Eggert Family Dentistry Blog -

A Magical Tradition: Celebrating Tooth Fairy Day

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you have ever tucked a tiny lost tooth beneath your pillow and awakened the next morning to discover a surprise in its place, you have experienced one of childhood’s most magical traditions: a visit from the Tooth Fairy! In honor of Tooth Fairy Day, celebrated in August, you can take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history behind this beloved character. While the modern Tooth Fairy is especially popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries, the idea of doing something special with a child’s lost tooth is much older. In fact, traditions surrounding baby teeth have existed for centuries. One early influence may have come from Norse customs, in which children’s teeth were sometimes kept as good-luck charms. Over time, stories, superstitions, and family traditions evolved, eventually helping create the winged, gift-giving Tooth Fairy you know today.

Around the world, however, you may discover that not every child leaves a tooth beneath a pillow! In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, children may look forward to a visit from Ratoncito Pérez, a small mouse who collects lost teeth and leaves a gift or coin behind. France has La Petite Souris, or “the little mouse,” while similar tooth-collecting mice appear in traditions throughout other parts of Europe and Latin America. In some countries, children may throw a lost tooth onto a roof, bury it, place it in a special location, or even toss it toward the sun while making a wish or saying a traditional rhyme. No matter how the tradition is celebrated, losing a baby tooth is often treated as an exciting milestone—and a reason to make childhood just a little more magical.

You can also keep the Tooth Fairy tradition alive through books that turn the experience of losing a tooth into an adventure. Some fun children’s titles to explore include The Night Before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing, How to Catch the Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace, The Tooth Fairy by Peter Bently, and Dear Tooth Fairy by Alan Durant. Reading a Tooth Fairy story with your child can make a wiggly tooth feel exciting rather than scary, while also giving you an opportunity to talk about why baby teeth fall out and why taking care of the new permanent teeth is so important. After all, while the Tooth Fairy may only visit when a tooth comes out, your child’s smile needs attention every single day!

As your child grows, you can help make each stage of dental development a positive experience. From that first tiny tooth to the arrival of permanent teeth, regular dental visits, good brushing habits, flossing, and a healthy diet can all play an important role in protecting a growing smile. And when that baby tooth finally becomes loose, you can celebrate the milestone together—whether your family follows the traditional Tooth Fairy, a tooth-collecting mouse, or a completely unique tradition of your own. The magic is often found in the memories you create and in helping your child feel proud and excited about growing up.

This fun Tooth Fairy Day blog comes to you from Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, where you and your family can receive comprehensive dental care for every stage of life. From a child’s first dental visits and those exciting Tooth Fairy years to caring for adult and lifelong smiles, our goal is to help you enjoy healthy teeth and a smile you can feel good about. Our motto says it best: “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!” So, whether you are waiting for the Tooth Fairy’s next visit or simply helping your family keep their smiles healthy, we hope you have a magical—and cavity-free—Tooth Fairy Day! Call or text us to set up your next appointment today – 651-482-8412!

When a Tooth Begins to Disappear: Understanding Tooth Resorption

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Tooth resorption may sound like a complicated dental term, but it simply means that the body is gradually breaking down and absorbing part of a tooth. Resorption can affect the root, the inside of the tooth, or other tooth structures, and it is usually something your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry discover during an examination and verifies with dental X-rays. In some cases, you may have no symptoms at all, while in others you might notice pain, sensitivity, discoloration, or swelling. Tooth resorption is not the same as a cavity. Instead of bacteria creating a hole in the tooth from decay, your own body’s cells are involved in breaking down tooth structure.

There are two main types of tooth resorption: internal resorption and external resorption. Internal resorption begins inside the tooth, usually within the pulp or root canal space, and gradually works outward into the surrounding tooth structure. External resorption, on the other hand, begins on the outside surface of the tooth or root and progresses inward. External resorption can take several forms and may be more difficult to detect in its earliest stages. The location, cause, and extent of the resorption can make a major difference in determining whether your tooth can be treated and saved.

Resorption can occur for several reasons, although sometimes the exact cause is not completely clear. Trauma to a tooth, inflammation, infection, pressure from impacted teeth, orthodontic treatment, or damage to the tissues surrounding the root may all play a role. Internal resorption is often associated with inflammation or injury involving the pulp inside the tooth. External resorption may develop after trauma, infection, pressure, or other changes affecting the root surface and surrounding bone. This is one reason why regular dental examinations and appropriate X-rays can be so important: the earlier a resorptive process is discovered, the better the opportunity may be to evaluate your treatment options. Be sure to check out our Patient of the Month blog for Justin to learn about what options he has had to replace a tooth that started resorbing for him.

Depending on the type and severity of the resorption, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may be able to monitor the tooth or recommend treatment to stop or slow the process. In some cases, endodontic treatment, commonly called a root canal, may help preserve a tooth affected by internal resorption, at least for awhile. Unfortunately, some teeth are too severely damaged to save and may eventually need to be extracted. When that happens, losing the tooth does not mean you have to live with an uncomfortable gap in your smile. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN can help you understand your options for replacing a tooth that has been lost because of resorption.

