Giving and Volunteering Are Good for Your Health

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry volunteers at Feed My Starving Children in 2016.
Eggert Family Dentistry volunteers at Feed My Starving Children in 2016.

‘Tis the season for giving. Give to the Max Day, Giving Tuesday, and the red kettles of the Salvation Army all ring in the holiday season. Presents arrive in the mail and under the tree. We hope our giving and volunteering benefit others, but did you know there’s scientific evidence that our giving and volunteering help us, too?

Giving Makes Us Feel Good

Over the past decade, scientific studies have found that the act of giving makes us feel better. In 2008, Harvard Business School researchers found that spending money on others makes us happier than spending money on ourselves. Giving decreases our stress and makes us feel closer to the recipients of our giving (and vice versa).

What’s more, the simple act of giving can have ripple effects. Not only does giving make us feel better, it makes our recipients feel better and more inclined to give. Our giving is passed down to others, which increases our feeling of connectedness and even promotes more cooperation.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are happy to contribute to the local scholarship funds of four local high schools each year: Mounds View, Irondale, Centennial, and Spring Lake Park (Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff’s alma mater). Since 2004, we have contributed over $25,000 to deserving students.

Volunteering Has Health Benefits, Too

Other research has looked into the health benefits of volunteering our time. It turns out that volunteering can improve our health, too. Serving others can lower our blood pressure and decrease depression. The social interaction we experience when we volunteer releases dopamine, a chemical in our brain that makes us happier.

One study of the health effects of volunteering found that elderly people who volunteer at two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period, despite their age or exercise and other wellness habits. Even the federal government is examining the health benefits of volunteering. You can read its comprehensive report here.

Our team felt really good about volunteering at Feed My Starving Children this year. It is great to know we all can make a difference.

To stay healthy this holiday season, eat moderately, exercise regularly, and make giving and volunteering part of your routine. And don’t forget your regular dental appointments! Schedule your next visit to Eggert Family Dentistry today.

Splint and Occlusal Therapy: Ruth’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Ruth came to us as a new patient. She was experiencing frequent headaches, 3-4 times per week or more, as well as frequent neck aches, shoulder pain, back pain, and migraines. In addition, she had ear pain, jaw pain, and was having a hard time sleeping. Ruth was working with her MD to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan to help her manage the pain, which her MD thought was because of a possible pinched nerve. She struggled with the headaches and migraines for years but was now experiencing increasing jaw pain. Dr. Elizabeth noted some tooth wear throughout her mouth and intense muscle discomfort during her muscle evaluation. Dr. Elizabeth recommended Ruth go through our records process so that she could delve deeper into the underlying causes of her pain.

What did Ruth want?

Ruth struggled with upper back, shoulder, head, jaw, and neck pain for years but she didn’t realize the pain could be related to her teeth. Ruth had, however, noticed some changes with her teeth including a space opening up and a loose front lateral tooth. Ruth decided to undergo records because she wanted to be able to eat without worry, she wanted her mouth to function better, and she wanted her teeth to last her lifetime. She also noticed herself clenching often and she was hoping to have that addressed during the process.

Ruth before occlusal therapy at Eggert Family Dentistry

What was revealed during the records process?

Dr. Elizabeth used models, photos, and x-rays of Ruth’s teeth along with our thorough muscle and joint evaluation results to present Ruth with the current status of her teeth, gums, and the function of her jaw and muscles. The details of the records process revealed that the position of Ruth’s teeth, muscles, and jaw joints were causing multiple interferences. This means she was biting down unevenly causing the breakdown of her teeth as well as the jaw, neck, and shoulder pain. It was recommended that Ruth begin splint therapy.

What was involved?

The purpose of her splint therapy was to change the position of Ruth’s jaw to a relaxed muscle position. We were hoping this would improve her headaches and migraines and it did! In Ruth’s case, we also discussed how if we adjusted the teeth to fit together at the relaxed jaw position, she should be much more stable long-term.  Dr. Elizabeth fitted Ruth with a TMJ splint to wear all of the time to create the best possible function between the natural position of her jaw, muscles, and her teeth as they worked with one another.

