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The Importance of Dental Hygiene and Scaling

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The Importance of Dental Hygiene and Scaling

Posted on: September 25th, 2024 by admin

Many people think that brushing their teeth every day is enough to achieve and maintain good dental hygiene. However, this is not enough. There are other things that need to be taken into consideration for better dental care. One of these is scaling – a dental procedure that can do wonders for dental health. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about dental hygiene and scaling.

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is a treatment that is typically done during a routine dental checkup. It’s the process of removing plaque and tartar build-up from teeth that have accumulated over time. Plaque is a sticky layer that develops on the surface of your teeth. Tartar is the hardened form of plaque, and if not removed on time, it can lead to gum and periodontal diseases.

How Does Scaling Work?

Scaling is a non-surgical technique used to remove plaque and tartar on teeth. During the procedure, the dentist or hygienist will typically use a special tool called a scaler to remove the build-up gently. They may also use a water tool to flush out plaque from between your teeth. After the build-up is removed, the teeth are polished and treated with fluoride to strengthen them.

Why Is Scaling Important?

Scaling is essential for maintaining good dental hygiene, as it helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Gum disease can cause inflammation, which can lead to the breakdown of bone and tooth loss. Research has shown that gum problems can also lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.

What Can You Expect During Scaling?

Scaling is typically a painless procedure and can be completed in about an hour. You may experience a mild discomfort, but it’s usually tolerable. Some people may experience sensitivity to hot and cold drinks for a few days after the procedure. It’s recommended that you avoid eating or drinking anything for the first hour after scaling and avoid hard foods or spicy foods for a few days.

Investing in good dental hygiene now can save you from painful dental problems and costly dental procedures in the future. By getting regular checkups and scaling done, you can prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bacterial infections. If you’re overdue for a checkup and scaling, book an appointment with your dentist today. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

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How to Care for Your Teeth in Forked River, NJ

Posted on: February 15th, 2023 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 Forked River!

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 Forked River, they’ll notice the difference!

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

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10 Facts You NEED to Know About Flossing

Posted on: March 17th, 2021 by admin

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

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

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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.

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Why Do People Get Dental Implants? Here Are 6 Reasons

Posted on: November 4th, 2020 by admin

These days, few dental procedures are becoming more commonplace than getting dental implants.

To put it in the most basic terms, a dental implant is an artificial root used to support various dental prosthesis, such as dentures, crowns, and so on. They are a part of a wide array of procedures, from some types of false teeth to full dental reconstruction.

Our doctors at Bayside work with experienced surgeons and coordinate your care through each phase of treatment. Once the surgeon has placed the implant or implants, our doctors can finish your case with beautifully fabricated restorations, whether it is a single crown (“cap”), bridge or even a full denture.

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What kinds of people get dental implants?

  • Those who have lost a tooth or teeth in an accident
  • Those facing major tooth replacement due to decay
  • Athletes who lost teeth during competition
  • Actors and models seeking to improve their smile
  • Older patients who do not want traditional dentures
  • Anyone who is missing teeth

As you can see, dental implants cover a wide range of people and a wide variety of needs. With such a broad demographic, you might assume that the reasons people get dental implants are just as varied.

That assumption would be correct. Here are just a few of the reasons why patients seek out dental implants from their dentist in Southern Ocean County:

  • Prevent Jawbone Loss – Choosing a fixed bridge over a dental implant means your jawbone will begin to deteriorate. A root tooth is required to adequately stimulate the bone. A dental implant supplies that stimulation.
  • Maintain Your Appearance – No dental reconstruction procedure goes further in maintaining your appearance than dental implants in Barnegat. This is because other procedures can result in a “sunken” appearance around your jaw, among other issues.
  • Help You Speak Better – Unlike other procedures, dental implants effectively recreate the condition your jaw should be in. Other procedures can impact the way you speak, forcing you to relearn certain ways of speaking. This is not the case with dental implants.
  • Longer Lasting – Most other dental restoration procedures do not last nearly as long as dental implants do.
  • More Permanent Than Traditional Dentures – Traditional dentures have been a necessity for some people, but no one likes them. Dental implants can replace traditional dentures with a more permanent, more comfortable option.
  • Prevent Shifting Of Your Teeth – When there is an empty space in your jaw, your teeth have a natural tendency to shift into that space. In time, this will result in crooked teeth. Dental implants will prevent this.