Whether the best solution for you is a dental implant, a bridge, a removable appliance, or another restorative option, replacing a missing tooth can help restore your ability to chew, support your bite, and maintain your smile. At Eggert Family Dentistry, your dental condition can be carefully evaluated so you can understand what is happening, what treatment options may be available, and what steps can help you move forward. If you have been told that you have tooth resorption—or if a tooth has been changing, hurting, or showing unexplained symptoms—an examination can help provide answers. Our goal is to help you protect the teeth that can be saved and thoughtfully restore your smile when a tooth cannot be preserved—because you deserve Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles! Call or text us to set up your next appointment today – 651-482-8412!

Go Back to School with a New Smile – Justin’s Unique Smile Transformation!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Back-to-school season is all about fresh starts, new classes, new routines, and adventures. For Justin this year, it also means a new reason to smile!

Meet Justin, one of Dr. Jeff Eggert’s young patients. In fact, he was only in middle school when he and Dr. Jeff met. Justin came into the practice as his family transitioned to our office. He was already undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brian DeVoe at the time. At Justin’s new patient exam, Dr. Jeff noticed a large defect on one of Justin’s teeth so he took an x-ray to investigate.

Unfortunately, Justin’s tooth was dissolving from the inside, a process called internal root resorption. With root resorption, the body’s own cells begin breaking down the inside of a tooth’s root. Dr. Jeff sent Justin to Dr. Jeff Ryan of Endodontics Associates Limited, an endodontist that Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth work with closely and who is conveniently located in our same building. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Jeff Ryan, and Dr. Brian DeVoe worked together to develop a plan designed to preserve the tooth and its root for as long as possible while also preserving the surrounding bone for a future implant if one eventually became necessary. In Justin’s case, the goal was not simply to address the immediate problem. Dr. Jeff and the specialists needed to think about Justin’s his long-term dental health and what would be best for him as he continued to grow.

What was recommended?

For a young patient like Justin, who was only 13 at the time, planning for the future is especially important. An implant isn’t a good option when a patient is still growing because the facial bones will continue to change so much, it will make the implant, which is locked into place after placement, look out of place in the adult face. Therefore, implant placement is contraindicated for males until they are well into their 20’s.

It was decided to complete a root canal and buildup the missing tooth structure with a post and composite filling material, finish the orthodontic treatment to perfect the bite for Justin’s other teeth, and slowly move Justin’s “sick” tooth out of the bone, a process called orthodontic extrusion.

Orthodontic extrusion would help preserve the bone and it was able to expose more root structure so Dr. Jeff could better seal up the buildup material to the root because he was hoping to help Justin keep this tooth until he was much older.

What did he want?

As a young child, Justin’s biggest concern was to be pain free and to have a tooth for his smile. He wanted to maintain a natural-looking smile to help him feel confident as he continued growing. Luckily, Justin’s tooth lasted this way for over 4 years. But, then one day he was eating a granola bar and noticed something just didn’t feel right. He had loosened the composite buildup material and post of his weak tooth. He also noticed that it was a little painful and his gums were always so irritated around that tooth. When Dr. Jeff took another x-ray, he saw signs of infection and knew this tooth wasn’t going to be able to last any longer for Justin.

What was involved then?

After working to preserve the tooth for several years, everyone needed to accept a new plan because Justin was only 17 years old when his tooth finally had to be extracted. It is never healthy to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Unfortunately, Justin wasn’t old enough to have an implant placed. It was important to Justin that he still be able to smile with all teeth present as well as have something that would stay in his mouth. He didn’t like the idea of a retainer that could hold a tooth in place when in the mouth, but that would show a missing tooth when it was out of the mouth.

In trying to be as conservative as possible, Dr. Jeff, Justin, and his parents all agreed to design a bonded pontic (or “fake tooth”) that would bond on to another of Justin’s teeth, holding a replacement tooth where there now was one missing. Therefore, Justin could continue to have a natural-looking appearance, finish his growing, and move into adulthood.

After Justin had his tooth extracted, he did wear a retainer for about 8 weeks that also had a fake tooth. This was necessary to allow his gums and tooth extraction site to heal. The tissue healed up really well after his “sick” tooth was out his mouth. Once he was healed up, Dr. Jeff scanned his teeth and a dental lab designed his fake porcelain pontic tooth. Dr. Jeff bonded the tooth in place which made it easier for Justin to smile again!

What does he think?

When we asked Justin what he would tell someone considering a similar procedure, Justin didn’t hesitate: “Definitely do it. It fixes your smile and it’s worth it.” Justin’s journey is a wonderful example of how a team approach, careful planning, and patience can help young patients navigate complicated dental situations while keeping their LIFELONG smile in mind. There’s something special about starting a new school year feeling good about your smile. Everyone wants to feel confident, especially teenagers! Justin is heading back to school this year with a different “tooth” than the one he’s had for much of his life – and he couldn’t be happier about it! We’re proud to have been part of Justin’s journey and excited to see him start this school year with a confident new smile. Here’s to a great school year, Justin! Keep smiling! We truly hope that Justin and all of our young patients enjoy the 2026 back-to-school season!

4 Back-to-School Dental Tips to Protect Your Child’s Smile

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

It’s back-to-school season! That means buying new shoes, practicing the walk home from the bus stop, packing backpacks, and picking out the perfect first-day outfit.

Parents, how are we feeling?

Maybe a little emotional. Maybe a little overwhelmed. Whether this is your first rodeo or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ve probably realized that back-to-school season involves more than checking off a school supply list. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your child’s smile is ready for a busy year of learning, growing, playing sports, and enjoying plenty of snacks along the way.