As soon as Ruth’s muscles reached a comfortable and relaxed position, Dr. Elizabeth adjusted the alignment of the upper and lower teeth and altered the chewing surfaces of some of the her back teeth to remove the painful interferences. This process is called equilibration. Dr. Elizabeth then completed a solid new bite for Ruth with porcelain veneers and crowns on her upper and lower front teeth. The veneers were an important step in completing Ruth’s new bite because the ideal shape of the teeth helps to keep the back teeth from over engaging her muscles. This created harmony among Ruth’s jaw joints, muscles, and teeth as the joints and muscles were placed in a relaxed position and the teeth now come together at the same time. We finally designed a splint for Ruth to wear while she sleeps to keep her teeth, jaw, and muscles in this new comfortable position.Ruth after occlusal therapy at Eggert Family Dentistry

What does Ruth think?

“The presentation was really thorough and really good. I had no idea my migraines were caused by my bite. I got relief from my migraines in the early stages which was fantastic! I’m really happy. Everything was explained very well to me. I would recommend anyone experiencing my pain to come here. I would tell them to definitely pursue the treatment because you don’t have to live with the pain. It is also so nice to have everything looking great!”

Do you wonder if improving your bite may give you relief from headaches, migraines, or even back pain? Call today for an appointment at Eggert Family Dentistry 651-482-8412.

3 Stages of Tooth Decay, Explained

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Brush to avoid tooth decayTooth decay occurs when acids wear away the outer layer of the tooth and penetrate the soft, inner tissue, causing an infection that requires advanced dental care. But since decay occurs in three stages, it’s possible to reverse the effects of decay if it’s caught early enough. That’s why regular visits to your dentist are so important.

Bacteria Causes Tooth Decay

Before we explain the three stages of tooth decay, let’s take a look at what causes tooth decay in the first place. Your teeth are covered in a hard, protective layer called enamel. They’re also covered in bacteria (gross, but true). The bacteria live in a sticky substance called plaque and eat the sugars in your food. As they digest the sugars, the bacteria create acid. If you don’t brush and floss the plaque away, the acid will stick to and erode the enamel on your teeth.  It is also important to note that if your saliva contains an excessive amount of acid from other sources, such as foods, drinks, or reflux, this makes the cavity-causing bacteria even more active in attacking your teeth.

Tooth Decay Stage 1: Dull Spots on the Tooth

The first sign of tooth decay is a dull spot on your tooth. Often, this dull spot is only visible to your dentist, which is why it’s important to get regular check-ups. The spot may be dull white or brown, or show up as a shadow or weak spot on an x-ray.

At this stage, decay is often reversible with meticulous cleaning techniques such as brushing and flossing. Once the plaque is scrubbed away, the saliva helps to repair the tooth enamel. Adding extra fluoride, like an over the counter fluoride rinse or a prescription fluoride toothpaste also helps with the rebuilding of enamel. If left unattended, decay will continue until it enters the soft layer under the enamel, the dentin.

Tooth Decay Stage 2: Cavity Formation in the Dentin

Once decay erodes the enamel, it enters the softer layer of the tooth called the dentin. It can take a while for decay to reach stage two, but sometimes it occurs quickly. Once it does, the decay has become a cavity and the decay process is no longer reversible. At this stage, you need help from your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry to place a filling or crown.  If not treated in this stage, a tooth can easily start to ache.

Tooth Decay Stage 3: Pulp Changes

If not treated in the dentin stage or if treated too late in the dentin stage, the decay will reach the very inside of the tooth called the pulp, where the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves are located.  At this point, the bacteria starts forming a tooth abscess. This infection can become very painful, but oddly can sometimes occur with very little or no pain. Regardless, the dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry can help you save your tooth by treating the tooth with a root canal. Root canals, unfortunately, have gotten a bad reputation, but we have seen many patients thankful for the treatment, often reporting “Oh I didn’t know it was so easy!”

Treating a tooth with an abscess is very important.  Without care, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue and eventually to other areas of your body. This type of infection is a serious medical condition and requires immediate treatment.

