Just For Fun Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Is There Really a Trend of People Trying to Make Their Teeth Look Like Vampire Teeth?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Yes, believe it or not, there’s a growing trend of people altering their teeth to look like vampire fangs! Whether it’s a fascination with fantasy, a love of Halloween, or a desire to stand out, some people are embracing the otherworldly look by having their canine teeth sharpened or extended to resemble vampire fangs. This trend has become popular in various subcultures, including goth, cosplay, and even among fans of vampire-themed TV shows and movies. But, what exactly goes into transforming your teeth into something out of a Dracula novel?

If you’re wondering who performs this kind of work, the answer is often cosmetic dentists who specialize in extreme or unique modifications, many times these dentists are found in or near Hollywood. These procedures typically involve either filing down the natural teeth to a sharp point or using dental bonding to extend and shape the canines into fangs. Some people opt for temporary, removable dental veneers in the shape of fangs, which can be popped in and out for occasions like costume parties. However, the more permanent versions involve reshaping your actual teeth, which is a bigger commitment and harder to reverse.

The good news is that, in some cases, these changes can be reversible. For example, if dental bonding was used to create the fangs, a dentist can usually remove the material and restore your teeth to their original shape. However, if your natural teeth were filed down or altered significantly, reversing the look can be more difficult and may require dental crowns or veneers to rebuild the teeth. It’s always important to carefully consider the long-term effects of altering your teeth before taking the plunge.

So, what inspires people to want vampire teeth? For some, it’s all about embracing a unique identity and expressing their love for vampire culture. With the continued popularity of vampire shows like True Blood or The Vampire Diaries, as well as movies like Twilight, there’s a romanticized appeal to the vampire aesthetic. Others are drawn to the mystique and rebelliousness that sharp, pointed fangs can convey, making it a bold statement of individuality.

While the idea of sporting vampire teeth might seem extreme to you, for those who seek out this look, it’s often a form of self-expression. If you’re considering this trend, remember that it’s essential to consult with a reputable dentist, like Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN because they can advise you on the best and safest options. After all, your teeth are important not just for your appearance, but for your overall health too! So, even though it’s nearly Halloween, please call us at 651-482-8412 before you’d consider anything too extreme! We’re all for a little fun, but we also want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible!

Frighteningly Good Dental Hygiene: How to Keep Your Smile Scarily Clean

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Yes, Halloween is just around the corner, and before you know it, adorable costumed children will show up on your doorstep hoping to avoid tricks and add some sugary treats to their stash. We don’t think there could be a better time to delve into sugar’s effect on teeth and discuss some important tips to keep everyone’s smiles frighteningly clean this Halloween and all year long.

Beware of the Candy Monster

Since we were kids, most of us have heard that sugar is bad for our teeth, but how many of us truly understand its impact?

The bad bacteria in our mouths love sugar. It’s what they live on! When these bacteria munch on sugar, enamel-eating acid forms. This acid degrades enamel, but it doesn’t stop there. It can invade teeth to the point of causing them to decay, and in severe cases, it can even lead to tooth loss.

Sour candies present the added challenge of being highly acidic in nature, posing an even more aggressive threat.

Fortunately, our bodies have a wonderful built-in defense mechanism against these destructive bacteria—saliva. One primary function of saliva is to rinse these bacteria off of your teeth so it doesn’t have a chance to produce acid that leads to decay. But saliva alone isn’t a match for ooey gooey sugar. Keep the candy monster from wreaking havoc on your pearly whites by limiting sugar consumption and prioritizing good dental hygiene!

Keep the Vampires Away With Proper Brushing

Good dental hygiene starts with a consistent brushing routine. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. Brushing partners with saliva to help remove acid from the surface of your teeth before it can develop into plaque or harden into tartar.

Be mindful of when you’re brushing your teeth. It might seem best to brush right after eating sweet treats or after you drink fruit juice or a can of soda. However, the acid from sweet treats and beverages softens your enamel, and brushing over soft enamel can cause more harm than good. If you do this habitually, you can actually erode the enamel right off your teeth! Give your saliva an hour to bathe your teeth before you brush. Less acid on your teeth means firmer, more durable enamel!

