Hello Santa!

Well, Christmas is officially less than one week away! Feels unbelievable how quickly the holidays crept up on us - but boy are we glad they're here. Though it's cold outside, especially here in New Jersey, it's also one of the most beautiful times of year. So make sure you're bundled up to get outside and see it all. 

The lights on the trees and buildings, the sledding and ice skating, the overall cheer in the air. It's all what makes the holidays so magical. Also, the treats are definitely plentiful. And while it's always the time of year to indulge, we just don't want you to forget about your teeth! Brush and floss twice a day as always, and remember to come see us for cleaning.

From the entire Tom's River Family Dental group, we want to wish you a very, very merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! 

Tips To Keep Your Breath Jolly!

You're not hearing it first from us, but the holidays are right around the corner! Literally. With Christmas and New Years fast approaching, we know that our patients are busy preparing for family and friends gatherings. Attending holidays parties is always a fun perk of this time of year - seeing old and new friends, getting together with close and distant family. Always a great time.

But with so many opportunities to see and speak to people you don't see enough year round, we want to me sure your mouth is prepared! With so many opportunities for close talking, we wanted to share five tips to keep your breath in tip top shape. Because there's nothing worse that catching yourself with bad breath at a holiday party, or speaking to someone else who is having that issue.

So here are the things you can do to keep your breath at it's best:

1. Don't Smoke! For many reasons we ask that our patients don't smoke. It is extremely unhealthy and damaging. But one of the other side effects is the bad breath it leaves you with.

Image source: http://chanelbagsandcigarettedrags.com/

2. Mouthwash, mouthwash, mouthwash. Anti-bacterial mouthwashes protect against bacteria in your mouth and adds an extra layer of defense against bad breath. Mouthwash always smells and tastes good, so we don't imagine that this will be a hard sell.

Image source: http://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/dental/best-mouthwash-00100000114106/page4.html?xid=df-11-25-2013

3. Brush, floss, and scrape your tongue twice daily. This is no secret. We always encourage patients to brush and floss twice a day, but often your tongue gets left out. Especially when patients are in a rush, scraping their tongue with a toothbrush seems like extra time and extra work. We're here to say that those extra few seconds can go a long way for your breath! So twice a day, scrape your tongue!

4. Avoid certain foods. While onions and garlic and notorious for giving bad breath, there are also some other sour foods that can do the same. As a rule of thumb, if it feels like the particular food your eyeing at a holiday party may leave you with a funny taste in your mouth, it probably means it will leave you with bad breath too.

Image source: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/liver-cleanse-foods/

5. Come visit us! Last and finally, make it a point to come in for cleanings often. The more that we can do a full cleaning in your mouth, the better it is for your breath, teeth, gums, tongue, and everything in between!  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Can You Guess The Smile?

In the same way every person is unique, every smile is unique too. It's how we express our happiness and it sets us apart from the rest. It's one of the first places our eyes focus on when we see someone. A smile truly sets us apart from the rest. 

We would bet that if you just saw the smiles of your family and friends (and nothing else), you'd know exactly who they belonged too. Don't know if you believe us? Try it out with celebrity smiles! You've seen them on the big screen and in the magazines, and without even knowing it you've grown to learn what their smiles look like. Take a look at this slideshow from Web MD with some famous smiles, and see if you can guess who they belong too! 

Tell us how you did in the comments section below! 

Happy Thanksgiving! Smile Central!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! One of our absolute favorite holidays of the year. A time to spend with great family and great food - what could be better? We hope your dinners are delicious and that everyone you're spending the holiday with is happy and healthy. There's really so much to be thankful for, and so smile to smile about.  

Speaking of, let's talk about smiling! We expect you'll be doing a lot of it today. According to the article is Spark People, smiling has great benefits for you and everyone around you. Here are the top 5 reasons to keep smiling...

1. Smiling can make you happy, even when you're not! 

By smiling, your body is sending a message to your brain that you're happy, and your brain in turn starts signaling endorphins to be released. Endorphins do actually make you happy. So the simple act of smiling really starts the chain reaction. 

Image source: http://smallearthvintage.blogspot.com/2011/11/street-style.html

2. Smiling makes you better looking!

Don't believe it? Well, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults in America believe that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex. Ever think about why we smile in pictures? It's because that's when we look our best and our happiest.

3. De-stress with a smile. 

Next time you're feeling anxious, try taking a few deep breaths and smiling. It's just that easy. Smiling can help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety by sending a message to your brain that slows your heart rate and breathing. 

