If you are having a dental emergency, you may not know what to do. Emergency medical facilities do not treat most dental emergencies. However, dental emergencies can cause more pain than most other injuries. They can also lead to serious or severe consequences, including infection, blood loss, or other ongoing injury. So, you want to get immediate medical attention from a qualified medical professional.
The first thing you need to do is figure out whether it is a dental emergency. Your dentist should have a number you can call for dental emergencies. The dispatcher at that number should be able to help you decide whether you are having an emergency. Some examples of dental emergencies include uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth; swelling in the gums, neck, or face; severe toothaches; abscesses; infections accompanied by high fevers; and injuries such as broken or lost teeth. If your injury or condition is life-threatening, it is an emergency. It is urgent if the condition is not life-threatening, but you need immediate care to alleviate severe pain. Other conditions may be serious, but not urgent or emergent.
Many people put off getting emergency dental care. That is a bad idea. First, getting emergency care can help you save your teeth. More importantly, people can die from dental infections. Think about how close your teeth are to your brain. If you have an infection in your mouth, it can easily spread to other body parts. So, get emergency treatment when you need it.
At Comprehensive Dentistry, we are happy to provide emergency dental care for our patients. If you are experiencing a dental emergency during office hours, contact us so that we can get you in for treatment. Outside of office hours, you can contact our office. We will have an on-call dentist, who may be affiliated with our office or a dental provider partner, who is available for emergency calls.
What happens if you cannot get a hold of a dentist? While we strive to provide 24/7 access to dentists for emergencies, it is always possible that our on-call dentist may be treating another emergency. In those instances, you may want to seek treatment at the ER. Contact our dispatcher and they can advise you about whether you should seek treatment in the ER or at an Urgent Care facility until the dentist is available. They may suggest that if you need someone to stop uncontrolled bleeding, administer IV antibiotics, or provide emergency pain relief.
One of the top questions we get is whether teeth can heal themselves. It is a good question because there is a lot of misinformation out there. You can find people online saying that they have natural ways to heal cavities, cracks, and other damage to your teeth. Are these people onto something or is it too good to be true?
Cavities are tooth decay. You can help prevent them by eating right, making sure you get enough minerals, maintaining the right pH in your mouth, and practicing good oral hygiene. Those steps can also help prevent a cavity from getting worse. However, they will not reverse a cavity. So, no, cavities will not heal naturally. However, if a cavity is not bothering you, the dentist may take a watch and wait approach instead of doing an invasive treatment. If the cavity does not get any bigger, it may not need immediate treatment. However, your dentist may want you to come in for more frequent checkups.
Cracked teeth, even hairline cracks, can not heal themselves, either. Many people think that since teeth are essentially bones, they should heal like bones. However, tooth enamel cannot get fresh oxygen or nutrients, so it cannot heal itself. But, like cavities, they do not always require treatment. If they are not painful, we may watch and wait. However, since cracks also increase your chance of tooth decay, they will probably eventually need treatment. Fortunately, treatments for small cracks can be simple, non-invasive, and more affordable than you think.
Larger chips, breaks, and cracks are not going to heal themselves, either. However, unlike some cavities or hairline fractures, they almost always require immediate care. Leaving them increases your risk of developing tooth decay. It can also lead to other problems in your mouth. So, you want to get those problems treated as quickly as possible.
If you are experiencing a problem with your teeth, Comprehensive Dentistry can help. In addition to routine dental care, we provide emergency dental care. So, contact us if you need help with your teeth.
Everyone should see a dentist twice a year. These appointments, spaced six months apart, not only let you get your teeth professionally cleaned, but also let your dentist check for problems. For many people, a regular dental appointment is enough to keep them out of the dentist chair. However, there are some issues that should bring you to the dentist between those appointments.
Bleeding gums are not normal. Instead, bleeding when you floss, or brush is a sign of gum disease. So is random bleeding. If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, you should see your dentist. It may be that you got lazy with your hygiene and regular hygiene can clear it up. However, it can also signal a bigger problem.
