Causes of Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums do not bleed. Many people struggle with this problem, but at Dr. Michael Eisenbrock’s Bensalem Family Dentistry office, we provide our patients with information on how to prevent this problem. Most of the time, the solution is better oral hygiene, but there can be compounding factors.

As plaque becomes tartar at the base of the crowns, acid sticks to it, irritating the gums. Although a professional hygienist may be needed to remove the plaque, better brushing can help alleviate the irritation. However, many people have misconceptions about what makes brushing “better.” Teeth should be brushed for two full minutes per session with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles bruises the gums and is another cause of bleeding.

During pregnancy, women are especially vulnerable to bleeding gums due to hormonal changes. Smokers are also at increased risk due to the toxins that build up in their mouths. People who have dry mouth or are on blood thinners also tend to experience more bleeding because they are less able to fight off the bacteria which cause tartar to build up or their gums are weaker.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock runs Bensalem Family Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020, telephone 215-874-4042, and at 4735 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem, telephone 215-750-9955. Visit BensalemDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Bad Oral Habits

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Family Dentistry encourages you to review your oral hygiene habits. Additionally, bad habits such as nail biting, and opening your X-Box controller with your teeth, can be detrimental to tooth enamel. Additional bad habits that can cause sensitive teeth include the following, and we encourage you to cut back on them immediately.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, 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.

Pain around Fillings

Patients at Bensalem Family Dentistry are assured of getting high-quality fillings. This restorative procedure is an important means of preventing decay, as it stops bacteria from hiding within caries. Some sensitivity immediately after placement of an implant is normal, but if pain persists or starts again later on, it is important for the patient to come to us for help.

A high filling is one which prevents the patient from fully biting down without pain. This should not happen, and if it does, the fillings will need to be replaced with one that is a better fit. If a patient is in pain after getting a filling but is able to bite down, the decay may have already reached a deeper part of the tooth. Some materials used for fillings may also shrink, allowing bacteria to colonize the area between the filling and the sealant and continue causing decay.

Fillings do not last forever. The area around one could become painful if the seal holding the filling in place breaks. This would create another area for bacteria to hide in. To ensure that fillings never become a problem, visit us regularly and we will replace them.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock runs Bensalem Family Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020, telephone 215-874-4042, and at 4735 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem, telephone 215-750-9955. Visit BensalemDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Products for Cleaning a Fixed Bridge

Those tools we give our orthodontic patients aren’t just for braces. Many patients at Bensalem Family Dentistry have benefitted from fixed bridges, but in order for their new teeth to last a life time, patients have to know how to clean them. Fortunately, there are several commonly-available items that can help.

A threader is a big loop with a pointy end which is used to draw floss in the same way a needle draws thread. Many people first learn to use it to floss around orthodontic wiring, but it also works with bridges. The patient only needs to draw the floss through the gap between the bridge and the gum line, and then they can clean the bridge and the sides of the pontic teeth. If the bridge is supported by implants, they may also be able to slide a proxy brush through the gap. Also known as Christmas tree brushes, proxy brushes are small, conical brushes which can dislodge bits of food debris.

There are also more specialized products available. Some floss manufacturers produce floss with stiffened tips which can be pushed through a bridge gap, and makers of electric tooth brushes make adjustable heads for their instruments which can clean the tips of implants. There are all sorts of options for people with bridges to maintain their oral health.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock runs Bensalem Family Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020. To schedule an appointment, call 215-874-4042 or visit BensalemDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Intrinsic Stains

We treat all sorts of cosmetic problems at Bensalem Dentistry, including stains which can’t be removed with regular bleaching. Although most stains on the teeth are due to extrinsic factors, such as smoking or a lifetime of coffee, and some discoloration is due to natural wear to the enamel, there are also stains that are intrinsic to the tooth. These can be covered, but they sometimes indicate an issue that is more than just cosmetic.

The easy intrinsic stains to treat are those which are caused by the tooth having been exposed to dark molecules during its formation. Tetracycline antibiotics and excessive amounts of fluoride can cause a tooth to be black or purplish from its first appearance. But if a formally white tooth turns black, it could be because its pulp has become inflamed from trauma or infection. This will result in a serious tooth ache if we do not perform a root canal, and an infection could spread to the patient’s blood stream or cause a facial abscess. Once the root canal is complete, we can cover the tooth with a veneer or a new crown.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock runs Bensalem Family Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020. To schedule an appointment, call 215-874-4042 or visit BensalemDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Clear Braces

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock and Bensalem Dentistry have an orthodontic solution for every patient, and clear braces may be the one you’re looking for.  Traditional braces are still the most common way adults and children correct their teeth. Clear aligners have become popular, but aren’t always effective for everyone.  If your orthodontic treatment requires traditional brackets and wires, clear braces use this straightening technique with materials designed to avoid the metallic look dreaded by so many patients.

Aesthetic improvements have been made to traditional braces that can achieve the same results without the metallic look.  Brackets are now available in clear and translucent forms that are designed to resist staining.  To connect these brackets, wires the color of natural teeth are used.  The final look is not totally invisible but is much more subtle than traditional silver braces and doesn’t look metallic.  Almost any orthodontic patient can achieve the same great results as traditional braces offer with a better disguise during treatment.