To help set your family up for a healthy school year, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert have put together a few simple back-to-school dental tips and healthy habits that can help reduce the risk of dental issues down the road.

#1 Protect New Teeth with Dental Sealants

When your child’s first permanent molars begin to come in (usually around ages five to seven) they bring a sneaky hazard with them: deep grooves that are great at trapping food and bacteria. Even with good brushing habits (carefully double-checked by Mom and Dad, of course 😉), those hard-to-reach surfaces can be difficult to keep clean.

That’s where dental sealants come in. Sealants are thin, protective coatings that are painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, creating a barrier that helps keep cavity-causing bacteria and acids out of those tiny grooves. Think of them as a raincoat for your child’s molars; just as a raincoat will protect you from getting wet, the sealant protects the tooth. Less contact with bacteria, germs, and acid means fewer cavities and less tooth decay!

💡Did you know? According to the Center for Disease Control, “School-age children (ages 6-11) without sealants have almost 3 times more 1st molar cavities than those with sealants.”

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert typically recommend placing sealants soon after the permanent molars erupt; protecting those teeth early gives them the best chance to stay healthy for years to come.

And if you’ve got a nervous or squirrely kiddo, fear not! Sealants are quick, comfortable, and completely painless. Bonus? They can last for years, making them a win for kids, parents, and everyone’s busy schedule.

#2 Choose the Right Mouthguard

We all watched the 2026 Winter Olympics this year, right? One of the biggest moments came when Team USA defeated Canada in the men’s hockey gold medal game. It was an incredible finish … though Jack Hughes paid for it with a few front teeth after taking a high stick before scoring the game-winning goal.

Kids cheered. Parents everywhere covered their mouths.

While most young athletes won’t find themselves playing for Olympic gold, sports-related dental injuries are far more common than many families realize. Hockey may steal the headlines, but basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, martial arts, baseball, and other contact sports all carry a risk of chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.

That’s why a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the smartest things your child can pack for school. By cushioning the teeth and helping absorb the force of an impact, mouthguards greatly reduce the risk of injuries to the teeth, gums, lips, and jaws.

When it comes to choosing one, there are three main options:

Stock Mouthguards

These are the ready-to-wear mouthguards you’ll find at most sporting goods stores.

PROS:

Budget-friendly
Easy to find and use right away

CONS:

Often don’t fit perfectly (or even well)
- 💡Did You Know? A mouthguard that doesn’t fit properly can actually do more damage to your teeth and gums!
Tend to be made from cheap materials, leaving them prone to damage

“Boil-and-Bite” Mouthguards

These mouthguards are softened in hot water before your child bites down to create a more personalized fit.

PROS:

Still relatively affordable
Available at most sporting goods stores
A better fit than stock mouthguards

CONS:

The fit depends on getting the molding process exactly right
Not as protective as a custom mouthguard
Still often made from cheap materials

Custom Mouthguards

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert create these using impressions of your child’s teeth, resulting in a mouthguard made specifically for their smile.

PROS:

Perfect fit = maximum comfort and protection
The only way to create a precise fit around dental restorations
Durable enough to stand up to a full season of play

CONS:

Higher upfront cost than over-the-counter options

The takeaway? Protecting teeth is much easier than repairing them. Just ask Jack Hughes.

#3 Support Healthy Growth with Myobrace

When most people think about crowded teeth, they think, “Well … it runs in the family.” And while genetics certainly do play a role, they’re only part of the story.

Everyday habits also influence the way a child’s mouth and jaws develop, which is why Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert pay attention to more than just crooked teeth.

Myobrace is one solution they may recommend the next time your child is at Eggert Family Dentistry. Myobrace is a preventive orthodontic appliance designed for children whose mouths and jaws are still growing; rather than focusing only on straightening teeth, it helps correct the underlying habits, which also supports natural jaw development, encourages proper breathing, and creates more room for permanent teeth. This isn’t just good for picture day — it’s also crucial to their overall oral health.

As your child heads back to school, it’s a great time to watch for signs that their mouth may be developing in ways that warrant a closer look into Myobrace, including:

Frequent mouth breathing
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
Crowded or crooked teeth
Snoring during sleep
Improper tongue posture

None of these automatically mean your child will need treatment, but they’re worth mentioning at their next visit to Eggert Family Dentistry. Myobrace is meant for growing mouths, so addressing these habits while children are still growing may reduce the need for more complex treatment later on.

💡Curious what this back-to-school dental tip looks like in practice? See how Myobrace has made a difference for families at Eggert Family Dentistry:

#4 Pack Healthy Snacks for Healthy Smiles

Let’s be honest. Between busy mornings, after-school activities, and all the emotions that come with a new school year, convenience often wins. We’ve all reached for the pre-packaged snack when time is running short.

Luckily, healthy choices can be convenient, too. A few simple swaps can go a long way toward protecting growing smiles. Here are a few lunchbox favorites to try:

Cheese
Plain or low-sugar yogurt
Nuts (when allowed)
Apple slices
Carrot sticks
Cucumber slices
Water instead of sports drinks or juice

One more back-to-school dental tip: it’s not just how much sugar your child eats that affects their teeth — it’s how often. Every sugary bite or sip gives bacteria and acid another opportunity to burrow in and create cavities. Packing snacks that are lower in sugar and encouraging water between meals really help keep little smiles healthy throughout the school day.

Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Dentist Appointment Today

A back-to-school recare visit is the perfect opportunity to have Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert check for cavities, talk about dental sealants, make sure your child’s mouthguard is game-day ready, and determine whether early orthodontic guidance, like Myobrace®, could support healthy growth. It’s all part of Eggert Family Dentistry’s commitment to dentistry for a lifetime of smiles.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert and our amazing hygiene team, call Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota at 651-482-8412.

Another New Beginning: An Update After Dental Trauma to an Even MORE Confident Smile – Sarah’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Sarah began her journey with Eggert Family Dentistry more than 10 years ago as a high school senior, searching for a solution for a front tooth that had been injured years earlier. The trauma she experienced in her early teens resulted in the need for root canal treatment, but despite those efforts, the tooth had a poor long-term prognosis.

The teenage years are filled with milestones, friendships, and countless reasons to smile. But, if you’re self-conscious about your smile, those moments can feel much more challenging. Because of the trauma, Sarah’s long-term prognosis for her front teeth was unpredictable. Plus, there was still a chance that Sarah could grow or experience bony facial changes. Therefore, as you can see from our first blog with Sarah from 2016, some composite bonding was done to give a cosmetic improvement, but mostly to help “buy some time.”

What did she want?

Over the years, Sarah and Dr. Elizabeth worked together through several challenges to preserve her natural front tooth for as long as possible. Whenever it is healthy and predictable to do so, preserving a natural tooth is often the best option. Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the surrounding bone, supports the natural bite, and preserves facial structure and alignment. While modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options such as dental implants and bridges, nothing can completely replace the unique qualities of a natural tooth. Over the years, Sarah started in her career and wanted to invest in herself. She knew her bite was not ideal to support an implant so in planning for the need to eventually replace her traumatized tooth, she started looking into orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe in 2020.

What was involved?

Sarah did many treatments with Dr. DeVoe, including orthognathic surgery with the oral surgery team, to improve her tooth and jaw positions. This took awhile and unfortunately, Sarah noticed her traumatized front tooth starting to darken again, while Dr. Elizabeth noticed that the tooth wasn’t looking healthy on the x-rays. Sarah’s tooth was experiencing root resorption – a condition where the body begins to break down the root structure of the tooth. So, although every effort was made to save Sarah’s tooth, Sarah knew that she wanted something different after her orthodontic treatment. She also was planning to get married and wanted a brighter, more pleasant smile for that.

After a thorough evaluation and careful collaboration between Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. DeVoe, the plan was to keep the resorbing tooth until orthodontics was complete and then move Sarah to a dental implant to replace the tooth. As Sarah was finishing her orthodontic treatment, she had the surgery done to place a dental implant with a temporary crown to be used during the healing phase. Sarah also underwent some gingival recontouring surgery to help gain more symmetry between her front two teeth.

Once Sarah’s dental implant had healed and her orthodontic treatment was complete, she returned to Dr. Elizabeth to begin the final phase of her smile transformation. With a healthy, stable foundation in place, the focus shifted to creating a smile that was not only beautiful, but also functional, balanced, and natural-looking.

Sarah’s customized treatment plan began with Opalescence GO® whitening to brighten her natural teeth and establish the ideal shade for her final restorations. Once whitening was complete, Dr. Elizabeth carefully designed three porcelain veneers for Sarah’s upper front teeth, as well as the porcelain implant restoration for her implant. Each veneer was meticulously planned to complement her facial features, match the implant restoration seamlessly, and create a harmonious smile that looked as though it had always been hers.

After years of preserving her natural tooth, coordinating orthodontic treatment, and thoughtfully planning every step of care, Sarah’s journey culminated in a healthy, confident smile designed to last for years to come.

What does she think?

We asked Sarah a few questions about how the process went for her. She told us “I knew it would be a long process, but I also knew it was something I wanted to do because of the long-term benefits. I felt it would be worth the investment in my smile and my future.” Sarah let us know that the process was much easier than she expected it would be. In fact, she said “The oral surgery was a breeze and the final restorations were surprisingly simple! It only took a few appointments, which was really nice, and the team was wonderful about helping me schedule everything before my wedding!”

Sarah told us that if she were talking to someone considering similar treatment, she’d tell them “I would absolutely recommend it. Do it sooner rather than later because the entire process can take some time – but it’s completely worth it. 100% worth it!”

Sarah’s story is a wonderful reminder that transforming a smile is often a journey rather than a single procedure. Through years of careful planning, collaboration between specialists, and a commitment to preserving her oral health whenever possible, Sarah achieved a smile that is healthy, functional, and beautifully natural.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is always Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles. We are grateful that Sarah trusted us through every stage of her journey and are honored to have helped restore not only her smile, but also the confidence that comes with it. She made a beautiful bride!

“I am so happy with the results. I would never look back. I’m so glad I followed all of Dr. Elizabeth’s recommendations. I feel more confident, and honestly, I feel like a new person.” – Sarah

Why Splint Therapy Starts with the Records Process: Finding the Cause of Jaw Pain, Tooth Wear, and More

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Have you been struggling with frequent headaches, jaw soreness, chipped or cracked teeth, neck or shoulder pain, or even difficulty sleeping? You may be surprised to learn that these problems can sometimes be connected to the way your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles work together. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert believe that before recommending treatment, it’s important to understand why these symptoms are occurring. That’s why many patients begin with the Records Process—a comprehensive evaluation that helps uncover the underlying cause of your discomfort and allows your treatment to be tailored specifically to you.

