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Easy tips on caring for your teeth and gums

Posted on: August 28th, 2024 by admin

Taking care of your teeth and gums is a critical part of maintaining healthy overall wellbeing. Without good dental hygiene, you can be vulnerable to a range of issues including cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and more. This comprehensive guide will explain the various parts of your teeth and gums, how they work together, common problems that arise and how to best practice good oral health. With just a few simple steps you can ensure your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy for years to come – start tending to your oral health today with this guide!

Your teeth and gums are comprised of very important structures that protect your mouth from infection and decay. The first line of defense for the body is the outer layer of enamel on your teeth, which makes up the strong protective shell around each tooth. In addition to this, your gums contain connective tissue that helps to hold your teeth in place and creates a barrier against infections. Each of these structures are incredibly important, and it is critical that they remain in good health to ensure your overall wellbeing.

Daily dental hygiene is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, focusing on the back molars which tend to be more prone to plaque buildup. Flossing is also important as it helps remove debris, bacteria and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Using a tongue scraper or mouthwash can further help keep your mouth clean by reducing bacteria growth.

In addition to daily dental hygiene, regular checkups with your dentist are necessary in order to address any problems that may arise. Your dentist can check for cavities and gum disease, as well as provide guidance on how to best practice good oral health. They may also recommend certain treatments such as fillings, root canals or crowns to address any issues that have already occurred.

Ultimately, taking care of your teeth and gums is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your mouth remains healthy and strong for years to come.

Finally, here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Brush and floss your teeth every day.
– Use a tongue scraper or mouthwash to reduce bacteria growth in the mouth.
– Visit your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and any necessary treatments.
– Avoid smoking, as it can damage gum tissue and increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
– Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your mouth remains healthy and strong for years to come.

Want a little more help. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Tags: dental care, gum disease, gums
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How to Care for Your Teeth in Manahawkin, NJ

Posted on: February 21st, 2024 by admin

The first line of defense in the war against all things that harm your mouth – tooth decay, gum disease and more – is a deceptive simple weapon: your toothbrush. It’s the tool that will give you great teeth in Manahawkin!

The toothbrush has been around for millennia, though not always as we know it. The ancient Egyptians frayed tiny branches in order to create their toothbrushes. The 15 Century Chinese used natural bristles to create something very much like to the brushes we use today. But it was less than 100 years ago, in the 1930s, when nylon was invented and toothbrushes finally became modern.

Modern toothbrushes have been refined and redesigned over the decades, with many fine adjustments helping them become more effective at keeping your teeth clean.

But without YOU, your toothbrush can’t do its job properly. Here is what you need to know:

How to Brush Properly

A surprising number of people do not brush their teeth properly. Even though this is part of our daily routine and it seems like it should be easy, over time even the best of us can develop up bad habits. Once formed, bad habits are hard to break – and when they are bad brushing habits, they can make your brushing far less effective.

Here is some advice to keep in mind:

Brush twice a day, three times if possible
Each brushing session should last two minutes
Use short strokes when you brush
Don’t forget to brush your tongue (gently)!
Brushing too hard can damage your enamel, so don’t do it!

A good way to be sure that you brush effectively is to divide your mouth into four quadrants: bottom left, bottom right, top left, top right. Brush in each quadrant for 30 seconds, using short, and gentle strokes and/or swirls. If you do this two to three times per day, you’ll be well on your way to taking amazing care of your teeth!

Once you’ve mastered brushing, the next step is to keep your toothbrush in good shape.

How To Care For Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush is your best tool for ensuring you have a healthy mouth, so naturally you’ll want to take care of it. Toothbrushes that are a gnarled, mangled mess won’t do a good of keeping your mouth fresh and clean.

In order to keep yours in great shape, follow these tips:

Do not ever share your toothbrush!
Be sure to brush gently; let the bristles do the work
Be sure to thoroughly rinse the toothbrush after you’re done
To keep microorganism growth to a minimum, don’t store your toothbrush in a closed container
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

Remember, your toothbrush is the single most important part of your oral health routine. Treat it poorly and it will treat your mouth poorly. Treat it well, however, and you can have many years of excellent oral health. When you visit your dentist near Manahawkin, they’ll notice the difference!

And isn’t that what this is all about? Having the healthiest mouth possible?