The Ghostly Importance of Flossing

Brushing is a critical component of any daily dental hygiene routine, but every superhero has a sidekick, and brushing is no exception! Once a day after brushing, be sure to floss thoroughly between your teeth. If you’re not accustomed to regular flossing, check out this article for helpful flossing tips!

Plaque forms when bacteria and acids from sugar and other carbohydrates sit on your teeth and mingle in your mouth. Flossing helps remove any plaque that’s building up between your teeth or along your gum line before it inflames your gums. If it’s not removed, plaque can harden into tartar and result in gum disease. Now that’s a scary thought!

Spooky Tips for Tooth-Friendly Treats

We’re not suggesting you be “that neighbor” and hand out bags of mini carrots to eager trick-or-treaters this year. (Although we do think it’s a brilliant idea!) But consider swapping out some of your pantry’s sugary go-to’s for healthier, tooth-friendly alternatives. Some ideas include: raw veggies and dip, popcorn, dark chocolate (the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it contains), nuts and nut butters, rice cakes, chips and salsa, and sugar-free candy.

And if you’re thinking twice about handing out candy this Halloween (and you can’t wrap your mind around handing out vegetables!), bouncy balls, temporary tattoos, pencils with cute toppers, friendship bracelets, or spider rings will delight the lions, tigers, and bears at your door…and their parents and dentists too!

Don’t Let Cavities Creep In—Schedule Your Dental Check-Up

Regular recare visits are imperative for any frighteningly good dental hygiene routine! Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN recommend a professional cleaning and a thorough inspection of your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaws at least every six months to keep your smile healthy and looking its best. Reach out to us at 651.482.8412 to set up your next appointment!

Axe Throwing: From Ancient Tool to Modern Recreation

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Axe throwing, an activity with roots deep in human history, has evolved from a practical tool for survival and warfare into a popular and engaging recreational pastime. The origins of axe throwing can be traced back to ancient civilizations where axes were essential for hunting, woodworking, and, when necessary, as weapons in battle.

Historical Significance: Axes as Tools and Weapons

In ancient times, various cultures utilized axes for a multitude of purposes. The Vikings, for example, are often associated with both the craftsmanship of axes for daily tasks and their use as formidable weapons. Similarly, Native American tribes employed tomahawks, a type of light axe, for hunting and ceremonial purposes.

Throughout history, axes have symbolized strength, utility, and craftsmanship, transcending their practical applications. As societies progressed, axes became less vital for survival, transforming into symbols of craftsmanship and resourcefulness.

The Rise of Axe Throwing as a Recreational Activity

The transition of axe throwing from a utilitarian tool to a recreational activity can be attributed to various factors. One of the key elements is the desire for unique and thrilling experiences. As society advanced, people sought unconventional ways to unwind and connect with others, fostering a demand for activities that blended skill, competition, and social interaction.

In recent years, axe throwing has experienced a resurgence, fueled by the rise of urban recreational venues specializing in this novel sport. These establishments offer a safe and controlled environment for participants to channel their inner lumberjack, honing their skills at hitting a target with a carefully thrown axe.

Why Axe Throwing is Popular Today

Several factors contribute to the current popularity of axe throwing:

Accessible to All Skill Levels: Axe throwing is relatively easy for beginners to pick up, making it an inclusive activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Social and Competitive Element: The sport combines elements of both social and competitive activities. Whether enjoying a casual night out with friends or participating in a structured league, axe throwing provides an opportunity for camaraderie and friendly competition.
Stress Relief and Catharsis: The act of throwing an axe can be cathartic, offering a unique way for individuals to release stress and tension. The rhythmic motion of axe throwing provides a satisfying physical and mental release.
Novelty and Trendiness: The novelty of axe throwing, combined with its historical roots, contributes to its trendiness. People are drawn to experiences that stand out from traditional recreational activities.
Safe and Controlled Environment: Modern axe-throwing venues prioritize safety, providing participants with thorough training and safety guidelines. This ensures that individuals can enjoy the activity without unnecessary risks.

