Eggert Family Dentistry Blog -

My TMJ Journey to a Healthy and Beautiful Smile – Kathy’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kathy has been a patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for well over 10 years. When she came as a new patient, she started by seeking guidance about how to proceed with treatment recommended previously by her former dentist. She shared that her past dental experiences had not always been positive and that she was looking for a provider she could trust, someone who would take the time to understand her concerns and help her move forward with confidence.

At the time, Kathy told Dr. Elizabeth that she often had significant jaw discomfort related to her “TMJ” or temporomandibular joint. Pain at the TMJ is often referred to as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This condition often involves the joints themselves, but can also be related to muscles or nerves, as well as alignment, sleep, airway, or mental health issues. Common symptoms include pain in the face, neck, and jaw, as well as clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw. In Kathy’s case, she reported increasing jaw pain following prior dental work and had developed a habit of chewing primarily on one side to avoid discomfort.

TMD can be influenced by several factors, including stress, bruxism, joint injury, or underlying conditions such as Arthritis. Kathy’s dental history was complex, involving multiple restorations, including crowns, bridges, and root canal treatments, all of which required careful evaluation as part of her comprehensive care plan.

What was recommended?

Initially, Kathy wasn’t looking for a comprehensive plan, and she was able to manage her TMD, so Dr. Elizabeth did the treatment Kathy needed, including replacing a bridge due to decay. But, over the years, Kathy experienced a number of medical systemic issues, and her TMD got harder for her to manage on her own. Dr. Elizabeth then talked to Kathy about undergoing the Records Process to better understand the underlying causes of her discomfort and guide her to appropriate treatment. It took Kathy nearly six years – and several additional crowns and fillings before she felt ready to move forward with this recommendation, but eventually she was ready.

The Records Process is a detailed diagnostic approach that allows Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff to evaluate not just the teeth, but the entire system. In Kathy’s case, it really helped both Kathy and Dr. Elizabeth understand that Kathy’s bite was playing a large role in her TMD.

The first recommendation for Kathy was for her to undergo splint therapy with an Anterior Deprogrammer splint. This type of appliance is designed to help relax the jaw muscles, reduce strain on the joints, and to help determine the position where Dr. Elizabeth could help create a more stable, comfortable bite for Kathy. It would be an important step in managing her TMD.

What was involved?

Following five months of splint therapy, Kathy experienced significant improvement in her comfort and jaw function. With the information Dr. Elizabeth got from splint therapy, she was able to help Kathy understand that the current positions of her teeth were contributing to her TMD. It would take a lot of dentistry or some dentistry and orthodontics to position Kathy’s teeth into a more stable bite. Kathy elected to change her teeth and forgo orthodontics so a plan was developed to redesign her whole dentition.

A laboratory wax-up was completed to serve as a precise “blueprint” for Kathy’s future restorations. This step ensured that both Kathy’s functional goals and aesthetic expectations were carefully aligned.

Over the course of two appointments, nearly all her teeth were meticulously prepared for the placement of custom porcelain crowns and veneers. These restorations were designed to improve her bite and overall function, but Kathy was also satisfied that they enhanced the appearance of her smile as well. Kathy didn’t complete all of her treatment at once, and so she initially continued to have some issues with her bite instability and TMD, but as she finished the work on all her teeth, she noticed a vast improvement for her stability and pain.

What does Kathy think?

Patient feedback is an essential part of how we evaluate and continually improve the care we provide. We asked Kathy to share her perspective – what she thought before beginning treatment, how she feels now that it’s complete, and what she would say to others considering a similar procedure.

Kathy told us that before treatment, she was probably a little skeptical, which is why it took her a while to get started. But, now that her treatment is complete, she said, “It’s fixed problems I should have addressed a long time ago. I probably should have done it sooner. It’s helped relax my jaw, and of course, the teeth look wonderful!”

Her experience reflects the kind of functional and esthetic improvements often seen when underlying bite issues and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are properly diagnosed and treated.

When asked what she would say to someone considering this type of treatment, Kathy added,

“It’s worth it, especially if you’ve had ongoing problems like I did. Just be prepared, it’s a process. You have to have patience and put your trust in Dr. Elizabeth.“

Congratulations, Kathy! Thank you for placing your trust in our team throughout this journey. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles and yours is a shining example of what’s possible with thoughtful, comprehensive care.

It has been a privilege to guide you through each step of this process, from addressing your temporomandibular joint dysfunction to restoring both your function and esthetics. We look forward to continuing to care for you and your family for many years to come!

