Category: Caring for your Teeth

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.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The American Dental Association recommends a dental check-up minimally every six months. Do you know why? Regular dental visits are very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

There are two parts of our regular dental check-ups – the examination and the cleaning.

Dental Examination

During the exam, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff will assess many things:

• How your oral health relates to your whole body’s health
• The status of your face, neck, bite, teeth, and gums
• A check of your lymph nodes, saliva, and throat, as well as an oral cancer screening
• The movement of your jaw joints (TMJs) and muscles
• A close look at your dental x-rays

In order to closely screen you for any signs or symptoms of gum disease, special attention is paid to the coloring and firmness of your gums, as well as any signs of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria and if not removed, can harden to become tartar. Unfortunately, tartar can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. We also use a special measuring tool to help us measure your gum tissue pocket depths. The measurements clue us into your gum health: shallow pockets mean healthy gums, but deeper pockets often need special attention and treatment for gum disease.

As we thoroughly inspect your teeth, we look for loose and broken teeth, cracked teeth, worn or chipped teeth, damaged fillings, and visual evidence of tooth decay.

Our final examination assessments include close inspection of how your teeth, muscles, and joints all fit together, as well as any tissue inside or outside the mouth that looks out of the ordinary.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Another important aspect of your dental check-up at Eggert Family Dentistry is the care taken by April and Joanna, our wonderful hygienists, during your professional dental cleaning. They will:

• Scale your teeth (removing plaque and tartar to reduce inflammation-causing bacteria)
• Polish your teeth (removing surface stains)
• Floss between your teeth
• Review how to properly brush and floss
• Introduce any additional tools you can add into your oral hygiene routine at home, like a rubber tip or proxy brush

We want to help you do what’s best for your oral health. By following good oral hygiene practices and a good diet at home, and by seeing us regularly at Eggert Family Dentistry, we can help you fulfill our mission of “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.” Give us a call today to schedule your teeth for some spring cleaning!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

The Power of a Smile

“I will never understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish,” Mother Theresa once said. We’ve all had our day brightened by a smile. But a smile is more than just a sign of happiness. Research has shown a smile can have lasting effects on our wellbeing. A beautiful smile can also make a positive and memorable first impression.

What the Research Says
Several studies have looked into the power of a smile. Researchers at UC Berkeley measured the width of smiles in yearbook pictures. Students with the widest smiles were generally more happy, more inspiring, and enjoyed longer and more fulfilled marriages than their peers with narrower smiles. A Wayne State University study measured players’ smiles on baseball cards from 1952. They found the span of a player’s smile predicted how long he lived. You guessed it—the wider the smile, the longer the life, on average.

Scientists have found that we smile in the womb and that a smile is a universal facial expression—even people in tribes isolated from the rest of the world smile. When others smile at you, it’s tough not to return the favor. In fact, it’s physically more difficult to frown when you see smiling faces around you.

Smile to Make a Memorable Impression
Cracking a smile is also a powerful way to make a great first impression. A study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found nearly half of American adults consider a smile the most memorable feature of someone they’ve just met. Your smile is more memorable than what you’re wearing and even what you say.
However, those surveyed reported a smile full of crooked or stained teeth was not as attractive as one with straight, white teeth. A less-than-perfect smile also led people to believe that the smiler lacked confidence.

What can you do if your smile is less than perfect? Contact Eggert Family Dentistry today. Our focus is creating “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” and we are dedicated to providing the cosmetic dentistry you need, such as veneers, whitening, and full mouth reconstructions.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Many of us are no strangers to painful, bloody gums or a bout of bad breath. Though they seem minor, these symptoms are uncomfortable indicators of underlying gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, causes a breakdown of the architecture supporting the tooth and can lead to tooth mobility or even tooth loss. Luckily, an ounce of prevention can keep these symptoms under wraps and allow you to enjoy healthy, strong teeth for years to come.

The Bad: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that affects the gums. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria surround your teeth and enter your gums, causing irritation and swelling. People with gingivitis often notice blood when rinsing after brushing and flossing.

The Ugly: Periodontal Disease

When gingivitis goes untreated, the symptoms get worse and new ones may appear. Bad breath, receding gums and abscesses, and gum sensitivity to acidic foods may all bepainful reminders of unhappy gums and indicators of periodontal disease. Severe periodontal disease may also cause tooth mobility, pain or loss.

When gingivitis evolves into periodontal disease, it’s time to take immediate action. The team at Eggert Family Dentistry will perform a series of deep cleanings, laser therapy, or even prescribe antibiotics to treat periodontal disease. In extreme cases, surgery may be another option.

The Great News: Prevention Works!

Fortunately, you can avoid surgery, antibiotics, and other interventions with simple tools like your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Twice daily brushing and daily flossing sweeps away the bacteria that lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Regular hygiene visits to see us here at Eggert Family Dentistry will remove any persistent bacteria and arm you the tools and techniques you need to maintain good oral health.

Painful, bloody gums and bad breath shouldn’t be part of your daily dental hygiene routine. For help preventing or treating gingivitis or periodontal disease, contact us today at 651-482-8412.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Opting for fluoride treatments for your children is a no-brainer at the our dental office. But our need for fluoride treatments doesn’t magically disappear once we turn 18. In fact, opting for a fluoride treatment yourself will prevent cavities, strengthen enamel, and improve your overall dental health.

What is fluoride and what does it do?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps your tooth enamel resist wear and decay. It is the most important factor in the remineralization of your tooth enamel. Fluoride also promotes healthy tooth development in children, which is why fluoride treatments are common for younger patients.

For more than 50 years, the American Dental Association has advocated to keep fluoride in community water supplies to prevent tooth decay. Chances are that if your home receives city water, your tap water is fluorinated. If you live in a home with well water or if you drink primarily bottled or filtered water, you may want to supplement with a fluoride toothpaste and rinse.

Why would I need a fluoride treatment?

As we age, the foods we eat wear away our tooth enamel. Fluoride makes the enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. Adding a fluoride treatment at one of your hygiene visits each year can help protect your enamel, especially if you have a history of dental decay or poor dental hygiene.

Those over 65 can especially benefit from fluoride treatments. Those of us in our senior years tend to eat lighter, more frequent meals throughout the day, which means our teeth are exposed to more bacteria. Fluoride can help prevent this bacteria from eroding your teeth.

Eggert Family Dentistry is happy to provide a fluoride treatment at your next hygiene visit. The cost of this treatment is well worth the investment. To schedule your next hygiene appointment, contact us at 651-482-8412.