The Records Process is often recommended if you experience headaches, snoring or sleep apnea, jaw soreness after chewing or waking up, unexplained shoulder, neck, or back pain, difficulty sleeping, excessive tooth wear, cracked or sensitive teeth, pronounced gum recession, or if you’re considering extensive restorative or cosmetic dental treatment simply to make your smile look better. During your appointment, Dr. Eggert will evaluate how your muscles, jaw joints, and teeth function together. They will take photographs of your teeth, impressions to study your bite, and gather detailed information about how your entire chewing system works. With these records, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert will develop a personalized “tour of your mouth,” helping you understand what is happening and why certain treatment options may be recommended.

Sometimes the functional analysis performed during the Records Process reveals a stable, repeatable bite position. Other times, however, the results are inconsistent. When your muscles and jaw joints cannot consistently guide your teeth into the same comfortable position, it often indicates that your chewing system is under stress. In these situations, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert frequently recommend splint therapy before making any permanent changes to your teeth. Splint therapy helps your jaw muscles relax and allows your jaw to find a comfortable, repeatable position. Once that stable position is established, treatment decisions become much more predictable.

Habitual clenching and grinding can contribute to muscle fatigue, jaw joint discomfort, worn or fractured teeth, headaches, and even damage to existing dental work. Many people don’t realize they clench because it often occurs while sleeping or during stressful moments throughout the day. In some cases, clenching and grinding may even be related to airway concerns, as your body may unconsciously strain the chewing muscles in an effort to improve airflow during sleep. Depending on what your Records Process reveals, we may recommend different types of splint therapy. Some appliances are designed primarily to relax overworked muscles, while others better stabilize the jaw joints or help determine whether airway issues are contributing to your symptoms. Selecting the appropriate splint depends entirely on your diagnosis, not simply on your symptoms.

One of the most important things to understand is that splint therapy is often a diagnostic and therapeutic step—not the final treatment itself. Once your muscles and jaw joints become comfortable and stable, your teeth may fit together differently than they did before. This provides invaluable information that allows Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert to recommend the best long-term solution for your smile. Depending on your needs, that may involve carefully adjusting your bite through equilibration, moving teeth with Invisalign® or orthodontics, restoring worn or damaged teeth, or combining several treatments to create harmony between your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is not simply to treat symptoms—it’s to help you understand what’s causing them. Many patients are amazed to discover that chronic discomfort, worn teeth, or even cosmetic concerns improve significantly once the teeth and jaw are functioning in harmony. By beginning with the Records Process and recommending splint therapy as appropriate, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert can create a treatment plan based on careful diagnosis rather than guesswork. The result is a healthier, more comfortable bite, a more confident smile, and a treatment plan designed specifically for you. If you’re ready to take the next step to a healthier you, call (or text) us today! 651-482-8412!

With So Many Ways to Whiten Your Smile, Which Tooth Bleaching Option Is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve ever searched for teeth whitening products, you’ve probably discovered there are countless options available—and it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is worth your time and money. The truth is, the “best” whitening treatment depends on your teeth, your goals, and the type of coloring you have. That’s why Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they’ll help you choose the whitening option that will give you the best results for your unique smile.

If you’re looking for the most affordable way to brighten your teeth, over-the-counter whitening strips or Professional Opalescence Go! kits may be a perfect place to start. But, while store-bought strips are generally inexpensive and available immediately, they often cause more tooth sensitivity, can slip around during use, may irritate your gums, and only whiten the teeth they cover (usually the front teeth only). Opalescence Go! offers many of the same conveniences but with professional-strength whitening and desensitizing agents infused into the formulation, they cause less sensitivity, making it an excellent entry-level professional option. However, neither system is ideal if your teeth have brown or gray undertones or discoloration from tetracycline antibiotics, as those types of stains require a more advanced approach.

For many patients, professionally made, custom-fit bleaching trays offer an outstanding balance of comfort, effectiveness, and long-term value. Because the trays are made specifically for your teeth, they fit comfortably, distribute the whitening gel evenly, and can be reused for years as long as your teeth don’t change shape. Once your trays are fabricated—usually within about a week—you can purchase professional bleach refills whenever you’d like to touch up your smile. If you’re hoping for dramatic results before a wedding, graduation, vacation, or another special occasion, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may instead recommend in-office Zoom Whitening. Completed in a single 2 hour appointment, Zoom can lighten your teeth by approximately four to ten shades and includes custom take-home trays for future bleach touch-ups!

If your teeth have deeper discoloration, especially brown or gray undertones, we may recommend one of the KöR Professional Deep Bleaching Systems. The KöR at-home system is exceptionally effective while also producing less sensitivity than other whitening options. For patients with the most challenging stains—including tetracycline staining—the Complete KöR Professional Deep Bleaching System provides the most dramatic results available. Although these systems require a larger investment and approximately three weeks for tray fabrication, they offer the most customized fit, outstanding long-term whitening, and the ability to purchase refill gel to maintain your beautiful results for years to come.