The history of axe throwing is a journey from practicality to recreation. Today, it has found a place in the hearts of enthusiasts seeking a unique, social, and thrilling experience, turning what was once a survival skill into a modern pastime that continues to captivate people around the world.

Wishing You a Radiant Labor Day Weekend and a Bright Back-to-School Time!

Dear Valued Patients and Friends of Eggert Family Dentistry,

As we stand at the threshold of a delightful confluence – the exuberant Labor Day weekend and the much-anticipated return to school – we extend to you our warmest greetings and well wishes. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, along with the entire team, want you to know how truly grateful we are to have you as a part of our dental family.

Labor Day is not just a day off but a tribute to your hard work, determination, and dedication. It’s a time to pause, take a breath, and celebrate the progress you’ve made on your life journey. As you savor this long weekend, may your hearts be light, your laughter be infectious, and your smiles be radiant reflections of the joy you bring to those around you.

The back-to-school season, filled with anticipation and potential, is also upon us. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and our team want to extend our encouragement to all the students venturing into new horizons of knowledge and personal growth. May your pursuit of education be marked by curiosity, perseverance, and those “aha” moments that make learning so exhilarating.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, your smiles are our priority, and we’re here to ensure your oral health is in its best form. As you dive into your schedules, remember to take a moment for self-care and maintain those beautiful smiles that light up our practice. If it’s time for your regular recare visit or if you have any questions, remember that our doors are open to serve you.

This Labor Day weekend, as you reflect on your achievements and embrace the promise of the back-to-school season, let your spirits soar and your smiles shine brightly. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and our entire team are here to support you on your journey, ensuring that your dental health remains as vibrant as your aspirations.

From our hearts to yours, have a joyful Labor Day weekend and a splendid return to school!

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and the Eggert Family Dentistry Team

9 Oral Health Gift Ideas for the Holidays

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Not sure what to buy for your loved ones this holiday season? Why not give them the gift of a healthy, happy mouth? Not only are dental hygiene gifts practical, but they can also be fun! Better yet, they’re usually highly appreciated. This holiday season, check off your gift-list with this round-up of 9 creative oral health gift ideas.

1.) Electric Toothbrush ($20-200)

Did you know that an electric toothbrush has been proven to decrease more plaque and gingivitis than a manual toothbrush? While these toothbrushes are definitely more of an investment than their manual counterparts, dentists like Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert agree: they’re absolutely worth it! When you give a family member or friend one of these toothbrushes, you can feel good knowing that their oral health is about to improve dramatically!

2.) Fancy Toothpaste ($10-55)

Have you dived into the world of luxury toothpastes before? If not, you’re in for a treat, literally. From fancy toothpastes that reportedly taste like cocktails, to gel toothpastes that harness the power of oxygen to heal your gums, there are so many options to choose from that will delight and amaze your giftees!

3.) Dental Travel Kit ($3-10)

Do you have a frequent flier in your life? A digital nomad? A dental travel kit will make an excellent stocking-stuffer for anyone who’s been bitten by the travel bug. It’s not always convenient to carry around a full size brush, floss, toothpaste tube, and bottle of mouthwash with you everywhere you go, so having mini versions of these that can fit in a small bag is ideal.

4.) Sugar free gum and mints ($1-20)

These gifts make great stocking-stuffers! Sugar free gum is good for your dental health because it stimulates saliva production which keeps your mouth healthy (it also freshens your breath!) Sugar free mints have these same benefits without the chewing, which make them perfect for people who prefer not to chew gum. You’ve also maybe heard us talk about Xylimelts, a mild mint product with xylitol. They keep your saliva production up as well as help you fight cavities!

