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How to Control Bad Breath and Improve Your Oral Health

Posted on: August 7th, 2024 by admin

Bad breath or halitosis is a common problem that affects millions of people every day. It can cause social and emotional distress, and it is often a sign of oral health issue. Let’s explore the common causes of bad breath, why some of them are a concern, and how to control and improve bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

There are many causes of bad breath, both temporary and permanent. Temporary causes include eating certain foods such as garlic or onions, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Permanent causes include dry mouth, sinus or respiratory infections, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or liver disease. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), up to 80% of bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Concerns of Bad Breath

Bad breath can be an indication of poor oral hygiene and can lead to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. It can also affect your social life and self-esteem. Chronic bad breath can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention. If you have persistent bad breath, it is important to visit your dentist to rule out any serious medical issues.

Control and Improvement of Bad Breath

The good news is that bad breath can be controlled and improved with proper oral hygiene and lifestyle changes. Here are some tips:

– Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
– Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth
– Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath
– Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and reduce bacteria
– Chew sugarless gum to increase saliva flow and freshen your breath
– Avoid smoking and tobacco products
– Limit your intake of alcohol and coffee
– Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups

Statistics and Studies

Studies show that bad breath affects up to 50% of the adult population in the United States. It is a common complaint among seniors, who are more prone to dry mouth and are often taking medication that can cause bad breath. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 65 million Americans have gum disease, a leading cause of bad breath. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that over 92% of adults have had cavities in their permanent teeth.

As you can see, bad breath is a common problem that affects millions of people every day. It can be caused by a variety of factors, some temporary and some permanent. While bad breath can be a sign of poor oral hygiene and dental problems, it can also be a symptom of underlying medical issues.

Fortunately, bad breath can be controlled and improved with proper oral hygiene and lifestyle changes. With regular dental checkups and good habits, you can keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy. So take control of your oral health today and enjoy a fresher, healthier smile.

Tags: bad breath, dental advice, Forked River, halitosis, Manahawkin, oral health, oral hygiene
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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.

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!

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, dental advice, dentist in Manahawkin, Forked River dentist
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It’s Time To Replace Your Old Toothbrush

Posted on: August 12th, 2020 by admin

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.

Toothbrush picture Barnegat Manahawkin Dental Office

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!

Tags: brush, brushing, dental advice, manahawkin dental office, Manahawkin dentist, manahawkin dentistry, manahawkin nj, manahawkin teeth whitening, toothbrush
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What Do You Do After Losing A Tooth?

Posted on: June 24th, 2020 by admin

If a child loses a tooth you figure it will grow back. The game changes when it is an adult. Adults mostly lose teeth through sporting accidents. Whether it is roughhousing, tackling or tumbling, without a mouth guard, anyone could quickly lose a tooth due to an accidental jaw hit.

An adult could also lose a tooth following trauma. You could even trip or be involved in a car accident and end up losing a tooth or two. Regardless, always address a loose tooth head on. As soon as it happens, visit a dentist and consider immediate dentures.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-chimpanzee-smiling-50582/

While accidents are well outside your control, there is one aspect that you can take care of to make sure that you keep all your teeth – oral hygiene. An adult could lose a tooth to oral infections or root decay. It is proper to schedule frequent visits to a dentist in Ocean County even when everything is alright.

Having said that, what do you do if you lose a tooth? Fortunately, some practices can help make that smile as good as new. Take the following measures as soon as you drop the tooth:

Recover the tooth

If your tooth is avulsed, it is crucial that you handle it with care. Do not grab it by the root; otherwise, you damage it further. This could make it impossible for the dentist to repair it. As soon as you recover the tooth, rinse it in a water bowl and preserve it in saliva, a sterile salt solution or a bowl of milk. Be careful not to wipe or scrub the tooth.

Reinsert tooth into the socket

Often the solutions that seem most straightforward work. One such case is putting your tooth back; that way, the root remains protected until you see a dentist. Hold the tooth in place using medical gauze or a tea bag but do not force the tooth if it does not fit.

Visit a dentist

Reinserting the tooth is only a temporary solution. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better your chances of having the tooth restored. Remember that when you lose a tooth, you lose bone mass as well. Your body begins to remove the bone in your jaw where the tooth’s anchor lay.

In fact, you lose up to 40% of bone mass in the first two months of a missing tooth. No wonder, the shape of your face begins to change. Once at the local dentist office, you have some options:

How a dentist can help you

At the clinic, the dentist will first establish whether the tooth can be reattached. If it can, that will be the first option they will advise. In most cases, however, seeing as many people lack the know-how for when they lose a tooth, by the time they come to the dentist, reattaching the tooth is not an option.