A New Bite, A New Life: How Full Mouth Reconstruction Can Transform Your TMJ and Breathing

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve been living with jaw pain, worn teeth, or chronic discomfort, you may not realize how much your bite is affecting your entire body. A full mouth reconstruction—essentially rebuilding and rebalancing all of your teeth—is about far more than just a beautiful smile. At its core, this treatment is designed to bring your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints into harmony. When everything works together the way it should, you can experience less pain, better function, and even improvements in how you breathe and sleep.

When your bite is off, your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and surrounding muscles are forced to compensate. This imbalance can lead to TMD (temporomandibular disorder), which may show up as jaw pain, headaches, clicking, or even neck and shoulder discomfort. As we’ve noted in previous blog articles, misalignment places excessive pressure on certain teeth and muscles, leading to inflammation and dysfunction. By rebuilding your bite through a full mouth reconstruction, you help redistribute those forces evenly—allowing your jaw muscles to relax and your joints to function the way they were designed to.

What many people don’t realize is that your bite and jaw position can also influence your airway. At Eggert Family Dentistry, advanced diagnostic approaches—including our CBCT technology—help us view the TMJ and the airway like never before. This also helps us better understand how your jaw position impacts breathing, which gives us an inkling as to why you may overwork the jaw muscles like you do. In some cases, adjusting the position of your teeth and jaw through a full mouth reconstruction can help open your airway, encouraging more nasal breathing and better sleep. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use a step-by-step approach to find an ideal jaw position for you. They can demonstrate how closely connected your bite, breathing, and overall health truly are.

When you undergo a full mouth reconstruction at Eggert Family Dentistry, you’re not just getting new teeth—you’re getting a comprehensive plan tailored specifically to you. As described on our website, the process begins with detailed records and a thorough evaluation of how your muscles, jaw, and teeth all work together. From there, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of North Oaks, MN design a step-by-step treatment plan using restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings to create a balanced, functional, and esthetic result. The goal is to bring your entire system into harmony so everything “works and looks just right.”

What truly sets this care apart is the life-changing impact it can have. Many patients who complete a full mouth reconstruction report not only a more confident smile, but also significant relief from chronic discomfort and improved day-to-day function. While not every patient needs this level of treatment, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert have the advanced training to identify when it is appropriate—and the results are transformative. If your bite has been holding you back, this comprehensive approach could help you feel better, sleep better, and live more comfortably than you have in years.

Learn more and schedule your comprehensive evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you. Call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651.482.8412.

Finding Balance: How Dental Equilibration Can Transform Your Bite and Comfort

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When your bite feels “off,” you may not immediately realize how much it can affect your daily life. Dental equilibration—also called occlusal adjustment—is a precise procedure designed to help your teeth come together in a more balanced, harmonious way. Essentially, it involves carefully reshaping small areas of enamel so your upper and lower teeth can meet evenly when you bite. When your bite is properly aligned, the forces of chewing are distributed evenly across your teeth, which helps protect your smile, helps your muscles and joints function well together, and supports overall oral health as well as whole-body health.

You might consider dental equilibration if you’ve been dealing with symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, or excessive wear on certain teeth. An uneven bite can place extra stress on specific teeth and the jaw joint, often contributing to conditions like TMJ disorder (TMD). According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, millions of adults experience TMJ-related discomfort, and bite imbalance is often a key factor. When your bite is corrected through equilibration, the pressure is redistributed, allowing your jaw muscles to relax, reducing pain and strain.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a comprehensive, whole-mouth approach when determining if equilibration is right for you. They don’t just look at your teeth—they evaluate how your muscles, jaw joints, and bite all work together to function. As highlighted on their website and blog, their process begins with detailed diagnostics to analyze how your teeth come together and move against each other. From there, they create a personalized plan to restore balance and function, ensuring your bite supports long-term oral health.

If equilibration is recommended for you, the procedure itself is typically simple and surprisingly comfortable. Using precise instruments, Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will identify areas where your teeth are hitting too hard or too early and gently adjust those spots first. These adjustments are minimal—often so small they don’t change how your teeth look—but they can make a significant difference in how your bite feels. Many patients report noticing improvement almost immediately, with reduced tension and a more natural, comfortable bite.

What truly sets Eggert Family Dentistry apart is their commitment to advanced training and comprehensive care. While not every dental office routinely performs equilibration, Drs. Elizabeth and Jeff Eggert incorporate this technique as part of their broader philosophy of creating “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.” By focusing on how your teeth function together—not just how they look—they help you avoid long-term damage like tooth wear, mobility, or jaw discomfort. They also help your dentistry last longer since they work hard to get down to the bottom of why there is dysfunction in the first place and they use equilibration as part of their toolbox, if necessary.

