jersey Shore is a great place to spend a week or a long weekend, especially the area around Barnegat (where our offices are located) and Manahawkin. The beaches are gorgeous, the shopping is great, the sun and surf are always welcome. It’s amazing how such great attractions can be so close to home!

With that in mind, here are a few things to take in this summer – with proper social distancing, of course!

Sunbathing

This is what most people want to do when they visit the shore! 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 onto the beach, relax, soak up the sun, jump in the ocean if you need to cool off. There is a reason why we love having our dentist office near Manahawkin.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-black-sunglasses-on-sand-1209610/

Fishing

The Southern Ocean County region has a great fishing community that goes back centuries. Because of that, our fishing tradition is strong and proud, and the doctors here at our Barnegat dentists office take full advantage of that. There is plenty of fishing to go around, too. The area has many public fishing spots and great piers and docks for fishing, plus 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, so if you’re in the area and you love to fish, you’re in luck.

Paddleboarding

One of the fastest growing water sports is paddleboarding. 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. As long as you can stand, you can do it!

Local History

The Manahawkin region is rich with history, from the beloved Barnegat Lighthouse to fantastic local museums that show off the region’s ties to the sea. There are historic buildings to see, parks to visit, and great local historical societies that regularly hold special events. With our dental office near Manahawkin, we enjoy visiting these places. We urge you to pay them a visit, too!

Restaurants

You don’t have to travel far to find some fantastic places to eat in Southern Ocean County. It should go without saying that seafood is popular around here, with fresh catches daily. We also have a wealth of Italian places, great delis, classic diners, a large array of ethnic food, steakhouses, and more. If you can’t find something to eat in our area, you’re not trying!

Cocktails

There is nothing quite like a cocktail near the beach, and 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! Just be sure to visit your dentist near Manahawkin afterward, because some cocktails are not great for your teeth.

As you can see, there is plenty to do in the Southern Ocean County area, 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!

How Cosmetic Dental Work Can Also Be a Makeover

Posted on: March 16th, 2022 by admin

Reinventing oneself and undergoing makeovers are more acceptable in today’s society. Before, these things are only regarded as something superficial. Through the years, there is an increased awareness about mental health. People realize that makeovers are excellent ways to cope with self-image issues, and this includes cosmetic dentistry in Manahawkin.

Take an Honest Self- assessment

Some people find their dental issues bothersome not only on a surface level. If you are looking into undergoing a smile makeover, you have to ask yourself the purpose behind it. It could be for a boost in self-confidence or it could be because of health reasons. It would be easier to go through the process if you know your motivation.

Also, you have to look back on the reasons that brought you your dental issues. Discolored teeth can result from smoking. Cracks in your teeth may be a result of a poor diet or teeth-grinding habits. A smile makeover is not only about reinventing your smile. It also involves making some lifestyle changes.

Weigh the Benefits and Inconveniences

There are many benefits to a better set of teeth. One will feel a change with their physical health. A better set of teeth could help in digesting food, having a healthier heart, or getting better sleep. Also, a better set of teeth can help you interact better with people around you. You can gain confidence every time you smile.

There are some disadvantages that you have to consider too. One of them is the cost of such procedures. You have to see if you can fund such an endeavor. Another is that it may take some time to complete some treatments. Many visits to a dental clinic in Forked River may translate to a day off work. See if your job or your schedule can accommodate these dental visits. You must also be ready for some adverse effects after the treatment. Gauge if you can tolerate some minor lifestyle changes until you reach full recovery.

Plan and Research

Did you surpass the first two steps and are still decided to have a dental makeover? Then, you can start acting on it. The foolproof way to succeed in having a dental makeover is to plan and research. Find the best dentist that you think can address your dental issues. It is someone that you would be comfortable working with. You may also consider someone who can answer all your queries.

Research on the type of cosmetic dental procedure that you need. These procedures range from the simplest which is teeth whitening. Veneers, implants, or crowns address missing or chipped teeth. You can also look into orthodontics for better alignment of your teeth. Discuss with your dentist how to go about the whole treatment plan.

Gather the Courage to Do It

Once you have discussed everything with your dentist, you must push through with it. Make sure to be present at each appointment until you complete the set of procedures. Remember to respect the process and not hasten it. Remind yourself that you are reinventing an aspect of yourself. You are not looking for a quick fix only.

Follow the special instructions of your dentist as you go along with your treatment. These extra directives may lessen some adverse effects that you might experience.