This may all sound a bit scary, but we are here to help you stay as healthy as possible.  We already talked about taking great care of your teeth at home, but you can also be sure to eat calcium-rich foods to help strengthen your enamel and drink lots of water to wash away sugars and acids. Of course, it also helps to minimize the sugars and acids you ingest.  And, we can’t emphasize enough, regular visits with us at Eggert Family Dentistry will help us stop the bacteria in the earliest stage possible.

To schedule your appointment, email Eggert Family Dentistry or call (651) 482-8412 today.

Humans versus Animals: Teeth Edition!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family VacationThis summer, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff took their boys on the iconoclastic “South Dakota Family Vacation.” They were lucky to visit the monuments and climb around all the amazing rocks of the Black Hills. But, one of the most amazing places was the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. They had very interesting information about mammoth teeth and it got us thinking, “How similar are human and animal teeth?”

Humans spend a lot of time and energy keeping their pearly whites in good working order. We visit the dentist and brush and floss our teeth regularly. With animals, it’s a different story. Unless you brush your pets’ teeth, animal chompers aren’t cleaned regularly. So how do their teeth compare to ours?

Animal and human teeth are essentially the same.

Mammoth toothBoth human and animal teeth are made of calcium, phosphorus, and mineral salts. Adult humans have 32 teeth, including eight incisors and four canines for cutting and tearing. The rest are molars that come in before and during puberty.

Thirty-two might seem like a lot of teeth, but lots of animals have many, many more. Here are just a few examples:

  • hippos have 40 teeth
  • armadillos have 100 teeth
  • dolphins have 250 teeth

Snails do not have backbones, but they do have a lot of teeth. Their tongues contain more than 25,000 tiny, sharp teeth! Limpets, an aquatic snail, have the strongest teeth on Earth. They are made of protein and goethite, an iron-based mineral.

Big animal, big teeth . . . or not.

Mammoth TeethElephants are huge animals, so it makes sense that their teeth are proportionately large. A single elephant molar can weigh up to 10 pounds. Elephants also grow a new set of teeth every 10 years or so.  This is very similar to the mammoths. This is usually how paleontologists can verify the age of the mammoths we saw as fossils. Mammoths developed six sets of teeth over their lifetime.

But the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, has no teeth at all. Instead, it has long plates of keratin called baleen. It is the same substance that makes up human fingernails. Baleen strains tiny creatures called krill out of the water. Blue whales swallow the krill whole.

Humans have the upper hand on oral hygiene.

Though hippos and shrimp may have more teeth than humans do, we do a far better job at keeping our chompers clean and healthy. Humans have cleaned their teeth since at least 5,000 BCE. Egyptians mixed pumice with ox hooves’ ashes and burnt eggshells to create toothpaste. Colgate began mass producing toothpaste in 1873.

The first toothbrush was invented in Egypt in 3,500 BCE. It was a twig with a frayed end. The first natural bristle toothbrush was invented in China in the 15th century, and the first modern one was invented in 1938 in the United States.

Do your oral hygiene habits resemble a mammoth’s more than a human’s? It’s time to schedule an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry! Email Eggert Family Dentistry or call (651) 482-8412 today.

Quit Clenching and Grinding and Get the Facts about Bruxism

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Grinding or clenching your teeth causes bruxismDo you ever wake up with a dull ache in your jaw? Or, after a stressful day at work, do you find you’re always fighting a headache right at your temples? Chances are you didn’t sleep on your jaw funny or have a tension headache. You likely are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth.

Dentists call clenching or grinding of the teeth bruxism. Most people do not even know they have it, as they might not be conscious of the fact they’re clenching their jaw during the day or grinding their teeth at night. And while many cases of bruxism are mild, some can be severe—and painful.

Severe bruxism can cause damage to your teeth and even cause your jaw to become unaligned. Clenching and grinding your teeth can also do damage to crowns and other dental work. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk with us if you suspect you’re clenching or grinding.

Bruxism: Causes

Dentists and doctors are not sure what causes bruxism, but we have some informed guesses. The cause may be physiological, such as abnormal alignment of your upper and lower teeth. But emotions such as stress, anxiety, anger, and frustration might also cause people to clench and grind their teeth.