A whiter smile can help you feel more confident every time you laugh, speak, or smile. The best whitening treatment isn’t necessarily the fastest or the least expensive—it’s the one that’s right for your smile. During your consultation at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will examine your teeth, discuss the cause of your darkening teeth, review your goals, and recommend the bleaching system most likely to give you beautiful, predictable results with the least amount of sensitivity. Whether you’re looking for a simple touch-up or a complete smile transformation, you’ll have professional guidance every step of the way, so you can smile with confidence knowing you’ve chosen the whitening solution that’s best for you. Call or text for your appointment today at Eggert Family Dentistry – 651-482-8412!

The Truth About DIY Teeth Whitening Trends

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Social media is packed with “natural teeth whitening” hacks promising brighter smiles through foods, pantry staples, and household ingredients. Strawberries, charcoal toothpaste, lemon juice, apples, baking soda, coconut oil pulling — you name it, someone’s probably claimed it can whiten your teeth.

But which methods have science behind them, and which ones could put your enamel at risk?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your oral health. That’s one of the reasons we work hard to provide you with access to our monthly blog articles. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert spend a great deal of time helping patients sort through conflicting information online so they can make confident, informed decisions about their smiles.

So, let’s separate fact from fiction and take a closer look at which DIY teeth whitening trends may offer modest benefits, and which trends you’re better off avoiding.

(Spoiler alert — we’ll also explain why professional whitening remains the gold standard for noticeable results).

Why Do Teeth Become Yellow in the First Place?

Many people assume yellow teeth are simply the result of poor brushing habits. In reality, tooth discoloration can happen for several different reasons.

Some of the most common causes include:

Surface stains from highly pigmented foods and drinks (10 Common Foods and Beverages That Stain Your Teeth)
Natural aging and enamel thinning
Genetics
Certain medications

Understanding the source of discoloration is important, because different causes respond differently to treatment.

That’s one reason Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a comprehensive approach when discussing whitening options with patients. The most effective solution depends on what’s causing the color change in the first place.

Can Natural Remedies Help Whiten Teeth?

While some foods may help your teeth look cleaner or slightly brighter, none of them can replicate the results of professional whitening. Still, several foods can support oral health and help reduce the buildup that contributes to staining — BONUS! They’re all healthy.

Coincidence? We think not.

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables (A.K.A., “Nature’s Toothbrush”)

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help remove some surface debris from teeth while stimulating saliva production.

You may have heard that carrots support eye health, but they’re also great for your smile. Foods with crisp, fibrous textures create a gentle scrubbing effect as you chew, helping reduce some of the buildup that can make teeth look dull.

Some excellent choices include:

Apples
Carrots
Celery
Cucumbers
Bell peppers

These foods also encourage saliva flow, which helps rinse away bacteria, food particles, and stain-causing compounds throughout the day.

But here’s the important distinction: crunchy fruits and vegetables can help teeth look cleaner, but they do not bleach teeth. They won’t change the underlying color of your enamel.

It is a little disappointing, but still … from a holistic oral health perspective, these foods deserve plenty of credit. A healthier mouth tends to look better, feel better, and stay healthier for the long haul.

Can Strawberries Help Whiten Teeth?

Strawberries won’t dramatically whiten your teeth, but they do contain malic acid, a naturally occurring compound that may help reduce minor surface stains.

That’s where the popular whitening claim comes from. The effect, however, is typically subtle and temporary. Strawberries don’t change the underlying color of teeth the way professional whitening treatments do.

It’s also worth remembering that malic acid is still an acid. Frequent exposure to acidic foods can contribute to enamel wear and thinning over time, which may make teeth appear more yellow as the darker dentin underneath becomes more visible.

🦷 From shape to dental decay, acidic foods affect much more than just the color of your teeth! At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are passionate about educating patients about the harmful effects of acidity on dental health: Protecting Your Smile: Understanding Acidity and Dental Decay

Does that mean you should avoid strawberries? Not at all. Strawberries are packed with nutrients and can absolutely be part of a tooth-friendly diet. Drs. Elizabeth Eggert and Jeff Eggert would simply recommend thinking of strawberries as a healthy snack with a few oral-health perks … not a substitute for professional whitening.

Can Pineapple Help Whiten Teeth?

Pineapple may support a cleaner-looking smile because it contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down plaque and surface buildup.

This trend has more scientific merit than many people realize. In fact, bromelain has been incorporated into some whitening toothpaste formulas because of its ability to help remove debris from the surface of teeth.

That said, eating pineapple is not going to produce dramatic whitening results.

Like strawberries, pineapple is acidic and should be consumed in moderation. The better takeaway is that bromelain shows promise as an ingredient in professionally formulated oral care products, not as a standalone whitening treatment.

Water — the Unsung Hero

Water helps reduce staining by rinsing away pigments, acids, and food particles before they have a chance to linger on your teeth. It’s especially useful after enjoying stain-prone favorites such as:

Coffee
Tea
Wine
Berries

Water also supports healthy saliva production and helps combat dry mouth, both of which contribute to a healthier oral environment.

🦷 Need a few more reasons to reach for a glass after a particularly colorful meal? Four Ways Drinking Water Benefits Teeth

It may not be trendy enough for TikTok, but it remains one of the simplest habits for maintaining a brighter-looking smile.

Which DIY Teeth Whitening Trends Are Overhyped … or Downright Risky?