Stay Committed

One of the pitfalls of a smile makeover is when a patient fails to follow through after the treatment. A smile makeover is not a magic formula that will give you a perfect set of teeth forever. Even with these advanced treatments, the bulk of the success will come after.

Good oral hygiene is a must to maintain your new and brighter smile. You have to commit to being more vigilant on how you take care of your teeth. This includes everyday cleaning routines, avoidance of vices, and choosing healthy foods.

To help you stay committed, you may have visual reminders. Post pictures of your teeth before and after your smile makeover. This will remind you of what you have succeeded to do.

Reinventing your smile through cosmetic dental procedures in Manahawkin is an empowering choice. Enjoy the change and do not be apologetic to some people who may not understand yet this concept. Aim to educate that these procedures are not a sign of narcissism but an act of self-love.

Get Started on a Healthy Diet by Making Simple Swaps

Posted on: March 9th, 2022 by admin

Old habits die hard, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you’re struggling to make the switch to clean and healthy eating, don’t worry – you’re not alone. It can be challenging to break old habits and make a change, but you can do it with a bit of effort. Here are ten quick tips to help you get started:

1) Buy fresh produce that’s in season

Not only is buying fresh produce cheaper, but it will taste better and be more nutritious. This is because produce that’s in season is picked when it’s ripe, whereas produce that’s out of season is often picked before it’s ripe and has to be artificially ripened.

2) Shop the perimeter of the grocery store

The grocery store perimeter is where you’ll find fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. The middle aisles are filled with processed foods that are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Of course, this would depend on the grocery store you go to – some stores have a more health-focused layout, while others are more processed food-oriented.

3) Choose lean protein sources

Lean protein sources include chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. These foods are lower in fat and calories than unhealthy protein sources like red meat and processed meats. By swapping your usual proteins to lean meats, you can make your meals healthier and lower fat. Another benefit of lean protein sources is that they’re generally low in allergens, making them a good choice for people with food allergies or sensitivities.

4) Opt for whole grains instead of refined carbs

Refined carbs like white bread and pasta are low in fiber and nutrients, whereas whole grains like brown rice and quinoa are high in fiber and nutrients. Whole grains also tend to be lower in sugar and calories than refined carbs. Making the switch to whole grains is an easy way to make your meals healthier.

5) Avoid processed foods as much as possible

Processed foods are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Not only are they bad for your health, but they’re also often expensive. It’s best to avoid processed foods as much as possible and stick to whole, unprocessed foods because they’re healthier for you and your wallet.

6) Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks

Water is essential for health, and many people don’t drink enough. Sugary drinks like sodas and sports drinks are high in sugar and calories, contributing to weight gain. It’s best to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks whenever possible. However, if you’re craving something sweet but don’t want the empty calories, you could go with fruit juices like Fit n’ Right BURN to satiate your taste buds.

7) Get enough fiber by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller longer. The best way to get enough fiber is by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. There are all sorts of fruits and vegetables, so you’re sure to find some that you enjoy and that are also high in fiber. For instance, you could try adding some leafy greens to your meals or snacking on an apple or a pear.

8) Avoid eating late at night

Eating late at night can make it harder to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight because you’re more likely to overeat. It’s best to avoid eating late at night and try to have your last meal a few hours before bedtime. This way, your body will have time to digest your food, and you won’t be as likely to overeat.

9) Make time for breakfast every morning

Breakfast is indeed your most important meal, which is why you should try your best to make time for it every morning. A healthy breakfast can give you the energy you need to start your day and help you make healthy choices throughout the day. Some healthy breakfast ideas include oatmeal, eggs, yogurt, and fruit. If you don’t have enough time to cook breakfast in the morning, you could try overnight oats and other no-cook breakfast recipes.

10) Have fun with your food and try new recipes!

There are plenty of great, healthy recipes available online. Just do a quick search for “healthy recipes” or “clean eating recipes,” and you’ll find plenty of recipes to try. Not only will cooking your meals help you eat healthier, but it will also save you money. So have fun with your food and try new recipes!

In today’s world, eating clean and healthy is a goal for many people. But it can be challenging to know where to start. Hopefully, these quick tips can help you get on the right track and make healthy eating more effortless than ever! Don’t get frustrated if you don’t stick to your healthy eating goals perfectly – everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Just keep trying, and eventually, you’ll develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Fitness Activities: Secrets of Healthy Mind and Body

Posted on: February 17th, 2022 by admin

Exercise is key to maintaining both a healthy mind and body. While this saying is undoubtedly true, it can be hard to get started on an exercise program, especially if you don’t know where to begin.

