Dental Checkups in Ocean Township NJ

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental caries is "the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years." The CDC goes on to recommend regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments to prevent tooth decay.

We will visually inspect your teeth and study dental x-rays to see if you have the beginning of a cavity. With early detection, a cavity can be eliminated by the placement of a small filling. But a small cavity, left untreated, can easily require a more expensive and time-consuming procedure.

Other preventive measures that can be taken at your regular dental visit include:

• Professional removal of plaque and tartar
• Placement of fluorides and sealants
• Identification of areas you may be missing with home brushing and flossing
• Education on proper brushing and flossing techniques

Almost $20 billion is spent on cosmetic dentistry each year. Maybe some of this is due to vanity, but there's also a practical reason to improve your smile, according to a study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology. This study found that more attractive people make more money, 12% more on average.

Having your teeth cleaned regularly can enhance the whiteness of your teeth. Plaque, tartar, and stains from food and drinks are removed. This enables you to maintain whiter teeth between visits. Many stains such as coffee and tea stains must be removed professionally.

During your regular checkup, your mouth, head, and neck areas will be examined for more serious problems that have yet to gain your attention. One of these is an infected tooth. It is common to have an infected tooth that requires a root canal treatment, yet there is no pain or swelling. Early detection and treatment can save your tooth and prevent the more expensive treatment of replacing an extracted tooth.

We will also screen you for more serious issues such as oral cancer. Early detection of this can be lifesaving. Oral cancers can be seen early on dental x-rays and visual examination. If you need to schedule an appointment or ask a question about your oral health, contact us today.

Gum disease can come with a heavy price tag. Not only is its treatment costly, but it may also result in the loss of teeth. A major benefit of regular dental hygiene visits is the prevention of gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Regular dental cleanings remove dental plaque before it creates inflammation in your gums.

The most important steps you can take to prevent gum diseases are:

• Brushing and flossing your teeth daily
• Eating a healthy, low-sugar diet
• Keeping your regularly scheduled dental cleaning appointments

The causes of bad breath include:

• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Abscessed tooth
• Medications
• Digestive and other medical issues

Many of the causes of bad breath can be prevented and treated by your hygienist and dentist. Preventing bad breath can affect more than your oral health. An investigation reported by the National Institutes of Health found that bad breath contributes to low self-esteem and has implications for self-confidence and social interaction. This will no doubt have far-reaching effects on one's ability to be as successful as possible.