If you’ve been living with bite issues or unexplained dental symptoms, equilibration may be the missing piece that brings your smile back into balance and comfort. Call us today or send us a text at 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment for comprehensive dental care that truly makes a difference!

Could Your Jaw Be Affecting Your Breathing? The Hidden TMJ-Airway Connection

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A lot of patients come into Eggert Family Dentistry thinking they have just one issue. Maybe it’s jaw pain that won’t go away, or maybe it’s snoring that’s starting to affect their sleep. Some people don’t even notice a specific problem; they just feel tired, foggy, or uncomfortable throughout the day.

When Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert start asking a few more questions, a bigger pattern often begins to show. Symptoms that seem unrelated at first (like jaw-clenching and trouble breathing) can actually be very much connected. And in many cases, the airway is a big part of that story.

What Is the TMJ?

Put simply, the TMJ (temporomandibular joints) are the connected joints that allow your jaw to move. You have two TMJ’s, located by your right and left ears. Unlike any other joints in the body, your TMJ’s are splinted together by your mandible (lower jaw bone) and all your teeth affect how your TMJ’s function. Therefore, the TMJ’s are not independent joints and they have heavy influencers.

Most people think of TMJ problems as just jaw pain or clicking. Those certainly are common symptoms, but there are a lot of other signs to keep an eye out for. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often see patients with TMJ problems (known as temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD) who also experience:

Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath
Snoring
Headaches
Facial pain
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
Ear pain
Tooth pain or damage

These symptoms don’t always point clearly to a single cause, which can make TMJ issues more complex than they first appear — and in many cases, they overlap with concerns related to airway health (especially when breathing or sleep is affected).

👉Learn more here: Understanding TMD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When airway-related symptoms are part of the picture, a deeper connection needs to be explored.

What Do We Mean by “Airway Health?”

Airway health is all about how easily air moves through your nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and really your whole body. Ideally, you breathe through your nose, which helps filter and prepare the air before it reaches your lungs.

👉Nasal breathing can be challenging this time of year! Check out Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s blog: Breathe Easier: How to Improve Your Nasal Breathing During Allergy Season

But many people (especially during sleep) breathe through their mouth or have some level of restricted airflow. When that happens, the body starts to adapt. Over time, those changes can affect how the muscles in the face and jaw work, as well as posture and even the TMJ-airway connection.

In children, this is especially important. Snoring or mouth breathing can be a sign that airflow is partly blocked. Even if a child is growing or the pediatrician says the child is developing fine, disrupted breathing at night can affect sleep quality, growth, and focus during the day.

👉Learn more here: What Thumb-Sucking, Pacifiers, and Snoring Mean for Children’s Oral Development

Mouth breathing also changes how the tongue and jaw develop. Instead of supporting normal growth, the mouth will develop with less space, which can lead to crowding or bite issues over time.

That’s why Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN look at airway health as part of the bigger picture; it can affect breathing, sleep, and oral development more than most people realize.

How the TMJ and the Airway Are Connected

Your TMJ and your airway are closely connected. The position of your jaw directly affects where your tongue rests, and that, in turn, affects how open your airway is.

🦷 Try it now — take a nice, deep breath in your neutral position. Good, right?

If the jaw sits too far back or moves in a certain way, it can reduce the space available for airflow, prompting the body to naturally adapt. One common response is to shift the jaw forward to help open the airway (especially during sleep). Over time, this repeated adjustment is very hard on your muscles and it will lead to changes in the bite and increased stress on the TMJ.

🦷 Now, try it again — move your jaw forward. Take a deep breath. Notice how your tongue moved too? And how your jaw felt a little strained? Imagine breathing like that all night! Of course, if you already breathe “normally” in this forward position, try putting your jaw back and notice if you struggle more to breathe.

This TMJ-airway connection goes both directions. TMJ dysfunction can influence the airway by affecting muscle balance and jaw position, while airway obstruction can lead to habits like clenching or grinding that strain the joint and muscles. This creates a cycle where breathing issues and jaw problems continue to reinforce each other over time.

TMJ dysfunction → Airway becomes restricted → Breathing becomes harder → Body compensates → TMJ strain (or strain in other areas of the body) → Repeat

How Eggert Family Dentistry Can Help

Many people don’t realize that dentists like Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert can play an important role in identifying airway-related issues. Because they routinely evaluate the teeth, jaw, tongue, and surrounding structures, dentists are uniquely positioned to notice patterns that might otherwise go overlooked. Unfortunately, not everyone in the dental profession understands this link. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth have studied these links over many years and have dedicated hundreds of hours to continuing education (CE) courses to learn more so you can stay healthier!