Based on the above, the reasons why people in Southern Ocean County get dental implants should be obvious. No matter how you look at them, they are superior to traditional dentures and tooth replacement.

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They are catching on nationwide, too. Consider these facts:

  • 3 million Americans now have dental implants
  • 10 percent of dentists now perform the procedure
  • Dental implants are a $1 billion market in the United States
  • The success rate for dental implants is 98 percent
  • Only modern materials, such as titanium alloys, are used in dental implants
  • The surgery is painless
  • Dental implants cannot get cavities

We pride ourselves in having educated, knowledgeable patients. That is why it comes as little surprise to us that when people from Southern Ocean County visit, many are quick to ask about dental implants.

Because the bottom line is that dental implants work better than the other options.

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6 Simple Ways To Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist

Posted on: September 18th, 2019 by admin

Fear of the dentist is such a common fear it’s practically a movie cliché at this point. It has featured in sitcoms (Seinfeld’s hilarious dentist, Tim Whatley was played by Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, and he was a very scary dentist) and in movies. There have been entire books written on the subject, and the reason is simple: It’s a fear that many people share.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s very possible to overcome your fear of visiting the dentist near Manahawkin – and that’s a good thing, because overcoming that fear will let you get the care you need in order to maintain good oral health!

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Here’s how to get over your fear of the dentist:

  1. Understand That Your Fears Are Normal

    – You’re not alone in being frightened of going to the dentist. Peter Milgrom, the director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington, claims that upwards of 20 percent of U.S. citizens only go to the dentist when it is absolutely necessary to go. They avoid visits at other times due to fear. Up to 8 percent of people don’t go at ALL, with their decision also based in fear. When you understand that it’s normal to feel this way, it will be a good first step towards overcoming those fears.

  1. Get To Know Your Dentist As A Human Being

    – When you visit a dentist near Manahawkin, be sure you try to see them as a person, not as a clinical medical person in scrubs. Chat with them and get to know them. When you recognize that they are someone just like you, with interesting hobbies and families, you will help ease your anxiety.

  1. Book A Few Low-Pressure Appointments –

    Going to the dentist for a simple check-up is a great, low-stress way to get yourself comfortable with dental office visits. Even if you know you’re going to need dental work done, that doesn’t mean you have to get it done right away. Have a low key visit to your Ocean County dental office, get comfortable, , and relax. That will make future visits MUCH easier.

  1. Ask Your Dentist To Educate You

    – A good Ocean County dentist will talk to you before, during and after your appointment. Use this time to ease your fears. Have them tell you exactly what they are doing and how they’re doing it, and have them clarify why they’re doing it, too. Keep in mind, knowledge is power. When you have a better understanding of the process, you will then be more comfortable with it.

  1. Bring A Stress Reliever

    – Stress relief items like smooshy rubber balls can be helpful, so feel free to bring one with you. Your Barnegat dentist will understand! A major part of their job is to help make you comfortable. They want you to be at ease, so if it will help, bring it!

  1. Bring A Friend With You

    – Few things help us face our fears as the buddy system. If you are going in for a dental procedure that makes you a little nervous, ask a friend to come along on your appointment. They can give you the moral support that you’ll need to help get you get through your visit!

Trust us, your dentist wants you to be as relaxed as you can be, so follow this advice to ease your stress levels. Before you know it your dentist visits will feel routine!

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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:

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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!

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Here’s How Your Oral Health is Tied to your Overall Health

Posted on: July 10th, 2019 by admin

Your mouth is a funny place. Your body is fairly easy to keep clean and healthy when compared to your mouth. As long as you shower daily, eat right and get some exercise, generally speaking your body is going to treat you fairly well. Your mouth is another story. Your mouth is a place that is warm and wet, and that makes it a great place for germs and bacteria to thrive. It’s also filled with tiny little nooks and crannies that create perfect places for oral problems to begin. And finally, it acts as the gateway to your insides.

That’s why taking good care of your mouth requires some work on your part – just as your Southern Ocean County dental office tells you!

