Category: Recare & Prevention

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

halloween candy

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!

The Impact of Healthy Childhood Habits on Airway and Oral Health

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In many ways, the stage for lifelong health is set in childhood. Often overlooked amid the busyness of parenting, mouth-breathing can affect your child’s airway and oral health and affect their quality of life. As a parent, you are your child’s biggest advocate. That’s why we want to take some time to educate you on the topic of airway and oral health, including signs to watch for and what you can do if you suspect your child’s airway is compromised.

Contributing factors that affect airway and oral health

While it may be necessary during allergy season or when fighting a head cold, long-term mouth-breathing will result in airway issues or sleep-disordered breathing.

Certain malformations such as crooked, misaligned teeth, improper jaw alignment, a narrow palate, and abnormalities of the head or skull can also make nasal breathing difficult. Children who deal with these challenges often unknowingly default to mouth-breathing. Interestingly, sometimes it’s a matter of what comes first – the chicken or the egg, because in children who mouth breathe, their development will occur in a more vertical pattern, resulting in the malformations noted above. This also makes things more difficult the longer we wait for intervention.

When your child breathes through their nose, their body filters toxins and debris through the nose’s cilia. Nasal breathing also helps the body produce nitric oxide, which makes it easier for the lungs to absorb oxygen. Plus, nasal breathing warms and humidifies the air in the nasal cavity, keeping the tonsils and adenoids moist and healthy.

Mouth-breathing, on the other hand, dries out tonsils and adenoids, making them irritated and inflamed and exacerbating breathing issues. A dry airway is also more prone to collapsing, and will cause childhood sleep apnea.

Additionally, mouth-breathing deprives your child of oxygen by up to 20% and increases CO2 levels in their blood.

Over time, stressors resulting from mouth-breathing can even lead to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, lung malfunction, and enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart.

How do I know if my child is a mouth-breather or dealing with an airway obstruction?

When a child is mouth-breathing, their mouth is drier and doesn’t have adequate saliva to protect their teeth and gums against damaging bacteria. The increased presence of bacteria often results in more plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. Generally, if the lips are apart, breathing is occurring through the mouth instead of through the nose.

  • Some additional signs that your child may be mouth-breathing as opposed to nasal breathing include:Snoring
  • Poor speech
  • Halitosis
  • Dry lips
  • Bedwetting
  • Fatigue/dark circles under the eyes
  • Insomnia
  • Brain fog
  • Academic struggles
  • ADHD symptoms
  • Forward head posture (bent neck)
  • Sleeping with their neck extended

The role of healthy childhood habits on airway and oral health

Fortunately, as a parent, you’re not a helpless bystander when it comes to detecting airway issues in your child…or when it comes to helping prevent them. There are many healthy habits you can help your child develop that will decrease their risk.

If you notice your child mouth-breathing, encourage them to breathe through their nose instead. Sometimes, children continue to mouth-breathe long after a cold or allergies have subsided. Consider teaching your child relaxing nasal breathing techniques they can practice during the day and while they’re falling asleep at night. Always think “tongue up, lips sealed, breath goes in through the nose.”

Encourage your child to eat healthy and stay hydrated. Healthy food is an important part of keeping your child’s immune system strong. Proper hydration ensures adequate saliva production, which keeps your child’s oral biome healthy.

Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. Just like healthy food, good sleep helps strengthen weak immune systems and keeps healthy immune systems strong!

Make sure your child stays active. Physical activity strengthens the respiratory system.

Encourage your child to brush and floss their teeth every day. It reduces the buildup of bacteria in your child’s mouth that could irritate their airways.

The importance of regular recare visits

Last but certainly not least, perhaps the most important thing you can do to help your child prevent airway issues and ensuing long-term health issues is to schedule regular recare visits at Eggert Family Dentistry! We recommend starting your child’s recare visits before their first birthday! Our recare visits are thorough! We go above and beyond simply looking for cavities and cleaning your child’s teeth. In addition to cavities, we look for various dental problems that can be linked to airway issues or sleep-disordered breathing. These dental problems include:

  • Bruxism
  • Functional tooth wear and fractures
  • Erosive tooth wear
  • TMD/myofascial pain
  • Malocclusion, especially anterior open bite and crossbite
  • Facial development
  • Periodontal disease
  • Abfractions
  • Impacted teeth
  • Orthodontic or orthognathic relapse

If Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert is suspicious your child is struggling with airway issues or sleep-disordered breathing, they may suggest a myobrace appliance, which is kind of like a mouthguard, to correct their bite and facilitate nasal breathing. In some cases, they will refer your child to an ENT.

