Dental Health for Teens Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Oral Facial Development and the Origins of Mewing

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Facial development plays a crucial role in many aspects of life, including breathing, eating, talking, and even your overall appearance. The way your face grows and develops is influenced by various factors, including genetics, environmental influences, and habits that you may not even realize are affecting you or your children. Understanding the connection between facial structure and function can help you make better decisions for your health and well-being. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are here to guide you in recognizing and correcting any issues related to facial development.

Why is facial development important?

One of the most important aspects of facial development is how it impacts your ability to breathe properly. The position of your jaws, the width of your palate, and the alignment of your teeth all contribute to how well you can breathe through your nose. Improper development in these areas can lead to mouth breathing, which is less efficient and can contribute to a range of health issues, including sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to the development of your child’s facial structure from an early age.

Eating is another daily activity that is deeply affected by the development of your facial structure. If your jaw is misaligned or your teeth are crowded, it can make chewing difficult and uncomfortable. This can lead to improper digestion, as food may not be adequately broken down before it reaches your stomach. Additionally, the position of your teeth and jaw can affect how you swallow, which is another important part of the eating process. Ensuring that your facial structure is developing properly can help prevent these issues and promote better overall health.

Talking is a vital part of communication, and your facial development plays a key role in your ability to speak clearly and confidently. The position of your teeth, tongue, and jaw all contribute to the formation of sounds. If there are issues with the development of your facial structure, it can lead to speech impediments or difficulties in articulation. This can be especially challenging for children as they learn to speak, and it’s something that parents should be aware of as their children grow.

What is “mewing” and how is it related to facial development?

One trend that has gained significant attention in recent years is “mewing,” a technique that involves positioning your tongue against the roof of your mouth to encourage proper facial development. This practice was popularized by Dr. John Mew, an orthodontist who believed that proper tongue posture could help shape the face and improve issues like misaligned teeth and poor jaw structure. Mewing has become especially popular among the younger generation, largely due to social media platforms where influencers and health enthusiasts share their experiences and results. The idea behind mewing is that by maintaining good tongue posture, you can promote a more attractive facial structure and prevent issues related to improper development.

The popularity of mewing highlights a growing awareness of the importance of facial development, particularly among young people who are interested in improving their appearance and overall health. While mewing can be beneficial, it’s important to approach it with caution and to seek professional advice to ensure that you’re doing it correctly and not causing any harm. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry are knowledgeable about these trends and can help you determine whether mewing or other techniques might be appropriate for you or your child.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are dedicated to helping you and your family maintain healthy facial development. They can assess your facial structure, identify any potential issues, and provide guidance on how to address them. Whether it’s through orthodontic treatment, guidance on proper habits, or education on practices like mewing, they are here to support you in achieving optimal health and well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, to schedule an appointment and learn more about how you can promote proper facial development for yourself and your children. Call us today, 651-482-8412!

Raising Awareness: Oral Cancer and the Vital Role of Screenings at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

April marked Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time dedicated to highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention of this often fatal disease. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert took this opportunity to reinforce their unwavering commitment to your oral health. Throughout the month, they emphasized the importance of oral cancer screenings, which they incorporate into every recare check-up appointment.

Facts About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious condition that affected approximately 12,000 people in 2023. It can develop in any part of the mouth or throat, including the lips, tongue, and the floor of the mouth. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often detected in its later stages, leading to a lower survival rate. In fact, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is only 68%. This makes early detection through regular screenings critically important. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff use the latest technology and techniques to ensure any signs of oral cancer are caught as early as possible, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.

One of the key messages during Oral Cancer Awareness Month is that anyone can be at risk for this disease. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is now recognized as a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils. The rise in HPV-related oral cancers has brought increased attention to the importance of the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure.

What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in the fight against oral cancer. It is known as Gardasil 9. It is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active, which is why it is recommended for preteens, both boys and girls, starting at ages 11 to 12. However, the vaccine can still be beneficial for older teens and young adults up to age 26 who were not previously vaccinated. By ensuring your children receive the HPV vaccine, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing HPV-related cancers later in life.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff understand that cancer prevention begins with you and your ability to take proactive steps for your family’s health. They encourage you to discuss the HPV vaccine with your child’s healthcare provider and to follow through with the vaccination schedule. Vaccinations are typically available at your local healthcare provider’s office, community health clinics, and sometimes even through school-based programs.