And make no mistake, it’s a relatively small effort that you’ll want to make, because your oral health is closely tied to your overall health. Here’s how:

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Periodontal Disease

Some recent studies now prove there are links between periodontal disease and other oral afflictions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. dentists have found that they can often diagnose those conditions early in part by your oral health.

Good Digestion

Your every bodily function begins and ends with your body’s ability to turn food into energy, and that entire process begins in your mouth.

Heart Disease

It might seem to be counterintuitive that these two things would be linked, but a study from 2008 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine suggested that periodontal disease was a risk factor for heart disease. A few follow-up studies also appear to show that treating periodontal disease can also lower’s a person’s risk for heart disease.

Diabetes

Diabetes shows itself in a number of ways, among them in gum inflammation. This is something your dentist might notice, allowing you to spot early warning signs of the disease.

Preterm Labor

This is another that may surprise you. We now know that pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease and other oral maladies, and further, gum disease increases the risk of low birth weight and preterm labor. So these things are linked!

Pneumonia

Earlier when we said your mouth was a good place for bacteria and germs to gather, we weren’t kidding. Under some conditions, breathing in germs may put you at an increased risk of developing pneumonia thanks to those factors. That’s a good reason to have good oral hygiene!

Osteoporosis

Current studies are still looking into this, but a few researchers believe that suffering from both osteoporosis and periodontal disease could lead to faster bone loss. That’s not really a risk you want to take then, is it?

Arthritis

This link still being studied, but it’s worth noting. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology is one of several trying to establish a connection between these two inflammatory disorders.

With all of the above in mind, it appears that a good idea is to follow the advice of your dentist in Ocean County when they tell you to do better at care of your mouth. Wouldn’t you agree?

By now you know what to do: Brush at least twice daily, ever day! Floss daily. Be sure to use mouthwash. Go for regular checkups with your dentist. Avoid food and drinks high in sugar. And so on.

Why? Because these things may seem minor, so small that sometimes you can’t be bothered to follow through, but they can play a role in protecting a much bigger, interconnected system – you body.

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5 Things To Keep in Mind When Choosing A Toothpaste

Posted on: July 3rd, 2019 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.

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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.

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6 Easy Tips To Find The Perfect Jersey Shore Home

Posted on: November 28th, 2018 by admin No Comments

There is a reason why real estate is in demand in our area: Because the Jersey Shore is a fantastic place to live!

From easy access to some of the best beaches on the East Coast to New York City and Philadelphia being a short drive away and much more, people are eager to live in towns like Long Beach Island, Manahawkin, and Forked River.

But house hunting can be a chore. It doesn’t need to be if you follow these simple house hunting tips, though. With these in mind, you’ll have your perfect home in Southern Ocean County in no time.

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Location, Location, Location – It’s not a cliché, it’s a fact of life! When it comes to real estate, location is everything, so be sure to look at more than the house. Check out the neighborhood, its access to local shopping and highways, and the school system.

Get Pre-approved – It’s rarely a bad idea to go to the bank BEFORE you start shopping for homes. A preapproval will not only give you peace of mind during the often stressful process of home shopping, it will also give you a clear idea of your budget limitations. Being equipped with this information will make the entire process smoother for you.

 

Create A Checklist – When you’re touring multiple homes during your survey of real estate, it can be easy to get a little overwhelmed. The best way to keep things straight is to create a simple checklist of features you want (or want to avoid). As you tour each home, mark off the checklist. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will be there to jog your memory when you’re trying to remember which home had what.

Know What You Want – It’s surprising how many home buyers don’t really know what they want when they go out looking. This can only make the entire process harder for you. Before you start shopping for homes, make a list of what you want from your purchase. This will make it much easier to zero in on the perfect home for you.

Do Your Research – The days of letting your real estate agent do all the work are long over. These days, it is incumbent upon the buyer to do their research as well. The Internet is a big place full of tools that can help you get the background you need on potential houses and neighborhoods to make a decision you won’t regret.

Be Ready To Make An Offer – When the moment finally comes to claim the Jersey Shore home they’ve been after, a surprising number of people find themselves paralyzed. It’s not altogether surprising. Buying a home is a major investment, after all. But if you’re out there shopping for a new home, you have to be prepared to make an offer the moment you know this is the home for you, otherwise you risk someone else sweeping the home out from under you. It happens!

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