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, dental care, dentist in Manahawkin
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TEETH CLEANING FAQ: A Comprehensive Guide to Professional Teeth Cleaning

Posted on: August 16th, 2023 by admin

Anyone who has ever looked into the mirror and thought “I really need to take better care of my teeth” knows how important teeth cleaning can be. Professional teeth cleaning is a great way to make sure your pearly whites stay healthy and shining! In this comprehensive guide to professional teeth cleaning, we’ll answer all your questions, including what professional teeth cleaning comprises, why it’s beneficial, what to expect from the process, and much more.

Professional teeth cleaning can refer to a variety of different procedures, all aimed at improving the health of your teeth and gums. The most common procedure is called scaling, where a dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler or manual tools to clean away plaque and tartar buildup on and around the surface of your teeth. This helps reduce gum inflammation, an important factor in preventing gum disease.

Another common procedure is root planing, which helps to smooth the surface of the root of the tooth and prevent further bacterial buildup. This helps protect against deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums, which can lead to serious oral health problems.

In addition to scaling and root planing, professional teeth cleaning may also involve polishing and fluoride treatments. Polishing helps to get rid of any staining on the surface of your teeth, leaving you with a brighter smile. Fluoride treatments help re-mineralize your teeth, providing them with an extra layer of protection against decay.

Professional teeth cleaning is beneficial as it allows for deeper, more effective cleaning than what can be done at home. It also helps to remove tartar and plaque buildup, which can contribute to gum disease if left unchecked. Regular professional teeth cleaning is recommended every six months in order to keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking its best.

When you go for a professional teeth cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will begin by taking pictures of your teeth to assess any areas that may need extra attention. Then, they will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Finally, they may provide you with a fluoride treatment or polishing to finish the job.

Your dentist or hygienist can answer any questions you have about professional teeth cleaning and help you make sure it is right for you. So make sure to talk to them before getting started!

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, dental care, dental hygiene, forked river teeth whitening, teeth cleaning
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What Will I Experience During a Root Canal?

Posted on: July 19th, 2023 by admin

Are you dreading your upcoming appointment for a root canal? It’s understandable to feel anxious about what might happen during the procedure. However, knowledge is power, and understanding all aspects of a root canal can help ease your worries. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the root canal process so you know exactly what to expect when you visit your favorite dentist near Forked River.

The root canal procedure starts with local anesthesia. This numbs the area around the tooth so that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. The dentist will then create an opening in the top of your tooth to access the nerve chamber and pulp inside.

Once inside, they’ll use dental instruments to remove the infected or damaged tissue from within the tooth. The area will then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent any further infection.

Once the cleaning is complete, the dentist will fill the nerve chamber with a rubbery material called gutta percha. This seals off the inner parts of your tooth from bacteria and other debris. The dentist may also place a crown on top of your tooth for added protection.

The entire procedure typically takes between one and two hours to complete, depending on the complexity of your case. You may experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, but this should fade within a few days.

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, a root canal can provide relief from tooth pain for many years. If you have any questions or concerns about the root canal procedure, it’s best to ask your dentist before beginning treatment.

Here are some FAQ you may have:

How long does a root canal take?

A typical root canal procedure generally takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Is a root canal painful?

Most patients find that the anesthesia used during the procedure makes it painless. You may experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, but this should fade within a few days.

Can a root canal be reversed?

No, the procedure is considered permanent and cannot be reversed. However, if you experience any problems with your root canal later on, your dentist can often address the issue.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with some fear of the procedure. If you have a friend or family member who is willing, ask them to come with you to your appointment. Having someone there to support you can make a world of difference. You can also ask us to ease you through the process, too. We aim to make your visit to your favorite dentist near Manahawkin as smooth as possible!

If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to conquering your fear of the dentist in no time! Schedule an appointment today and see for yourself how easy it can be.

Tags: dental care, dentist in Forked River, manahawkin dentist office, root canal
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How to extend the lifespan of your toothbrush!

Posted on: May 19th, 2022 by admin

Never forget: your toothbrush is your most important tool when it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth and a bright, clean smile. Everyone at your dentist office near Forked River will confirm this.

With that in mind, it goes without saying that you have to take good care of your toothbrush in order to be sure your toothbrush takes good care of you. Any dentist near Manahawkin has likely seen countless toothbrushes that after many years of use now look like a complete mess rather than the well-designed cleaning tool they are meant to be.

That’s not good, because brushes that are in bad shape don’t do as good a job of keeping your mouth clean and healthy and helping you maintain good oral hygiene.

And you do want good oral hygiene! That’s the reason why you visit Ocean County dentists, after all – in order to have a healthier mouth!

