Blog

Causes of Bleeding Gums - October 19, 2017

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 - October 10, 2017

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.



Drink More Water - September 20, 2017

Fluoride is nature’s natural cavity fighter and is most commonly found in drinking water. Fluoride has the ability to promote remineralization, which aids in repairing tooth decay before it can even develop. Water also helps replenish saliva which prevents us from having dry mouth discomfort. If you need more reasons to drink water on a daily basis, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Family Dentistry is here to give you a few.

Saliva is the mouth’s first defense against tooth decay and water replenishes our saliva with every sip. Water not only washes away leftover food, it helps keep your teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. Unlike sugary beverages that harm your oral health and damage enamel, water improves your oral health.


Sugar and Tooth Enamel - September 12, 2017

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.  


Pain around Fillings - September 7, 2017

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.


When Dental Bonding Breaks - August 23, 2017

Dental bonding is beneficial for teeth that have been chipped, fractured, discolored or decayed. With proper oral hygiene, dental bonding can keep your smile looking bright for up to ten years. In the case of dental trauma, or eating too much of acidic foods, however, dental bonding may break. If you’ve completed a dental bonding procedure in the past and begin to notice a crack, visit Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Family Dentistry before it falls out completely.  

It’s important to remember that dental bonding is not as strong as tooth’s natural enamel. Because dental bonding doesn’t provide the same strength as tooth enamel, it’s important to avoid bad habits that might make the composite resin crack. Additionally, be conscious of eating too many acidic foods, as this can damage bonding over time. Additionally, be conscious of eating too many acidic foods, as this can damage bonding over time. Bonding shouldn’t break, as long as you are taking proper care of your oral health.


Hookah Tobacco and Teeth - August 17, 2017

If you are a lover of water pipes, also known as hookahs, and have been told that they aren’t as bad as cigarettes, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS of Bensalem Family Dentistry is sorry for being the bearer of bad news –you’ve been misinformed. Studies show that water pipe smoking is just as harmful as cigarettes if not more.

Hookah tobacco (shisha) is a combination of tobacco, sweetener, and fruit. Many believe that shisha is safer to smoke because it is filtered through water before being inhaled. Though it does not leave you smelling like an ashtray, it has similar health risks associated with smoking cigarettes. Smokers increase their risk of developing dry mouth, bad breath, and especially, oral cancer. The best thing you can do for your oral health is to kick the habit altogether.


Crowns -- December 30, 2014

A dental crown is one option, which can repair a cracked or damaged tooth. Crowns can be used when a filling alone will not correct the problem. A crown will look just like your own teeth and also restore function.

Dr. Matthew Eisenbrock and his team at Bensalem Adult Dentistry are happy to offer our patients a variety of dental care including crowns. The process of getting a crown starts by repairing the damaged tooth, which involves removing decay. The tooth is then prepared and shaped in order for the crown to fit. An impression is taken and sent to a laboratory for the crown to be made. While you wait for your permanent crown, you will be fitted for a temporary crown.

Dental crowns are usually made of materials including porcelain and ceramic. The color is matched to your other teeth. A crown is usually indistinguishable from your other teeth in appearance. It also functions the same as your natural teeth. Crowns are durable and made to last. With proper care, a crown can last for 15 years or more.

At Bensalem Adult Dentistry, we offer a variety of dental services including cosmetic, preventative and restorative services. Our staff strives to provide you with the best possible dental care in a comfortable environment.


Bridges -- December 23, 2014

If you have had a tooth extracted due to damage, decay or disease, it is important to have the resulting gap filled since gaps in your smile can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of position. When this happens, your teeth become more susceptible to disease and decay. At Bensalem Adult Dentistry, we can help keep your smile beautiful and functional after an extraction with dental bridges.

This oral appliance literally creates a bridge to cross the area where you tooth is missing and is usually made from gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure a strong and durable smile that can last more than a decade if properly cared for.

The process of creating a bridge takes two visits to our office. In the first, we will create abutments out of the existing teeth on both sides of your missing tooth. This is where the bridge will be attached. After the abutments are in place, a mold is made of your mouth for creating the bridge, which will fit and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge will consist of two crowns, which will be fixed to the abutments, and a pontic, which is the prosthetic that will replace your missing tooth. We provide you with a temporary bridge while your permanent one is crafted in the lab. On the second visit, the permanent bridge will then be fixed to the abutments with an adhesive.

For more information, call our office in Bensalem, PA at 215-750-9955.


Inlays/Onlays -- December 15, 2014

At Bensalem Adult Dentistry, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock wants to provide you with options when it comes to repairing damaged teeth. Since everyone’s dental needs are different, the best treatment for one patient may not be the best treatment for another.  That’s why we provide options for replacing teeth damaged by decay or injury.

