Tips for a Camera-Ready Smile

With selfies and instant photo sharing taking over the internet, your smile should always be ready for the camera. Though sometimes, our smile may not always be as white as we wish. Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry recommends visiting his office twice a year to make sure your mouth is healthy, but if you desire a little smile enhancement in between appointments, we offer cosmetic treatments to make those pearly whites a little whiter. Meanwhile, follow these tips to show off the smile you have!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

Reasons for Tooth Extractions

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry may need to perform a tooth extraction. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. Wisdom teeth removal is the most common type of tooth extraction because these teeth can easily become infected if they do not emerge properly. Aside from wisdom teeth removal, other reasons for extractions may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

Dental Emergencies

Our staff at Bensalem Family Dentistry understands that accidents happen. However, knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can decipher between saving a tooth and losing one. Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. If left untreated, your risk of permanent damage, as well as the need for expensive treatment in the future may increase.

When you have a dental emergency it’s important to visit us as soon as possible. Meanwhile, here are some tips for handling common dental emergencies.

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have a dental emergency, give us a call right away. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952.

Different Types of Teeth

As humans, we are made up of many different parts and the same goes for are our teeth. If we didn’t have teeth, we wouldn’t be able to chew the food that nourishes our body and allows us to function on a daily basis. If you’ve ever wondered why all of your teeth are different shapes and sizes, our staff at Bensalem Family Dentistry would like to explain why this is.

According to the American Dental Association, each tooth is made up of several parts: pulp, cementum, dentin, and enamel. The types of teeth and their functions are as follows:

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have questions about your teeth, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.

How Teeth Discolor

Having a bright, white smile is something so many of us desire. While there are ways to achieve this goal, it is helpful to know how teeth darken or turn yellow. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to know how it happens to be better aware of the causes in their life.

When teeth gain surface stains, they should be removed as soon as they are noticed. This can be difficult as many surface stains develop over time. However, when the stains penetrate the enamel, they reach the dentin. When the dentin is discolored, it tends to darken the outside of the whole tooth or turn the tooth that yellowish color.

Surface stains may be caused by many things; however, proper dental hygiene is a huge part of it. Plaque can trap in stain-causers close to the teeth. This is why it is important to brush two or three times per day.

Certain foods, drinks, and other habits can stain teeth more than usual. Dark drinks like cola, coffee, and tea can darken teeth if consumed frequently. Dark foods like blueberries and soy sauce can have the same effect. In addition, smoking and other tobacco use can also stain teeth. To help minimize staining, rinse your mouth out after consuming dark food and drinks, and brush after thirty minutes. As for smoking and other tobacco use, quit!

Just by cutting out stain-causing habits, you can brighten up your smile. To learn about our teeth whitening procedures, contact Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA by calling our office at (215) 638-9952. For more information about our pratice, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com