The secret of staying fit lies within motivation, and what other way can you feel motivated by simply having fun! Try out these exciting activities that will keep you fit and help build your muscles.

Aerobics Classes

Aerobic classes are great for increasing your heart rate while toning the body, making it an ideal form of exercise for beginners. It involves upbeat pop music, fast movements, and jumping around-something that will get your pulses pounding. Many aerobics classes now come with cool names that make the activity more fun. You can take up a course sanctioned by pop stars or famous TV shows.

Aerobic dance is a great way to lose excess weight and increase your strength and stamina. It helps one burn calories quickly, reducing fat deposits from your body.

Gymnastics Classes

Gymnastic classes, also known as power tumbling and acrobatics, comprise skills like flips, balancing, and jumps performed on a mat or trampoline to develop flexibility and strength in the body.

These classes are suitable for those who lack physical strength and want to gain it. Children and adults can take them up-provided the trainer is skilled and capable of handling participants without experience.

Pole Dancing

Pole dancing is a form of dance whose goal is to enhance strength and flexibility while also keeping the heart rate high.

Developed from a circus skill, it involves holding onto a metal pole with both arms and legs and performing various movements that require coordination and balance.

Pole dancing is an activity that you can make more challenging by using props like scarves and belts.

Belly Dancing Classes

Belly dancing is a type of dance in which sways, gyrations, hip shakes, and hip drops are used to shift your body weight from one foot to another or from one hip to another.

It is a great way to burn calories and strengthen your muscles-especially the inner thigh, abdomen, and back muscles-all simultaneously. It can be done in social and cultural gatherings and has very few side effects.

Yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are ancient exercise methods that help tone the muscles. They also strengthen the mind, focusing on one thing at a time.

Yoga is performed using yoga poses or asanas-known as ‘chakras’ in Sanskrit-meant to evoke certain feelings like peace and calm.

Pilates is a series of movements done on specialized equipment to strengthen the core. It also helps to increase flexibility in muscles and build strength.

These classes involve meditation, strength training sessions, or aerobics using yoga poses.

Personalized Fitness Routine

The best fitness routine is the one that you do yourself. You need to understand what your body needs and then plan a way to keep it fit.

Your routine can be anything that addresses your needs and fits your level of fitness. It could range from something as simple as yoga or aerobics classes to more challenging workouts at the gym.

Either way, you don’t necessarily have to create a routine from scratch. You can find Bootcamp workouts ideas from fitness magazines and websites, then add a personal twist to it.

Outdoor Activities

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-having-fun-together-under-the-sun-708392/

If you work out at the gym, try taking fitness outdoors. Walk whenever you can, ride your bike or scooter instead of driving to work or school, and play sports like badminton or squash with friends to keep fit.

The advantage of exercising outdoors is that it keeps you motivated to do more than you would if you were stuck in a gym. You can do things like run, jog, or dance-whatever you want to keep your mind and body active.

Doing Chores

Doing chores is another way of getting fit. Cleaning, scrubbing, mopping, and all housekeeping jobs are suitable for your muscles and will help relieve stress too.

Cleaning work is not limited to just homes. You can take up cleaning courses to do the job professionally as well. Nonetheless, what’s essential is you reflect a positive attitude towards cleaning and see it for what it is: a better way of keeping fit.

So, these are some of the best activities that will keep you healthy and fit. They are varied and can be tailored to any fitness level so that you can find the perfect one for you.

The key to a healthy mind and body is to be consistent in your routine and not get discouraged when you can’t do all the exercises perfectly. Incorporate rest days into your routine, too-this will help your body recuperate from a strenuous workout.

You know these smiles when you see them!

Posted on: January 26th, 2022 by admin

There is nothing quite like seeing a larger than life star up on the silver screen. America has been fascinated with celebrities since the dawn of the film era more than 100 years ago. During that time, we’ve come to expect a certain “perfect” look to our stars and starlets.

Sometimes, though, a star with a unique look catches our attention and wins our admiration. Here are 8 of them, with a special focus on their smiles – because we are dentists, after all!