Can you see cavities, pus, or other signs of decay or infection? If so, you need to get to the dentist. Even if you are not experiencing pain, those are serious issues. You want to have your dentist look and give you a plan for tackling the problem.
Pain is the biggest reason to get to the dentist. Dental pain is not normal. Even dull pain can escalate quickly, leaving you in debilitating pain. Plus, dental pain indicates a problem is present, often an infection or decay. Ignoring it can lead to serious issues, which can not only impact your teeth but even lead to systemic infections.
If you have bad breath that will not go away, it can indicate a problem with your mouth. Have your dentist inspect your teeth. If they do not find a dental cause for the issue, they may send you to your regular doctor to see if there is another medical reason for the bad breath.
If you notice that your tooth seems loose, go to the dentist. You could be at risk of losing it. A dentist may be able to help you save it.
If you need a dentist, contact Comprehensive Dentistry. We are here for all of your dental needs, from emergencies to routine care.
Do you have bad breath? Most people want to say no. However, we often do not know when our breath stinks. To find out the answer, ask a trusted person who will be honest with you if your breath smells. If they say yes, ask them if it is a problem that they notice frequently. If they say yes, you may have a problem with bad breath. Here are some common causes of bad breath and how to fix them.
If you have more than occasional bad breath, it could be a medical problem. Both doctors and dentists may be able to help you, depending on what is causing the breath. So, you can address the problem with either of those medical professionals. Just do not be surprised if your doctor tells you to see your dentist or vice versa.
Dentists can handle many of the causes of bad breath. Dentists can address cavities, gum disease, and dry mouth. They can identify many of these issues during their routine dental exams and cleanings. They can also identify any issues you may have with hygiene. Something as simple as failing to floss correctly can lead to bad breath.
Sometimes bad breath is a sign of an underlying medical issue. Sinus issues or postnasal drip can cause bad breath. Gastrointestinal problems, especially heartburn or acid reflux, can cause bad breath, as well. If your doctor cannot identify the cause of your bad breath, they may ask you about your diet. Some foods are known to cause bad breath. If you frequently eat stinky foods, you may need to change your brushing and flossing routine to get rid of those foods.
Identifying the cause of your bad breath is the first step towards treating it. However, proper dental hygiene is always a good place to start. Get twice a year cleanings to remove tartar and plaque and reduce your chance of gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once per day.
If diet is the cause of your bad breath, try brushing your teeth after eating smelly foods. When that is not an option, consider chewing some sugar free gum. Chewing gum promotes saliva production, which can help eliminate bad breath.
If you need to get a tooth pulled, you may be scared about the process. You know that you will have pain medications during the procedure, but may worry about what happens after the tooth extraction. Will it be painful afterward? Learning what to expect can help you prepare for an extraction.
Tooth extraction is a last resort option. When possible, dentists want to preserve your natural teeth. However, if your tooth is so damaged that it cannot be repaired, your dentist will recommend extraction. You may also need an extraction if you have an infected tooth and there is a possibility of the infection spreading.
Pulling a tooth can be painful. Your dentist can manage the pain through local anesthetics. However, it can be difficult for some people to handle the procedure. Dentists may also use general anesthesia to keep the patient out during the extraction. Talk to your dentist about your wishes for pain management. They should work with you to keep you comfortable.
Immediately after the extraction, you will probably feel fine. The anesthesia may last for several hours after the extraction. It is important to take any recommended pain medicine during that time period, so it is working when the anesthesia wears off. You may continue to bleed until the site develops a blood clot. Your dentist may instruct you to bite on gauze to stop the bleeding.
Your dentist will give you a special diet. Usually, the first day or two, you are instructed to only eat cool or cold liquids and soft foods. After that, you should maintain a soft or liquid diet for about a week.
You can brush and floss your teeth. However, avoid brushing and flossing near the site where the tooth was removed. Rinse with saltwater to keep the area clean.
