Foods to Eat with TMJ Disorder

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS doesn’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you have questions about TMJ/TMD, 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.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

 

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS only administers this pain relieving formula to eligible patients. 

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities. 

If you have questions about our sedation options, 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.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. At Bensalem Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS only administers this pain-relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

If you have questions about our sedation options, 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.

 

Foods for a Healthy Smile

At some point in your life, you have probably heard that sugar will rot your teeth out. Well, sugar does lead to decay; however, there are some foods that are actually good for your teeth! At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, healthy teeth are our top priority. Keep reading to learn more!

Crunchy fruits and veggies like cucumbers and apples help clean teeth as you eat them. The fibrous foods scrape against your teeth and remove plaque! If you can’t reach for a toothbrush after lunch, reach for some cucumbers!

By now, most of us have probably heard that milk is great for strong bones. Well, the same goes for teeth. Calcium in milk keeps teeth strong and healthy. In addition, milk lowers the levels of acid in your mouth, further protecting teeth and gums. Cheese creates similar results.

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are great for your gums. They strengthen the blood vessels and connective tissues that connect your teeth to your jaw. They also reduce inflammation. Just be careful, acidic foods should be eaten in moderation. The acid can actually harm your teeth if eaten too often.

Foods that contain polyphenols like cranberries and tea prevent plaque from growing and sticking to teeth. Less plaque means less risk for cavities!

At-home care is essential for a healthy mouth, but do not forget about your dental appointments! To schedule an appointment at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952 or visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

The Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

Straight teeth not only look great, but they are also great for your dental health. At Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, we want our patients to know the numerous health benefits of straight teeth.

Straight teeth decrease risk of injury and wear-down. Abnormal tooth wear can happen when teeth rub together where they should not. This can lead to worn down tooth enamel, sensitivity, cavities, and damage. Poorly positioned teeth can also cause cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks during injury. In addition, gaps can also lead to more injury to the gums. While biting, chewing, and cleaning your teeth, the gums that are left more open due to gaps are more vulnerable to being poked, scraped, or cut. When teeth are aligned properly, they protect the gums and the gums are allowed properly support the teeth.

Teeth that are crowded or gapped often create hiding places for bacteria and other debris. Even with routine brushing and flossing, these hard-to-reach spaces can be missed. When bacteria become built up, it can lead to gum disease and decay. Gum disease is bad for your oral and overall help.

Straight teeth create a beautiful smile and they promote health! To schedule an appointment at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. More information about our orthodontic options can be found on our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com. 

Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, here are some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have traditional braces and need assistance with your oral hygiene routine, don’t hesitate to call us. 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.

Tender Teeth Habits

If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are a little tender, it may be time to get to the root of this problem. If you have sensitive teeth, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry may recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to decrease sensitivity. Sometimes the solution is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following habits, do your best to cut them out.

• 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 leave you in 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 are experiencing tooth sensitivity, 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.

Choosing a Healthy Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your health. You want to be sure that you are using toothpaste that will benefit your teeth, not harm them. Bensalem Family Dentistry of Bensalem, PA wants to inform our patients of what to look for in healthy toothpaste.

A great way to ensure you are using a healthy and effective toothpaste is to look for the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. There are many different types of toothpaste like whitening toothpaste, tartar control, toothpaste for sensitivity, and more. The ADA will make sure the ingredients are safe and beneficial.

When looking for toothpaste that will whiten your teeth, it is especially important that you look for the ADA seal. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that polish the stains from your teeth. Too much of this ingredient can wear down your enamel.

When looking for toothpaste that helps with sensitivity, look for one with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. When used consistently for at least a month, it can lessen the feeling of sensitivity.

The most important ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride, which is the anti-cavity property. All toothpaste accepted by the ADA has fluoride in it.

In addition to having a great at-home oral care plan, routine visits to your dentist are important for dental health. To schedule an appointment with Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. More information about us can be found on our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com.