To learn more about our orthodontic treatment options and all the services we provide, visit BensalemDentistry.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, call 215-874-4042.

Snap-On Smile

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock and the staff of Bensalem Dentistry know that patients are always looking for new cosmetic solutions, and Snap-On Smile is one way we can help you obtain a total smile makeover. If you want to change the look of your teeth without a single dental procedure, Snap-On Smile is the solution you’ve been looking for!

Snap-On Smile is a great option for anyone with small gaps between teeth, and stains or chips on teeth. Patients who currently use a removable partial denture are also good candidates for a Snap-On Smile makeover. You are able to get a Snap-On Smile in only two painless visits.  Once you choose a shade and style for your new smile the dentist takes an impression of your teeth. Ask us about options for a temporary to smile while the final product is being fabricated.  A Snap-On Smile is made of dental resin that is thin, but very strong.  The result is a wearable smile that fits right over your own teeth and looks like natural teeth.  Snap-On Smiles can be made for both upper and lower teeth, and you can eat and drink with a Snap-on Smile on.  In about three weeks, you’ll have a second visit for a final fitting and can leave the office wearing your new Snap-On Smile!

To learn more about getting a Snap-On Smile and all the services we offer, visit BensalemDentistry.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, call 215-874-4042.

Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

Bensalem Dentistry sees many patients who are unhappy with their smile. The look of your smile includes your gums, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their best smile.  Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, while others have less gum tissue that gives a look of elongated teeth. 

We offer cosmetic periodontal surgery so that any patient can have their perfect smile.  Cosmetic periodontal surgery is a technical way of saying sculpting the gum line, and each procedure is different depending on the patient’s goal.  Soft tissue grafts can be placed to extend the gum line, or excess gum tissue can be removed to expose more tooth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of tooth to gums that creates an even smile! If you think your smile would benefit from cosmetic periodontal surgery, please contact us.

To learn more about cosmetic periodontal surgery and all the services we offer, visit BensalemDentistry.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, call 215-874-4042.

How Diet Plays into Dental Health

You are what you eat. Therefore, if your diet isn’t up to par, chances are, neither is your oral health. Oral health and nutrition go hand-in-hand and Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Dentistry is here to explain how. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, sugars, and starches largely contribute to the production of plaque acids that attack tooth enamel and cause decay. So if you refuse to give up your junk food, be sure that you’re visiting us at least twice a year for routine cleanings.

When it comes to your oral health, just like weight loss, your body will see positive results when the right foods are consumed. If you favor cookies, candies, and starchy snacks, make wise choices, or limit the number of snacks you eat. Foods that protect your teeth include nutritious foods such as vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit. It also helps to drink plenty of water and (as always) brush your teeth twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, and floss at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns about your oral health status, please give us a call. To learn more about services we offer, visit www.bensalemdentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952. 

Dental Phobia

It’s one thing to avoid going to the dentist because you have a bit of anxiety, but it’s another thing to put off the health of your mouth because you have a massive phobia of the dental chair. Dental phobia is a serious condition that can leave a patient feeling panic-stricken and terrified. At Bensalem Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock promises to make you feel comfortable every step of the way, but if you suffer from this condition, you may want to discuss sedation options.

There are many reasons a person might fear the dentist. Perhaps you had a traumatizing experience as a child, or you fear the pain that a routine cleaning may cause. We understand that it’s easier said than done, but the process of dental work does not need to fill you with terror. Want to know what’s scarier than visiting the dentist? Having your teeth fall out because you never discussed your fears with your dentist. If you suffer from dental fear, no matter the severity, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can discuss your concerns. This way, you can mentally prepare for what’s to come.  

If you would like to discuss your fears with our dentist, please give us a call. To learn more about services we offer, visit www.bensalemdentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952. 

Makeover Your Smile with Veneers

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock and the staff of Bensalem Dentistry are always answering patient’s questions about how they can improve the appearance of their smile.  There are several cosmetic procedures available to correct tooth color or alignment, but the best way to give your smile a whole new look is with veneers.  Veneers are made from a thin ceramic shell and allow you to make a dramatic change to the appearance of your smile and still look natural.

Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a brilliant smile with veneers.  The process can even be completed in as little as two visits. First, you and your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Once your teeth are prepared for the treatment, an impression of your teeth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the custom product is made.  Ask us about options for a temporary smile to wear while your custom veneers are fabricated.  On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth for you to wear for a lifetime.    

To learn more about veneers and all the services we offer, visit BensalemDentistry.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, call 215-874-4042.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

No matter how much you diligently brush or floss your teeth at home, harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that can only be removed by a dental professional. These bacteria can cause gum disease and significantly affect your overall health. Here at Bensalem Family Dentistry, our hygienists will use professional tools to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up that you are unable to efficiently remove yourself.

The professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives Dr. Michael Eisenbrock an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention. During a teeth cleaning, our hygienists will thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. Once the surfaces are smooth, polishing is done using a slow speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Last but not least, the dentist flosses every crevice between your teeth and may apply fluoride if needed.

