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It’s time to toss your old toothbrush!

Posts Tagged ‘ dental tips ’



It’s time to toss your old toothbrush!

Posted on: August 2nd, 2023 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

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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!

10 Things You Should Know About Flossing

Posted on: March 29th, 2023 by admin

Look, we understand. 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.

Don’t Buy Just Any Toothpaste. Keep These Tips in Mind

Posted on: July 8th, 2020 by admin

We hope you’re using your toothpaste twice a day like you’re supposed to!  But remember, your dentist near Forked River will tell you it’s not just enough to brush. You have to choose the right type of toothpaste, too.

And yes, it is possible to select the wrong type of toothpaste. Not all toothpastes are created alike. These days there are a great many varieties of toothpastes which are designed to address a wide variety of dental needs. Knowing which is the best for your family is a basic part of making good healthcare decisions.

Thankfully, we’re here to help. Follow these five toothpaste tips and you’ll make the right choice every time:

1) Choose A Toothpaste With Fluoride

This one is probably obvious, but is worth including anyway: you want to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is one of the most vital ways in which brushing can help you battle cavities. And believe us, you are mistaken if you think that all toothpaste contains fluoride. There are many “natural” toothpaste brands that boast about being fluoride free. They may be good choices for children under six, but for adults, a fluoride toothpaste is recommended by your dental office near Forked River.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clean-mouth-teeth-dentist-40798/

2) Do You Need a Whitening Toothpaste?

When you scour the store shelves, it’s not unusual to see a large number of whitening toothpastes. As a general rule, these are fine options that in some cases may help slow down the staining from day-to-day habits like coffee drinking. In some extreme cases, these toothpastes may even be able to lighten your teeth by up to a shade (though keep in mind that results that good from whitening toothpastes alone are quite rare). That said, if you have sensitive teeth you should AVOID whitening toothpastes. These varieties often contain chemicals that can worsen your sensitivity, so keep that in mind when choosing your brand.

3) Who Will Be Using It?

By now you should realize that not all toothpastes are created alike thanks to common wisdom. The truth is, there are toothpastes designed for adults, some designed for children, and even some that should NOT be used by children. Be sure to read labels carefully so you have a strong understanding of who in your family should and should not be using the brand you purchase. Remember that toothpaste you chose may not be suitable for the whole family!

4) Check for The ADA Approval Logo

The American Dental Association puts its seal of acceptance onto toothpaste brands that are proven to be safe, effective, and part of a good routine of oral care. No matter the brand of toothpaste you choose, whether it be whitening, all natural, baking soda, etc., be sure it has the seal of approval by the ADA. That will give you peace of mind and let you know the toothpaste brand you chose is right for your teeth.

5) Inform Your Dentist About Any Chronic Dental Problems

It’s always a good idea to tell your dentist near Forked River if you are experiencing chronic tooth problems. These can include pain, temperature sensitivity, and more. Even if the problem is a minor one, your dentist may be able to recommend a type of toothpaste designed to assist with your issue. There are desensitizing toothpastes made for those with sensitive teeth, for example, and others.

5 Easy Tips To Make Sure Your Toothbrush Lasts

Posted on: May 19th, 2020 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:

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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!

12 Things You NEED To Know About Flossing

Posted on: May 14th, 2020 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.

No Need To Be Embarrassed About These 5 Common Dental Problems

Posted on: April 27th, 2020 by admin

Dental problems. Many of us are embarrassed by the dental problems we have, but the truth is that just about everyone has some sort of dental malady or another. It’s not unusual, and therefore is nothing to be embarrassed about – as long as you’re getting it treated by your local dentist, that is! Here are five of the most common:

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

1) Bad Breath

If you have bad breath, you are not alone. The truth is, there is no larger oral health problem than bad breath, also called halitosis. In 4 out of 5 cases, a dental condition is to blame. This can be dry mouth, having cavities, gum disease, bacteria on your tongue and other factors.

2) Mouth Sores

If you have them, don’t worry. Lots of people do. They come in many varieties, too.  Canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters, ulcers, and more among the most common. They can be really bothersome! Thankfully, they are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They often go away after a few weeks. Once in a while one of them can point to a bigger problem. If you have a mouth sore that lasts for more than two weeks, see your Ocean County dentist!

3) Cavities

The scourge of tooth decay is one of the most common oral health problems in America, and in fact it’s one of the most common medical problems of all. Cavities hit almost as many Americans as the common cold. If you brush twice a day, however, and remember to floss, watch what you eat , and more, you’ll enjoy the best defense – which is prevention!

4) Gum Disease

Technically this is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease happens when the gums surrounding your pearly whites become infected. This usually begins with gingivitis. After a while it progresses and may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is actually the most common reason for tooth loss among adults

5) Oral Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get the attention other cancers do, so you might be surprised to learn that there are 300,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year. At any time, millions of Americans may have oral cancer. As with any cancer, it can be a deadly problem if left untreated, but thankfully it’s also very treatable, especially if caught early. That’s a good reason to see your dentist regularly!

We’re sure almost everyone reading this has suffered from at least one of these at one time or another. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be sure to see your dentist near Manahawkin regularly so small problems don’t become big ones!