In addition to promoting the HPV vaccine, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff emphasize the importance of maintaining regular dental check-ups. These appointments are not just for keeping your teeth clean but also for comprehensive health screenings, including oral cancer detection. By incorporating oral cancer screenings into every recare check-up, they ensure that you receive thorough evaluations that can catch potential issues early, when they are most treatable.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of the significant impact early detection and prevention can have on your health. By visiting Eggert Family Dentistry for your regular check-ups and ensuring your children receive the HPV vaccine, you are taking vital steps toward protecting yourself and your loved ones from the threat of oral cancer. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff Eggert are dedicated to providing you with the best care possible and are here to support you in maintaining a healthy, cancer-free life.

Call Eggert Family Dentistry today to make sure you have your family’s next recare visits scheduled. Summer is coming and the schedule fills fast, we want to help keep you on track for all your dental and oral health needs. 651-482-8412.

Mouthguards: Simple and Effective at Preventing Dental Injuries from Sports

By; Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In the realm of sports, protecting yourself from injury is paramount to ensuring both performance and longevity in the game. However, one aspect often overlooked is the protection of dental health amidst the rigorous physical activities involved. Dental injuries resulting from sports trauma can be painful, costly to treat, and sometimes even irreversible. Fortunately, there’s a simple yet highly effective solution: mouthguards.

Mouthguards serve as essential protective gear, significantly reducing the risk of dental injuries during sports activities. These flexible devices act as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing the force of impact that could otherwise damage teeth, gums, lips, and even jaws. While they may seem like a small investment, their benefits are immense, potentially saving you and your family members from significant pain, discomfort, and costly dental procedures.

Types of Mouthguards

There are two main types of mouthguards: over-the-counter (OTC) and custom-fit. OTC mouthguards are readily available in sporting goods stores and pharmacies. They offer basic protection and are relatively affordable. However, they may not provide the best fit, leading to reduced comfort and efficacy. On the other hand, custom-fit mouthguards are crafted by dental professionals at Eggert Family Dentistry to precisely match your dental structure, offering superior comfort, retention, and protection.

Which Sports Should Use a Mouthguard?

Various sports pose risks of dental trauma, making mouthguards indispensable across a wide spectrum of athletic activities. While contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing are commonly associated with dental injuries and are often sports where use of mouthguards is mandated, other sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and even gymnastics can also present risks due to falls, collisions, or contact with equipment.

Interestingly, some professional athletes have recognized the importance of dental protection and incorporated mouthguards into their gear, even in sports where its usage isn’t typical. For instance, basketball icon LeBron James is often seen wearing a mouthguard during games, prioritizing his dental safety despite basketball not being traditionally associated with mouthguard use. Similarly, tennis superstar Serena Williams has been spotted wearing a mouthguard during matches, demonstrating a proactive approach to dental injury prevention.

Safeguarding dental health during sports activities is crucial for athletes of all levels. Mouthguards stand as a simple yet effective measure to prevent dental injuries, offering valuable protection against trauma. While both over-the-counter and custom-fit options are available, the latter provides superior comfort and performance. Regardless of the sport, incorporating a mouthguard into your gear can help ensure not only physical safety but also long-term dental wellness. As demonstrated by professional athletes who prioritize their dental health, investing in preventive measures like mouthguards is a decision that pays off in the long run, preserving smiles and enhancing performance on the field, court, or ring.

Call Us Today to Prevent Sports Injuries with a Mouthguard!

Be sure to talk with Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry about whether a custom fit athletic mouthguard is right for you! Call us at 651-482-8412 to set up your consultation appointment.

Dental Emergencies from School Sports & How to Handle Them

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

With the school year in full swing, school sports have no doubt become an important aspect of many families’ lives. For all of us here at Eggert Family Dentistry, this time of year means we see an uptick in dental injuries and dental emergencies.

From football, to hockey, to baseball, dental injuries are extremely common for high school and middle school athletes. As a parent, it’s important to know how to deal with any dental emergencies in the event that a foul ball (or puck) causes an accident. Let’s take a look at the most common dental emergencies that arise out of school sports, and how to handle them.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies in School Sports

1. Tooth Fractures/Breaks: Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth are very common dental injuries experienced during impact sports. A direct blow to the face or a collision (whether it’s with equipment, a wall, the floor, or another person) can easily cause tooth fractures. While minor chipping on teeth doesn’t require immediate dental treatment, serious fractures can be painful and should be evaluated as soon as possible.

What To Do: Rinse out the mouth with water and hang onto those fractured pieces of tooth if possible. You can place the pieces of the tooth in water or milk to preserve them until you see us at Eggert Family Dentistry. Make an appointment as soon as possible to go over treatment options.

2. Avulsed (Knocked Out) Teeth: The same kind of impact that can cause tooth fractures and breaks can also cause a more serious problem: a knocked-out tooth. This is a very serious dental injury that requires immediate treatment.