5.) Water Flossers ($10-200)

If you’ve got someone in your life who has braces, or someone who struggles with carpal tunnel, arthritis, or other dexterity limitations, a water flosser such as the Waterpik would make a perfect oral health gift. Water flossers flush bacteria and food particles out from between the teeth and below the gums where floss can’t always reach. The water pressure also stimulates the gums, leading to an overall healthier mouth. While water flossers don’t replace actual flossing, they can make a great addition to your oral health routine!

6.) Professional Whitening Treatment ($650-1350)

Store-bought whiteners don’t whiten any bonding, veneers, or caps and crowns. Additionally, they can be mildly to extremely painful for people with sensitive teeth. If you really want to make somebody smile this holiday season, get them a professional Zoom or Kör whitening treatment. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we recommend Zoom whitening treatments for those who are looking for less expensive, quicker results. For people who have extreme sensitivity or tetracycline stained teeth, we recommend you take the Kör route, instead.

7.) Eco-Friendly Dental Supplies ($5-25)

Delight your eco-conscious friends and family with some ingenious eco-friendly dental supplies. From certified-vegan bamboo toothbrushes, to mint-flavored (non-vegan) zero-waste silk floss, to plastic-free chewable toothpaste tablets with fluoride, these products are both earth-conscious and budget friendly!

8.) Oral Care Subscription Box ($30-55)

Of all the subscription boxes out there, we think oral care has to be the most practical. After all, you use your toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash daily! It makes sense to restock on these products every month. Of course, you’ll want to shop around—some popular oral care subscription boxes include the eco-conscious Nudge and Bazoo, and Cocofloss for those who like fun floss flavors.

9.) Invisalign

The best gift you could give a person is a perfect smile! Invisalign is the name for clear aligners that act like braces, but are more discreet—almost invisible! Invisalign relies on the natural processes in your mouth to subtly reposition your teeth over time. Whether you’ve got a teenager looking for an alternative to braces, or an adult who wants to discreetly perfect their smile, contact Eggert Family Dentistry. We’ll be happy to create a custom Invisalign treatment plan for you and your family!

Have questions about Zoom and Kör whitening treatments, or Invisalign aligners? Call Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert today at 651.482.8412 We look forward to helping you check off your holiday shopping list this year!

The Love of Food and Fellowship Couples Well with Preventative Dental Health Care

By: Shelly Tretsven, Eggert Family Dentistry Hygienist

I am a foodie, I confess. As a dental hygienist I have had the opportunity to talk about nutrition, recipes and good eats with patients for over 30 years. Food is truly a universal language.

The holiday season is upon us which is a great opportunity for good food and good company.

Food and Oral Health:

Food provides the nutrients for healthy bodies and healthy mouths. It’s important to eat a well balanced diet of protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of water. Your food choices matter in the preventative care of your oral health. For starters, digestion begins in the mouth, simple carbohydrates like sugar and starches are broken down in the mouth by the bacteria in your plaque and their bi-product is acid. That acid is responsible for the breakdown of your tooth surfaces resulting in a cavity. It can also irritate your gum tissue, resulting in gingivitis or periodontal disease. Another thing that can happen with too much acid in the mouth is erosion. Erosion is the wearing away of tooth structure from an acid source, primarily in the form of foods and beverages. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, coffee, alcohol, soda, and even carbonated water are some of the top rated foods for causing erosion of the teeth.

Reduce or modify the consumption of acidic foods by eating them with meals and coupling them with a more neutral or neutralizing food like nuts, eggs, cheese, meats, vegetables, and whole grains when eaten between meals. A good snack choice might be fresh fruits and vegetables or a pairing of pickles and cheese, fruit with yogurt, a medley of nuts or coffee and tea with cream.

The holidays are here and it’s really difficult to manage all the above rules and information when so many delightful foods are before us. But, we can try and maybe not miss out as much as we think. Here are a few suggestions for you:

The trend toward charcuterie boards is wonderful for when guests arrive. A beautiful display of whole foods is a great option and can minimize acids if you choose right! If you keep in mind the yin yang of high and low pH foods, you can provide great healthy choices.