Bruxism: Know the Signs

It’s not always possible to catch yourself grinding or clenching your teeth. But you can watch out for some of the physical signs that point to bruxism. Here is a short list of symptoms to look out for:

  • chipped, loose, flat, fractured, or worn teeth
  • damage to cheek tissue
  • headache or earache
  • indentations on your tongue
  • jaw does not open or close completely
  • tired or tight jaw muscles
  • tooth sensitivity
  • worn tooth enamel

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a dentist’s appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry. We’ll give you tips you can use at home to alleviate the discomfort bruxism causes. In more severe cases, we may recommend fitting you for a splint or night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. In extreme cases, we may recommend correcting misaligned teeth with orthodontics.

Think you or a loved one are clenching and grinding? Schedule an appointment to find out. Email Eggert Family Dentistry or call (651) 482-8412 today.

Randi Tries Out Invisalign® Part 1: The First Two Weeks

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Elizabeth is five weeks into her Invisalign® journey. You can read all about it here. But Randi is on an Invisalign® journey all her own! Here’s her story in her own words.

Why I Started Invisalign®

I had braces as a teen, and upon completing my treatment, I was supposed to wear a retainer every night. I did so for the first several years every few days or so, but eventually lost my upper retainer and my teeth quickly became crowded. It’s a story we see all the time at Eggert Family Dentistry.

I have never been confident with my smile. My front tooth crosses over the other significantly, and I always try to smile without showing my teeth. Working in the dental field, our team is constantly attending continuing education courses to learn about new ways to better serve our patients. I have attended a few different seminars learning about Invisalign®, and I was thrilled to be able to go through Invisalign® treatment in our office. I knew this was an easy way to get my smile back as long as I was willing to commit to wearing my retainers as directed and following a dedicated hygiene ritual to keep my teeth and retainers clean.

The First Two Appointments

After learning so much about Invisalign®, I was ready! I couldn’t be more excited to start. I had records taken and reviewed the results of the personalized treatment plan with Dr. Elizabeth.

Randi before up closeThe second appointment showing the personalized treatment plan is so informative! It is an interactive, 3D simulation of where your teeth are positioned before beginning Invisalign® and where the teeth are positioned at the end of treatment. The simulation is very eye opening. All I saw in my smile was that my one front tooth was crossed over the other. The presentation showed a lot of crowding on my lower teeth and cross bite in the back, all of which can contribute to premature wear over time. My goal is to keep my teeth for the rest of my life. I will do what I need to do that, so I was very impressed with how many improvements the Invisalign® presentation revealed.

Getting Fitted for Invisalign® & My First Two Weeks

At my next appointment, Dr. Elizabeth and Nicole attached small buttons to many of my teeth to help with the movement. This was the longest process so far, but it was painless. Dr. Elizabeth then sent me home with the retainers and instructions on caring for them.

I have been wearing my retainers for two weeks. I was so excited to tell my family that I started the treatment and was a little bummed no one noticed. Then I thought, “Great! Why would I want anyone to notice?” People I talk to say they can’t tell at all when I’m wearing them. You can only see the aligners if you look really closely.

A Surprising Benefit

One other benefit so far has been that I am not able to snack throughout the day. I never realized before how often I was snacking. Optimal wear time for the aligners is 22 hours each day, which allows for time to eat, but you do have to be diligent about flossing and brushing after eating or drinking anything aside from water while wearing the aligners. This prevents tooth decay.

Today is the start of my third week wearing the aligners. Aligners are changed every two weeks, so tonight is the night I switch to my second set. I’m excited to see what changes occur over the next couple of weeks!

Randi with Invisalign aligners

Find Out if Invisalign® Is Right for You

The dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry love helping their patients align their teeth gradually, effortlessly, and invisibly. I’d love to have you along on my journey! To help make it happen, we’re offering specials on Invisalign® express treatments between now and December 31 for patients who have completed an Invisalign® records appointment:

  • $130 off Express 10 Dual-Arch Treatment
  • $180 off Express 5 Dual-Arch Treatment

Wondering if Invisalign® could help improve your smile? Email Eggert Family Dentistry today or call (651) 482-8412 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Elizabeth Tries Out Invisalign® Part 1: The First Five Weeks

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry has been thinking of offering Invisalign® to our patients for years. But with all the other continuing education courses Dr. Elizabeth has been taking to enhance our patient’s smiles and their bites, it has been difficult to coordinate the training. Dr. Furey has been a certified Invisalign® provider for more than eight years, so as we transition his practice to Eggert Family Dentistry, the timing was perfect for Dr. Elizabeth to become Invisalign certified too.