What To Do: Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root) and rinse the whole tooth clean with water. If the tooth can be reinserted into the gum socket, do so. If not, put the tooth in a glass of water or milk to preserve the tooth until you can see Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. Be sure to call our emergency line (Dr. Elizabeth’s cell number) right away and leave a detailed message. Call our office at 651-482-8412 to get the number for the emergency line.

3. Tooth Intrusion: Sometimes the problem isn’t that the tooth is knocked out of its place in the mouth, but that it’s pushed further into the gums and jawbone, which is called tooth intrusion. This kind of dental injury requires immediate dental attention to avoid any further complications.

What To Do: Don’t try to move the tooth on your own. Call Eggert Family Dentistry’s emergency line to make an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can, and in the meantime don’t chew at all (meaning no solid foods), or else you might make the intrusion worse.

4. Soft-Tissue Injuries: When your mouth is injured, it’s not just your teeth you have to worry about: your lips, cheeks, and tongue are at risk as well. Soft-tissue injuries include cuts, tears, or even puncture wounds that affect any part of your mouth apart from your teeth. These injuries can range from being mild and able to heal on their own, to serious and needing immediate attention.

What To Do: Clean the injured area by rinsing out the mouth with warm salt water. Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and if the gums are cut, you can insert a cotton ball or cotton gauze to help the blood clot. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call Eggert Family Dentistry for advice.

5. Jaw Fractures: Blunt force trauma to the face can result in a break or a fracture in the jawbone. This is a very serious injury that can be very painful, and requires immediate medical and dental attention.

What To Do: Using an elastic ACE bandage wrap or a large cloth (like a clean dish towel), secure the jaw lightly by wrapping around the top of the head and under the chin. Call Eggert Family Dentistry’s emergency line for advice, but likely you will need to be seen at Hennepin Country Medical Center, the local Level I trauma center and where they will always have an oral surgeon on call. Not all emergency rooms will be a good choice in this situation.

6. Orthodontic Emergencies: If a student athlete has any orthodontic gear in their mouth during a sports injury, such as braces, wires, or retainers, there may be broken wires or brackets that need to be fixed. While these issues usually don’t require immediate dental attention, they do need to be fixed as soon as possible in order to keep the teeth from shifting.

What To Do: Make an appointment with your orthodontist or Eggert Family Dentistry to have the orthodontic gear fixed as soon as you can. In the meantime, if there are any broken wires that are irritating the mouth, you can cover them with orthodontic wax.

7. TMJ Injuries: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be injured as a result of a sports injury as well. This type of injury usually involves jaw stiffness, tightness, pain, or popping during movement. Depending on the amount of pain and difficulty of movement involved, this injury can range from mild to severe.

What To Do: Administer a cold compress to alleviate swelling and start taking an anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter medication, like ibuprofen. If things don’t seem back to normal after a couple of days, call for an appointment with Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. It is helpful to examine the area of injury and determine how severe the injury is and what treatments are needed.

Preventative Measures to Help Avoid Dental Emergencies

As the saying goes, prevention is better than a cure! Or in this case, emergency treatment. Here are a few ways you can help your child prevent dental injuries from happening on game day.

Mouthguard: A mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to avoid a dental injury when playing sports. It is custom-fitted for your teeth and acts as a protective barrier, absorbing impact and preventing any major damage from occurring. Athletes should use mouthguards consistently during practices and games to safeguard their smiles.

Helmet/Face Shield: Depending on the type of sport being played, athletes may have the option to wear a helmet or face shield. In these cases, the athlete should always play it safe and wear their proper gear in order to protect their teeth (and the rest of their heads/bodies!).

Good Oral Hygiene: Which tooth is less likely to be knocked out or broken during a sports injury: a healthy tooth sitting in pink gums, or a decayed tooth sitting in gums that are inflamed or receding? If you guessed the healthy tooth, you’d be correct. One of the best ways to protect your or your child’s teeth is to make tomaintain proper oral hygiene habits to keep the teeth and gums healthy.

Recare Visits: A big part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy is staying on a regular schedule of recare visits with Eggert Family Dentistry, so we can monitor the health of your teeth and address any problems early on.

Dental Emergency? Contact Us!

If anyone in your family experiences a traumatic dental emergency, Eggert Family Dentistry is here to help! Call us immediately and schedule an emergency dental appointment with us. We’ll provide expedited professional care to your family to help repair any dental issues. In no time, you’ll be back on the field with a healthy smile! Call us today at 651.482.8412.

Take Charge of Your Dental Health in 2024!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to focus more on your dental health? If not, it’s never too late to make it a priority! If you focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy, your overall well-being (and your wallet) will thank you.