So far, we’ve looked at foods that may offer some oral health benefits, even if their whitening abilities are overstated. In most cases, there’s little harm in enjoying apples, strawberries, or pineapple as part of a balanced diet. The biggest risk is expecting more from them than they’re realistically able to deliver.

Unfortunately, not every viral whitening trend falls into that category. Some simply don’t work. Others can be downright harmful, contributing to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and long-term discoloration when used repeatedly.

Let’s take a look at a few trends that deserve a cautious approach.

Lemon Juice Whitening

Let’s start with a popular one.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert have been hearing about lemon juice as a DIY teeth whitening remedy for years, and for whatever reason, it never seems to fade from the spotlight.

The logic sounds reasonable at first. Lemons contain citric acid, which can help remove some surface stains. But remember how we talked about strawberries? How we said there may be some minor benefits, but the acidity probably outweighs any whitening effect?

Well, lemons take that concern and crank it up several notches.

Strawberries are considered only mildly acidic, with a pH of around 3.9. Lemon juice, on the other hand, has a pH closer to 2.0, therefore, making it nearly 100 time more acidic. To put that into perspective, that means lemon juice is roughly 100,000 times more acidic than pure water.

🦷 At Eggery Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert encourage patients to learn which healthy snacks have pH levels your teeth will thank you for, and which ones may damage your enamel. For example, these 8 fruits have lower acid levels: Bananas (pH 4.5 to 5.2), Figs (pH 5.05 to 5.98), Watermelon (pH 5.18 to 5.6), Papaya (pH 5.2 to 6.0), Green Mango (pH 5.8 to 6.0), Honeydew (pH 6.0 to 6.67), Cantaloupe (pH 6.13 to 6.58), Avocados (pH 6.27 to 6.58).

Repeated exposure to highly acidic substances can gradually weaken and erode enamel. And as enamel wears away, the darker dentin underneath becomes more visible. In other words, the very thing you’re using to make your teeth look whiter could eventually make them appear more yellow.

So lemon juice isn’t the miracle whitening hack the internet makes it out to be.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we’d much rather help our patients protect their enamel than chase a temporary whitening effect. A brighter smile should never come at the expense of a healthy one.

Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal toothpaste can remove some surface stains, but there is little evidence that it significantly whitens teeth. Its popularity largely stems from the dramatic black color and before-and-after pictures that spread like wildfire on social media.

The reality is far less exciting … and far more concerning.

Charcoal works through abrasion. As you brush, the particles help scrub away surface buildup that contributes to staining. The problem is that charcoal products can also be abrasive to enamel.

Many charcoal toothpastes lack fluoride as well, which means they may not provide the cavity protection found in traditional toothpaste formulas.

Research has not shown charcoal toothpaste to be particularly effective at changing the intrinsic color of teeth. Most of the improvement people notice comes from removing superficial stains rather than whitening the tooth structure itself.

For patients interested in whitening toothpaste, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert generally recommend professionally formulated products that balance stain removal with enamel protection. A toothpaste should support your oral health, not force your enamel to fight for its life every morning.

DIY Baking Soda Pastes

Baking soda can remove some surface stains as well, but it cannot bleach teeth.

Because baking soda is mildly abrasive, it can help polish away certain types of discoloration. That’s why you’ll find it in many commercial toothpaste formulas.

But the issue arises when people begin creating homemade whitening pastes and using them too aggressively. Overuse of an abrasive ingredient like baking soda can increase enamel wear — especially when combined with harsh brushing techniques.

🦷 Check out Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s article to learn more about protecting your enamel! 5 Helpful Tips for Preventing Tooth Enamel Erosion

And if you’ve seen recipes that combine baking soda with lemon juice, please do yourself a favor and keep scrolling! One ingredient is abrasive. The other is highly acidic. Combining them does not create a stronger whitening treatment. It simply creates two opportunities to irritate your enamel at the same time.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been around for thousands of years, long before social media wellness influencers got their hands on it.

🦷 It’s not the only interesting thing in the history of oral health! Learn more here: The History of Tooth Whitening.

The practice involves swishing oil (typically coconut oil) around your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. Advocates often claim it can whiten teeth, freshen breath, reduce bacteria, and improve overall oral health.

Of all the trends on this list, this one is probably the hardest to classify. Unlike lemon juice or abrasive DIY whitening pastes, oil pulling isn’t likely to damage your enamel. The bigger issue is that it simply doesn’t have much evidence supporting it as a whitening treatment.

Some studies suggest oil pulling may help reduce certain bacteria in the mouth and support gum health when used alongside regular brushing and flossing. But when researchers have evaluated the practice, they’ve generally focused on plaque levels, bacteria, and oral hygiene — not meaningful changes in tooth color.

In other words, even if oil pulling contributes to a healthier oral environment, there is very little evidence that it can significantly whiten teeth.

The Healthiest Path to a Brighter Smile

If there’s one takeaway from all of these whitening trends, it’s this: keeping teeth clean and whitening teeth are not the same thing.

Many viral whitening hacks promise far more than they can deliver. Some offer little to no whitening benefit, while others can contribute to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and long-term discoloration.

Professional whitening works differently. Rather than simply removing buildup from the surface of the tooth, professional whitening treatments use carefully researched whitening agents to target the tooth beneath the enamel. The result is a brighter smile that is typically more noticeable and longer-lasting than what DIY teeth whitening methods can achieve.