It can take two weeks to recover after you get a tooth extracted. It is very important to follow your dentist’s rules during that period. It is equally important to notify your dentist if you are experiencing any complications.
Buying a new toothbrush may seem as simple as tossing one into your shopping basket. While any toothbrush is better than no toothbrush, picking the right toothbrush is actually a little more complicated. You want to pick a comfortable toothbrush that you can easily hold and will reliably use. You want one that will remove the most plaque without causing damage to your mouth. To get the right one, you need to consider a few different factors.
Most dentists will tell you that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones. People just cannot make as many micromovements as an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque and reducing the risk of gingivitis. However, they can be too expensive for some people. Plus, some people simply do not like using them. A manual toothbrush that you will use is a better choice than an electric toothbrush that you will not use. So, consider which one is better for you.
You might think that you want the stiffest, hardest bristles to really scrub your teeth. However, those stiff bristles can be really hard on your gums. They can even damage your teeth. Instead, choose soft bristles. A soft bristle brush can thoroughly clean your teeth without causing any damage.
The ADA, the American Dental Association, gives seals of approval to products that meet their standards. These items may be more expensive than their competitors. However, you can rely on their efficacy and quality.
You might think bigger is better, but you actually want the head of the brush to match the size of your mouth. If you cannot get at all sides of all of your teeth, you may need a smaller brush. You should also consider the shape of the brush. Toothbrushes come in tapered, round, and rectangle shapes. None of them are necessarily better than the others. You just want one that works well in your mouth.
Is the grip comfortable? Thicker handles are better for people with grip or mobility issues, while smaller handles may be better for smaller hands. You want a toothbrush that you can hold and move comfortably.
Still not sure? Ask us. We can help you pick the right toothbrush for your personal needs. We may even have some free samples in stock to share with you!
The first time you see your new smile makeover can be life-changing. While it may seem like appearance is meaningless, the reality is that bad teeth can keep people from smiling. They can impact self-esteem and how comfortable you feel with people.
Getting a great smile is great, but you need to take a few steps to protect that smile. Following these steps can help you make your smile makeover last a lifetime.
Oral hygiene is the key to a great smile. This is true for your smile makeover, too. You want to be sure you are brushing at least two times a day. You want to brush in the morning and again at night. You may even want to add an additional brushing mid-day. Many people brush after lunch.
Speaking of brushing, it is not enough to brush your teeth, you have to brush them properly. You should be brushing for two minutes at a time. Get the front and back of your teeth and brush from all angles. Make sure and brush your tongue, as well.
We have seen some people say that flossing is not necessary. That is just not true. You should be flossing at least once a day. Flossing helps get food that could be trapped between your teeth. It can not only help protect your smile, but also keep your breath smelling better.
There is a technique to proper flossing. You want to floss between each of your teeth. You do not want to cut your gum, but you do want to gently curve the floss around your gum. That can help you get any residue by your gums.
If whitening was part of your smile makeover, you want to keep that look. Some foods are known to stain your teeth. Tea, coffee, red wines, sodas, curry, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, fruit juices, and more can stain your teeth. Ask your dentist for a list of foods you should avoid. If you do eat foods that can stain your teeth, use tooth-whitening toothpaste to counteract those effects. Avoid smoking! Not only is it terrible for your health, but it also yellows your teeth.
Finally, you should be seeing a dentist at least twice a year. One visit should be a cleaning and exam. The other should be an exam, cleaning, and x-rays. If you have any dental issues, your vet may recommend more regular visits. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for follow-up care.
Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
There is no pain like tooth pain. It is persistent and distracting. It can keep you from sleeping and the pain can even put you in danger. However, even though toothaches are so painful, sometimes people put off going to the dentist. They are convinced a trip to the dentist is going to mean painful and expensive dental work.