So how can you improve your dental health this year? Well, a healthy smile goes beyond just brushing and flossing — it also involves regular dental check-ups and “recare” visits. Let’s take a look at why improving your dental health should be high on your list, various ways you can improve your oral health, and some examples of easy dental resolutions you can follow in 2024.

The Link Between Dental Health and Overall Health

As the new year unfolds, many of us make resolutions to lead healthier lives, the classic resolution being to hit the gym. And while many think exercise and nutrition are the end-all-be-all of health, the truth is that our body’s wellbeing is a result of many interconnected systems, each affecting the other. Your dental health, for example, can impact various aspects of your overall health, including cardiovascular health, respiratory health, and even mental health.

Oral health’s impact on the heart: Study after study has shown that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health. Researchers have proposed many theories as to why this connection exists, including bacteria from the mouth traveling through blood vessels, inflammation causing an immune response, or the correlating factor of smoking cigarettes. Whatever the cause, the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular health has been demonstrated many times over.

Oral health’s impact on the lungs: According to research, oral health directly impacts incidences and outcomes of lung diseases, such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a healthy person, the lungs are usually able to fight off any bacteria that would accumulate in the mouth and travel through the respiratory system. However, when a person’s lungs are compromised by a pre-existing respiratory condition, the lung’s immune response is weaker. This makes it easier for bacteria that accumulates in an unclean mouth to travel to the lungs and cause infections.

Oral health’s impact on mental health: Studies since the COVID 19 pandemic have shown that mental health and oral health are correlated, with associations demonstrated between mental health problems and tooth loss, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Dental decay and tooth loss can lead to more frequent pain, which often increases social isolation, and feelings of low self-esteem. All of this results in a lower quality of life, which often leads to poorer mental health.

Poor oral hygiene can have a domino effect on multiple systems of the body. By resolving to improve your dental health in 2024, you’re not just preserving your smile – you’re protecting the wellbeing of your entire body.

The Importance of Regular Recare Visits

Most people understand that brushing twice and flossing once daily are the pinnacles of good oral health. However, it’s equally important to schedule regular dental appointments, also known as recare visits — it is important to realize that these visits are much more than “just a cleaning.” It is essential to be committed to them and never skip out! When scheduled regularly, these appointments play a key part in preventing and detecting dental problems early on.

When you schedule a recare appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can make sure that small problems like gingivitis and cavities don’t escalate into more significant (and expensive) issues, such as periodontal disease and tooth loss. When you come in for your appointment, not only will you get a professional teeth cleaning, but you’ll also receive a thorough check-up to ensure the health of your mouth and the quality of any dental restorations/devices such as fillings, crowns, dentures, or veneers.

Questions? Call Eggert Family Dentistry

Your smile is an essential part of your overall health, and when you prioritize your dental health, you’re investing in a lifetime of well-being. Call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651.482.8412 to schedule your recare appointment today or to ask any questions you have about dental health. Make 2024 the year you take charge of the health of your smile – your future self will thank you!

The Fizz Dilemma: How Carbonated Water Affects Your Tooth Enamel

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Carbonated water, with its effervescent charm, has gained immense popularity among health-conscious individuals and soda lovers alike. It offers a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas. But have you ever wondered if those satisfying bubbles could be harming your pearly whites? In this article, we delve into the science behind the effects of carbonated water on tooth enamel, explore alternatives, and discuss how Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, Dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, can help you maintain a radiant and healthy smile.

Understanding Carbonated Water

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water or seltzer, is water infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, creating delightful bubbles and fizz. While it’s often considered a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, it’s not without its concerns when it comes to your dental health.

The Science Behind It

When you enjoy a bubbly sip of carbonated water, the carbon dioxide dissolves in the water to form carbonic acid. It’s this mild acid that raises concerns for your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. It’s primarily composed of minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite, which can be vulnerable to acid erosion.

Carbonated water is mildly acidic, with a pH around 4.5, making it more acidic than tap water (pH 7). Regularly exposing your teeth to acidic substances can weaken and erode the enamel over time, leaving your teeth more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity.

Carbonated Water vs. Soda Pop

Surprisingly, carbonated water may be just as bad for your teeth as soda pop, albeit in a slightly less severe way. The carbonic acid in sparkling water can erode enamel gradually, while soda contains not only acid but also sugars that bacteria feed on, producing harmful acids. This can lead to more immediate and severe tooth decay.

