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

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for You

Choosing the right toothbrush could mean the difference between enjoying your nighttime routine or not. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, we know that every patient in our Bensalem, PA dentistry is different. That is why we want to give guidelines for picking out the right toothbrush for you.

Let’s start with the grip. Grip is important for being able to maneuver the toothbrush around your mouth. Thicker toothbrushes and especially ones with non-slip grips are best. Next, the size of your toothbrush’s head is also very important. You want to pick a smaller one so that you can fit it around your whole mouth. Bigger toothbrush heads make it difficult to reach every surface of your teeth.

Studies have shown that manual toothbrushes do just as good of a brushing job as electric ones do, however, for those who have difficulty using their hands, an electric toothbrush may help them get a better cleaning. For instance, those with arthritis who cannot twist and grip as easily anymore may not be able to scrub their teeth the best. An electric toothbrush basically does all the work. You just need to hold it in position. In addition, electric toothbrushes often have timers.

For kids, there are a ton of toothbrushes that have their favorite cartoon character on them. There are also ones that play music. These functions get kids excited about brushing their teeth.

If you have any questions about dental supplies, make sure to ask! To schedule an appointment with Bensalem Family Dentistry in our Bensalem, PA office, call us at (215) 638-9952. For more information, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

Gum Disease and Its Stages

Gum disease can be detrimental to oral and overall health. While it should be taken seriously, gum disease is completely avoidable. Bensalem Family Dentistry of Bensalem, PA wants their patients to know about the stages of gum disease and why it is important to keep it away.

Gum disease has two primary stages; gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage. This is characterized by red, irritated gums that can be puffy and can sometimes bleed easily. Gingivitis is often cured simply by having a great dental cleaning and then continuing great oral care at home. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a much more serious stage of gum disease. Periodontitis can create bleeding, red or purple, painful gums. They can begin to recede and create loose teeth. In addition, periodontitis can create chronic bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and pus in between the teeth and gums. Periodontitis is treated with scaling and planing, cleanings, and possibly gum surgery. Often, the receded gums will need to be fixed so that additional bacteria cannot reach between the gums and the teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis will result in lost teeth and a spread of infection. Periodontitis also increases the risks of heart attack and stroke.

In order to keep your gums healthy, brush twice daily and floss once daily. In addition, schedule your routine visits to your dentist for a cleaning and examination. To schedule your next appointment at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at (215) 638-9952. For more information about us, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

Brushing and flossing are essential for a healthy mouth. When wearing braces, brushing and flossing can be a little more complicated, but it is still very important. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to be aware of how to brush and floss while wearing braces. Following these steps will ensure you have a healthy and stain-free smile when your braces come off!

To begin brushing, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth and the insides as you normally would. Next, brush along the tops and bottoms of all of the brackets. Plaque can build up around the brackets which can lead to strange stains and more cavities.  Make sure you are also still hitting your gum line, but do so gently. The next step is to take an interdental cleaner and scrub the sides of your brackets. This little, tree-like brush is able to get beneath the wire; so no spots are missed!

To floss, you will find that it is easiest if you use a floss threader. There are flexible, usually plastic tools that basically work like a needle and thread. They help you get the floss under your wires and back out more quickly. Floss threaders are usually found where most dental supplies are sold.

In addition to keeping your teeth clean at home, coming in for your professional dental cleanings is just as important. To schedule your appointment with Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. For more information, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com.