Being proactive is key. When you partner with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert for your child’s dental care, they help your child grow up healthier and have an optimal quality of life. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we recognize that airway and oral health are critical for lifelong physical health and self-esteem and set your child up for academic and athletic success throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Call us today at 651.482.8412 to set up your child’s next recare visit in our office!

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in the connection between dental problems and airway issues, we highly recommend these books:

  • Sleep Interrupted by Steven Park, MD
  • The Chronic Cough Enigma by Dr. Jamie Koufman
  • No More Allergies, Asthma or Sinus Infections by Dr. Lori Jones
  • Close Your Mouth by Patrick McKeown
  • The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

Protecting Your Smile: Understanding Acidity and Dental Decay

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Acidity in food and drinks is not just a concern for your digestive system; it also poses a significant threat to your dental health. When you consume acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, sodas, and vinegar-based dressings, the acid attacks the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this erosion weakens the enamel, leading to dental decay, cavities, and other oral health issues.

How to learn more about acidity?

At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert are passionate about educating our patients about the harmful effects of acidity on dental health. By raising awareness about the link between acidity and tooth decay and tooth wear, we empower our patients to make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle. Armed with this knowledge, you can use your cell phone to easily access information about the acidity levels of various foods and drinks, helping you make healthier choices to protect your smile. Such an easy use of amazing technology! (And, maybe a nice way to keep your kids researching with their phones instead of always just playing games!)

What is pH?

The pH scale measures acidity, with lower pH values indicating higher acidity. You can utilize smartphone apps or online resources to look up the pH levels of different foods and beverages. One popular cell phone app that helps users learn about the acidity in their foods and beverages is “pH Scale & Acid Test.” This app provides a comprehensive database of pH values for a wide range of foods and drinks, allowing you to easily look up the acidity levels of various items.

Additionally, the app often includes user-friendly features such as color-coded ratings to indicate the acidity level of each item, making it simple for you to make informed choices about your diet and oral health. By choosing options with lower acidity (pH levels of 7 or more), such as water or milk, instead of highly acidic choices like soda or citrus juices, you can minimize the risk of enamel erosion and dental decay.

Here is a chart showing many acidic food and drink choices.

The growing popularity of “sour” candy

You may not realize, but sucking and chewing sour candies has become a popular and seemingly harmless treat, especially among young children. The American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association started a campaign in 2008 called “The Power of Sour” to help educate against this type of treat. Unfortunately, the popularity of sour candy keeps increasing and many adults have now jumped in on this trend. The acidity of these candies is increasing all the erosive tooth wear we see here at Eggert Family Dentistry. Teeth with acidic erosion will often look discolored, taking on a brown, yellow, or grey appearance. Teeth can also look sharp or rounded, depending on where the acid attack is occurring the mouth.

The following chart gives examples of popular sour candies.

We’re here to help! 

In addition to empowering patients with dietary guidance, Eggert Family Dentistry employs advanced technology to detect dental decay at its earliest stages. Enhanced radiographic technology, including digital radiograph sensors and a state-of-the-art CBCT machine, allows Drs. Jeff and Elizabeth Eggert to identify even the smallest signs of decay before they become more serious issues. Early detection enables prompt intervention, preserving tooth structure and preventing the need for more extensive treatments down the line.

By combining patient education with cutting-edge diagnostic tools, Eggert Family Dentistry prioritizes preventive care and early intervention in the fight against dental decay from acid attack! Drs. Jeff and Elizabeth Eggert are committed to helping you maintain healthy smiles for years to come, emphasizing the importance of acidity awareness and regular dental recare visits and check-ups. With proactive measures and informed choices, you can safeguard your dental health and help us fulfill our motto of providing “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!” Call us today to ask your acidic food and drink questions! 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!

Power of Sour: The Candy That Has Us Spooked

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Halloween is fast approaching, and while children rejoice at the prospect of consuming as much candy as possible, parents know that copious amounts of sugar can have monstrous effects on their teeth.

But not all Halloween candy is created equal! There is a certain kind of candy that, for dental professionals, is the stuff of nightmares. We’re talking of course, about sour candies.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we don’t want to take the fun out of Halloween, but we do want to arm you with the right information so you can make the best decisions for your family’s dental health! So, from sour gummy worms to WarHeads, let’s take a look at why sour candies are so harmful, and how you can protect your children’s dental health this Halloween.

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar

Sour candies are particularly damaging to your teeth. But in order to understand why, we need to first talk about how sugar affects your dental health.

Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in the mouth that make up plaque. When these bacteria eat sugar, they produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, allowing these harmful bacteria strains to affect deeper layers of the tooth. This results in cavities and tooth decay, and can ultimately contribute to tooth loss.