In such a case, the dentist might recommend immediate dentures. Partial dentures will help to improve your smile and more importantly, to prevent bone loss. As a thing to note, you do not need to have all your teeth missing to wear dentures. They can be fixed to replace just the tooth that is missing.

The dentist might also recommend dental implants. The implants are placed in the missing tooth space to stimulate the growth of bones to keep you looking the same. While the immediate danger might seem past, failing to get immediate dentures can have severe long-term effects. Contact your dentist in Ocean County for more information on partial dentures.

Tags: dental advice, Forked River dentist, forked river dentist forked river dental office, lost a tooth, lost teeth, lost tooth, teeth, tooth
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6 Common Dental Procedures You Should NOT Be Afraid Of!

Posted on: April 21st, 2020 by admin

Over the years, your Barnegat dentist has done and seen it all. You name the procedure and they have probably done it. There are, however, a few that stand out as far more common than others. Here are the 6 procedures we find ourselves doing more than any other:

1) Fillings

One of the most common dental procedures is also one of the easiest: getting fillings. This is nothing more than using restorative materials to repair damage to your teeth, usually cavities. In addition to filling holes left by tooth decay, aka cavities, these materials might be used to repair chipping, cracks, and other tooth damage. The resins used are colored to match your teeth, giving you a natural look that blends in seamlessly with your existing teeth.

2) Caps or Crowns

Dental crowns or caps are covers usually made of porcelain that go over or around existing teeth. These procedures are usually performed to help repair the appearance of broken or cracked teeth. These crowns not only improve the appearance of teeth that have been chipped in accidents and other events, they also help strengthen what is left of the teeth.

3) Tooth Whitening

More common than ever these days, the professional tooth whitening offered by your dentist in Ocean County is a cut about over-the-counter solutions. Using one of several types of treatments, your teeth can be whitened by several shades, reversing the damage done by years of coffee drinking, juice, smoking, and other ways to stain your teeth. Even better? The procedure is fast, easy and affordable.

4) Bridges and Implants

When teeth are missing or removed, it’s usually a good idea to replace them in some way. This is not just for the sake of appearance, but to protect your gums and to make eating easier. One of the most common ways of doing this is with a bridge, sometimes called dentures. These are false teeth with crowns used to fill in gaps in your mouth. Another is through the use of implants, metal posts that are placed in your mouth to serve as anchors for false teeth. In both cases, technology used by dentists near Manahawkin has come so far that you’ll never notice the difference.

5) Root Canals

Also known as Endodontics, root canals are a procedure often talked about with fear, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Modern advances in how these procedures are done have made them far less uncomfortable than in the past. Root canals are the removal of the pulpy, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth. This is done when decay had advanced far enough so that it might cause infection inside the tooth. Root canals can save teeth from being extracted, but more importantly, they can prevent the formation of abscesses, buildups of pus that can destroy tissue and cause extreme pain – and sometimes worse.

6) Extractions

This one is pretty self-explanatory. An extraction is when a tooth is removed. These procedures may be done for a myriad of reasons, whether the tooth is damaged, decay has progressed too far, unwanted extra teeth are coming in, and more. In most cases, extractions are relatively easy procedures that any experienced dentist near Forked River can perform.

Tags: Barnegat dentist, dental advice, dental office, dentist near Forked River, Forked River dentist, manahawkin dental office, Manahawkin dentist, manahawkin dentist office, manahawkin dentistry
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These Tricks Will Help You Brush Your Teeth Like A Pro

Posted on: September 26th, 2019 by admin

It might surprise you to learn this, but your Southern Ocean County dentist will verify that it’s true: a huge number of patients do not brush their teeth properly.

It’s true. This part of our daily routine might appear as if it should be something easy and simple to do, but the truth is that even the best of us can start to pick up bad habits over the years.

And as we all know, once those bad habits are formed, they can be very hard to break. And as dentists near Forked River, believe us, bad brushing habits can make your work to maintain good oral hygiene far less effective.

Thankfully, you’re reading this blog post. The team at Bayside, a dental office near Lacey, is about to change your brushing for he better! Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Brush twice a day, three times if you can – In the morning after you get up and in the evening just before bed are the best times to brush, as that’s when you can best target the bacteria that are running amok. Also brush after meals when you can, especially if you’ve eaten acidic foods, sweets, or food and drink that can stain your teeth.