Alternatives to Carbonated Water

If you’re concerned about your dental health but still want a refreshing beverage, there are alternative choices. Plain water is, of course, the best option for your teeth, as it is pH-neutral and doesn’t pose any risks to your tooth enamel. Herbal teas and unsweetened iced tea are also great alternatives. If you prefer carbonation, you can limit your consumption of carbonated water to meal time and consider switching to unflavored options or those with added minerals like calcium, which can help counteract the acidity.

Eggert Family Dentistry: Your Dental Health Allies

Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, our dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, are dedicated to helping you maintain excellent oral health. They provide expert dental care, including preventive services, dental hygiene, and advice on maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Regular dental recare visits with check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial to addressing any enamel erosion concerns and maintaining your radiant smile.

Recently, Dr. Elizabeth completed an exam for a patient we hadn’t seen in over a year. This patient had 3 fillings recommended in January, 2022 due to decay between her teeth. Unfortunately, now, not even two years later, she has 8 fillings recommended and 2 crowns because her decay rate is rampant. When Dr. Elizabeth suspected something in the diet or a health change, she questioned this patient and together they determined the patient often drinks over 4 carbonated waters each day, sipping them throughout the day.

While carbonated water may have a milder impact on your tooth enamel compared to soda pop, it’s essential to be mindful of its acidic nature. You can enjoy sparkling water in moderation and opt for alternatives that are more tooth-friendly.

And when it comes to safeguarding your dental health, trust Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, to guide you on your journey to healthy, vibrant teeth. Your smile is worth preserving, and they’re here to help you do just that. Call us today to schedule your next recare visit! 651.482.8412!

Comprehensive Dental Care for All Ages: Why Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert Should Be Your Family Dentists in North Oaks, MN

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Are you searching for a family dentist who can cater to the dental needs of your entire family, from kids to teenagers, adults and even seniors? Look no further than Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, leading dentists in North Oaks, MN. We offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of transitioning all of your family members to our practice and highlight the value we bring in ensuring your family’s proper dental development.

The All-Inclusive Approach

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have earned a stellar reputation for our family-friendly dental practice. Our commitment to providing top-notch care for patients of all ages sets us apart as your go-to family dentists. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to oral health, including not only detection of decay and periodontal disease, but of growth and development issues, airway issues, sleep issues, and a whole lot more.

Transitioning Children and Teenagers

It’s common for kids to start their dental journey with a pediatric dentist, and this can be appropriate up to a certain age. However, as children grow and develop adult teeth, it becomes essential to transition them to a family-friendly dentist. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have the expertise to handle the unique dental needs of kids, teenagers, and young adults, ensuring that their oral health is carefully monitored during crucial stages of development.

Detecting Decay and Ensuring Proper Development

One of the most critical reasons to transition your child or teenager to Eggert Family Dentistry is our ability to detect dental issues early. Untreated cavities can lead to more significant problems in the future. By having your child seen regularly, you can address any decay or orthodontic concerns before they worsen.

Furthermore, ensuring proper dental development during adolescence is crucial. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we pay close attention to tooth alignment, bite issues, and orthodontic needs. Detecting and addressing these concerns early can lead to a smoother and more effective treatment plan, potentially saving you time, money, and discomfort down the road.

We Don’t Want to Scare You, But Check These Out!

This month being Halloween, we want to share a couple patient stories. These are SCARY situations where we wish we could have been introduced to the patients earlier and caught things before they became so serious. Luckily Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth know what to do to help these patients, but prevention is always our goal!

Here is an example of a teenage patient undergoing orthodontics and who was working with a pediatric dentist. Unfortunately, this patient had a cavity that got so deep before Dr. Elizabeth found it that she had to build up a serious amount of the tooth to bring it back to health.

Here is another example of excessive decay. This is a senior citizen who was going regularly to another general dental office, but her decay got so deep, she has to lose an anchorage tooth of her front tooth bridge. The patient has to invest in a new bridge in order to keep her front teeth from going missing.

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have seen countless families benefit from their all-encompassing approach to dentistry. It is also so rewarding to see trends in families and to be able to stop disease on the early side by paying attention. Schedule an appointment today for all your family members and experience the difference that dedicated, all-ages dental care can make. We can’t wait to bring your family to ours! 651.482.8412.

Cavities vs. Tooth Erosion

By; Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When we talk about cavities and tooth erosion, we’re talking about two very different dental processes. While both processes result in the breakdown of your teeth, they can be caused by different factors, and thus require different solutions.

In this post we’re going to share the differences between cavities and tooth erosion, their effects on your dental health, and offer some suggestions for prevention.

