Category: Caring for your Teeth

Nothing seems to create anxiety in the dentist’s chair like the prospect of a root canal. This routine dental procedure has gotten a bad reputation over the years. But today’s technological innovations and improvements to anesthesia make this dreaded procedure comfortable for most patients. Here are the answers to some of Eggert Family Dentistry’s most-asked root canal questions.

What is a root canal dental procedure?

A root canal dental procedure treats inflammation and infection occurring in the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the soft interior of your tooth, full of blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected, you’ll likely experience pain and tenderness around the affected tooth.

A “root canal” is actually part of your tooth’s anatomy. It contains the pulp that extends down the roots of the tooth. A root canal procedure cleans out the infected tissue and reshapes the interior of the root canal so it can be filled and sealed to prevent further infection. In a later appointment, we’ll place a crown or other restoration over your tooth to better protect it long-term.

Why would I need a root canal procedure?

Root canal procedures treat infection and severe tooth decay. Though some patients do not experience pain when the pulp of a tooth is infected, most of us know when it’s time to call the dentist. Infected teeth are often painful, sensitive to heat and cold, and tender when we chew our food. The surrounding gum area can also be swollen or discolored.

Infections to your tooth’s pulp can be caused by advanced tooth decay, trauma to the tooth, or even a small chip or crack in the tooth’s hard exterior. A root canal will treat the infection, leaving the tooth functional.

What can I expect from my root canal procedure visit?

Before your procedure, we will take x-rays of the affected area to understand the severity of the infection. The day of your procedure, we’ll review the x-rays with you and apply a local anesthetic. Most patients find this anesthetic makes the procedure surprisingly comfortable. Then, we’ll isolate the infected tooth with a protective sheet so saliva does not enter the affected area.

Using tiny instruments, we’ll make an opening through the biting surface of your tooth so we can access the infected pulp. We then clean out the infected tissue and reshape the interior of the tooth. Once the interior is clean and shaped, we fill the root canal with a rubber-like material and apply cement to seal the tooth.

You may experience tenderness in the tooth in the days following the procedure, but over-the-counter or prescription painkillers often alleviate the pain. A subsequent visit will allow us to fit a permanent crown or other restoration. This helps keep the tooth sealed and protects the tooth from splitting.  In the meantime, you can brush and floss as usual, just avoid using the treated tooth to chew until we place the crown.

Still have questions about root canal procedures? The American Association of Endodontists has a great video overview for you to check out.

Need to schedule a root canal procedure? You’re in safe, experienced hands with Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff. Schedule your root canal procedure appointment with Eggert Family Dentists today.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

Giving Makes Us Feel Good

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

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

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

Volunteering Has Health Benefits, Too

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

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

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

Bacteria Causes Tooth Decay

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

Tooth Decay Stage 1: Dull Spots on the Tooth

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

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

Tooth Decay Stage 2: Cavity Formation in the Dentin

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

Tooth Decay Stage 3: Pulp Changes

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

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

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

What does fluoride do for adult teeth?

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

Do I need fluoride treatments as an adult?

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

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

What fluoride treatments might Eggert Family Dentistry recommend?

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

Dental Work Is Safe for Pregnant Women and Their Babies

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

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

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

Pregnancy’s Effect on Your Oral Health

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

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

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

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

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

What’s in e-cig vapor?

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

Why does the FDA want to regulate e-cigs?

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

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

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

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

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

What can I do?

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

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

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If we could send off our patients with a dental salutation, that would be it. Flossing is an incredibly important part of your oral health routine. But while most patients know brushing is a no-brainer, we certainly have trouble getting some of them to floss regularly.

Brushing does an excellent job of scrubbing away the plaque on the visible surfaces of your teeth. But your brush can’t reach between your teeth or under your gum line. And that’s exactly where plaque can build up, harden into tartar, and cause tooth decay.

Flossing empowers you to scrub away the plaque between your teeth and under your gum line. So why don’t people floss more? Some people claim that flossing is uncomfortable. It can be, especially when you’re first building your flossing routine. But the great thing about flossing is that it gets more comfortable—and more effective—the longer you do it.