That is not always true. Sometimes the fix for a toothache may be as easy as a thorough cleaning or getting a nightguard to prevent you from grinding your teeth in your sleep. In fact, the solutions to toothaches are as numerous as the causes of toothaches.
There are four major types of toothaches. Many people will experience temperature sensitivity. Your teeth feel fine, but something too hot or too cold will make you wince. Other times, you have a dull ache in your mouth that seems to never go away. If left alone, the dull ache gets worse over time. Some people may feel fine and then get sharp, stabbing pains that come and go. Finally, there is a severe, throbbing pain. While all dental pain is inconvenient, the severe, throbbing pain requires immediate dental care as it could indicate a serious infection.
The most common cause of tooth pain is probably sensitive teeth. Many of us eat acidic foods that wear away tooth enamel, making us sensitive to hot and cold. Your dentist can inspect your mouth to ensure you do not have any cracked teeth, gum disease or other issues. They may apply sealants. They will probably instruct you to switch to an enamel-building toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
If you still have your wisdom teeth, they could be impacted and cause pain. This is common in people in their early adult years, who did not have their wisdom teeth removed as teenagers. Not all people need wisdom teeth removed- it depends on the size of your mouth.
Gum disease is a potential cause of tooth pain. However, if you get regular dental checkups, your dentist will probably be able to identify gum disease in its earlier stages (gingivitis) and before it progresses to the point of causing pain.
Of course, tooth decay or damage to the tooth’s structure can cause toothaches. When you have a cavity or tooth decay, the surface of your teeth gets destroyed, which can expose the root. That can lead to pain. Regular cleanings, exams, and x-rays are designed to detect cavities before they can become painful. They also help your dentist use less invasive treatments, such as fillings, to treat the cavity.
Finally, abscesses, which are infections inside the tooth, can cause serious pain. They are also a medical emergency. These infections are notoriously painful, can cause high fevers, and can lead to bone loss. The treatment for an abscess is usually a root canal. However, root canals have a bad reputation as a painful treatment. Root canals themselves are awkward and can be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. The dentist thoroughly numbs the area. Plus, while you will leave the office feeling a little sore, in most cases root canals provide immediate relief from the severe pain you were experiencing.
As you can see, several things can cause toothaches. Some of the solutions are non-invasive and others may just take a quick fix. So, the best thing to do is to get to the dentist as quickly as possible. With a dental exam, your dentist should be able to choose the best path to resolve the problem. Call us today to schedule an appointment at 732-556-9600.
Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Everyone knows that you should brush your teeth at least two times per day. Once, at night before you go to bed. The other time in the morning when you wake up. There is even a silly saying about it, that you brush at night to save your teeth and in the morning to save your relationships. However, your morning brushing does more than conquer morning breath. It is also important for the health of your teeth.
In many ways, whether you brush before or after breakfast is a matter of personal preference. However, because breakfast foods may be acidic, brushing at the wrong time can actually weaken tooth enamel. So, whether you brush before or after you eat breakfast, you do not want to brush within 30 minutes of eating.
If you brush before breakfast, you get that morning breath out of your mouth. Morning breath does not just smell gross; it can also impact the taste of your food. While morning breath is embarrassing, it is normal. As you sleep, bacteria in your mouth multiply. These bacteria are responsible for causing morning breath, but, even worse, they cause plaque. When you brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, you get rid of those bacteria. Modern toothpastes also coat your teeth with a protective barrier that can help keep acid in your food from damaging your teeth. In addition, brushing first thing helps promote saliva. Saliva is your body’s way of protecting your teeth. So, brushing first thing can be great.
Another reason that many dentists advise brushing before breakfast is because many breakfast foods are sugary. The same bacteria that cause morning breath love to feast on sugars. So, if you have a carbohydrate-heavy breakfast, they are ready to feast on those sugars, which can promote tooth decay. Brushing the bacteria out of your mouth stops that process. However, if you are having a sugary breakfast, you also run the risk of sugar sitting in your mouth all day.