Image source: http://www.goodeyeblog.com/2011/02/christy-evans-yoga-teacher-portrait-photography/

4. Smile to make others happy!

Research shows that smiling is contagious. When someone smiles at you, it's really hard not to smile back. Sometimes you do so without even being aware of it!

5. It just feels good.

Smiling just feels right, and natural. Give it a try right now and you'll see what we mean :) 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

Germ Pop-Quiz!

We loved this Web MD quiz about the amount of germs that live in your mouth. It's a fun way to find out about your mouth and just how many germs are in there - and here's a little hint, there are a TON! Answer the 12 questions and we bet you'll be surprised by some of the results. 

Here's one giveaway, there's actually no such thing as the 5 second rule! The truth is, the longer your food is on the floor the more germs it will pick up, however, the second that food does touch the ground it starts to collect germs. 

So give the quiz a go and remember no cheating! :)

The Coldness is Coming!

It's getting colder outside, and it really feels like winter is almost here! As much as we all love the seasons changing, you're not along if you can't help but long for those warm summer months. Especially if you experience discomfort in your teeth from the cold air. It's actually a very common occurrence, and something we'll discuss today. 

(source: http://iloverainandcoffee.tumblr.com/post/19698092661)

If the feeling of discomfort or pain in your teeth sets in when you take a sip of something very cold or breathe in through your mouth on a chilly day - you likely suffer from tooth sensitivity. Don't worry! You are not alone, and there are many common reasons why this could be happening.

(source: http://indulgy.com/post/o4PMae1zb1/neon)

For instance, this could be caused by brushing too hard. Brushing vigorously is never a good idea. It can wear away at your natural tooth enamel and push your gums back, causing gum recession. However, there is also gum recession that simply occurs naturally, which cannot be helped. Other reasons are teeth grinding or drinking very acidic beverages on a regular basis Sodas, juices, wine and other acidic drinks can be the cause. What is actually happening to your teeth is that the roots are becoming exposed from the gum line. As a result, your teeth become very sensitive to extreme temperatures. 

(source: http://www.meetpenny.com/2011/01/batch-cooking-freezing-options/)

In certain circumstances, we can bond your teeth and that can help the situation. But we generally recommend using a toothpaste like Sensodyne, and brushing softly with a soft bristled brush. If the discomfort is persistent, especially with winter approaching, be sure to come in and let us take a look. 

Happy Halloween! See our Toothy Costume Ideas!

Carve that pumpkin and put on the face paint - it's officially Halloween! If you love this holiday, you are certainly not alone. Kids and adults alike get to dress up as whatever they like - from scary costumes, to funny costumes, and even "Punny" costumes are now the trend (dressing us as a word pun). 

We've put together a list of our favorite "teeth" themed costumes that are sure to give people a smile. They're easy to put together, and tons of fun to wear.

So this year for Halloween, why not dress up as a...

1. Wisdom Tooth!

Dress in all white, with a long white beard. Get it? You're wise looking and in white, like a tooth!

2. Tooth Fairy!

This is an old favorite. The costume can look a lot like a fairy, with wings, a tutu, etc. The catch is you'll carry money or a pouch of coins. We also suggest attaching tooth drawing to yourself so it's even more clear.

3. Dentist!

Call us biased, but we think this is a great costume! It's easy to create (you just need a white coat) and it's a crowd pleaser. 

 

A cute couples costume is a tooth fairy and dentist together. A match made in heaven! 

Or get the whole family involved and be tooth-related items! 

So enjoy Halloween this year, but do your best to limit your candy intake. We know it's tough and tempting, but staying healthy should always be your #1 priority. And speaking of cutting back on candy, that brings us to our "Filling You In" section...

"Filling You In"

Our Halloween Candy Buy Back Program is in full effect!! We want kids to bring in their Halloween candy, and we'll donate what they give to the troops overseas. Plus, for every pound of candy that's donated, we'll match it with $1, up to $5. Plus, bringing in your candy enters you into an awesome raffle with amazing prices up for grabs! Kids can also bring in letters for the troops that will be sent with the candy. 

We'll keep you posted on the program on Facebook and Twitter! 

How NOT to brush!

We often discuss the "Do's" of brushing your teeth. But it's just as important to remember the Don'ts! Brushing your teeth really becomes a ritual we do, every day, multiple times a day. But how often do you stop and think about what exactly you're doing and if you're doing it properly? Today's the day we want you to do pause for a moment and think about what not do while brushing. So let's get to it!

1. DON'T brush your teeth just once a day. Twice or three times is ideal (once after every meal).

2. DON'T brush too often. Brushing four, five times or more a day can wear away at your enamel and increase gum recession.

