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You NEED to know these 10 facts about flossing!

Archive for March, 2022



You NEED to know these 10 facts about flossing!

Posted on: March 29th, 2022 by admin

Look, we get it. A lot of people just don’t like to floss. In fact, up to half of all Americans don’t floss as often as they should.

But since flossing helps protect you from oral infections, bad breath, gum disease and more, this is really not a good thing!

 

Take a look at these 10 things you may not know about flossing and perhaps you’ll change your mind about this all-important hygiene habit.

  1. Some dentists in Southern Ocean County recommend flossing before you brush, not after, to help the fluoride from your toothpaste get between your teeth. However, this advice is not universal. There remains debate over whether or not this actually has any impact. Most dentists agree, though, that the most important thing is that you floss in the first place.
  2. If your gums bleed when you floss, you may be flossing improperly or at irregular intervals. Flossing on a regular basis with a good technique is essential.
  3. If you are not using clean floss for each tooth, you risk transferring bacteria around your mouth!
  4. Floss comes in flavors. You can find all the expected stuff – mint flavors, fruit flavors – and even bacon!
  5. If you have bridgework or wider spaces between your teeth, it may be best to use wide floss, also known as dental tape. This will give better coverage and ensure they remain cleaner and healthier.
  6. If you have closely spaced teeth, consider using waxed floss. This can be easier to slide between your teeth.
  7. Listen for the squeaking sound. You can hear when unwaxed floss is moving against clean teeth. This tells you that plaque has been removed.
  8. According to the American Dental Association, only about 50% of Americans floss daily, and 18% don’t floss at ALL.
  9. 27 percent of people LIE about how often they floss!
  10. If using floss feels weird to you, ask your Barnegat dental hygienist about other options. There are products that can provide the same sort of cleaning, including rubber-tips cleaners, pre-threaded flossers, tiny brushes, and more.

If you want to learn more about the importance of flossing, good flossing techniques, and how we can help, reach out to us at 609-698-1155 to set up an appointment with our hygienist, or contact us on Facebook.

11 INSANE Animal Teeth Facts You Didn’t Know

Posted on: March 23rd, 2022 by admin

As dentists in Southern Ocean County, we see teeth of all shapes and sizes and configurations. The stuff we deal with, however, is pretty tame compared to the wild world of animal teeth. Consider these amazing facts:

1. Elephants – Elephants get a new set of teeth every 10 years so, with up to six to ten sets coming in over the course of their lifetime. Losing their teeth can be an Earth-shaking experience, too, because elephant molars can weigh up to ten pounds each! No wonder elephants don’t chew their food, they grind it. If you count their tusks, elephants also have the longest teeth in the world. They can weigh up to 400 pounds!

2. Snails – Snails are small and gross, but from a teeth perspective they are pretty amazing. They can have upwards of 25,000 teeth – and they’re located on their tongue!

3. Dogs – Your dog may chew on anything and everything put in front of her, but chances are she’ll get less cavities than you do. Dogs are much less prone to cavities than humans are because their saliva has an extremely high pH level.

4. Sharks – Sharks lose their teeth on a regular basis, often on a weekly basis, but they are replaced quickly by row after row of fearsome teeth that are constantly growing in behind the main set.

5. Crocodiles – Just like sharks, crocs lose their teeth often, but when any of their 60 teeth come out, another quickly grows in its place. Over the course of their lifetime a crocodile may end up having thousands of teeth. Another fun fact: crocs keep a clean mouth thanks to the help of small birds called Crocodile Birds that fly in and clean their teeth for then. We’re glad the birds do it, because no sane New Jersey dentist would stick their head in a crocodile’s mouth!

6. Dolphins – Dolphins may not resemble trees, but they do in one weird way: you can tell a dolphin’s age by counting the rings on its teeth.

7. Armadillos – These funny looking little creatures have 104 teeth – quite a lot for little guys. Not so funny is that armadillos are known to carry leprosy, the only animal other than humans known to be able to carry it.

8. Hippos – It may look like they only have four teeth when they open their mouth, but in fact hippos have about 40 teeth. You don’t see them because most of them are located well to the back of their mouth. (It’s also worth noting that they may look cute and docile, but hippos are actually highly dangerous, killing more people in Africa each year than any other animal.)

9. Rats – If you’ve ever had a pet rat, you know they like to gnaw on things. It’s not just a habit for them, either. They need to gnaw. Rat teeth never stop growing, so gnawing helps keep their teeth at a reasonable size. The same holds true for hamsters, gophers, beavers and mice.

10. Blue Whales – They are the largest creatures ever to have lived, having reached upwards of 110 feet long and the largest recorded weighing an astounding 190 tons. But they don’t have any teeth.

11. Giraffes – They’re much taller than you are, but their mouths are similar to yours in one way: giraffes have 32 teeth, just like you do. Still, we don’t think any Ocean County dentists are tall enough to treat a giraffe!

 

Can you think of any others? If so, feel free to comment on our Facebook. Maybe we can use them in a future column!

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.