👉Dr. Elizabeth Eggert explains it more here: The Link Between Airway and Dental Issues

At Eggert Family Dentistry, care begins with a thorough evaluation that may include:

A physical exam
A discussion of symptoms and sleep habits
An assessment of jaw function
Imaging, when needed, to better understand underlying structures

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a comprehensive approach, connecting the dots between symptoms rather than viewing concerns like jaw pain or breathing issues in isolation.

Treatment Approach

Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment options for issues with the TMJ-airway connection always starts with The Records Process, but then may include:

Custom oral splints
Stress-management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and breathwork
Occlusal equilibration (a process which involves subtly and precisely reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to correct the alignment of the bite and the position of the jaw)
Orthodontics
Jaw surgery, which may include specific surgeries related to TMD

At Eggert Family Dentistry, the goal is to go beyond just relieving symptoms. Tackling the root cause helps patients breathe more easily, sleep more soundly, and reduce long-term strain on the jaw, muscles, and teeth.

👉 Check out a real patient success story: Ann’s Story. See how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert guided Ann through a comprehensive evaluation that uncovered how her airway was being affected. Along the way, Ann gained a deeper understanding of what was happening and felt confident choosing a treatment plan that truly fit her needs.

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Whole-Health Approach to the TMJ-Airway Connection

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain or breathing issues, you don’t have to figure it out alone. These symptoms are often connected in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, and getting the right perspective can make all the difference.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a whole-health approach, looking beyond individual symptoms to understand how your jaw and airway work together to contribute to your overall wellness. It’s about so much more than simply relieving discomfort; it’s about helping you breathe and feel better every day.

If any of this sounds familiar, we invite you to schedule an evaluation and see us for comprehensive dental care. Call 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

Piercing the Truth: What Your Mouth and Facial Jewelry Could Mean for Your Smile

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you’re considering a mouth or facial piercing, you’re likely thinking about self-expression and style—but it’s just as important to understand how that decision can affect your oral health. While piercings can be a meaningful way to express your individuality, research shows they can also introduce risks that may impact your teeth, gums, and it can even affect the way your dental team at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN is able to evaluate your oral health. Knowing the facts helps you make the best decision for your long-term smile.

One of the most immediate ways oral piercings affect your dental care is through radiographs (X-rays). Because most oral jewelry is made of metal, it can create significant “artifacts” or distortions on dental images. These streaks and shadows can obscure important structures, making it harder for us to detect cavities, bone loss, or other conditions accurately. This is why we ask you to remove your jewelry before imaging to ensure your radiographs are diagnostic and complete—because clear imaging is essential for catching problems early and protecting your health. We find some piercings can be very difficult to remove.

Beyond imaging challenges, the physical presence of lip, tongue, or intraoral piercings can directly affect your teeth and gums. Scientific studies consistently show an association between oral piercings and gingival recession, tooth fractures, and even tooth mobility. In fact, research has found gingival recession in up to 39% or more of piercing sites, along with complications like chipped teeth and soft tissue damage. You may not even notice these changes at first, which makes regular dental visits even more important for early detection and prevention.

The reason for these issues often comes down to repeated trauma. When jewelry rubs against your gums or teeth—or if you find yourself playing with it subconsciously—it can gradually wear away gum tissue and weaken the enamel. Over time, this can lead to exposed roots, increased sensitivity, and a higher risk of periodontal problems. Studies also show that lip piercings, in particular, are strongly associated with localized gum recession. But, even tongue piercings will contribute to chipped teeth and recession because the tongue is nearly always moving.

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, you’re supported by a team that understands your desire to express who you are—whether that includes piercings or not. Our goal is never to judge, but to make sure you have clear, science-based information before making decisions that affect your health. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing—or if you already have one—we can help you understand the risks, monitor any changes, and guide you toward protecting your smile for years to come. Keep in mind as well that your safety during dental procedures is a top priority for us and with some piercings, the chance of pulling or tugging on the jewelry could cause some serious damage.

Ultimately, you deserve to feel confident in both your self-expression and your oral health. Before moving forward with a mouth or facial piercing, we recommend that you take the time to weigh the potential risks and benefits. And if you already have one, staying proactive with your dental care is key. If it’s been a while since your last visit, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry—because your smile deserves expert care, no matter how you choose to express yourself. Call or text us today at 651.482.8412!