Dr. Elizabeth wanted to experience Invisalign® for herself to help her better understand how it will work for our patients. So recently, Dr. Elizabeth began treatment.  This is the first blog in a series about our practice owner and her experience with Invisalign®. We also have two other staff members undergoing treatment – Randi and Kara. We’ll publish Randi’s story tomorrow.

Why Dr. Elizabeth Started Invisalign®

Dr. Elizabeth Before InvisalignWhen Dr. Elizabeth noticed crowding on her lower anterior teeth and wear on some of her teeth due to malalignment, she knew Invisalign® would be a good option for her. The system of clear, comfortable, plastic aligners would gradually bring her teeth into alignment without visible braces. And since the aligners are removable, there wouldn’t be any food restrictions or big changes to her daily oral hygiene routine. All she would need to do is clean the aligners regularly and change them every two weeks as her teeth adjusted.

Dr. Elizabeth’s Experience Five Weeks into Treatment

Today, Dr. Elizabeth is five weeks into her treatment. Though she knows she’s still at the start of her experience, she’s already noticing Invisalign® working. Her teeth have moved to the point that food no longer gets stuck in her mouth’s trouble spots. She’s looking forward to seeing the results of her full treatment!

Find Out if Invisalign® Is Right for You

The dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry love helping our patients align their teeth gradually, effortlessly, and invisibly. Dr. Elizabeth would love to have you along on her journey! To help make it happen, we’re offering specials on Invisalign® express treatments between now and December 31 for patients who have completed an Invisalign® records appointment:

  • $130 off Express 10 Dual-Arch Treatment
  • $180 off Express 5 Dual-Arch Treatment

Schedule your records appointment today to learn if Invisalign® is right for you. Clincheck approval must occur before December 31, 2016, for offer to apply. Email Eggert Family Dentistry or call (651) 482-8412.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

adult fluorideMost of us remember getting fluoride treatments as kids, sitting for minutes in the dentist’s chair with large, foam trays in our mouths. Once we reached adulthood, this part of our oral exam disappeared. But today, there’s evidence that many of us would benefit from the fluoride treatments we remember as kids.

What does fluoride do for adult teeth?

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth against decay and helps them heal from the constant demineralization process occurring in the mouth. It penetrates your teeth and draws phosphate and calcium from your saliva into your teeth. Fluoride also attacks the bacteria in your mouth that produces the acid that leads to tooth decay. Studies show that the miracle mineral can even repair early tooth decay before it becomes a cavity.

Do I need fluoride treatments as an adult?

You might! While we do get fluoride from our fluoride toothpaste and our fluoridated city water, making sure the teeth are exposed to fluoride regularly really does help prevent decay. There are many of us that choose to drink bottled water or have a private well in lieu of city water. In these instances a fluoride treatment is especially important.

Some other reasons to consider asking for a professional fluoride treatment involve your overall health.  Some medical and oral health conditions might lead us to recommend you get regular fluoride treatments; for example, if you take medications that cause dry mouth or have had radiation on your head or neck, fluoride can help prevent the tooth decay your saliva usually takes care of. Fluoride treatments are also recommended for patients with receding gums or braces.

What fluoride treatments might Eggert Family Dentistry recommend?

There are several fluoride treatments we might recommend to our adult patients. Sometimes, we prescribe fluoride gel for at-home use for very high-risk patients. However, most patients find it very convenient to have a fluoride varnish treatment during each cleaning appointment. It is so easy – we just paint the fluoride on your teeth with a small brush. We still do offer the “old school” method of fluoride foam in the trays for those feeling nostalgic.

Ask us today how professional fluoride treatments can benefit you. We are happy to discuss it at your  regular oral health exam. Email Eggert Family Dentistry today or call (651) 482-8412 to schedule an appointment.

