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Have These Symptoms? Go See A Dentist NOW!

Posts Tagged ‘ cosmetic dentistry ’



Have These Symptoms? Go See A Dentist NOW!

Posted on: January 13th, 2021 by admin

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 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.

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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!

How to Get Whiter, Brighter Teeth At Home

Posted on: August 26th, 2020 by admin

We know you want brighter and whiter teeth. You wouldn’t be reading this or visiting us here at Bayside Dentistry if you didn’t! Though the best results can only come after a visit to our office, there are some things you can do right in your own home to assist with making your teeth whiter. Here are some ideas:

Womans open mouth picture Barnegat Manahawkin Dental Office

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What To Do:

Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue is not purely about keeping your breath fresh. Your tongue gets bacterial buildup, and that buildup that often results in staining on your teeth. Brushing your tongue helps ease that problem.

Eat Raw Fruits and Vegetables

The saying that an apple a day keeps the dentist away is true! Raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, and others help scrub away plaque and other elements that can stain, making them a nutritious way to maintain whiter teeth. Just don’t skip your visit to a dentist serving Forked River and Southern Ocean County, like Bayside Dentistry!

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

This is an organic teeth whitening technique you can try at home. Just rinse with apple cider vinegar. It’s that simple! Though not nearly as effective as the professional treatments you’ll get from your dentist – it’s not even close – it can offer pretty decent results and help you maintain some brightness. All you need to do is mix two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar and rinse.

Replace Your Toothbrush

You should be doing this no matter what! Keep in mind that due to bacterial buildup, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, because worn bristles become increasingly less effective at cleaning your teeth as they wear down.

Rinse Your Mouth After Eating Citrus

Oranges, lemons and others are delicious, but they can be bad for your teeth due to their high acidity. Eat them as much as you want, but rinse with water after you’re done. Your teeth will thank you for it.

Visit Your Dentist

All of the above suggestions will help alleviate the staining effects that time, eating, and drinking will have on the whiteness of your teeth, but if you desire noticeably whiter and brighter teeth, you’re going to want to ask your dentist about teeth whitening in Ocean County.

What NOT to do:

Do Not Use Baking Soda

This all-purpose cleaning agent is often suggested, but proceed with caution! Baking soda can be abrasive, wearing away the enamel of your teeth and eventually causing them to darken.

Drink Too Many Energy Drinks

You already know to avoid coffee and tea, but did you know that energy drinks can wear at your teeth color, too? The team here at Bayside will confirm that these drinks are highly acidic, causing them to wear at your tooth enamel. If you have to drink them, consider using a straw to help avoid your teeth.

Don’t Gorge on Dark Foods

Marinara sauce, blackberries and blueberries, dark sauces for your pasta, and similar foods may be tasty, but they can stain your teeth. If you do eat them, brush promptly afterward!

Finally, the best thing you can do for your white teeth? Have regular checkups with your dentist, especially if they are a dentist serving Manahawkin.

25 Things You Should Know About Dental Implants

Posted on: January 22nd, 2020 by admin

We all want the best possible smiles. We all want to look great. And we all want good oral health.

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Following tooth loss, damage, or other issues that may require corrective work, often the best way to get these things is with dental implants.

No, these are not traditional dentures. Dental implants are relatively new, but are quickly becoming the option of choice for many in the southern Ocean County, NJ area, including Manahawkin, Forked River, and Barnegat. Consider these facts to see how popular these procedures are:

  • About 1/4 of Americans over the age of 74 have lost all their teeth.
  • Among those between the ages of 35 and 44, over 2/3 have at least one missing tooth.
  • Approximately 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in at least one jaw.
  • Some 500,000 people get dental implants every year.
  • Since 2006, over 5.5 million dental implants have been placed.
  • About 3 million Americans have dental implants.
  • The dental implant market in the United States has grown to $1 billion.
  • Despite all this, a mere 10 percent of dentists perform implant procedures.

The desire for dental implants is nothing new. In fact, humans have been experimenting with implants and ways to care for our teeth for thousands of years! Take a look:

  • Dental implants were being installed as far back as 600 AD.
  • Dental braces are even older, dating to about 2,000 BC.
  • The ancient Mayans used shell pieces to replace lost teeth.
  • The Greeks spent time philosophizing on ways to straighten teeth.
  • The modern toothbrush was invented about 1400 years ago in China.

Thanks to advances in dental technology, modern dental implants have taken off and are benefiting countless dental patients near Forked River, Manahawkin, and other southern Ocean County towns. Consider these facts:

  • Dental implants boast a 98 percent success rate.
  • Titanium alloys and other modern materials are used in dental implants.
  • Dental implant surgery is painless.
  • Modern dental implants have a decades’ long safety record under their belt.
  • Titanium can fuse with bone, allowing implants to help stimulate bone growth.
  • Modern implants will usually last your entire life.

Dental implants are about more than just cosmetic fixes, too. They have genuine benefits that can help you in several ways, including:

  • They prevent jawbone loss by stimulating bone growth.
  • They help you maintain your appearance, with no “sunken” jaw issues.
  • Implants help you speak better because they recreate the condition your jaw should be in.
  • Implants are more permanent than traditional dentures.
  • Cavities are a thing of the past; dental implants cannot get them.
  • They can prevent shifting of your teeth.

