If you’re like most people, you’ll invent a host of reasons to avoid seeing your dentist. Don’t worry, we’re not insulted. We’re used to it by now!
But the fact of the matter is, if you begin to experience one of these five conditions, you really need to see your Barnegat dentist as soon as possible. It may help you avoid a lot of misery down the road!
Toothache
A toothache is nothing to take lightly. The pain you’re experiencing is a sign that something is wrong. You may feel as if you can tolerate the pain or that you can “tough it out,” but letting a toothache go unaddressed is asking for trouble. Whatever the cause of your pain, your condition could worsen. In a worst case scenario, you could even end up losing the tooth. Better to address it early, when there’s a good possibility the issue can be fixed with minimal fuss.
Chronic Bad Breath
Everyone gets bad breath every now and then. It’s common and can be easily triggered by the things we eat. A normal bout of bad breath is nothing to worry about. Chronic bad breath, on the other hand, is a sign of deeper problems that must be addressed. It may be “only” as serious as gum disease, which you’ll want to catch early to begin treatment. It can also be a sign of more serious issues than that. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, it’s important to have your dentist take a look as soon as possible so serious problems can be treated early.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
One of the most common problems any dentist in Ocean County, NJ near Forked River will deal with are cracked and chipped teeth. The good news is that modern cosmetic dentistry is effective and affordable, with many options available to you. The bad news is, left unaddressed, some issues like this become more than a cosmetic issue. Cracked teeth can cause persistent pain and can lead to serious infections that may put your other teeth in danger, too. Even if you don’t mind how they look, at the very least you should have your dentist examine them to be sure your teeth are in no danger of future issues.
Jaw Pain
Pain in the jaw can come from a number of courses, including toothaches, sinus infections, and more. If you are feeling persistent jaw pain, have it examined by your Ocean County, NJ dentist near Manahawkin to determine the source of the problem. As with anything, the key to avoiding serious issues is to catch them early.
Bleeding Gums
If you experience bleeding gums during/after brushing, there may be an issue that needs addressing. In many cases bleeding gums are merely caused by improper brushing techniques. That is easy to fix. In other cases, however, they may be a sign of gingivitis or other underlying issues. As with all such issues, catching them early gives you the best chance of avoiding more serious complications.
If you experience any of these conditions and live in Barnegat, Forked River / Lacey, Manahawkin, or other areas of Southern Ocean County, call to make an appointment today!
Most of us have been guilty of postponing a dental appointment at some point in our lives. However, attending dental checkups at regular intervals is crucial to maintaining optimal oral health. Let’s walk you through why making regular appointments with your Ocean County dentist and dental hygienist is so important.
1. Prevents Dental Problems
One of the primary reasons why you should make dental appointments regularly is because it can prevent dental problems. Your dentist can identify issues such as cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues in their early stages. This means that they can be treated promptly, avoiding major dental concerns and costly dental procedures down the line. A preventive approach to oral health today will help you save a lot of money and pain tomorrow.
2. Helps Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Though brushing and flossing your teeth every day is important for good oral hygiene, visiting a dental hygienist near Forked River can help you stay on top of your teeth cleaning practices. A hygienist can deep-clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and identify areas where you may need to focus on your brushing and flossing. Regular checkups with a dentist and hygienist can help you stay committed to a routine that keeps your teeth and gums well-cared-for.
3. Identifies Overall Health Issues
Did you know that your dentist can identify oral health issues and can spot other health problems? In addition to dental issues, you dentist can also identify possible symptoms of diseases in other parts of your body. For instance, a dentist may identify warnings signs related to heart disease, diabetes, and even dehydration. Early detection is the key to success in treating certain illnesses. So, making regular dental appointments with your dentist helps you maintain overall physical and oral health.
4. Provides Timely Treatment
Regular dental checkups give your dentist a chance to catch dental problems early before they progress and become severe. Early detection often means that the treatment is much less invasive and less painful. By making regular dental appointments, you can avoid prolonged pain, discomfort, and the need for costly dental procedures.
5. Helps You Manage Dental Phobia
Many people suffer from dental phobia, which is an intense fear of visiting a dentist. The fear can be due to several reasons such as negative experiences, discomfort, or anxiety. However, regular dental appointments can help you manage dental phobia by getting you more comfortable with the process, helping you understand what to expect and realizing that dental visits can be virtually painless.
Conclusion
Good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and making regular dental appointments in Manahawkin is an essential part of that. Besides preventing dental problems, maintaining good oral hygiene, and identifying overall health issues, it also helps you manage dental phobia. So, make the most of your dental appointments, and don’t skip them! They say prevention is always better than cure, right?
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!
If you have lost a tooth, don’t panic! There are many things that your dentist in Manahawkin can do to replace it. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the options that are available to you. We will also provide some tips on how to care for your teeth while you are waiting for your new tooth to arrive.
If you have lost a tooth, the first thing that you should do is to contact your dentist. They will be able to help you determine what the best course of action is for your particular situation. If you have a dental insurance plan, they may also be able to help you with the cost of replacing your tooth. In some cases, your dentist may even be able to place the new tooth into your mouth for you.
If you are not able to see your dentist right away, there are still some things that you can do to replace your tooth. You can purchase a false tooth at most drug stores or online. These teeth are usually made of plastic and they snap into place over your existing teeth. They are not as realistic looking as a real tooth, but they can provide you with the necessary function while you are waiting for your new tooth to arrive.