The big pro to brushing after breakfast is fluoride. If you brush after breakfast and do not take a drink to-go, the fluoride sits on your teeth, uninterrupted. That can give you better protection throughout the day. So, if you do decide to brush after you eat, you can still protect your teeth. Just wait about an hour after eating to brush your teeth. You can also chew sugar-free gum just after brushing to help boost saliva-production, which will help you counteract any acid that is lingering in your mouth.
The smaller pro to brushing after breakfast is your breath is going to smell better. Eating a meal disrupts that minty-fresh smell of your breath. If you are not going to consume anything else, leaving the house with a freshly brushed smile will make your day more pleasant for you and everyone you encounter. However, that is not reality for many people. Many of us are leaving the house with a coffee or other beverage in a to-go cup. They can make our breath smell, too.
So, the general consensus is that it is better to brush before breakfast. However, dentists also think it is more important to brush after breakfast than to skip your morning brushing. So, if you are more likely to brush if you wait till after breakfast, then keep it as part of your routine. The most important thing is to consistently brush for 2 minutes or longer every morning and night. Developing those habits is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.
Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
You go to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy. Generally, better oral health means a nicer looking smile. However, for millions of people, visiting a regular dentist is not enough to give them the smile they want. Your general dentist focuses on preventing tooth decay and other dental problems. However, a cosmetic dentist performs cosmetic procedures that can give you a brighter, prettier smile. Figuring out what you want from your dentist can help you determine the type of dentist to visit.
First, you should be seeing a general dentist at least twice a year. General guidelines are that people get cleanings every six months and x-rays once a year. X-rays help your dentist spot problems before they can develop into something serious. They can help save your teeth and prevent further tooth decay. So, if you are not seeing a dentist now, you want to make sure you are seeing a dentist at least twice a year.
A general dentist is like the general practitioner for your mouth. They focus on oral hygiene, fixing cavities, and addressing tooth pain. General dentists handle procedures like cleanings, fillings, and root canals. Although, in some cases your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist, which is another type of specialized dentist.
Cosmetic dentists have the same training as a general dentist, but they focus on making your smile look more attractive, as well. Most cosmetic dentists perform teeth cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and other standard dental work. However, some cosmetic dentists may prefer to focus on the cosmetic aspect and work with a general dentist for basic care. Those details depend on the dentist. For example, some practices focus on providing a single aspect of cosmetic dentistry, like veneers or caps.
A cosmetic dentist focuses on how your smile looks. They are focused on aesthetics. So, they offer things like veneers, implants, tooth whitening, and other procedures. These procedures might be considered restorative if they help return teeth to a prior condition, or purely cosmetic. The difference can be important when looking at insurance coverage.
Both type of dentists can also handle braces. Years ago, dentists did not handle orthodontics. Instead, they sent you to an orthodontist if you needed braces or other work. However, today many dentists also handle orthodontics, especially with non-invasive tooth straightening techniques. So, both a cosmetic dentist and a general dentist may be able to help you get a straighter smile. That is no surprise. While straightening your teeth may seem cosmetic, it can actually have a positive impact on your health. So, insurance may cover some portion of orthodontic care.
So, which type of dentists should you see? To decide, you need to determine your tooth goals. That can depend on what is going on in your mouth. If you need root canals, crowns, or dental implants after having a tooth removed, then you are in a different position than someone who just wants tooth whitening.
One of the best ways to start is to schedule a consultation. When you visit your dentist, they should have a treatment plan to outline the care for your teeth. The treatment plan is based on the condition of your teeth. If you have additional cosmetic concerns, you should discuss them with your doctor to add them to your treatment plan.
Dr. Anthony Mancino is Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey’s General and Cosmetic Dentist and has been practicing for over 25 years focusing on cosmetic and overall dental health. Dr. Mancino is a graduate of Villanova University and University of Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Monmouth & Ocean County Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
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3350 Route 138 W
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Wall Township, NJ 07719
(732) 556-9600