Cavities (Also Called Tooth Decay)

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. This tooth decay can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

Bacteria in your mouth
Frequent snacking
Sipping sugary drinks
Acidic foods or drinks
Not cleaning your teeth well

Dental Effects

Because cavities make the tooth weaker, they can cause a number of uncomfortable side effects, including:

Toothache
Tooth sensitivity
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
Visible holes or pits in your teeth
Brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth
Pain when you bite down

Prevention

The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Additionally, you need to maintain a regular cadence of visiting Eggert Family Dentistry for professional dental cleanings and recare visits. While your at-home regimen is critical to preventing cavities, getting your teeth professionally cleaned on the interval recommended by Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth is key to making sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to your oral health.

Tooth/Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hard, translucent coating that covers the crowns of your teeth, protecting them from bacteria. This coating helps prevent tooth decay, and thereby plays a critical role in overall dental health. But, when enamel is eroded, problems arise.

Enamel erosion is similar to tooth decay in that it weakens the tooth. But rather than being caused by bacteria, teeth surfaces can be worn down and weakened by:

Acids in food and drink
Stomach acids
Misalignment
Clenching and grinding
Chewing ice
Naturally weak enamel

When your enamel wears down, your chances of developing decay become much higher, as there’s less of a protective layer between bacteria and the softer interior of your teeth.

Dental Effects

If you experience any combination of the following symptoms of enamel erosion, make an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry today:

Tooth sensitivity
Pain or discomfort when eating something sweet, hot or cold
Change in the color of your teeth (with erosion, they often look gray or yellow)
Change in shape of your teeth (they may become sharp, chipped, or sometimes smooth like a stone)
Cracks in the teeth

Prevention

To prevent tooth erosion, reduce your intake of food and drinks containing acid. Or, if you’re going to have high acid food/beverages, try to eat them with other non-acidic foods to balance the acid content. Additionally, don’t brush immediately after you eat or drink food containing acid. Instead, rinse with tap water and wait about an hour until your enamel has a chance to remineralize again from your saliva before you brush.

Most importantly, to prevent tooth erosion, visit Eggert Family Dentistry for regular recare visits so we can keep an eye on your dental health! We can assess whether these damages are due to acidic foods, decay, or bruxism, which can be prevented with appropriate treatment. Consider using a remineralization medicament, and ask about the restoration of your teeth to prevent further damage.

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, changes in tooth color, cracks, chips, or dents in your enamel, or if you’re due for your next recare, routine dental visit, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 651.482.8412 and set up an appointment today!

Vaping: What Every Parent and Teen Should Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Most teenagers are averse to the taste and smell of cigarettes, and we’ve seen a sharp decline in cigarette use among teens in recent decades (it’s helped that smoking cigarettes has fallen “out of style”). However, the lure of smoking is still just as strong as it was in the 20th century – it just looks a little different.

E-cigarettes or “vapes” are electronic devices that heat nicotine and disperse it as an aerosol. There is no smoke or tobacco involved, so many teenagers have been led to believe that vaping isn’t as bad for you.

Regardless of whether or not they realize it, the #1 problem of vaping is still the exact same as smoking: Nicotine is one of the most addictive chemicals on the planet.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our patient’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Here’s what you and your teenager need to know about vaping.

Who’s Vaping and Why?

A 2022 study released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use in 2022. That number represents 14.1% of high school students and 3.3% of middle school students.

Students vape because of three main reasons:

Many teens believe vaping is less harmful than smoking.
E-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes.
Youths and adults find the lack of smoke appealing. With no smell, e-cigarettes reduce some of the stigma of smoking.

It’s true that vaping is thought to be less harmful to the lungs than inhaling smoke, however, research is still being done and due to all the chemicals involved with e-cigarettes, the evidence isn’t clear. However, if this is the reason your teen cites to defend their vaping addiction, tell them that it’s also true that knives are less harmful than guns. That said, we still wouldn’t want to be faced with either.

Additionally, nicotine as an aerosol comes with its own serious health risks — not only does the vapor contain a known pesticide, but there are hundreds of chemicals present in aerosols that have yet to be identified. We don’t yet know all the side effects and risks.

Side Effects and Dangers of Vaping

What we know for sure is that E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals such as:

Formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer.
Acrolein which is used as a weed killer and can cause irreversible lung damage.
Flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.
Volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust.
Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.
Nicotine, which is highly addictive and damaging to the brain.

Just like smoking, there are two sets of side effects when it comes to vaping. One category of side effects has to do with the physical act of inhaling chemicals/vapor into the lungs (vaping). The other category has to do with becoming a nicotine addict.

