As your dentist in Lincroft, we emphasize the importance of preventive dentistry, often referred to as “family dentistry.” After all, healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. Preventive dentistry aims to prevent dental issues and continuously improve the oral health of patients.
Preventive dental services are covered by most insurance plans.
Don't take your oral health for granted — schedule a checkup with Shore Smiles, today!
Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Read more about the benefits of regular checkups with your dentist.
Digital X-rays help us detect issues that are not always apparent on the surface. See what’s really going on with your oral health with safe, accurate digital X-rays.
Fluoride varnish treatments are a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of cavities. Patients of all ages can benefit from topical fluoride treatments.
Sometimes, brushing and flossing aren’t enough to protect your molars from cavities. Sealants act as a protective barrier, shielding molars from cavity-causing bacteria all while creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
An oral cancer screening is the key to detecting and treating oral cancers. Shore Smiles Dental uses FDA-approved VELscope® diagnostic tools to detect precancerous and cancerous cells.
A lifetime of attractive smiles starts with healthy teeth and gums. We can help. Regular checkups can detect and reverse oral health issues before they become major problems. Schedule a checkup today at Shore Smiles Dental.
Have you ever wondered why dentists emphasize the need to brush and floss twice a day? It's because bacteria-containing oral biofilms (plaques) can become tartar (calculus) in as little as 48 hours. Tartar can lead to tooth decay and a host of other complications. Once plaque becomes tartar, it is virtually impossible to remove without the help of a dentist or dental hygienist.
When plaque builds up on the teeth, the bacteria within the biofilm feeds on small food particles, leaving behind acidic excretions that erode (demineralize) tooth enamel.
Halitosis, or “bad breath,” is caused by old food particles becoming lodged between teeth, in the grooves of the tooth, and along the gum line. Regular flossing and brushing can remove these food particles, leaving the mouth healthier and breath smelling fresher.
Also known as “periodontitis,” periodontal disease is a progressive disease characterized by an inflammation of the gums. But, it doesn’t end there; patients with periodontal disease may experience a receding gum line, resorption of jawbone material, and tooth loss. But, it doesn’t end there; a recent Harvard Medical School journal publication found that those with periodontal disease are two to three times more likely to develop heart disease. Periodontal disease not only increases inflammation in the facial region, but throughout the entire body — all the more reason to take your dentist’s recommendations to heart.
Nothing dulls a beautiful smile like stained teeth. There are two types of teeth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are the easiest to eliminate as they are only on the surface of the tooth. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are a bit trickier and usually require intervention from a dental professional. The good news? All teeth stains can be prevented so long as you brush and floss regularly and avoid stain-causing foods and drinks — especially tobacco.
You might be surprised to learn that it’s not actually sugary foods and drinks that are bad for your teeth. Well, not directly, anyway; the reason sugars are so harmful to teeth is that the bacteria found in plaque love simple sugars and starches. Once bacteria feasts on sugars they excrete a highly acidic chemical that demineralizes/erodes tooth enamel, your teeth’s protective barrier. When this protective barrier is compromised, bacteria can make its way to the pulp of the tooth, resulting in a multitude of complications. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can great reduce oral health risks brought on by sugary diets.
Providing patients with personalized instruction on how to care for teeth and gums is a key part of preventive dentistry. During the course of your treatment, the dentist will make recommendations on how you can improve your oral health routine, as well as keep you updated on your progress.
Sure smiles start at Shore Smiles Dental — call us today to schedule a checkup!
Did you know that approximately 25% of American adults do not seek treatment for tooth decay because of a lack of insurance or lack or financing concerns? At Shore Smiles Dental, we know too many families go without essential dental care in Monmouth County. Whether it's due to a lack of insurance or finances, we strive to make our services as accessible as possible. If you don't currently have insurance, we have a number of different options available so you can receive dental services that form the foundation of overall health.