Celebrating the Women Who Shape Your Smile: A Women’s History Month Tribute

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When you think about your dental care, you might picture your next cleaning or checkup—but behind every healthy smile is a long history of pioneering women who helped shape the profession you rely on today. During Women’s History Month, you have a special opportunity to reflect on the trailblazing dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants who broke barriers and elevated the standard of care you experience every time you sit in the dental chair.

You can trace the roots of modern dentistry to influential women like Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the first woman to earn a dental degree in the United States. She paved the way for women to enter the profession at a time when it was overwhelmingly male-dominated. You also benefit from the work of Irene Newman, one of the first dental hygienists, who helped establish preventive dental care as a cornerstone of oral health. These women didn’t just participate in dentistry—they transformed it, helping shift the focus toward education, prevention, and patient-centered care that you still experience today.

As you continue to explore the history of dentistry, you’ll find that dental assistants have also played a vital role in advancing patient care. Early pioneers in dental assisting helped create more efficient, comfortable, and supportive clinical environments, allowing dentists to focus more fully on your needs. Their contributions helped shape the team-based approach you benefit from today, where every member of the dental team plays an important role in your overall experience.

Right here in North Oaks, MN, you are supported by a truly exceptional, women-led team at Eggert Family Dentistry, even though we have Dr. Jeff Eggert, every other member of our magnificent team is a woman! From the highly skilled Dr. Elizabeth Eggert to our compassionate hygienists – Lea, Anna, and Lisa, as well as our dedicated dental assistants – Tracy and Heather, you are surrounded by professionals who embody the same spirit of care, innovation, and leadership as the women who came before them. Of course, we can’t forget our amazing administrative team as well – Kristina, Bekah, and Rebecca, without them the clinical skills would fall to the wayside and we might just break apart!

When you visit, you can feel confident knowing that each team member is committed to helping you achieve your best oral health in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our passion, expertise, and teamwork make every visit a positive one—and that’s something worth celebrating.

So as you honor Women’s History Month, why not celebrate by prioritizing your own dental health? You deserve to be cared for by a team that reflects the very best of dentistry’s past and present. Go ahead and call Eggert Family Dentistry to schedule your next appointment—because honestly, who wouldn’t want to be around such an amazing group of women (plus Dr. Jeff) while taking care of their smile? Call or text us today – 651-482-8412!

Why Professional Recare Appointments Do What Your Toothbrush Can’t

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Give Your Smile the Spring Cleaning It Deserves

Spring has a way of making us notice what we’ve been ignoring — the dust in the corners, the smudges on the windows, the cluttered drawer we meant to organize months ago. So we roll up our sleeves and give everything a proper refresh.

Your smile needs that same kind of care.

Brushing and flossing are your daily tidy-up routine, but even the most consistent at-home care can’t replace a professional cleaning and maintenance appointment. Over time, plaque collects in hard-to-reach places and hardens into tartar; once it does, your toothbrush simply can’t remove it.

A professional recare appointment targets that pesky buildup that hides beneath the gumline, in between teeth, in deep grooves, and around existing dental work. It’s like pulling the furniture away from the walls — Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff and their amazing hygiene team can reach the places your daily routine just can’t.

Skipping that professional cleaning? That’s when dustbunnies and tartar start collecting in all the places you can’t see.

Periodontal Disease: The Real Risk Lurking Beneath the Surface

When you skip spring cleaning at home, dust and grime don’t appear overnight. They build up gradually. You may not notice the impact until allergies flare or something starts to break down.

Periodontal (gum) disease works much the same way.

It often begins sneakily: slight inflammation. Occasional bleeding. Maybe a bit of tenderness. Like seasonal allergies, it’s noticeable, but easy to brush off. It doesn’t seem quite urgent enough to rearrange the furniture or call your dentists … even though that’s exactly when you should.

Meanwhile, beneath the surface, real damage is unfolding. Harmful bacteria accumulate below the gumline, breaking down the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth.

Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to:

Gum recession
Bone loss
Loose teeth
Tooth loss

And the effects don’t stop there. Chronic gum inflammation has been linked to heart disease, complications from diabetes, and other systemic health concerns throughout the body.

Professional recare visits are one of the most important tools Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff have for catching periodontal disease early. Skipping these visits gives the condition time to progress — often without obvious symptoms.

👉If you’d like a deeper look at why consistent exams matter, read Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s post, Worried About Periodontal Disease? Don’t Skip Your Regular Dental Check-ups!