The most important thing to remember if you have lost a tooth is to take care of your remaining teeth. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and avoid eating sugary or sticky foods that can cause damage to your teeth. If you take good care of your teeth, you will be one step closer to getting your smile back.
Once you see your Manahawkin dentist, there are many options available to you. One option is to get a dental implant. This is a permanent solution that can give you back your smile. Another option is to get a denture or bridge. These options are not as permanent as an implant, but they can still give you the ability to eat and speak normally.
No matter which option you choose, it is important to take care of your teeth while you are waiting for your new tooth. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and avoid eating hard or sticky foods. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist. They will be able to help you through this process and make sure that you get the best possible results.
Thanks for reading! We hope that this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help!
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.
pexels-photo-298611
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!
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!
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.
Fear of the dentist is such a common fear it’s practically a movie cliché at this point. It has featured in sitcoms (Seinfeld’s hilarious dentist, Tim Whatley was played by Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, and he was a very scary dentist) and in movies. There have been entire books written on the subject, and the reason is simple: It’s a fear that many people share.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s very possible to overcome your fear of visiting the dentist near Manahawkin – and that’s a good thing, because overcoming that fear will let you get the care you need in order to maintain good oral health!
Here’s how to get over your fear of the dentist:
-
Understand That Your Fears Are Normal
– You’re not alone in being frightened of going to the dentist. Peter Milgrom, the director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, claims that upwards of 20 percent of U.S. citizens only go to the dentist when it is absolutely necessary to go. They avoid visits at other times due to fear. Up to 8 percent of people don’t go at ALL, with their decision also based in fear. When you understand that it’s normal to feel this way, it will be a good first step towards overcoming those fears.
-
Get To Know Your Dentist As A Human Being
– When you visit a dentist near Manahawkin, be sure you try to see them as a person, not as a clinical medical person in scrubs. Chat with them and get to know them. When you recognize that they are someone just like you, with interesting hobbies and families, you will help ease your anxiety.
-
Book A Few Low-Pressure Appointments –
Going to the dentist for a simple check-up is a great, low-stress way to get yourself comfortable with dental office visits. Even if you know you’re going to need dental work done, that doesn’t mean you have to get it done right away. Have a low key visit to your Ocean County dental office, get comfortable, , and relax. That will make future visits MUCH easier.
-
Ask Your Dentist To Educate You
– A good Ocean County dentist will talk to you before, during and after your appointment. Use this time to ease your fears. Have them tell you exactly what they are doing and how they’re doing it, and have them clarify why they’re doing it, too. Keep in mind, knowledge is power. When you have a better understanding of the process, you will then be more comfortable with it.
-
Bring A Stress Reliever
– Stress relief items like smooshy rubber balls can be helpful, so feel free to bring one with you. Your Barnegat dentist will understand! A major part of their job is to help make you comfortable. They want you to be at ease, so if it will help, bring it!
-
Bring A Friend With You
– Few things help us face our fears as the buddy system. If you are going in for a dental procedure that makes you a little nervous, ask a friend to come along on your appointment. They can give you the moral support that you’ll need to help get you get through your visit!
Trust us, your dentist wants you to be as relaxed as you can be, so follow this advice to ease your stress levels. Before you know it your dentist visits will feel routine!
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.
pexels-photo-298611
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 it seems like you are hearing more and more about teeth whitening, you are probably right. Improvements in cosmetic dentistry have made it easier than ever to whiten and brighten your smile. You might even be thinking about a visit to your dentist so you can enjoy an affordable teeth whitening treatment.
With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about modern teeth whitening:
How It Works
These days, tooth whitening treatments use a peroxide-based bleaching technique that assists with bleaching out staining and discoloration. Remember that the treatments will have no impact on porcelain crowns or composite tooth-colored bondings.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-white-turtle-neck-sweater-709802/
At-Home Options
Not every dentist near Manahawkin dentist will tell you this, but it’s good information to have: there are at-home whitening treatments available, and some of them are available over the counter. The price can range from extremely low to about equal to an in-office visit. It usually takes much longer to get results, and the results are usually not as dramatic as a professional treatment.
If you are considering at-home whitening, your choices include:
- Strips & Gels – Apply these twice a day for up to two weeks. When you use this cost-effective solution, expect modest results
- Bleaching Trays – A tray not unlike a mouth guard is filled with gel or a solution. This tray is worn in the mouth for several hours a day. Treatment can last up to four weeks. The results can be good, but the cost is generally similar to professional treatments.
- Whitening Toothpastes – You won’t see dramatic results from a whitening toothpaste. At best, they can brighten your teeth by about one shade. By contrast, you can get up to eight shades of brightness from professional treatments. However, one benefit is that whitening toothpastes are easy to incorporate into your life.
In-Office Treatments
A visit to your dental office near Manahawkin is going to end up giving you better whitening results than anything you can do at home, and you’ll get those results much faster. Dentists are able to use much stronger solutions than you can purchase over the counter, and the methods they use with in-office treatments can get results quicker. Some important things to know include:
- Stronger – In-office whitening treatments can be up to 10 times more effective than over the counter treatments!
- Faster – At-home whitening usually takes anywhere from two to four weeks and may result in a few shades of whiteness. In-office treatments usually take less than an hour per session, and only a few sessions are needed for up to eight shades of improvement.
- Better Results – As mentioned, at most at-home treatments can increase your tooth whiteness by a few shades. In-office treatments can get you up to eight shades of improvement.
When you sum it all up, you have many treatment options available to you from your Southern Ocean County dentist. Before deciding on one, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist to be sure the treatment is right for you. Not all mouths are made the same, after all!