4 Tips To Become A Master Toothbrush Expert

Posted on: February 19th, 2020 by admin

By now, all adults know that they should be brushing twice daily. If you are reading this, you know it, too.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t more to learn. For instance, consider these 4 tips that will make your brushing (and your choice in toothpaste) far more effective:

Tip #1: Sensitive Teeth? Try A Baking Soda-Based Toothpaste

We see a lot of patients who have sensitive teeth, so we know how frustrating the condition can be. We also know that having sensitive teeth means you must take a slightly different approach to oral health than others might. One way is in the brand of toothpaste you choose. Standard brands may be more abrasive than is comfortable for your teeth, or may contain chemicals that trigger sensitivity in your teeth. A good way to get around that problem is to choose baking soda-based toothpastes. These toothpastes tend to be softer and milder on the teeth, resulting in a gentler yet still effective brush that won’t leave your mouth feeling sensitive.

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Tip #2: Understand That Not All Toothpastes Are Right For Everyone

It’s a common misconception that one toothpaste is pretty much the same as another. After all, it’s all just toothpaste, right? Wrong. The fact of the matter is, not all toothpastes are created alike. Many types of toothpaste are designed to address specific issues, such as sensitive teeth or staining. Others are made for children – children below a certain age should not be exposed to high levels of fluoride – while still others are ideal for people who prefer all-natural products. Yes, that means you may need to buy more than one tube of toothpaste for your family. That’s okay, though. That just means that everyone will be getting exactly what they need to maintain the best oral health possible. Nothing wrong with that!

Tip #3: Some Toothpastes May Accelerate Tooth Decay!

It may sound counterintuitive, but there are some toothpastes that could contribute to tooth decay even as they are helping you clean your teeth. How? By being overly sweet and full of sugars. You’ve probably seen them, usually aimed at children: toothpastes that practically taste like candy they are so sweet. Well, they almost taste like candy for the same reason candy tastes sweet. They are sweetened! It may be easier to get your little ones to use toothpastes like these, but as a general rule of thumb your dentist near Forked River suggests you should avoid them when possible. In some ways, using them defeats the purpose of brushing in the first place!

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Tip #4: Brushing Is Only The Start

For too many Americans, their oral health regime begins and ends with brushing their teeth. While that is a great place to start – if you are mindful enough to be brushing at least twice a day, kudos to you – it is only the start. Good oral health includes mouth rinses, flossing, and regular checkups from your dentist. Remember, brushing is just one part of an overall plan of good oral health.

Keep these tips in mind and we guarantee your Ocean County dentist will have nothing but good news on your next visit!

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:

lion-teeth-pexels-photo-684215) 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.

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

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!

Always Keep This In Mind When Buying Toothpaste

Posted on: October 10th, 2019 by admin

Toothpaste is one of the most important tools in your oral health arsenal!  But keep in mind that your Ocean County dentist will tell you that you have to choose the right type of toothpaste if you want your brushing to be as effective as it can be.

Wait, there can be a right and wrong kind of toothpaste? Actually, yes! You really can use the wrong type of toothpaste!

The fact is, not all toothpastes are made to work the same. They can be designed to address many different dental needs, depending on whatever the folks at your dental office serving Manahawkin tell you you should address first. An essential part of making good decisions about your oral care is knowing which toothpastes are the right choices for your family.

Experts in dentistry near Manahawkin will suggest you follow these five tips when making a choice:

1) Fluoride!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking every toothpaste contains fluoride. They don’t! Some “natural” toothpaste brands are free of fluoride. These are good for very young children under the age of six – fluoride can actually discolor teeth in young children – but once they are older, follow the recommendation of your dental office serving Manahawkin and use a toothpaste with fluoride. It’s one of the most vital ways in which brushing can help you battle cavities.

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2) Whitening!

Whitening toothpastes are bigger than ever and easily available. But do you need one? They are fine options that might help slow down staining, but don’t expect dramatic results. They might be able to lighten your teeth by up to a shade, though even that would be a great result. The truth is, if you have sensitive teeth you should not use whitening toothpastes because they have chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive.

3) Who’s Using It?

Remember that there are toothpastes made specifically for adults, and there are toothpastes made specifically for children. Always read labels carefully so you understand who the intended user is. For further advice, an a dentist in Ocean County for their input. Remember that a brand of toothpaste may not be suitable for the whole family!

4) ADA Approval!

Look for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance on your toothpaste. Any brand that is proven to be safe and effective will have that logo. It doesn’t matter the style you choose – whitening, all natural, baking soda, and others – if it doesn’t have the seal of approval by the ADA, take a pass. Your dentist near Manahawkin will give you the same advice.

5) Chronic Dental Problems?

Be sure to inform your dentist serving Manahawkin if you have chronic tooth problems that you are feeling on a regular basis. Pain, temperature sensitivity, and other chronic maladies are a sign there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. You may be surprised to learn that your dentist may even be able to suggest a new type of toothpaste to help with your symptoms, such as desensitizing toothpaste.

Ready to start brushing? They get in the bathroom and do it, then visit your dental office near Manahawkin for a check up to see how well your teeth are doing.