Inlays/onlays are used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury. These molded dental prosthetics are applied to the damaged tooth, preserving its structure and the health of your smile. Some advantages of an inlay/onlay are it often covers less area of a tooth than a traditional filling. This means more of the natural tooth is preserved. In addition, inlays/onlays fit precisely, which reduces the amount of bacteria that can get between gaps or spaces. Inlays/onlays are also stronger than traditional fillings and tend to last longer.

Dr. Eisenbrock will be happy to discuss inlays/onlays with you and help you decide what works best for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment call us at 215-750-9955!


Emergency Dental Care -- November 25, 2014

While tooth decay is the most common cause of toothaches in adults, infections, gum disease, teeth grinding and an abnormal bite can also cause pain in your teeth. If you have experienced facial trauma, pain in your teeth for more than two days or swelling and abnormally red gums, it is important to get a complete oral examination to determine the cause. This pain would be considered a dental emergency, and Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Adult Dentistry can help to restore your oral health.

Pain in your teeth can arise for a variety of reasons, and you might not always know why. Sometimes pain can come on suddenly if pieces of food come in contact with a decayed area of your tooth or if heat or cold create pressure near your nerve. If you lose a filling or crown, this can expose your nerve and cause pain as well.

If your tooth pain worsens over time, you may have food that is stuck between you tooth and gum. This can occur if you do not brush and floss well enough, allowing bacteria to multiply in this area and for infection to develop. This infection can become an abscess, which can develop at the root of the tooth in the bone or in the gums. If not treated, it can be incredibly painful and harmful to your health. If your tooth pain is accompanied by a bad smell or taste, it is very likely an abscess.

If a tooth is giving your trouble, we can provide you with the care you need to recover in Bensalem, PA. Call (215) 750-9955 to schedule an appointment.


Veneers -- November 19, 2014

Many of us wish we could change something about our smile.  We might want to improve our alignment and brightness or correct chips and cracks.  While there are many ways to improve the cosmetic appearance of our smiles, veneers provide my patients with the opportunity to completely makeover their smile look.  Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are individually crafted to meet an individual patient’s needs.  Some of the many cosmetic problems veneers can correct include:

  • Discoloration
  • Cracks
  • Chips
  • Gaps
  • Misalignment

 

Since veneers cover your existing tooth structure, you can create a truly picture perfect smile. Bensalem, PA patients that have chosen veneers have been thrilled with the results of their new makeover.  In as little as two visits to the office, you can find confidence in a new, beautiful smile.  Veneers are a great way to completely makeover your smile, but they aren’t for everyone.  If you are interested in this cosmetic dental service, schedule an appointment at my office.  At Bensalem Adult Dentistry, we are happy to help patients decide if veneers are the best option for their smile needs.


Dentures -- November 13, 2014

Many of our patients visit us looking for a solution to their missing teeth. If they are missing a good number of teeth or need to get them removed due to infection or a medical condition, we can offer them different types of dentures. There are two primary types of full dentures: immediate and conventional, as well as partial dentures if our patient does not have to get all of their teeth removed.

With conventional dentures, our patient gets their remaining teeth removed and they wait a few weeks or months for their gums to heal completely. Once they are healed, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock fits their new set of dentures. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are fit as soon as their teeth are removed. Impressions are made of our patient’s teeth before they are pulled, and Dr. Eisenbrock has the dentures fabricated. Once the teeth are pulled, these dentures are placed over the gums.

Caring for your new dentures requires regular cleaning in order to remove the plaque, stains, and food particles. It’s important to brush the surfaces of the dentures similar to brushing your natural teeth. Also consider that your oral health still needs good care as well, including gentle brushing your gums, palate, and tongue each day.

Call us at 215-750-9955 for more information about dentures.


Extractions -- November 5, 2014

Do you have a missing or extracted tooth?  Luckily, there are many ways to restore the natural look and feel of your smile.  There are a number of restorative services offered at my practice, but for the most realistic and long lasting restorative solution, I recommend dental implants.  Dental implants are one of the best ways fix smile gaps because they are strong, reliable, easy to maintain and highly versatile.

The stability of a dental implant is a direct result of how it is placed in your smile.  Implants are attached to your jaw bone, rooting the tooth to your smile naturally.  Each implant is then topped with a custom fabricated crown that makes your new prosthetic virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth.  There is no need to modify any of your surrounding teeth, nor will you need to adjust your daily oral hygiene habits.

If you would like to learn more about implants and their many benefits, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.


 


Office Hours

Neshaminy Valley Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

(alternating)

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Newsletter Signup

Join our email list to receive helpful updates