So, if you haven’t dusted behind the couch — or scheduled your recare appointment — consider this your reminder. Spring cleaning prevents small messes from turning into costly repairs.

So does preventive dental care.

When a Deeper Clean Is Needed: Scaling & Root Planing

When a spill on the carpet sits for too long, a quick pass with the vacuum just won’t cut it anymore. You need a more targeted treatment to fully restore the surface.

The same is true for periodontal concerns. When bacteria and hardened deposits collect beneath the gums, a standard recare cleaning can’t reach deeply enough to resolve the problem.

That’s when Drs. Elizabeth and Jeff Eggert may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning — a focused therapeutic cleaning designed to remove buildup below the gumline and gently smooth the root surfaces of your teeth. By eliminating the bacteria and creating a cleaner surface, the gum tissue can begin to heal and reattach properly.

When identified early, periodontal disease is highly manageable. That’s exactly why routine recare appointments matter so much. Even if more targeted treatment — like scaling and root planing — becomes necessary, those regular visits allow Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff to catch concerns early, when they’re easier to treat and far less likely to require extensive intervention.

If you’d like a clearer understanding of what scaling and root planing involves and why it’s sometimes necessary, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert explains it in more detail in her post, Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: What Does It Mean?

“But If I Brush Really Well … Do I Still Need Professional Recare?”

Daily brushing and flossing do absolutely matter. They remove plaque, freshen your breath, and maintain your smile between visits. In fact, avoiding common mistakes (like the ones Dr. Elizabeth Eggert outlines in her post, 8 Bad Brushing Habits) can dramatically improve your at-home results.

That being said, it’s important to understand that even the most consistent brushing routine has limits.

Imagine trying to deep clean your entire home with only paper towels. You could wipe down the counters every day, sure … but you wouldn’t be able to shampoo the carpets, reseal the grout, or inspect the wiring behind the walls.

That’s the difference between daily at-home care and professional recare.

Your toothbrush:

Removes soft plaque
Helps prevent surface stains
Maintains your basic oral health between visits

Your professional recare appointment:

Removes hardened tartar that cannot be brushed away
Measures gum pocket depths to detect early signs of periodontal disease
Cleans above and below the gumline with precision instruments
Evaluates existing fillings and restorations
Screens for cavities and oral cancer

In other words, it’s not “just another cleaning.” It’s a comprehensive evaluation and preventive service designed to protect your long-term health.

👉If you’re curious about the details, here’s exactly what to expect at your next recare appointment: What to Expect at Your Next Recare Visit: It’s More Than Just a Cleaning

Together, your toothbrush and your dental team form the ultimate cleaning partnership — keeping your smile healthy not just this season, but year-round.

P.S.: To answer the age-old question … yes, your dentist can tell how consistent your brushing and flossing have been.

While some patients wonder if they can skip professional cleanings as long as their at-home routine is solid, others take the opposite approach — assuming that regular dental visits make daily brushing and flossing optional.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how dentists always seem to know, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert has the answer in her post, Let’s Get Real: Can My Dentist Actually Tell if I’m Brushing and Flossing?

You need consistent at-home care and regular professional recare appointments. One cannot replace the other.

How Often Should You Schedule a “Smile Reset”?

For many patients, professional recare appointments are recommended every six months.

But just like some homes need more frequent upkeep, some smiles need more frequent care.

Patients with …

A history of periodontal disease
Diabetes
Dry mouth
A higher risk for buildup

… may benefit from visits every three months or less.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we personalize your recare schedule based on your specific needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all cleaning plan, because no two patients are alike.

Schedule Your Next Professional Recare Appointment

Spring inspires us to reset our homes — to clear out what’s been collecting and create a cleaner, healthier space. Why not give your smile the same attention?

Clear out the buildup.
Catch small issues early.
Protect your overall health.
Start fresh.

Whether it’s been 6 months or a few years since you’ve been to the dentist, you can schedule your next professional recare visit now. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff and the amazing hygiene team, call our office at 651-482-8412.

Give your smile the deep clean it deserves — because even the best toothbrush can’t move the couch!

Rebuilding My Smile from the Ground Up – Lynn’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Lynn started as a patient of the practice with Dr. Jensen in 2000 and transitioned her dental care to Dr. Elizabeth in 2005, when she took over his practice. During this time, she had five teeth restored with porcelain crowns and continued to require additional restorations over the following years. In 2018, due to the ongoing restorative needs and the complexity of her case, Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Lynn undergo the “Records Process” to allow for a comprehensive evaluation and to develop a detailed treatment plan for her care. Lynn also was having many changes and challenges with her medical history, including serious balance, movement, and mobility movement changes.