Brush for two minutes – The basic rule of thumb is to brush for two minutes. This gives you enough time to get to all corners of your mouth, brushing away the nasty bacteria that will do damage to your teeth over time.

Don’t brush too hard; it might damage your enamel – Believe it or not, you shouldn’t be too aggressive when you are brushing. Instead, use gentle strokes as you brush. You’re looking to brush away bacteria and food waste, not scrape off your tooth enamel.

Use short strokes as you brush – When brushing, short, swift strokes are ideal. This will focus your energy on specific sections of your mouth. Using long strokes make it too easy to miss spots in your mouth, and when that happens bacteria and plaque can get a foothold in your mouth.

Don’t forget the tongue! – Your tongue is often a haven for bacteria and can be a cause for bad breath, so be sure to brush it! Brush gently, but do so thoroughly. A clean tongue not only gives you a nicer appearance, it’s good for your oral health.

One Last Tip – A good way to make sure your tooth brushing is effective is to mentally divide your mouth into four sections: bottom left, bottom right, top left, and top right. Now you’ve got specific areas to target. Brush each section for 30 seconds.

Make this into a part of your daily routine. Do this two to three times per day, and your dentist near Forked River will probably think you’ve mastered the art of brushing – and you will have!

With good habits like these, you’ll not only save money on your dentist visits and cleanings, you’ll also live a happier, healthier life with more confidence.

Tags: advice, brush, brushing, dental advice, dentist, Forked River, how to brush, Lacey, teeth, tips, toothbrush
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Fear of the Dentist: Some Simple Ways to Conquer Your Fear

Posted on: July 24th, 2019 by admin

A lot of you are scared of going to your dental office near Manahawkin. We understand. We’re not insulted. That is actually a common feeling that is not all that unusual to hear about.

Are you among those people who are afraid to go to the dentist? If so, you probably share one of these common reasons expressed by others who have the same fears:

You’re afraid of pain
You’re afraid of getting bad news
You have memories of a bad experience
You are afraid of being scolded for not taking care of your teeth
You have general anxiety

These are the most common reasons mentioned by those who are afraid of going to the dentist near Manahawkin. The good news is, though these reasons may be commonplace, they are relatively easy to overcome. Consider these facts:

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-s-gray-crew-neck-shirt-160914/

You’re Afraid of Pain

The fact of the matter is, these days your visit your dentist is almost certain to be pain free. Modern dental technology and the techniques they use have improved by leaps and bounds when compared to the old days. Dental office procedures these days are now easier and more painless than ever before.

You’re afraid to Get Bad News

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they don’t want to learn that they might need to get major work done. The reality of the situation, though, is that if you have taken care of your mouth in the way you should, it’s highly unlikely you’ll get the bad news you are fearing. If you DO happen to get bad news, don’t worry. You shouldn’t see it as bad. It’s the opposite! Catching a problem early when there is still a chance to fix it is great news!

You Have Memories of a Bad Experience

You might have been scared at the dentist when you were a child, but let’s be honest, kids are scared of many things they don’t need to be scared of. You’re an adult now, older, wiser, and smarter.

You’re Afraid of Being Scolded

This one is more common than you might think. People just don’t like to be told they’ve been doing something wrong or not doing it well! Just remember that if your dentist has input for you about your oral health habits, it’s for a good reason. Your dentist is there to look out for you! Also keep in mind that what they point out to you now can mean avoiding more dental treatments in the future.

You Have General Anxiety

If you have general anxiety about doctor visits, or just anxiety in general then your fear of the dentist may be a manifestation of that. Look for ways to cope that have worked best for you in other aspects of life so that when you do visit your dentist you can tell them about your anxiety and they can help you through it. Your dentist will be happy to do everything possible to make the experience more pleasant for you.

Most of all, the important thing to remember is that your dentist is there to help you lead a healthier, happier life. That’s his or her job.

So the next time you get a knot in your stomach when you have a trip to the dentist coming up, think about the above and let that knot unravel!

Tags: dental advice, dental office, dentist, dentist office, dentist visit, fear, fear of dentist, Ocean County dentist
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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/

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.

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.

If you are not using a clean stretch of floss for each tooth, you risk moving bacteria from one tooth to another!

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!

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.

If you have closely spaced teeth, think about using waxed floss, which can be easier to slide between your teeth.

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!

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.

27 percent of people LIE about how much they floss!

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.

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.

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.

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, dental advice, dental care, dentist in Forked River, dentist in Manahawkin, floss, flossing
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Remember to Get Rid of Your Old Toothbrush

Posted on: August 8th, 2018 by admin No Comments