  1. Clint Howard – Clint Howard is one of those actors who you may not know by name, but when you see him you realize you’ve seen him in a million movies. He’s no matinee idol and he knows it, but he’s also one of the nicest, most talented guys in Hollywood. His smile is more than a little unusual, and that’s a big part of his charm.
  1. Julia Roberts – Julia Roberts is known as the “Pretty Woman” of Hollywood thanks to a big, bold smile that is larger than life. When she smiles wide, it’s as big as a fireworks display. No one has a smile like she does, which is one of the reasons why she’s a silver screen legend. Any dentist in Ocean County, NJ would be honored to have her as a patient.
  1. Miley Cyrus – For Miley, it’s not as much her smile that’s unconventional, it’s what she does with it that sets her apart. Like a young, female Gene Simmons (the famous bassist for the rock band KISS), she makes it a point to wag her enormous tongue any chance she gets. Smiles don’t get much more non-traditional than that.
  1. Kirsten Dunst – Dunst is an extremely talented actress who also boasts unconventional beauty, in part because she has the sort of smile you don’t often see in Hollywood. Look close and you’ll see why her teeth have earned her some cruel nicknames. She rises above it, though, through sheer talent and beauty that defies trends. And she’s a local! Dunst went to school in Point Pleasant before she rose to stardom.
  1. Anna Paquin – This True Blood star got as much attention as a child actor for her gap-toothed smile as she did for her talent. Paquin bucked Hollywood trends and decided to keep her smile just the way it is, gap and all, even though any dentist near Manahawkin, NJ could correct it for her. It has since become a signature part of her look, proving that unconventional and attractive are not opposites.
  1. Jim Carrey – The elastic-faced Jim Carrey is one of the funniest comedic actors of our time, and much of the credit has to go to his shape shifting facial abilities. If Carrey has a traditional smile, it’s usually hidden behind the kind of face-bending antics that few can imitate and none can match.
  1. Gary Busey – Gary Busey’s teeth are big. Really big. They’re a perfect fit for his eccentric personality, though, which is probably why he got extra large veneers to replace his teeth after a 1988 motorcycle accident. That big smile was too important a part of his image to “fix!”
  1. Ed Helms – He’s the toothless goof from The Hangover comedy films, the guy who made getting a tooth pulled out hilarious. He makes the list because there were no special effects used in the movie. He really did pull his tooth out! It turns out Helms has dental implants and temporarily took one out for the movie.

Did we forget anyone? Tell us in the Facebook comments and maybe we’ll include them in a future post!

You CAN be successful with your New Year’s Resolutions!

Posted on: January 5th, 2022 by admin

The New Year is here again, and you’ve got some goals in mind. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds, or read some of the classic novels, or be a more patient driver.

Believe us, as dentists serving southern Ocean County, NJ, we know many of our patients have big goals for the year ahead!

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Whatever you goals, remember the following and you’ll be well prepared to ensure those New Year’s Resolutions are not mere hot air:

  1. Keep Track Of Your Successes – If you’ve resolved to read 12 classic novels this year, post about your progress to Facebook. If you want to get more exercise, keep a log of your daily progress. If you are trying to lose weight, take weekly pictures to track how you’re doing.
  1. Allow Yourself To Celebrate Achievements – The road towards your final goal may be a difficult one, so don’t be shy about patting yourself on the back now and then. Rewards for meeting key milestones – losing you first five pounds, running a mile for the first time, going three months without alcohol, etc. – are well-earned. Give yourself a day off from work, go shopping, or some other reward that won’t set you back.
  1. Be Ready To Reassess – Making big changes in your life is a noble goal, but big changes often come with roadblocks you may not have foreseen. That’s okay. Be prepared to periodically reassess your goals and to adjust them as necessary. That’s not failure, it’s simply being smart and realistic.
  1. Put Something Of Value On The Line – Loss can be a great motivator. Consider making a friendly wager that you can meet your goals, or use a site like stickK.com, a site set up by behavioral analysts through which you can forfeit a chosen amount of money if you don’t succeed. Quite a motivator!
  1. Let Others Do The Work For You – With some goals, it’s possible to automate the process and/or let others do the heavy lifting for you. Saving money, for instance. If you want to save more, arrange for your employer to direct deposit a specific amount from each paycheck into a side account. Opt for the bank not to send you monthly statements on that account, and do not accept a bank card. Before you know it, you’ll be building savings with no effort at all.
  1. Mix And Match For Better Success – If you hate exercise but love music, use your exercise time to catch up on music you may have missed. If you want to eat better and love to eat out, start eating at restaurants that specialize in healthy food. If you want to read more but have a hard time staying focused, take a book with you to the gym and use that time for reading. The combinations are endless, and they can help you meet your goals.

But the most important thing to remember is both the simplest and the most difficult: Be positive. As dentists serving Manahawkin and the surrounding area, we know it works!

Good luck!

Guess what tastes great but is bad for your teeth?

Posted on: December 8th, 2021 by admin

pexels-photo-970204-coffee-desk-drawingYou 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.