But don’t just take our word for it! Check out some of our patients’ stories:

Discover the Best Option for YOU at Eggert Family Dentistry

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a holistic approach to cosmetic dentistry. Before recommending any whitening treatment, they consider your overall oral health, existing restorations, sensitivity concerns, and long-term smile goals.

For some patients, professional whitening is the ideal solution. For others, treatments such as veneers may provide a more dramatic and lasting transformation.

If you’re ready to explore your options, we’d love to connect. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert and take the first step toward a whiter smile.

Call or text 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Looking Beyond Your Teeth: How Modern Dental Technology Can Help You Breathe and Sleep Better

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

It may seem strange that your dentists, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, could play a role in helping you understand how well you breathe, but advances in dental technology have created exciting opportunities to improve your overall health. One of the most valuable tools available today is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), a specialized 3D imaging system that allows dentists to see far more than just your teeth. While dentists are not Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medical specialists and do not diagnose or treat many airway disorders, CBCT imaging can sometimes reveal signs that suggest your airway may be compromised. In many cases, this information helps you become a stronger advocate for your own health and seek the specialized care you need.

CBCT imaging — An example of the most narrow area of the airway, can see the airway lacks space for air!

If you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, wake up with headaches, experience jaw discomfort, or struggle with poor sleep, your teeth may be trying to tell a bigger story. For years, dentistry focused primarily on repairing the damage caused by grinding and clenching. While protecting and restoring your teeth remains important, Drs. Eggert now recognize that airway compromise can sometimes be an underlying contributor to these habits. When your body struggles to get adequate airflow during sleep, it may unconsciously respond by shifting your jaw position or activating muscles that contribute to grinding and clenching. Simply repairing worn or broken teeth without addressing the underlying cause leads to ongoing damage and frustration, both for your teeth and your overall health!

tooth root compromise — This patient has worn his teeth and we can see a tooth root compromising his sinus space.

This is where CBCT technology becomes such a valuable tool. The detailed three-dimensional images allow your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry to evaluate structures that may influence your breathing and airway function. While the scan itself does not replace a medical evaluation by a medical professional, it can provide important clues that warrant further investigation. In some cases, you may discover that enlarged tissues, anatomical restrictions, narrow airways, or other factors could be contributing to your symptoms. Having this information empowers you to ask informed questions and seek appropriate care from medical professionals who specialize in airway health and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Examples of sinus anatomy that may be compromising airway flow – a mass in the sinus and deviations in the septum.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are passionate about helping you understand the bigger picture behind your oral health. They recognize that healthy teeth do not exist in isolation from the rest of your body. When they identify potential airway concerns, their goal is not to replace your ENT physician, sleep physician, or other medical specialists. Instead, they work collaboratively with those providers, helping ensure that you have the information necessary to pursue answers. This team-based approach often leads to better outcomes because everyone involved is focused on the same goal—helping you breathe better, sleep better, and enjoy better overall health.

Perhaps the most exciting part of modern dentistry is that your dental visit can now provide insights that extend far beyond cavities and gum disease. By using advanced technologies like CBCT imaging, your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry can help identify concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed for years. If you have been struggling with grinding, clenching, poor sleep, fatigue, or other symptoms that seem difficult to explain, a conversation about your airway may be worthwhile. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert love helping you advocate for yourself and connect with the right healthcare professionals. Together, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting not only your smile, but also your long-term health and quality of life.

Call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651-482-8412 today for insights into your TOTAL health!

Small Light, Big Benefits: How Diode Lasers Improve Your Dental Care

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you think about lasers, dentistry may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, diode lasers have become a valuable tool that can help make many dental procedures more comfortable and efficient. A diode laser uses a concentrated beam of light energy to precisely treat soft tissues in your mouth. Because the laser can target specific areas with exceptional accuracy, it often allows your dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN to perform certain procedures with less bleeding, reduced swelling, and improved healing compared to traditional techniques.

You may be surprised by the variety of ways a diode laser can be used during your dental care. For example, it can help reshape gum tissue, expose partially erupted teeth, treat areas affected by gum disease, reduce bacteria around infected tissues, and even assist in managing canker sores or other oral lesions. In some situations, laser treatment can make procedures more comfortable and may reduce the need for extensive surgical intervention. The laser’s ability to simultaneously cut and cauterize tissue often leads to a cleaner treatment area and a more comfortable recovery experience.

The Biolase Diode Dental Laser, Available at Eggert Family Dentistry

Another exciting benefit of diode lasers is their ability to support better long-term oral health. By helping reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation, laser therapy can be a useful adjunct to periodontal treatment. If you have gum disease, laser therapy can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to improve gum health and support the structures that hold your teeth in place. The technology is not a replacement for good oral hygiene and regular recare dental visits, but it can be a valuable tool when specific conditions require additional treatment or especially when certain sites stay inflamed despite your best efforts!

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are committed to providing you with modern and high-tech treatment options that enhance your comfort and care. We use diode laser technology when appropriate to help achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you need soft tissue treatment, assistance with gum health, or management of certain oral conditions, laser dentistry may offer advantages that help make your experience more comfortable and efficient. If you have questions about whether laser treatment could benefit your specific situation, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert would be happy to discuss your options during your next visit. Call or text us today – 651-482-8412!