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. 

Are You Brushing for Two Minutes?

Brushing for two full minutes is about the amount of time you need to really get a good teeth cleaning. Many patients do not realize that they are really not hitting every spot. Timing yourself to two minutes helps greatly! Here at Bensalem Family Dentistry of Bensalem, PA, we want to give some tips to our patients on how to make sure you are brushing for two minutes.

Brushing your teeth may not be the most exciting moment of your day. However, brushing is vital to your oral and overall health. There are ways to make it fun while still keeping track of time.

Music

Play your favorite tune while brushing your teeth. Most music players have a timer on it as the song plays. Use it to make sure you are brushing for two minutes. Every thirty seconds brush a different quadrant of your mouth.

Phone

Phones can do so much these days! One of the simplest ways to keep track of two minutes is to set your phone’s stopwatch or timer!

Hourglass

A more fun way of watching time is with an hourglass! In this case, it would be more like a minute-glass. Just remember to flip a minute glass over one more time!

Fancy Toothbrushes

Many electric and manual toothbrushes have timers now! They either play music for two minutes or they stop their vibration a few times when you hit two minutes. Easy!

Remember that routine visits to your dentist are part of a healthy oral care routine. To schedule your appointment with Bensalem Family Dentistry of Bensalem, PA, call our office at (215) 638-9952. For more information about us, visit our website, www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com.