3 Myths About Cavities

Cavities - the word alone strikes fear into the heart of kids and adults alike. But for a word that is so scary, so many patients have some very basic misconceptions about cavities - and that's what we'll be discussing this week! Let's start with the first myth...

1. Children are more prone to cavities

That's false! In the past, cavities have been heavily associated with children because they typically took care of their teeth the least. But this simply isn't so anymore, thanks to modern day advancements and parents helping kids brush. All teeth, little or big, are prone to cavities equally. 

2. You'll know it when you feel it

The truth is, when small cavities are beginning to form it's unlikely there will be any pain or symptoms associated. It's only when a cavity is large enough to cause nerve damage that patients will experience pain. Regularly visiting us is the best way to catch the start of a cavity.

3. Fillings Don't Last

Fillings DO last (if they're taken care of). Fillings only need to be replaced if they crack or if a cavity forms around them. Proper care of your teeth, and coming in for regular cleanings is the best way to keep your fillings intact. 

And there you have it! Our 3 big cavity myths, dispelled. So as you're drinking your sugary summer drinks and eating at barbeques, just remember to brush, floss and rinse afterwards! Do you have any cavities? What was the experience like? Tell us in the comments section below, we love to hear from our patients! 

Breathe Easy - 5 Ways To Ward Off Bad Breath

Many of our patients come to us with dental questions and issues that affect their day-to-day lives. One of the most common topics we hear about is bad breath. It's a problem that results in insecurity and frustration, but lucky for our patients, it's also an issue that can be helped through proper oral care. We want to share five tips that can combat bad breath, and debunk the myth that there's no simple solution to do so.

1. Brush AND floss more than you already do.

Do you currently just brush and not floss? We definitely suggest adding flossing into the mix. Do you brush and floss twice a day? Try doing it three times, once after each meal.

2. Stop smoking.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Cigarettes dry out your palette and leave smoke particles in your throat that can linger with a tobacco-like smell for hours. Not only that, smoking stains your teeth and deteriorates your gums. 

3. Steer clear of onions, garlic, and spicy foods.

These foods, in particular, are known to cause bad breath. Even brushing and flossing right after consuming these foods can often not help defeat their potency. For patients that already deal with bad breath issues, we suggest staying away as much as possible. 

4. Keep your tongue clean.

Bacteria that causes bad breath is often sitting on your tongue. Keeping that surface clean is crucial, and we suggest using a toothbrush or a tongue scraper to do the trick. By incorporating this into your regular brushing and flossing habits, it will become second nature. 

5. Stay hydrated. 

Drinking water isn't only important for your overall health, it's important for your breath too! Keeping your palette wet and salvia flowing is necessary for a clean and healthy mouth. If food particles sit for too long without being washed away, it's a recipe for bad breath. Even rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash can help.

Have you followed these steps and seen results? Let us know in the comments section below! And remember, we're always here for our patients to help with any issues that may arise. Keep having a wonderful Summer and breathe easy!  

What’s New? Laser Dentistry

Staying on the cutting edge of dentistry and putting the comfort and health of our patients first are always our priorities. Lucky for us, laser dentistry accomplishes those goals. With a brand new laser in the office, our team has already put it to great use.

We are using this technology for so many aspects of progressive dental health. For instance, to treat gum disease and tooth decay, for biopsy or lesion removal, and for diminishing bleeding and swelling. The laser is also an asset for cosmetic improvements such as gum contouring and teeth whitening.

However, what has really been most exciting for patients is its ability to remove canker and cold sores.  Often a painful annoyance for many people, these types of sores can be effectively removed without surgery and with haste.

Here are Dr. Lisa Indelicato and Dr. Khani Nguyen treating a patient with our new laser.

The laser works by delivering energy in the form of light. It’s one of the many ways we are keeping a laser-sharp focus on patients and their well-being.

'Filling you in'

• Our Dental Assistant Dana Ventura passed her Certified Dental Assisting License Test. While Dana has been x-ray certified for years, this is a major step for her and one the whole team is very proud of.

• Do you follow us on Facebook and Twitter? Look out for a very big giveaway coming soon, only available for Toms River Family Dental fans!

Dental Implants Worth Smiling Over

It's an important season to be happy with the way you look and feel. Summer always means more sun, more fun, and more to smile about. If you're feeling self-conscious about missing teeth, you're not alone. Statistics show that 69% of adults from ages 35-44 have lost at least one of their teeth.

Dental implants are often best way to replace missing or extracted teeth. Instead of resting on your gum line like removable dentures, implants are a permanent surgical option that look and feel just like your teeth. The dental implant comes up through the gum just like your original tooth – as if you would be “growing” a new tooth.

Once the implant is placed, the crown that is created looks just like the real thing. We can replace single teeth or even replace an entire row of dentures so you have a whole new set of teeth. Some of the benefits of implants are that they are solid, don’t move around when you talk and don’t need to be taken out at night. They are just like your teeth in every way, and may be the perfect solution to fit your needs. At Toms River Family Dental, it's a specialty of ours.