Another idea is to serve lean roasted meat or fish or roasted veggies, but probably skip the potatoes. To make things more interesting, don’t forget the seasoning because that counts! Also, whole grain breads and sourdough can replace white dinner rolls. Sourdough bread is low in gluten, is a prebiotic that feeds healthy bacteria in your stomach, and is more digestible.

Finally, holiday desserts can be fresh fruit pies or tarts, drizzled with heavy cream instead of sweet whipped cream.

Consider baking with ⅓ less sugar for most of your cookies this season and try butter substitutes like beans, apple sauce, avocado and more.

Or, try this recipe. Yum!

Have a happy and joyous holiday season with your loved ones!

Not All Halloween Candy Affects Teeth the Same: What Is the Best and Worst?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Halloween is right around the corner. As parents, we know the drill. Our kids put copious amounts of time into choosing the perfect costumes, rally their friends and map out plans of attack to collect the most possible candy in one evening. We’re caught somewhere between, “That sounds like the most epic Halloween ever, kids!” and “No child’s teeth can handle all that candy!”

In light of this pre-Halloween parent panic, we thought it would be helpful to take a little time to explain how different types of candy affect teeth differently.

Halloween candy worst offenders

Some candies are particularly problematic for dental health.

Hard sugar candy

Candy on a stick, such as lollipops or rock candy, is meant to be enjoyed over time. Because it lingers in your mouth, it increases the production of saliva. However, instead of the saliva doing its job and rinsing bacteria out of your mouth, it only spreads the sugar around. Additionally, your mouth produces acid in an attempt to destroy the sticky sugar that then coats your teeth. The acid and sugar team up to break down tooth enamel and, with repeat exposure, can result in tooth decay.

Another threat to teeth from hard candy is the temptation to bite down on it, hence the candy we fondly know as “jawbreakers.” Biting down on hard candy can easily result in broken or chipped teeth and sometimes upset the jaw muscles so much, pain results.

Chewy candy

Just like candy on a stick, chewy candy lingers in the mouth. It gets stuck in your molars and between your teeth. If you’ve ever eaten Laffy Taffy, Sugar Babies or caramels, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Gummy candies or fruit snacks might seem like safer bets but they aren’t any better. They still contain sugar and get trapped in your molars and small crevices between your teeth.

Oh, and watch out for those delicious caramel apple suckers. Between the caramel, hard sugar candy and the fact that they’re meant to be savored, they can really wreak some dental havoc.

Sour candy

You might be wondering where sour candy fits into the picture. Warheads, Sour Patch Kids, Sour Skittles…kids LOVE sour candy and love to challenge themselves and their friends to eat large quantities of it or hold the sour candy in their mouths for long periods of time.

Unfortunately, sour candy attacks your teeth from two angles. Sour candy is both sweet and acidic. The sugar sticks to your teeth while the acid breaks down your enamel. Many sour candies are also sticky, further exacerbating the ill effects.

Does this mean your children can’t eat the hard and sugary, chewy or sour candies they rake in on Oct. 31? Not necessarily. However, armed with a little knowledge, you can avoid passing them out to the neighborhood kids and explain to your children why it’s important to limit their consumption of these sticky stinkers. Then remind them to brush and floss their teeth afterward to clean their mouths and remove any lodged sugar.

Halloween candy best choices

Sugar-free hard candy

Like its sugar-laden counterpart, sugar-free hard candy encourages the production of saliva which rinses bacteria from your mouth. However, sugar-free candy doesn’t cause the production of acid or stick to your teeth—a win for your pearly whites…and your sweet tooth!

Chocolates

One of the most popular categories of Halloween candy are chocolates. While many have sticky centers like Twix, Rollos or Snickers, others like Hershey’s bars and Nestle Crunch dissipate quickly in your mouth, making them more dental-friendly than almost any other candy.