Dr. Elizabeth guided Lynn through the Records Process to evaluate how her bite was currently functioning. This process included diagnostic models, clinical photographs, and radiographs of Lynn’s teeth, along with a comprehensive muscle and joint evaluation. These records allowed Dr. Elizabeth to assess and present the current condition of Lynn’s teeth, gums, jaw joints, and the function of her jaw muscles.

Based on the findings, it was recommended that Lynn begin splint therapy using an anterior deprogrammer. This step was necessary to help relax the jaw muscles and determine a stable, repeatable bite position. Part of the reason Lynn kept cracking and chipping her teeth was because she didn’t have a stable bite position. Restoring Lynn’s teeth without first establishing a consistent bite could have compromised the longevity of any work to be done. Once a stable bite position was identified through the deprogramming process, adjustments to her bite were planned with restorations to achieve the best long-term stability.

What was recommended?

As mentioned, Lynn started her splint therapy with an anterior deprogrammer, which should have helped her muscles relax into a more repeatable bite. However, one of the most important things to understand about splint therapy is that it does NOT always improve the condition (at least right away), but no matter if the condition stays the same, gets better, or gets worse, we learn something from this diagnostic process.

Lynn had a fairly difficult time adjusting to the anterior deprogrammer and found that her sleep was affected. She also had many other red flags for poor sleep quality, including the medical changes she was experiencing. Lynn elected to have a formal sleep test done and she was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, as well as having many arousal events each night. Lynn and Dr. Elizabeth changed Lynn’s splint therapy to the sleep-based Seattle Protocol and they learned that Lynn’s sleep, pain, and bite improved when her lower jaw was in a forward position. This helped Lynn and Dr. Elizabeth learn that Lynn’s teeth and tongue craved more room to function better. Lynn elected to undergo Invisalign treatment with Dr. Elizabeth. The goals for her treatment were to expand the room in her oral cavity and then restore her teeth to match this improved location for her bite.

Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic system and is used to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners that apply gentle, controlled forces to shift the teeth over time. In Lynn’s case, Invisalign was used to properly align her teeth and create the correct spacing and positioning needed before completing her final restorative work. Establishing proper tooth alignment helped ensure a more stable bite and allowed for more predictable, long-lasting restorative results.

What did she want?

Lynn wanted her teeth to look better, but she also wanted things to feel better. She wanted improved sleep, she wanted her teeth to last. She didn’t want to have to always be thinking about them – whether they would break or crack on her. Lynn expressed that she did not want “glowing white” teeth, but she did want her smile to appear noticeably whiter and more natural. Her goal was to achieve teeth that looked healthy, felt both functional, and beautiful. She wanted her new teeth done as quickly as possible, but she understood the benefits of the orthodontic treatment, which did take more time to undergo.

What was involved?

In just over a year, Lynn completed her Invisalign treatment. She was even able to continue her care during her winters in sunny Florida! Invisalign was very successful in expanding for more room for Lynn, but we knew that without restorations throughout her mouth, it would still be difficult to manage her bite long-term. Invisalign helped with improving her muscle stability, but her bite still was not always able to find a repeatable position due to the shapes of her original teeth.

A laboratory wax-up was done to create a blueprint of Lynn’s future restorations. Then, over the course of two days, nearly all her teeth were carefully prepared in preparation for the placement of porcelain crowns and veneers. These restorations would improve Lynn’s bite, function, and overall smile.

What does Lynn think?

Lynn told us that before undergoing this process with Dr. Elizabeth she was unsure what she even wanted or could ask for. “It was all unknowns.” Lynn was excited to have everything done though, especially because of the prospect of how it could improve her breathing and her health and because her husband had undergone some cosmetic tooth work himself.

After all that was involved, Lynn told us that she is very pleased with everything, even though she ran into medical complications and COVID along the way, in the end she notes, “It was effortless. It was surprisingly easy.”

She told us that if she was talking to someone thinking about undergoing a full mouth dental reconstruction, she would tell them “It’s worth it! It’s a long process, but it’s worth it and you’ll feel so much better in the end!”

Congratulations, Lynn! Thank you for putting your trust in us. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we truly believe in helping our patients achieve a lifetime of smiles and yours is a shining example. We were delighted to guide you through this journey and look forward to caring for you and your family for many years to come.

