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.

 

Sugar and Tooth Enamel

The primary cause of tooth decay is due to a lack of proper oral hygiene habits. The second culprit, however, is sugar. If you consume sugary beverages on a daily basis, these soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and more have high acid levels that can cause tooth erosion. When these sugars are left on the teeth, they can create cavities. To keep your mouth cavity-free, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS of Bensalem Family Dentistry encourages you to limit sugar consumption.

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our bodies but that doesn’t mean it can’t be worn down. When sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth it produces acids that attack tooth enamel. Sugary beverages like fruit juice can be diluted with water to reduce the acidity that destroys enamel. We don’t expect you to kick the habit completely, but you’ll do your smile a favor by consuming more water or milk as these are low in acidity.  

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.

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.

 

Water Flossing

Is flossing a part of your home oral care routine? If not, it’s time to start. Most people put flossing on the bottom of their priority list because they either disregard the importance or don’t know how to do it correctly. If you have a hard time using the floss that Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Family Dentistry gives you in your dental goody bag after a dental checkup, water flossing may make cleaning your teeth more fun.

Water flossing is a method that incorporates a hand-held device that removes food particles from between teeth using steady water streams. Water flossing is usually a substitute for patients who have arthritis or a condition that makes holding floss in the hands, difficult. Water flossing is also helpful for patients with braces because the water can reach into grooves where floss may not. Like traditional floss, water flossing reduces periodontal disease because it reduces inflammation around the gums. So whichever method you prefer, just be sure to have one.

If you have questions or concerns regarding water flossing, 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 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. 

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.

How to Choose Mouthwash That Meets Your Needs

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects. Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry would like to explain some of them.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, 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.

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.

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Bensalem Dentistry we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. 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.

What’s Inside Your Mouth?

Your mouth is made up of more than just teeth, so good oral health goes way beyond simply brushing and flossing. The oral cavity consists of several components in addition to the teeth, including gingiva (gums), tongue, palate, cheeks, lips and floor of the mouth. Whether we are taking preventative care, restoring oral health, or making cosmetic improvements to your smile, Bensalem Dentistry offers a wide variety of services to keep these components looking and feeling their best.

The next time you’re brushing your teeth, spend a minute looking at the parts of the mouth that lie farther inside the oral cavity. Knowing what these structures do and what they look like can help you to maintain optimal oral health. When you open your mouth and look in the mirror, everything that isn’t a tooth is covered by a protective lining called the oral mucosa. The oral mucosa plays an essential role in maintaining your oral health, as well as your overall health, by defending your body from germs and other irritants that enter your mouth.

Also covered by oral mucosa, gums play a critical role in your oral health. Healthy gums are firm, cover the entire tooth root, and do not bleed when brushed, poked, or prodded. Whether you are eight-years-old or eighty-years-old it is important to practice good oral hygiene to keep all of your oral cavity components healthy by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing.  

To learn more about services we offer that protect the inside of your mouth, 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. 

How to Get Stronger Teeth and Gums

Healthy teeth and gums not only give you an esthetically pleasing smile, but also indicate that good oral health and hygiene play a very important role in your life. In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthful diet (with natural or added fluoride) protects teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy. At Bensalem Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock wants patients to know that a healthy diet, good oral hygiene and professional cleanings will not only help protect you against oral disease, but it can also help you to keep your teeth for a lifetime.

In addition to brushing and flossing as well as routine dental cleanings, proper nutrition is critical for developing teeth and gums to ensure that they are resistant to tooth decay. Good nutrition remains important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums in adults. Avoiding sugary sweets is also important. Fluoride, which is easily absorbed into tooth enamel, also strengthens your teeth making them more resistant to decay-causing acids. Fluoride may also repair early-stage tooth decay by promoting remineralization of tooth enamel.

To learn more about our services provided at Bensalem Dentistry, 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.