Side Effects of Vaping:

Because vaping is relatively new, researchers don’t yet know all the effects vaping can have on your body. What we do know, though, is alarming enough:

Difficulty Breathing: The particles you inhale while vaping can cause inflammation (swelling) and irritation in your lungs, making it harder to catch your breath.
Asthma: Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. It can also make your existing asthma worse.
Lung Scarring: Diacetyl, a chemical used in some flavorings, can cause bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”). Bronchiolitis obliterans causes permanent scarring in your lungs. That means that even if someone quits vaping, the negative effects of it will be with them for the rest of their lives.

Side Effects of Being a Nicotine Addict:

Any addictive substance is going to cause harm, but nicotine addiction can be especially harmful.

Nicotine Dependency: When you start vaping, it only takes a few days of consistent use before your brain starts to rely on the presence of nicotine in order to feel normal. Without a constant supply, nicotine addicts go into withdrawal and feel anxious, stressed, unsettled, irritable, and fidgety.
Inability to Focus: Nicotine is the one of the most addictive chemicals on the planet because it enters and leaves your system quickly, which is why smokers and vapers feel the need to smoke/vape every 20 minutes or so. This makes it noticeably more difficult to focus for prolonged periods of time. Whether you’re writing an essay, taking a test, drawing a picture, relaxing with friends, or watching a movie, so long as you are still vaping, your addiction will always make you feel the need to vape.
Increased Anxiety: The popular belief is that smoking and vaping can calm you down. Researchers know that the exact opposite is true: Nicotine spikes your heart rate and blood pressure, which is directly responsible for increasing anxiety.
Other Mood Disorders: Several studies have also found that nicotine addiction during adolescence is also associated with a higher risk of developing mental and behavioral problems during adulthood, including: major depressive disorder, agoraphobia, and panic disorder.

How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health

Nicotine, whether smoked or vaped, restricts blood flow to the gums, which can contribute to gum disease. The fluid in e-cigarettes only increases the risks. Other ways that nicotine and aerosol can harm your oral health include:

Dry mouth: Nicotine in e-liquid inhibits saliva production which leads to dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, it’s a perfect habitat for bacteria which can lead to tooth decay.

Damage to soft tissue/enamel: Propylene glycol is used as a carrier ingredient in e-liquid, propylene glycol has toxic effects on soft tissue and enamel. Additionally, e-liquid flavorings when added to vegetable glycerin cause a 27% decrease in the hardness and integrity of tooth enamel.

Receding Gums: Continued nicotine exposure causes reduced blood flow which can cause gum tissue to die and recede, exposing more of the tooth.

Tooth Decay/Loss: Exposed gums leads to tooth sensitivity, an increase in cavities, and in some cases, tooth loss.

The Bottom Line

Even if you believe your child would never use e-cigarettes or vapes, it’s important to talk to your teenager about vaping. Even those teens who manage to avoid peer pressure are still going to be exposed to vaping at some point in their lives. It’s important to make sure your child is prepared with the right information to make the correct decision.

Questions About Vaping and Your Oral Health?

Vaping poses significant risks to your oral and overall health. If you or a loved one are struggling to quit vaping or have any concerns about its effects on your oral health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Eggert Family Dentistry. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are committed to providing comprehensive dental care to our patients and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 651-482-8412 to schedule an appointment today, or to learn more about how we can help you and your teen maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Quitting Smoking: Health Effects of Smoking and Cessation Resources

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Smoking is a dangerous habit that can have severe effects on both your overall health and oral health. This is something that research has proven time and time again — and it’s something that the majority of smokers already know.

However, many people are still unaware of the sheer range of problems that smoking can cause. In this blog, we’re taking a look at these health problems, as well as addressing how and why smokers can quit.

While we believe it’s important to inform our patients, we also understand that frightening health facts don’t often help smokers quit. So, if you are considering quitting smoking, but are still on the fence, we encourage you to skip the health section for now, and simply scroll down to our “Why Quit” section, where we discuss the reasons smokers believe they need to smoke. At the end of this article, we also provide you with a list of resources to help you get started on your quitting journey.

Effects of Smoking on Your Overall Health:

When people think of the negative effects of smoking, most people think of the big one: lung cancer. However, because smoking affects nearly every part of the body, it can be the culprit behind a laundry list of illnesses. According to the Center for Disease Control, for every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness. Let’s take a deeper look at what smoking does to the body:

Difficulty Breathing:

Smoking causes a range of respiratory problems. When you inhale cigarette smoke, it irritates your airways and causes inflammation, which can make it difficult to breathe. This leads to chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Over time, smoking often leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer.

Increased Anxiety and Depression:

Smoking can also have negative effects on your mental health. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than non-smokers. Nicotine acts as a stimulant, increasing feelings of anxiety, while withdrawal symptoms lead to feelings of depression.