As you can see, dental implants are far from something to fear. Quite the opposite! They are a revolution in dental care that are here to stay. That’s why we’re proud to offer them in Barnegat, NJ!

Want Whiter Teeth? Avoid These Foods and Drinks!

Posted on: December 4th, 2019 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.

12 Essentials to Know About Flossing

Posted on: May 14th, 2019 by admin

We get it. Flossing just isn’t that fun. In fact, as you’ll read below, up to half of all Americans don’t floss s often as they should.

However, since flossing helps protect you from oral infections, bad breath, gum disease and more, we can’t encourage people to skip the floss. It’s too essential to good oral health!

Take a look at these 12 things you may not know about flossing and maybe you will change your mind about it – and your dentist near Forked River will be glad you did!

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-wearing-blue-zip-up-jacket-1090387/

  1. Some dental experts recommend flossing before you brush rather than after, to help the fluoride from your toothpaste get in between your teeth. However, there is still some debate over whether this actually has any impact or not. The most important thing is, most dentists agree that you floss.
  1. If your gums bleed when you floss, you may be doing it improperly or at irregular intervals. The trick is that regular flossing with a good technique is essential.
  1. If you are not using a clean stretch of floss for each tooth, you risk moving bacteria from one tooth to another!
  1. Floss comes in flavors for those who need a little boost to get themselves flossing. You can find all the expected flavors – mint, fruit, and even bacon. Yes, bacon flavored floss!
  1. If you have bridgework or wider than average spaces in between your teeth, it might be beneficial to use wide floss, also known as dental tape. This will give you better coverage so they remain cleaner and healthier.
  1. If you have closely spaced teeth, think about using waxed floss, which can be easier to slide between your teeth.
  1. Listen for the squeak: You can actually tell when unwaxed floss is sliding against clean teeth by the sound. This is your clue that plaque has been removed!
  1. Only about half of all Americans floss on a daily basis, and 18 percent don’t floss at all, according to the American Dental Association.
  1. 27 percent of people LIE about how much they floss!
  1. Any discomfort you experience when flossing usually disappears after the first week or so of regular flossing. It’s normal for it to feel “odd” when you first start, but that quickly goes away as long as you make it part of your routine.
  1. If using floss feels weird to you, ask your hygienist about other options. There are a number of products that can provide the same sort of cleaning, including rubber-tips cleaners, pre-threaded flossers, tiny brushes, and more.
  1. Waterpicks are NOT a replacement for dental floss because they do not remove plaque. They are for cleaning braces, but should not be used instead of flossing.

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.

6 Famous Celebs Who Have Had Cosmetic Corrections

Posted on: March 27th, 2019 by admin No Comments

In Hollywood, image is everything, which is why cosmetic corrections are so common among celebrities.

And sometimes the work is so good, you don’t even notice it. More famous folks than you realize have been transformed through the miracle of modern dentistry. Just ask any dentist near Manahawkin.

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From household names to cult favorites, mega stars to up and comers, these are some of the famous faces who have benefited from cosmetic dental work:

  • Morgan Freeman – Morgan Freeman is one of the best known voices in Hollywood, but at one time this now legendary actor may have been hindered by his crooked teeth. He had extensive work done earlier in his career to fix those issues, resulting in the winning smile he has today.
  • Miley Cyrus – This popular singer and former actress didn’t get extensive work done on her teeth, but the work she did get done had a dramatic effect on her appearance. All she had was a simple straightening and teeth whitening, but that alone transformed her from an awkward teen to the provocative star she is today.
  • Gary Busey – One of the quirkiest guys in Hollywood, Busey was in a motorcycle accident in 1988. The crash left his already unique teeth a wreck. Busey was able to recover from the accident and retain his distinctive look thanks to the hard work of his talented cosmetic surgeon.
  • Tom Cruise – One of the most famous names in movies history became a screen icon in part thanks to cosmetic dental work. Cruise’s teeth were in bad shape in his early career – just look at The Outsiders! Since then, he has undergone several procedures, including re-alignment, teeth whitening, and maybe dental implants. That’s what has given him the billion dollar smile he has today.
  • Ed Helms – You may recognize him as the toothless guy from The Hangover, but Helms’ missing tooth was not special effects or makeup. In reality, he has had dental implants for over 20 years. For the film, he had his implant temporarily removed in order to appear toothless!
  • James Cosmo – You’ve seen his gritty face in blockbusters like Braveheart and The Chronicles of Narnia, though these days he’s best known as Jeor Mormont from Game of Thrones. James Cosmo once wore dentures thanks to damage stemming from an auto accident, but he later opted to switch to dental implants after finding out about their benefits. They have made a world of difference, too.

None of this is or should be a source of shame for these famed performers. Quite the opposite, actually. We are fans of these actors in no small part because of how they look on screen. Regular, non-famous people seek out dental implants and cosmetic procedures for the same reasons the famous do – for the confidence, pride and self-esteem that comes with looking and feeling your best.

What You Need to Know About Your Smile (and how to improve it)

Posted on: December 12th, 2018 by admin No Comments

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

pexels-photo-312492The 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!

Don’t Be Afraid Of Your Smile

Posted on: December 6th, 2017 by admin No Comments

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.

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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.

header_invisalign2

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.

header_bridges

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!