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. 

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.

Sensitive Teeth and How to Avoid Them

Sensitive teeth can be a real bother, especially during the colder weather. Sensitive teeth can be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease, but it could also be much simpler than that. That is why it is our goal here at Bensalem Family Dentistry to inform patients of why their teeth might be sensitive and how to avoid it.

Sensitive teeth can sometimes be a warning signal that you have a cavity, an infection, or gum disease. If you have consistently sensitive or painful teeth, it is a good idea to see your dentist. Additional warning signs include red, irritated gums and a dark spot on a tooth.

Sensitive teeth are also commonly caused by tooth abrasion. Tooth abrasion can be caused by many different things including brushing too hard, brushing too soon, acidic foods, and teeth grinding. When the enamel wears down, the dentin is exposed. The dentin has tiny nerve tubes that lead to the nerves in the center of the teeth.

To avoid wearing away your enamel, it is important to brush lightly and at least thirty minutes after you eat. The acid in our foods softens our enamel and when we brush too soon, the enamel gets brushed away. In addition, frequently eating acidic foods like pop, fruit, or candy can cause enamel to erode. You should also be aware of if you are grinding your teeth at night. Wearing a mouth guard is a good defense against the damage grinding can do.

If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, a simple habit change may be all that is in order. To schedule an appointment with Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at 215) 638-9952. To learn more, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

Calming Kids' Dental Fears

There are many children who are afraid of the dentist. This childhood fear also sometimes sticks around for adulthood, too. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, in Bensalem, PA, we want all of our patients to enjoy their experience. This is why we want to give tips for calming dental fear in kids.

Kids who start going to the dentist at an early age are usually more accustomed to the process. Kids should start seeing the dentist as soon as they have their first tooth, or at least by the age of one. Kids who do go to the dentist at an early age will become familiar with the visits and will feel more relaxed.

Parents can also help their kids become used to the process. Have your child sit back in a chair or couch and open wide. Look in their mouth and count each tooth you see. This helps little kids know how things will go and feel more comfortable with it during the real appointment.

Reinforce good behavior at the dentist’s office by offering your child a surprise. Let them pick a movie to rent, cook their favorite dinner, or take them to the park. Just be careful to not offer the reward before the visit, this may make them think there is something to be afraid of.

People of all ages need routine visits to the dentist for examinations and cleanings. Helping someone become a little more familiar with the process will do a great deal of good for their oral health. To schedule your family’s appointments at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. To learn more about our practice and our services, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com.