Brushing and Flossing for Two: Oral Health during Pregnancy

51756175 - pregnant woman at dentist before treatmentBy: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Like many moms before you, you likely have a million questions about how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Eggert Family Dentistry is here to help you understand how pregnancy might affect your oral health.

Dental Work Is Safe for Pregnant Women and Their Babies

We’ve got some good news for you: dental care is generally safe for pregnant women and their babies. You can continue to have regular cleanings and other routine care while you’re pregnant—just be sure to tell us that you’re expecting.

Many pregnant patients have questions about x-rays. Dental x-rays use very low levels of radiation. If you need an x-ray for emergency dental work, you and your baby are safe. We will take extra precautions to protect you and your baby. We typically choose to hold off on your preventative x-rays until after the baby is born.

Another common concern is local anesthesia. Lidocaine and other local anesthesia are safe for you and your baby. A 2015 study found local anesthesia made no difference in the rates of miscarriage, prematurity, birth defects, or birth weight among expectant mothers. If you need a crown or other procedure completed while you’re pregnant, it’s okay to book the appointment.

Pregnancy’s Effect on Your Oral Health

Dental work may not affect your pregnancy, but your pregnancy will likely affect your oral health. Many mothers-to-be experience increased tooth decay and gingivitis. Hormonal changes are partly to blame, as are changes in eating habits and morning sickness.

Morning sickness exposes your teeth to more acid, which can exacerbate tooth decay. Rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water can help neutralize the acid after you’re ill. We might recommend extra brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings if you’re experiencing a dramatic increase in tooth decay or gingivitis.

Some pregnant women experience tumors in their gum tissues. These noncancerous swellings often appear between your teeth. Most go away shortly after birth, but we can remove them if they cause you discomfort.

Don’t put off routine dental care over fear that a visit to the dentist could harm you or your baby. Dental procedures are generally safe for both of you and can help prevent serious issues down the road. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule your next visit. Call (651) 482-8412.

Are e-Cigarettes Bad for Your Oral Health?

eCigarettes
Source: FDA

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

E-cigarettes, or e-cigs, are here to stay. The popular devices that turn a nicotine-laden liquid into inhalable vapor have been on the market since 2007. As more and more Americans—including children—get hooked on e-cigs, research into the oral health effects of e-cig ingredients remains depressingly dim.

What’s in e-cig vapor?

E-cigarette vapor is primarily propylene and propylene glycol, synthetic chemicals used as solvents and preservatives in other products. An e-cig turns the liquid into a vapor that contains nicotine. Often, this vapor is flavored to make vaping more enjoyable—and to attract younger users.

Why does the FDA want to regulate e-cigs?

It’s impossible to know exactly what is in e-cig vapor because the products are not regulated by the FDA. The agency has asked to regulate the devices as pharmaceutical devices or tobacco products. If legislation passes, e-cig companies would be required to disclose the ingredients in vape liquid. The FDA would be empowered to set minimum age and identification requirements for those purchasing e-cigs.

What does the research say about e-cigs and my health?

First, some statistics. A 2015 survey of middle and high schoolers found that 3 million of them are using e-cigs. That’s 16 percent of American high schoolers and 5.3 percent of middle schoolers. A study a year earlier found tasty flavors are the primary reason kids vape.

Despite these disturbing trends, little research exists on the health effects of e-cigarette use in adults or children. We do know that high nicotine levels in the mouth can increase the risk of periodontal damage. And research has found smokers who use e-cigarettes are 59 percent less likely to quit smoking, which continues to expose smokers to the well-documented health effects of cigarette smoke.

The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) have both called for funding for research on the oral health effects of e-cig vapor. According to the NIDCR, “the effects of long-term exposure to [electronic cigarettes] are completely unknown and present a potential oral cancer and periodontal disease risk for users, due to their higher exposure to these chemical mixtures.”

What can I do?

The best thing you can do is never start vaping, and if you currently use e-cigs, quit. Read the NIDCR article linked above and share this information with your school-aged children. Urge your congressional representatives and senators to press for regulation of e-cigs and to fund oral health research.

For more information about the oral health effects of e-cigarettes, speak with your dentist. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule a visit. Call (651) 482-8412.