Sugar-free gum

While it’s not technically considered candy, sugar-free gum—much like sugar-free candy—helps your mouth produce saliva which rinses your teeth and helps ward against destructive bacteria. If you’re looking for a healthy option to hand out at the door this year (and don’t want to be the neighbor handing out mini bags of baby carrots!) consider giving out packs of sugar-free gum. Almost all kids love to chew gum, it’s allergen-friendly and will help cleanse their mouths from all the sugary, sticky, sour madness.

If you haven’t already, give us a call at 651.428.9691 to schedule your family members’ recare visits. Dr. Elizabeth, Dr. Jeff and our hygienists are here to help you keep your teeth clean and enjoy a healthy smile for life.

Meet Your Hygiene Team

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In case you didn’t know, October is National Dental Hygiene Month! We want to observe the month by taking some time to introduce ourselves and tell you a little about the history of Eggert Family Dentistry and what we’re all about.

In 2005, Dr. Elizabeth acquired an existing dental practice in North Oaks, a northern St. Paul suburb, and we’ve been operating out of this same building for the past 15 years, just moving down the hall in 2015 to a larger location. We are a family-friendly practice, offering services for patients of all ages. Our services run the gamut from general dentistry to cosmetic work and from orthodontics to full-mouth reconstructions. Our motto is “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles,” and we work hard to that end, partnering with each of our patients to help them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that will truly last a lifetime.

Here we highlight our Hygiene Team and thank them for all the wonderful service they provide our patients!

Joanna

“I enjoy working at Eggert Family Dentistry because we have a fun working atmosphere. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff care for their patients and provide the best dental care for them.”

When she’s not at the office, Joanna enjoys being outside and spending time with family and friends. She resides in Blaine with her husband, Jeffrey, and their four children – Kyle, Kylie, Rylie and Bentley.

Shelly

“I continue to love this profession! The quality of care I have had the privilege to provide over the years has been a direct reflection on those I have served. Meeting patients’ needs through listening, hands-on care and education has been so fulfilling. Our patients are the reason we do what we do.”

Shelly and her husband Ross, have lived in Shoreview for over 25 years. They have twin sons and a daughter, all just on the cusp of adulthood! As a family, they enjoy spending time at their Wisconsin cabin. Shelly loves to cook and enjoys fellowship with others.

Lea

“It is a pleasure to be part of the Eggert Family Dentistry team! We strive to make each visit a pleasant experience and to create a trusting relationship with each patient. I enjoy being part of a team that provides attentive care and top-notch education to help our patients maintain optimal health using the latest technology.”

Lea resides in White Bear Lake with her husband Dan and their two kids – Jonathan and Lauren. They also love their one-year-old black lab, Louie. Lea spends her free time in the garden, going to the cabin, reading and watching her kids play sports.

Cassie

“At Eggert Family Dentistry, our entire team strives to make every patient our number one priority. We provide exceptional, personalized care in a small office setting. I enjoy working with Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff and contributing to the overall patient experience.”

Cassie grew up in Ramsey and graduated from Anoka High School. She now lives in Andover with her husband Jim and their twin boys, Zack and Ryan, and their daughter, Abby. Cassie stays busy with her kids’ activities – baseball, basketball, track and competitive dance. She also enjoys tennis and fun times at the lake boating, swimming and kayaking.

If you’d like to learn more about Eggert Family Dentistry and the services we provide, give us a call at 651.482.8412. We would be happy to connect with you!

Eggert Family Dentistry Scholarships – Helping Students Since 2005

Have you or someone you know ever considered a career in dentistry? There are nearly 200,000 practicing dentists in the United States as well as hundreds of thousands more people working as dental hygienists, assistants, administrators, and lab technicians who are enjoying fulfilling careers, competitive salaries and a quality work/life balance within the dental industry.

Opportunities and Specialties

When we think about dentistry, most of us imagine a traditional dentist office setting. According to the ADA, however, there are countless professional dentistry opportunities in other areas as well. “Today’s dental school graduates can choose to work in hospital emergency rooms, conduct advanced laboratory research, teach future dentists or even travel the world with international health and relief organizations.”

The ADA recognizes nine specialties within the industry: dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology/radiology/surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics.