In order to avoid your toothbrush becoming a mess that does more harm than good, follow these simple tips:

Never share your toothbrush – Your mouth is loaded with bacteria of all types, and brushing can sometimes lead to minor bleeding, usually so minor you can’t even see it. Even a little is enough to help aid the transmission of bacteria from one mouth to another, though, and that’s not a good thing. Remember, your toothbrush is for you and you only. And never use someone else’s and don’t let other people use yours!

Always rinse the brush after you’re done – Residue left behind by toothpaste or your mouth can make your toothbrush a breeding ground for bacteria, plus it can also accelerate the breakdown of your brush’s bristles. Just like your mouth, it’s important to keep your brush clean!

To combat microorganism growth, don’t store your brush in a closed container – Those closed containers are like breeding grounds for bacterial growth. They can be GROSS! It’s fine to use them for a day or so when traveling, but you should never store your toothbrush in a closed container for longer than that. If you do, you’ll actually be making your mouth LESS healthy.

Replace your brush every few months – Modern brushes are tough and resilient, but regardless, you should replace them every few months in order to be sure they are doing the best job possible of keeping your teeth clean. A new brush is much more effective than an old one.

Let the bristles do the work – Aggressive brushing is not only bad for your tooth enamel, it’s bad for your toothbrush, too. It can ruin your bristles and impact the lifespan of your brush. Instead, brush gently and let the bristles do their job. It’s what they are designed for!

Always keep in mind that your toothbrush is an important tool in your regular oral health routine. Treat it badly and it will treat your mouth badly in return. Treat it right and it will treat your mouth right – and that will make your dentist near Manahawkin very happy!

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, dental care, Forked River, lacey township, toothbrush
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12 facts about flossing

Posted on: May 12th, 2022 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 as 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: dental care, floss, flossing, Southern Ocean County
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Throw Your Old Toothbrush Away!

Posted on: August 11th, 2021 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: brushing, brushing tips, dental care, Forked River dentist, lacey dentist, little egg harbor dentist, Manahawkin dentist, toothbrush
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You’re Not Alone: MANY People Have These 5 Common Dental Problems

Posted on: December 26th, 2019 by admin

We all have mouths – life would be hard without one – and we all need to take care of them. The thing about oral health is that it’s a diverse area. Some dental problems are minor and some can be simply devastating. What sort of problems? Read along as we count down the five most common dental problems in America and to see just what is making people (and their teeth) suffer out there:

5) Mouth Sores

There are many different types of mouth sores. Among the most common are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores and ulcers. All of them can be terribly bothersome. The good news is, most mouth sores are never much more than a nuisance. They go away after a few weeks at most. Once in a while one can point to a bigger problem, so if a mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin. However, in most cases these are pretty low on the priority list of oral health problems to be concerned about.

4) Oral Cancer

Many other types of cancer get a lot more spotlight, but the truth is, some 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. In fact, at any given time millions are affected by it. Like all types of cancer, it can be deadly if left untreated. It can also lead to severe damage to the mouth, lips and throat. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early – and the best way to catch it early is with regular visits to your dentist.

3) Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is when your gums become infected. This can start with simple gingivitis, but when gum disease progresses it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is cited as the biggest cause of tooth loss among adults in America. The best way to combat this malady is by following the daily oral health routine suggested by your dentist near Manahawkin.

2) Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is not just one of the most common oral health problems in the country, it’s actually one of the most common health problems overall, affecting about as many people as the common cold. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and watching what you eat are your best defenses against this common problem. Tooth decay is caused when plaque buildup and sugars combine to eat away at your tooth enamel and the teeth themselves. This is a problem where prevention is the best approach, because once it progresses too far there is no reversing it. It will take major dentistry to fix the issue.

1) Bad Breath

There is no oral health problem more common than bad breath, also known as halitosis. Bad breath can be caused by many things, but in the majority of cases – more than 4 out of 5 cases, in fact – a simple dental condition is to blame. They can include dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue and others. All of these can all be causes of bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, you should visit your dental office, because mouth wash only covers the problem, it doesn’t cure it.

Tags: dental care, dental office, dental problems, dental tips, dentist, manahawkin dental office, oral care, oral health, Southern Ocean County
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What You Need to Know to Improve Your Smile

Posted on: December 11th, 2019 by admin

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!

Tags: dental care, dental tips, smile, teeth, teeth whitening, whiter teeth
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Simple Teeth-Whitening Methods You Can Do At Home

Posted on: August 28th, 2019 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

pexels photo 922531

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.

Tags: dental care, dental tips, dentist in Forked River, dentist in Manahawkin, teeth whitening, white teeth, whiter teeth
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