Increased Risk of Heart Attack:

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attack. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as non-smokers.

Oxygen Deprivation of All Muscles:

When you smoke, the nicotine in tobacco causes your blood vessels to narrow, which restricts blood flow and oxygen to your body. This leads to oxygen deprivation in every single muscle of the body, which causes chronic fatigue, poor wound healing, and peripheral artery disease.

Effects of Smoking on Your Oral Health:

Yellowed Teeth:

One of the most visible effects of smoking on your oral health is yellowed teeth. The tar and nicotine in tobacco smoke will stain your teeth, giving them a yellow or brownish hue. This staining is usually unsightly and difficult to remove.

Dry Mouth:

Smoking also causes dry mouth, which occurs when there is a decrease in the production of saliva. Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria. When you have a dry mouth, you are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Receding Gums:

Smoking can also lead to receding gums, which is when the gum tissue around your teeth pulls back, exposing the roots of your teeth. This can cause tooth sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay and tooth loss.

Increased Cavities and Tooth Loss:

Smoking also increases your risk of cavities and tooth loss. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. Additionally, smoking can lead to gum disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss.

Oral Cancer:

Some of the chemicals contained in tobacco smoke and chewing tobacco are carcinogenic, meaning they cause genetic changes in cells of the mouth cavity and cause oral cancer. Regular dentist visits are a must if you’re worried about developing oral cancer, as Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can provide thorough oral cancer screenings as a part of our proactive approach to dentistry.

In conclusion, smoking has a range of negative effects on your overall health and oral health. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of developing these health problems and improve your overall well-being.

Why Quit?

Every smoker knows they should quit for the detrimental health risks. And yet every smoker wants to continue smoking. So, before we talk about quitting, it’s important that we first address why smokers smoke in the first place — or why they believe they have to smoke.

Smokers usually cite a number of reasons for why they smoke, including:

Stress: Smokers believe that smoking relieves stress or calms them down.
Boredom: Smokers believe that they smoke because they are bored.
Concentration: Smokers believe that smoking helps them concentrate.

Because they hold these beliefs about what smoking does for them, smokers are under the impression that quitting smoking would rob them of these supposed “benefits” of smoking. The wonderful truth is, smoking does none of these things for you.

Smoking doesn’t calm you down. In fact, it does quite the opposite. Nicotine is a known stimulant that raises your heart rate and blood pressure, causing increased stress and anxiety in both the short and long-term.

Smoking doesn’t relieve boredom. When smokers are bored, it’s true that they often light a cigarette. However, smoking cigarettes itself isn’t exciting. If you weren’t a smoker, chances are you’d find something else to do that would be significantly more entertaining than inhaling cigarette smoke for seven minutes.

Smoking doesn’t help you concentrate. Research confirms that smoking is terrible for your concentration. Having a nicotine addiction – or any addiction, for that matter – is incredibly distracting, and makes it much more difficult to concentrate on day-to-day tasks.

So, to the question “Why quit?” We answer:

To be free of nicotine addiction.
To experience a vastly improved bill of health.
And because smoking does nothing for you in the first place. You have nothing to lose!

Resources to Help You Get Started with Quitting Smoking

Allan Carr’s “EasyWay To Stop Smoking”: Developed by a former chainsmoker, this smoking cessation technique uses a combination of logic and psychology to break down all the reasons why smokers believe they need to smoke, and then explodes each myth one by one. (For example, our points in the above section were taken from Allan Carr’s work.) Carr’s method is available in print, as an audiobook, or in-person as a seminar.

National Cancer Institute Quitline: The National Cancer Institute provides a free smoking cessation hotline where people can receive counseling and support to quit smoking. The Quitline can be reached at 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848).

Smokefree.gov: Smokefree.gov is a website created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides a range of resources to help people quit smoking, including a step-by-step quit guide, mobile apps, and text message support.

American Lung Association: The American Lung Association offers a range of resources to help people quit smoking, including online tools, support groups, and a free quit smoking helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872).

Your healthcare provider: Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on quitting smoking and may be able to prescribe medications or recommend other treatments to help you quit smoking.

Community resources: Many communities have resources to help people quit smoking, including local support groups, smoking cessation programs, and community health clinics. Check with your local health department or community center to find out what resources are available in your area.

Lean on The Experts at Eggert Family Dentistry

The negative health effects of smoking are vast and far-reaching, impacting both overall health and oral health. However, quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know is struggling with smoking cessation, there are many resources available to help you on your journey.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health. If you have questions or need assistance with smoking cessation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 651-482-8412. Our team is here to support you on your journey to a healthier, smoke-free life!