Dental Education

Typically, DDS/DMD programs are four-year programs. Dental specialties require additional years of study above and beyond those four years. With over 65 dental schools throughout the country, dental school is highly competitive and requires a substantial financial investment. In fact, over 90% of dental students finance their education through the use of student loans.

Eggert Family Dentistry Scholarships

Eggert Family Dentistry is invested in the future of dentistry and believes that the cost of dental education shouldn’t prohibit anyone from pursuing their dreams. This is why, since 2005, Dr. Eggert has been making a difference in the lives of countless young people by awarding $2000 each year to four high school seniors from the following local schools: Mounds View, Irondale, Centennial and Spring Lake Park.

The goal of the scholarships is to get them in the hands of students pursuing a career in the dental industry. This means not only students planning on becoming a dentist, but the scholarships are given to future dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians as well. There are currently many opportunities in the dental industry, especially for axillary team members.

If you know a well-deserving senior from one of these schools that you would like to nominate for an Eggert Family Denistry scholarship, submit one to two paragraphs about why you believe this person should be awarded the scholarship. All nominations must be received before March of each year. Scholarship winners will join the ranks of these fine former recipients.

If you would like to know more about careers in dentistry, we would be happy to speak with you! Or, we have had students shadow at our office in the past as well. This is a great way to learn more about this exciting career path. Call us at 651-482-8412 to set something up.

Humans versus Animals: Teeth Edition!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

This summer, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff took their boys on the iconoclastic “South Dakota Family Vacation.” They were lucky to visit the monuments and climb around all the amazing rocks of the Black Hills. But, one of the most amazing places was the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. They had very interesting information about mammoth teeth and it got us thinking, “How similar are human and animal teeth?”

Humans spend a lot of time and energy keeping their pearly whites in good working order. We visit the dentist and brush and floss our teeth regularly. With animals, it’s a different story. Unless you brush your pets’ teeth, animal chompers aren’t cleaned regularly. So how do their teeth compare to ours?

Animal and human teeth are essentially the same.

Both human and animal teeth are made of calcium, phosphorus, and mineral salts. Adult humans have 32 teeth, including eight incisors and four canines for cutting and tearing. The rest are molars that come in before and during puberty.

Thirty-two might seem like a lot of teeth, but lots of animals have many, many more. Here are just a few examples:

hippos have 40 teeth
armadillos have 100 teeth
dolphins have 250 teeth

Snails do not have backbones, but they do have a lot of teeth. Their tongues contain more than 25,000 tiny, sharp teeth! Limpets, an aquatic snail, have the strongest teeth on Earth. They are made of protein and goethite, an iron-based mineral.

Big animal, big teeth . . . or not.

Elephants are huge animals, so it makes sense that their teeth are proportionately large. A single elephant molar can weigh up to 10 pounds. Elephants also grow a new set of teeth every 10 years or so. This is very similar to the mammoths. This is usually how paleontologists can verify the age of the mammoths we saw as fossils. Mammoths developed six sets of teeth over their lifetime.

But the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, has no teeth at all. Instead, it has long plates of keratin called baleen. It is the same substance that makes up human fingernails. Baleen strains tiny creatures called krill out of the water. Blue whales swallow the krill whole.

Humans have the upper hand on oral hygiene.

Though hippos and shrimp may have more teeth than humans do, we do a far better job at keeping our chompers clean and healthy. Humans have cleaned their teeth since at least 5,000 BCE. Egyptians mixed pumice with ox hooves’ ashes and burnt eggshells to create toothpaste. Colgate began mass producing toothpaste in 1873.

The first toothbrush was invented in Egypt in 3,500 BCE. It was a twig with a frayed end. The first natural bristle toothbrush was invented in China in the 15^th century, and the first modern one was invented in 1938 in the United States.

Do your oral hygiene habits resemble a mammoth’s more than a human’s? It’s time to schedule an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry! Email Eggert Family Dentistry or call (651) 482-8412 today.