3. DON'T brush at a 90 degree angle. Brush gently at a 45 degree angle to properly reach your gums.

4. DON't brush back-and-forth. Brushing in a straight line can irritate teeth. Always brush in a circular motion.

5. DON'T brush too roughly. Gentle brushing is key. 

6. DON'T use a stiff-bristled brush. Always go for a softer brush, as the strong/stiff brushes do more harm than good.

7. DON'T floss after you brush. Remember to floss before brushing, to loosen plaque and expose areas that need the brushing.

And that's it! 7 tips to remember NOT to do. What "Don't Do" tips would you share?

'Filling You In'

It's our First Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back Program!! Kids can bring in their candy and receive $1 per pound (up to 5 lbs.) and their candy will be donated to our troops! Save your teeth from tooth decay and help us sweeten a soldier's day! We'll have more updates on this after Halloween :)

Save your teeth from tooth decay and help us sweeten a soldier's day!

Big, exciting news to report from Toms River Family Dental! We're hosting our First Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back Program! It's starting right now at our practice and it's really putting a big smile on everyone's face. What are the details? Glad you asked!

Around this time of year, there's definitely an influx of candy. Candy corn, chocolate bars, sour patch kids, you name it. With all of that candy, there is a good amount of sweets that kids can give up and give away - but why not make it more enjoyable and help others too? That's where the vision for our First Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back Program came from.

Kids are bringing in their Halloween candy and receiving $1 per pound (up to 5 lbs.) for the amount they give away. Best of all, all of their candy will be donated to our troops overseas! Along with the candy, kids are bringing in letters of encouragement to send with the treats. Also, every child that participates is entered into our raffle to win amazing prizes and gift cards! So not only are our troops getting candy, but our kids are saving their teeth from all of that sugar and potentially winning something in return. It's definitely a win, win all around.

We'll have more to update and pictures to share soon, as this program gets going. Be sure to come by, bring your candy and letters, to save your teeth from tooth decay and help us sweeten a soldier's day! 

Are Cigars Worth the Celebration?

Puffing away on a cigar may not seem like a big deal. In fact, it may even seem somewhat glamorous and sophisticated. Cigars have been successfully marketed as an upscale treat, symbolizing wealth and decadence since the turn of the century. 

Cigar smoking is very often seen in hollywood too. Movies portray actors and actresses smoking cigars all the time. It's a common commemorative way to celebrate something. People often think that since they're not inhaling the smoke, it's not as damaging. They even think it's a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. But in reality, it is very harmful to not just your teeth, but your overall health. 

Cigars have 40 times the amount of nicotine and tar found in a cigarette.  That extra nicotine may be why smoking just a few cigars a week is enough to trigger addiction. Also, one cigar can contain more than a 1/2 ounce of tobacco, which is just as much tobacco as an entire pack of cigarettes.

Cigar smoking can also cause permanent stains to teeth and chronic bad breath. Worst of all, it increases your chances for life threatening diseases like cancer, lung disease, and heart disease. Exposure to tobacco carcinogens are a leading cause of throat and mouth cancer. So next time you're thinking about taking a leisurely puff on a cigar, we hope you'll think again. 

Seal the Deal with Sealants

Dental sealant may not be something you're familiar with, but get ready to get familiar! Sealant is a wonderful, often underrated defense against tooth decay. It's an option and an opportunity we're brining to a lot of our patients, and today we'll discuss what it is and if it's right for you or your children. 

Brushing and flossing is, of course, the best way to keep teeth clean. But often, there are crevices and crowded spaces towards the back of our mouths that are much harder to get to, and therefore, much harder to clean. Wouldn't it be nice if your teeth were somehow shielded from plaque? Glad you asked! And we definitely agree!

Dental sealant is a coating painted on the surfaces of teeth, particularly the top area of back molars where most chewing is done. The shield of coasting is extremely thin and the process is painless. The sealant creates a protective layer over each tooth seals out plaque for up to 10 years. 

Children and teenagers are great candidates for dental sealant because it's more likely that their teeth are in the best condition for preservation. Adults without cavities are candidates too. Next time your in for a cleaning, feel free to ask us about dental sealant and see if it's right protection for you! :)

Diabetes, Your Mouth, and You

Do you suffer from diabetes? It's a disease many Americans face every single day, and it's one that can really take a toll on your oral hygiene too. We always encourage patients with diabetes to take extra care and see us more regularly, and today we'll explain why.

When you have diabetes, the issue is two fold. The first issue comes into play because having high blood sugar naturally encourages more bacteria growth in your mouth. The second issue exists because you not only are more likely to have more bacteria in your mouth, but you also have less of an ability to fight it off. So therefore, both of these factors contribute to a heightened occurrence of gum disease in patients with diabetes. 