Breathe, Chew, Smile: How the Myobrace® System Can Transform Your Child’s Oral Development

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Are you concerned about your child’s crooked teeth, mouth breathing, or strange chewing habits? If so, you’re not alone — and there’s a gentle, non-invasive way to help guide your child toward healthier oral and facial development. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are using the Myobrace® System to help young patients improve the way their jaws and faces develop — often long before braces would typically be considered or tolerated by the kids.

So what exactly is the Myobrace System, and why is it different from traditional orthodontic approaches? Unlike braces or aligners that focus solely on straightening teeth, Myobrace addresses the root causes of misalignment — such as improper tongue posture, mouth breathing, and incorrect swallowing patterns. The system uses a series of gentle, removable oral appliances combined with simple daily exercises to train muscles and encourage the jaw and airway to develop in a healthy way. It’s designed around the idea that creating the right functional habits early on can naturally guide teeth into better positions, making orthodontic treatment more efficient and stable.

You might be wondering if Myobrace is right for your child. Generally, it’s ideal for children — particularly between ages 3 and 15 — whose facial structures and oral habits are still developing. If your child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, has crowded or crooked teeth, exhibits an incorrect swallow, or struggles with speech issues related to tongue posture, Myobrace could offer significant benefits. By addressing these functional issues early, you can help promote proper jaw growth, reduce the need for complicated orthodontics down the line, and support overall health like better breathing and improved sleep.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a personalized, whole-child approach. They don’t just look at your child’s smile — they evaluate how the jaw, airway, tongue, and facial muscles are working together. During your visit, they’ll assess whether Myobrace appliances and targeted exercises are a good match for your family’s needs and will explain how each phase of treatment works. Their experience with this modality allows them to guide you through the journey with clarity and compassion, helping you see progress not just in the mirror — but in how your child functions day to day.

If you’re looking for a proactive, growth-focused option to help your child develop an ideal oral and facial structure — and a confident smile to match — Myobrace might be just what you’re looking for. Reach out to Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota to learn more about how this innovative system could make a difference in your child’s health and future smile! Call or text us today! 651.482.8412. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!

How Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert Care for Growing Smiles

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

One of the reasons families trust Eggert Family Dentistry is that care goes beyond “just checking teeth.” Drs. Elizabeth and Jeff Eggert take a personalized, child-focused approach that supports long-term health and development from the very beginning.

Setting the Foundation Early

Children’s visits are designed to be supportive, educational, and calm. The goal is to help kids develop healthy habits that actually last. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert welcome young patients as early as age one — the ideal age to begin monitoring growth and setting the foundation for lifelong oral health. (Of course, with emergency concerns before age one for your child, we encourage parents to reach out as well.)

A Bigger-Picture Approach to Children’s Oral Development

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks MN, the focus is not only on preventing cavities. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert also evaluate the bigger picture of your child’s development, including:

Bite patterns
Oral habits (thumb-sucking, pacifier use)
Facial development
Signs of mouth breathing, snoring, or airway concerns

This proactive approach helps families understand what’s happening now and what to watch for as their child grows. It can also help identify concerns early, before they become bigger issues. Left unnoticed, the issues may go on to affect your child’s sleep, breathing, and long-term development. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff strongly believe in early interventions if appropriate because why allow children to develop on a path that could lead to long-term skill deficets? We all want our children to be the best they can be!

Some benefits of early intervention programs can lead to diminution of allergies, colds, sore throats, and ear infections. We see improvement in the nasal airway and nasal breathing over mouth breathing, which all lead to positive psychological benefits and healthier children.

Partnering with Parents Every Step of the Way

Families are always part of the conversation.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert work closely with parents to create supportive plans without adding stress. Clear guidance and shared decision-making will ensure you feel informed, involved, and confident every step of the way.

Learn more about their family-centered approach here:
Why Your Children Deserve Expert Dental Care at Eggert Family Dentistry

A Healthier Smile Starts Early

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m still not sure if this is a big deal …” we don’t blame you. These topics can feel confusing, especially when pediatricians don’t usually spend any time doing these evaluations OR even recommend families talk with dentists about them. Not to mention how the internet has a way of making everything sound urgent. The simple truth is, early awareness is powerful and the right guidance can make all the difference. Having an evaluation by age one for your child is KEY.

Thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and snoring are often normal in very early childhood, but when these habits last too long, they can have serious consequences to your child’s long-term oral health.

Children’s Dental Health Month is the perfect time to check in, ask questions, and feel confident you’re supporting your child’s healthiest development. If you’d like expert support, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry are here to help you navigate every stage of children’s oral development with reassurance and personalized care.

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