Flossing FAQs

Our patients often ask us how frequently they should floss, when the best time to floss is, and what the best tools for the job are. Here’s what we recommend:

• Frequency. Floss your teeth at least once per day.
• Time of Day. Pick a time that works best for your routine, whether it be first thing in the morning, after lunch, or before bed.
• Before or After Brushing. We feel that flossing before you brush is best because you can often work the plaque out and then brush it away, but studies show it really doesn’t matter as long as you do it!
• Kids. Your kids should start flossing once they have two teeth that touch. Young children don’t have the dexterity to floss properly, so help them out until they’re about 10 or 11. String floss is very effective, but sometimes difficult to maneuver with kids. Therefore, using floss aids (we like Wild Flossers) can be very helpful.
• Technique. Become a flossing Jedi in these five easy steps from the American Dental Association.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral health. We’d love nothing better than to see that the floss is strong in you at your next dentist appointment. Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule a visit. Call (651) 482-8412.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Chewing gum. It’s been around since the ancient Greeks and Mayans started chomping on tree sap. Today, most of us put chewing gum in the candy category. But chewing gum does have some benefits. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) has even approved certain chewing gums after studies prove they actually help protect your teeth.

The benefits of chewing gum

The act of chewing is good for oral health. Chewing increases the flow of saliva, which helps to neutralize and break down the acid that wears down enamel and contributes to tooth decay. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating can prevent tooth decay. That’s great news for chewing gum addicts.

However . . .

Before you stock up on Orbit and Trident, remember that chewing gum is just a single tool in your oral health arsenal. Chewing gum does not replace daily brushing and flossing. And chewing gum with sugar can counteract any benefits. Also, chewing gum can actually be harmful for patients who experience jaw pain or have TMD/TMJ and bruxism. Ask us for a recommendation on chewing gum before cleaning out the shelves at Target.

Look for the ADA Seal

When you’re shopping for your next pack of chewing gum, look for the ADA Seal. It indicates a product has undergone a review of lab and clinical studies that prove it reduces plaque acids, decreases cavities, or gingivitis, or remineralizes teeth and is safe for oral tissues. Find a list of approved products on the ADA website.

Want a recommendation on a chewing gum that will fit in your oral health routine? Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. Call (651) 482-8412.  We look forward to seeing you!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

First things first: regular, preventative oral hygiene is essential for avoiding cavities, and gum disease.

But have you ever noticed that some people get away with not flossing or brushing regularly with nary a cavity, while you might brush and floss daily and still can’t avoid a trip to the dentist’s chair? That’s because genetics do play an important role in your oral health.

According to Dr. S. Michele Robichaux at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, “almost all disease and disorder that affects the…mouth has a genetic component.” We couldn’t agree more. The severity of your tooth decay and gum disease could be blamed on your genes.

Genetics and Mouth Bacteria

Your mouth is home to several different communities of bacteria—the microbes on your tongue are different from those on your teeth and those under your gums. Your genes determine how susceptible you are to these microbes. That’s how genetics directly affects your chances of getting a cavity or acquiring periodontal disease. In fact, a study out of the University of Pittsburgh found genetics may be responsible for up to 60 percent of your tooth decay risk.

Genetics can also indirectly affect your oral health. Some genetic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer, can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Diabetes, for example, can increase the chances of thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth), decrease the amount of saliva you produce, and cause wounds to heal more slowly. All of these conditions make it easy for bacteria to wreak havoc in your mouth.

The biochemistry of your saliva also plays an important role in your susceptibility for dental disease.  Some saliva is inherently more acidic, putting the teeth at higher risk for decay. Some saliva is more ropey or stringy and it is thought that this type of saliva doesn’t do as an effective job in washing the oral microbes away.

Preventative Care Still Matters

If you think you can put full blame for your cavities and gum disease on your genes, think again. If genetics are responsible for about 60 percent of your risk, your oral hygiene habits account for the other 40 percent. Even people who won the genetic lottery can get cavities and gum disease if they don’t brush, floss, and visit us regularly.

The best approach to a healthy mouth is to combine knowledge of your family oral health history with excellent preventative care. Let us know if your mom or dad struggled with cavities and gum disease. For our part, we will always help you determine a solid preventative approach in regards to brushing, flossing, and regular visits. For expert dental care, contact us at Eggert Family Dentistry today.