Foods and candies containing high amounts of white processed sugar are particularly damaging because these foods leave a sticky residue on your teeth that is too strong for your saliva to wash away on its own. (That’s why it’s so important to brush your teeth after consuming sugary food and drink!)

How Sour Candy Affects Your Teeth

Sour candies are a double whammy – they’re sweet with sugar, allowing them to stick to your teeth, but they’re also more acidic, meaning they have a pH balance of less than 7.0.

This acid is what makes the candy sour, and unfortunately, it also weakens and wears away at your enamel. In fact, some sour candies are so acidic that they can actually burn the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Yikes!

To get an idea of the seriousness of the problem, here’s a chart that lists some popular candies along with their acidity. The lower the number, the more acidic the candy. And, keep in mind, this chart and research was done in 2007, the number of sour candies has exploded in the last 15 years so there are many, many more!

You’ll notice that one of the worst offenders, WarHeads Sour SprayⓇ, has an acidity of 1.6 — very close to battery acid. Talk about spooky!

This predicament is made worse when you consider that kids will often challenge each other to see who can hold a sour candy in their mouth for the longest time (looking at you, WarHeads!). This keeps the acidity high in the mouth for long periods of time and saliva doesn’t have the chance to neutralize the environment back to a healthy pH.

The Worst Types of Halloween Candy

Certain types of candy are especially bad for your teeth. Along with the chart we mentioned earlier, you should refer back to this list so that you’re ready when your child brings home their Halloween candy haul.

Hard Sugar Candy

(Examples: Lollipops, JollyRanchers, JawBreakers)

When it comes to dental health, the length of sugar exposure is directly related to the likelihood of tooth decay. Hard candies require you to suck on them until they dissolve, meaning the candy is in your mouth for much longer. This increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar, thereby increasing the chance of tooth decay. And, if the hard candy is sour, then your teeth are also exposed to a prolonged acid attack. As if that weren’t enough, hard candies can also break or chip your teeth!

Chewy or Sticky Candy

(Examples: Gummy worms, LaffyTaffy, caramels)

The stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth. That’s because sticky candy can easily get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your teeth, and is difficult to remove. As we’ve already mentioned, the longer a candy is in your mouth, the higher the likelihood of tooth decay. So even when you’re finished eating your gummy worms, the gummy worms are likely still in your mouth for hours afterward!

Sour Candy

(Examples: Sour Punch Straws, Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Sour Skittles)

As we’ve mentioned, sour candies are highly acidic. Acid attacks the teeth by weakening and wearing away tooth enamel, and teeth without protective enamel are more likely to suffer from tooth decay. Each time you put a sour candy in your mouth, your teeth experience an acid attack that lasts about 20 minutes!

Tips To Protect Your Family’s Teeth

Luckily, there are a few ways you can protect your children’s teeth this Halloween.

  • Dental health education: Teach your children about the importance of dental hygiene. Explain what happens when acid wears away at a tooth’s enamel, and they might think twice about sucking on that WarHead!
  • Prevention: Consider making an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry to have a dental sealant applied to your child’s teeth before Halloween rolls around. Sealants are a thin coating that protects the enamel of each tooth and prevents decay.
  • Sweet alternatives: If your child is reaching for their Halloween candy haul too often, encourage them to grab some of their favorite fresh fruits and vegetables instead. These won’t stick to their teeth and contain less sugar, but still taste great!
  • Good habits: Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day, and maybe more if they are eating a lot of sugary candy.  Be careful though of brushing too soon after eating sour things. Brushing will abrade away enamel under acid attack. It is best to allow your saliva to neutralize for awhile before brushing if you’ve eaten sour things.
  • Non-food alternatives: Consider offering your child a trade — extra screen time for 3 pieces of Halloween candy, a sleepover with friends for 5 pieces, a movie ticket for 10 pieces, etc.

At the end of the day, brushing, flossing, and recare appointments throughout the year will help protect your child’s teeth, especially during the spookiest time of year! Call us at 651.482.8412 to schedule your family members’ recare appointments today. We look forward to giving your family a healthier, happier smile!

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.

Revolutionizing Dental Care with the iTero Scanning Unit at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In the northeast suburbs of the Twin Cities, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, are taking dental care to new heights with the innovative iTero scanning unit. This cutting-edge technology is not only streamlining the process of scanning for Invisalign cases, but also enhancing a wide range of other dental procedures, ensuring patients receive top-notch care in a comfortable and efficient manner.