Keeping your mouth at it's healthiest and cleanest is a huge contributor to your overall health, especially in the case of patients with diabetes. Since any infections can make your blood sugar rise, keeping a healthy mouth can be imperative to keeping your diabetes under control. 

When you come to see us, always let us know if you have diabetes and what medications you're taking. Very regular check ups from us and professional cleanings will be imperative to keeping your mouth healthy and your teeth at their peak. We'll also advise the best ways for you to care for your teeth and gums outside of our chair :)

Whitening & Sensitivity

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and with good reason! A beautiful, white smile is a stunning sight indeed. Do you use whitening strips at home to keep your pearly whites their absolute whitest? If so, you're not alone. 

They are VERY popular, and for good reason. They do work, but at what cost? Using whitening strips at home can definitely cause and enhance sensitivity - in fact, all whitening systems can. But exactly how much sensitivity really depends on you and your unique teeth.  

Three real components play a roll in how sensitive your teeth will be from using whitening strips:

1. How naturally thick is your tooth enamel? This factor is purely based on your anatomy. Think of your enamel as a protective layer, so the thinner that layer is the less protection you have against a chemical treatment, and the more sensitive you will be.

2. How much gum recession do you have? Gum recession is caused by brushing too forcefully or can simply occur naturally over time. That exposed area of your teeth where the tooth meets your gums (the root) is already very sensitive, so a whitening product only further irritates that spot. 

3.  How worn down are your teeth are from grinding and clenching? It's a terrible habit to have, but one that we see very often. Grinding and clenching your teeth wears down the natural enamel on the edges of your teeth and exposes that area to enhanced sensitivity. 

Thinking about starting an at-home whitening treatment? We suggest letting us look at the overall condition of your mouth to get a sense of whether or not your an ideal candidate for whitening. So come on in and get ready for your brightest, whitest smile yet :)

Tooth Truths

It's really starting to feel like Fall! Does anyone else agree that Summer really flew by? Well with back to school season upon us, we wanted to share some fun knowledge about your teeth! After all, it is our favorite subject to study. 

Did you know...

1. The hardest part of the human body is the tooth enamel covering the crown of your teeth. 

2. In China, the 20th of September is National 'Love Your Teeth' Day! 

3. Originally, toothbrush bristles were made of cow hair.

4. No two people have the same teeth.

5. Ancient Greeks were the first to invent dental pliers. 

6. People have four different types of teeth. 

7. Tooth decay is the second most common disease, after the cold.

8. An elephant's molar tooth is almost 7 square inches.

9. In the Middle Ages, a common custom to help cure a toothache was to kiss a donkey. 

10. One quarter of adults in the US have lost all of their teeth.

We hope all of our patients are enjoying the gorgeous Fall weather! Stop in to see us soon :)

Stick to Floss Sticks

Today, there are so many inventive options to help our patients better care for their teeth. One of those devices are floss sticks - and we love them! Floss sticks are disposable, Y-shape, hand-held sticks that hold a span of floss between to prongs. These sticks help you floss without dealing with a long, cumbersome thread. They are especially great for people with dexterity problems or people on-the-go. They can easily fit in your purse or your pocket to help loosen plaque wherever you may be!

Here are some things to keep in mind with floss sticks. They are disposable for a reason. After using that one section of floss on your entire mouth, it becomes exposed to enough bacteria that warrants it unhealthy for a second use. So just as your would with regular floss, throw the stick away after each use. Also, we recommend rinsing the floss on the stick as you're using it. As plaque gets dislodged from your mouth, it needs to be removed from the stick with running water.

So pick up floss sticks and give them a try! We think you'll like how you feel and how you look.

Team Appreciation Night!

At Toms River Family Dental, our staff loves spending time together and coming to work each day - and it shows through the care we give to our happy patients. Our positive, hard-working, caring team is what makes the different between our practice and any other, and we know that! That's why we celebrated our First Annual Team Appreciation Night!

What better way to celebrate than with a Lakewood Blue Claws game in Lakewood, New Jersey! Our favorite, local Minor League Baseball team. 

After a great team dinner we watched an incredible ball game - and Dr. Shapiro even threw the ceremonial first pitch!! 

The Blue Claws won and we even got a few pictures with Buster, the team mascot! 

We love our team, and our team loves having fun. In or out of the office we love smiling, and making other people smile. Isn't that what dentistry is all about? It was a special night with our wonderful staff, and we can't wait to do it again next year! 

We hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! Remember to keep flossing, brushing and coming in for your check ups :)