If you need your teeth cleaned don’t wait any longer, call us today so we can help you maintain a healthy smile! To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.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.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

How many of us get a confidence boost when a stranger gives us a compliment? Have you ever paid attention to how much of a positive effect this has on your self-esteem? The same applies to teeth whitening. Teeth-whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. Here at Bensalem Family Dentistry Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS can help you do just that.

With all of the lifestyle habits and environmental factors that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leave them a little dull. Fortunately, through our tray whitening system, your pearly whites can revive their shine. In addition, teeth-whitening can also take years off of your appearance. This is because as we age, over time, our teeth darken and can become yellow, brown, or even develop a green or gray tint (which may be due to heredity and/or eating habits). Your smile speaks volumes about who you are and leaves an everlasting impression, so it’s only natural that you want it to be as radiant as possible.

If you would like to discuss your teeth whitening options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.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.

Foods You Should Avoid if You Have TMJ/TMD

If you’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Family Dentistry wants to assure that you are free of pain at all times. If you have TMJ/TMD you may want to avoid certain types of foods that may be making your condition worse. We don’t recommend making any drastic changes, but we do suggest incorporating softer foods into your diet. TMJ is a chronic condition that requires self-care measures.

The constant motion of your jaw can aggravate your joint pain when chewy foods are a staple of your diet. This is because your jaw works overtime when you consume chewy foods such as caramel, taffy, chewing gum and tougher cuts of meat and fish (lobster). Types of food to avoid include chewy snacks, fatty foods, and foods that are cut into large pieces. To summarize, any type of food that allows you to open your mouth wide or chew for long periods of time may aggravate your TMJ. Instead, we recommend incorporating more soft foods into your diet, such as cooked veggies, soft bread, and yogurt.

If you suffer from constant jaw aches and pains, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952.

Athletes and Mouth Guards

Mouth guard use has been shown to reduce the risk of sport-related dental injuries. Imagine playing a sport that you love, when suddenly a tooth gets knocked out. Smiling, talking and eating would be difficult and it would probably take you some time to recover. When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard from an early age. Fortunately, at Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock can provide athletic patients of all ages with custom-fitted mouth guards for proper protection.

Custom mouth guards are made from exact and precise models of an individual’s own teeth. They are also made of resilient and tear-resistant materials ensuring a proper fit. A properly fitted mouth guard absolutely must be protective, comfortable, resilient, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless, and allow room for you to breathe. Because our custom-fitted mouth guards are made for your mouth and your mouth only, they are more reliable than over-the-counter mouth guards.

If you know an athlete who may benefit from a mouth guard, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952.

Bruxism Causes and Treatment

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock may recommend a night guard to provide you with relief.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. The purpose of a night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, if you require a night guard we will custom make them just for you.

If you believe you have bruxism, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

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.

Coping with Dental Anxiety

Whether you’ve had a traumatizing experience as a child that has kept you out of the chair through adulthood, or dread the sound of a drill, dental anxiety can be a real issue. Truly, no one looks forward to a visiting the dentist. However each year, serious dental anxiety prevents millions of Americans from seeking proper preventative care. Fortunately, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock has been using wonderful and effective anxiety relievers for over 30 years to help his patients cope with dental anxiety.

So how do we make you comfortable? You might ask. Aside from using forms of sedation such as laughing gas and nitrous Anlagen, we use the most effective topical numbing cream before administering an injection. We also use four different types of numbing anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel anything while Dr. Eisenbrock does his work. In addition, the atmosphere of our office is one of a kind and caring nature. Our staff understands that your fears are real and it is our priority to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, please don’t let this get in the way of you giving us a call. To learn more about dental anxiety as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952.

Benefits of a Tongue Scraper

It’s no surprise that the surface of the tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria. What you may not realize is that if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and seen a white film on your tongue, the organisms that you see can cause infections in the teeth and gums and are responsible for bad breath. Bad breath can have a huge negative impact on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem if left untreated. This is why Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Family Dentistry recommends incorporating a tongue scraper into your oral hygiene routine if you haven’t done so already.

Tongue scrapers, which are available in most drugstores in various shapes and sizes, have been promoted as a way to reduce or eliminate bad breath entirely. To use this device, you place the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue and gently bring it forward along your tongue, repeating as often as needed. If you have a coated tongue – a buildup of debris, bacteria and dead cells on your tongue – tongue scraping might be helpful. However, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene overall, by brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice a day, and flossing at least once a day. In addition, don’t forget to schedule professional cleanings and oral exams twice a year.

If you have questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as services we provide at the practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952.

Baby Tooth Care Tips

Baby teeth may be small, but they’re important. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock recommends regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings. It’s important to start cleaning your child’s teeth before they come in to jumpstart a healthy smile.

Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. In addition, take measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, a disease that causes severe, swift decay of baby teeth. To help prevent it, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or a sugary drink, such as juice. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sugar comes in contact with the teeth. Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child risks having trouble chewing and speaking clearly as they get older.

To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.bensalemdentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock at Bensalem Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call 215-638-9952.