The Power of iTero:  A Game-Changer in Dental Scanning

Traditional dental impressions were once synonymous with discomfort, gooey molds, and anxious waiting. Fortunately, times are changing. Dental scanning units, like the iTero, are starting to change the way we are able to approach dental care. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff are now able to use these state-of-the-art scanning units to complete your care, helping to make the patient experience smoother and more precise.

The iTero scanner is a handheld device that uses advanced digital technology to create a 3D model/scan of a patient’s teeth and gums. This can eliminate the need for messy impression materials, while still delivering highly accurate results. The process is non-invasive, comfortable, and efficient, drastically reducing chair time!

Enhancing Invisalign Treatment

At Eggert Family Dentistry, you will see the iTero scanning unit used most often as an invaluable tool for Dr. Elizabeth to scan for her Invisalign cases. Patients seeking orthodontic solutions can now bid farewell to traditional impressions and welcome the iTero experience!

The scanner captures thousands of images per second, allowing her to create a comprehensive digital model of your teeth. This scan/3D model is then used by Invisalign to plan the tooth movements with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring the aligners fit perfectly and deliver optimal results. The iTero technology even allows for us to simulate Invisalign movements during an average recare visit! Ask your hygienist about this today!

Beyond Invisalign:  The Versatility of iTero

While iTero has revolutionized Invisalign treatment, its benefits extend far beyond orthodontics. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff can utilize the iTero scanning unit in various other dental procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and dental implants. The scanner’s accuracy and precision are essential in ensuring the success of these treatments.

The iTero scanner is particularly advantageous when it comes to the fabrication of restorations like crowns and bridges. With the digital model at their disposal, the doctors can collaborate with dental laboratories more effectively, resulting in restorations that fit seamlessly and look natural.

A Brighter, More Comfortable Future in Dentistry

The iTero scanning unit at Eggert Family Dentistry represents the future of dental care. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are committed to providing their patients with the best possible experience, and iTero technology plays a vital role in achieving this goal. With this innovative tool, they can offer better dental care, ultimately leading to healthier, happier smiles.

If you’re seeking dental treatment that embraces cutting-edge technology to deliver superior results, look no further than Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN. Call us today for your consultation. We look forward to meeting with you! 651.482.8412.

Elevating the Patient Experience: Eggert Family Dentistry’s Technological Marvels in North Oaks, MN

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

In the heart of North Oaks, MN, Eggert Family Dentistry stands as a beacon of exceptional dental care, where cutting-edge technology intertwines seamlessly with compassionate patient service.  Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, a husband and wife team, have integrated technology into their practice to revolutionize the patient experience.

Meet the Visionaries Behind the Innovation

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, has been working with our community for nearly 20 years and Dr. Jeff Eggert has been here now for over 10 years.  Together, they form an unbeatable pair, especially when surrounded by their amazing team!  Their vision extends beyond traditional dental care, striving to create an environment that calms patients and utilizes modern tech tools to enhance comfort, accuracy, and communication.

A Visual and Tech-Forward Approach to Care

With unwavering commitment to providing the best possible experience for their patients, Eggert Family Dentistry has embraced technological advancements that make dental visits more efficient, precise, and pleasant.  State-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as digital x-rays that reduce radiation exposure and enhance diagnostic accuracy, have been a cornerstone of their practice for years!

In addition, the utilization of intraoral cameras grants patients a virtual tour of their oral health, aiding in understanding diagnoses and treatment options.  You will love to learn about your oral health this way!

Revolutionizing Communication

The Eggert Family Dentistry team knows that communication is key to a successful patient-practitioner relationship.  By leveraging technology, they have streamlined communication channels, making it easier for patients to schedule appointments, access information, and receive timely reminders.

The Future Beckons

As technology continues to evolve, so does Eggert Family Dentistry’s commitment to pushing boundaries in patient care.  Our unwavering dedication to integrating technology harmoniously into our practice sets an inspiring example of a dental practice striving to enhance their patients’ experiences!

Call or Text Us!

We look forward to sharing our technology with you and!  Call or text us for an appointment soon!  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!

 

My New Smile – “It was Necessary:” ML’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

ML (name withheld by request of patient) has been a patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for over 10 years.  When ML first came as a patient, Dr. Elizabeth had been working to do a complete oral reconstruction for his mother.  His mom urged him to seek Dr. Elizabeth’s council as she was concerned for the long-term health of his teeth.  When ML came to us, he mentioned that he knew he had a lot of tooth wear.  In interviewing ML, he noted he had difficulty sleeping and said it would take up to 45 minutes for him to fall asleep.  He also didn’t think he had a stable bite, despite being in orthodontics on and off for 14 years of his childhood and teenage years.  He did have 4 teeth extracted for his first orthodontic treatment (2 upper bicuspids and 2 lower bicuspids).  You can note from the BEFORE photos that ML had tooth wear and his upper teeth were stuck inside his lower teeth – this is a condition called “crossbite.”

What was recommended?

ML went through the Records Process and it was determined that the wear on his teeth was increasing at an accelerated rate and the current position of his teeth would put them at high risk for continued wear, chipping, cracking, breaking, and potentially even tooth loss.  The recommendations were to get ML’s teeth into a more idealized position, keep bone support for the teeth, and restore the teeth where they have worn in order to build back to normal tooth proportions.

Years ago when ML underwent orthodontics for the first time, we didn’t know as much as dental professionals about airway and jaw constriction.  It was fairly common for patients like ML to undergo extractions in order to “gain space” and “alleviate crowding.”  We know more now as a profession about how this affects sleep, breathing, and tooth wear over time.  Instead of extractions to “gain space” it is much more common now to encourage the bones to grow into positions that can support all the teeth.  We are much more likely to recommend expansion or expanders.  This solution works very well in growing children.  As an adult, this was still possible for ML, but would require jaw surgery to make the corrections.  Therefore, orthodontics, jaw surgery, and restorations were recommended for ML.  Dr. Elizabeth also talked to ML about the alternative treatment of restoring all of his teeth and rebuilding to a different bite, but ML wanted to limit the number of restorations and Dr. Elizabeth told ML that she preferred to see a wider arch for his teeth anyway.

What did ML want?

“My lifetime goal for my teeth is to keep them.”  He reported he has never been happy with the appearance of his teeth.  He didn’t want “nuclear” white teeth, but he said if he was going to improve his bite, he wanted his teeth to look nicer too.  ML started the process with Dr. DeVoe (orthodontist) to change his bite without any surgical correction.  Dr. DeVoe did a nice job improving ML’s crossbite and moving the teeth into a position where restorations could be done to rebuild tooth proportions.

Second Round

However, even after this second round of orthodontics (ML’s first round as an adult), it was still difficult to even out his bite forces without doing a large number of restorations.  Also, there was an “elephant in the room:”  ML’s tongue.  Dr. Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice how much space ML’s tongue wanted.  As you can see in the photo above, ML’s tongue wanted lots of room and would spill over his teeth with his teeth apart.  It was also always very visible in photos and very active when working on ML.

While doing the consultation after this second round of orthodontics, ML said “Well, there is always still the option of jaw surgery.”  While ML had not been set up orthodontically for jaw surgery, Dr. Elizabeth told ML that he was correct, there still was that option, if he was willing to undergo more orthodontics.  She also shared with him the story of her mom’s journey with jaw surgery and orthodontics.

What was involved?

ML went back into orthodontics.  He had 2 different surgeries with Dr. Andreasen of Momenta Oral Surgery.  One to open his upper arch and expand that space and another to move his upper and lower jaw bones forward.  This extended his treatment time frame, but after this third round of orthodontics, he was ready for restorations.  ML felt his teeth were disappearing, it was time to rebuild them back to visible proportions.

Third Round

It is easy to see how ML’s oral space improved after his jaw surgeries.  His tongue is happy to have so much more room!  For color and tooth proportion corrections, Dr. Elizabeth recommended a minimum of 14 restorations (8 upper teeth and 6 lower teeth) along with equilibration to finalize the bite.  ML wanted whiter teeth, but it was decided that since he was doing 14 restorations, his back teeth wouldn’t show in his smile so bleaching was not needed before the restorations were done.  Therefore, we did a wax-up so ML could see what the final restorations would look like and after he approved the wax-up, we prepared the teeth for restorations and a few weeks later seated his restorations.                  

What does he think?

When we asked ML what he thought about doing the procedure before we started he stated, “This was necessary; I never saw this as elective, but I wasn’t really looking forward to it.  The thought of something happening to my teeth was a little uncomfortable.  I don’t think anybody likes doing something to their body that is irreversible.”

However, ML is very happy he completed the procedures and ended up doing the jaw surgeries after all.  He is surprised at how much bigger his airway is and that he no longer makes sounds at night when sleeping.  He always believed he could not breathe through his nose because of allergies, but that does not seem to be the case after this treatment, it appears that he needed expansion of his oral spaces.  (Note there is NO tongue visible in ML’s AFTER photo.)  ML says it was a long road and he learned a lot along the way, but it was necessary!

Congratulations on your amazing results ML and thank you for putting your trust in us!  We were delighted to help you through this journey!

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