Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Chew on This: Is Chewing Gum Bad for Your Teeth?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

The benefits of chewing gum

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

However . . .

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

Look for the ADA Seal

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

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

Bon Voyage and Good Luck, Candy!

Candy Sina is stepping away from her position as Eggert Family Dentistry’s financial and insurance coordinator to run for state office. Candy is running for the Minnesota State Senate in district 42.

We will miss the hard work Candy did for our clinic over the last four years. She was excellent at helping our patients get their insurance claims paid. Candy worked in dentistry for over 40 years and already retired once before joining the Eggert Family Dentistry team. We were lucky to have her as long as we did!

As we wish Candy good luck with her campaign, we are in the process of hiring her replacement. We appreciate the patience of our patients as we work to find our next financial and insurance coordinator.

We hope Candy wins her election and can help us improve the state’s dental situation for all patients and providers. Check out her website for more information and look for her campaign truck on the streets of Shoreview. Bon voyage and good luck, Candy!

What Is Crown Lengthening?

By: Dr. Elizabeth EggertEvery smile is beautiful and unique, but some people are self-conscious about the amount of gum tissue showing in their smiles. Others might need a crown or other tooth restoration, but do not have enough visible tooth for us to complete the fix. In both cases, crown lengthening is a solution.

Crown lengthening is a routine dental surgical procedure that restores smiles or improves them. If you feel your teeth are too small in your smile, it might be that your teeth aren’t actually to blame. Sometimes, it’s the gum tissue covering the teeth that makes them seem too small. Crown lengthening remodels the contour of your gum line to provide a better balance between tooth and gum tissue. This is an aesthetic use for crown lengthening that helps perfect your smile.

Crown lengthening is also an important tool in restoring very broken down teeth. Sometimes, we get patients who need permanent crowns, but we can’t place the crowns because too little of the tooth is visible above the gum line. Or, there may be too much decay or the tooth may be broken below the gum line. In all of these cases, crown lengthening allows us to gain more access to the tooth to properly place permanent crowns.

What can I expect during my crown lengthening experience?

More often than not, you will see a gum and tissue specialist, called a periodontist, for your crown lengthening procedure. They will review your dental history and your x-rays and set a date for your crown lengthening surgical procedure. We might help the periodontist by placing a temporary crown to protect a broken or decayed tooth. The day of the surgery, you’ll have local anesthetic and the crown lengthening procedure will be completed. The length of the surgery depends on the number of teeth being worked on.

After the surgery, you’ll take medicine for pain relief (usually OTC) and you’ll use a mouth wash to keep the surgical site clean as it heals. The periodontist might even ask you to stick to soft foods and a slightly altered brushing and flossing routine while you’re recovering. Most often, in less than two weeks, it’ll be time for your stitches to come out and to complete any follow-up procedures.

What are the outcomes of crown lengthening?

We like to let our work speak for itself! Rob and Lola are two happy patients who have completed crown lengthening. As you can see, the results are quite striking. You can tell from their beaming smiles that they’re satisfied with the outcome!

Rob Before & After

If you’re wondering if crown lengthening might be the solution for you, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today. Call (651) 482-8412.

Crowns Done in a Day? Serena’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When Serena needed a crown, her friends told her that she’d need to schedule two dentist appointments: one to place a temporary crown and another for the permanent crown. As a busy working mom who travels often, Serena couldn’t fit these appointments into her schedule.

The dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry were excited to help. We can prepare, design, and place permanent crowns in just two hours using CEREC, an innovative technology, to make these restorations. Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff are fully trained in CEREC and Dr. Furey plans to complete the training soon.

Serena’s CEREC restoration started with a digital scan of her tooth. Then, Dr. Elizabeth digitally designed the restoration using the 3D scan. It took just 15 minutes to mill Serena’s crown once the design was complete. Dr. Elizabeth tried the crown on Serena’s tooth to match color and glazing. Once it was complete, she cemented it in. Once the crown was in place, Serena couldn’t even tell which tooth had the crown.

Serena’s appointment lasted just over two hours. According to Serena, “The time went fast! I liked being able to catch up on email and read a book.” Serena and our other CEREC patients have been really impressed with the fit of their crowns and the short, effortless process of placing them.

Meet Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Michael Furey!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Michael Furey is passionate about dentistry, a calling that is both profession and craft. Here’s your chance to get to know Dr. Furey in his own words, including something most of his patients don’t know about him.

Why did you choose to go into dentistry?

I went into dentistry for two main reasons. First, for the opportunity to help and to heal. Secondly, for the chance to apply my penchant for workmanship and creativity. For me, dentistry affords the best aspects of both a profession and a craft.

What sets you apart from other dentists?

There’s no single thing that sets me apart. Instead, I have a unique combination of experience, expertise, and talent, which I combine with sincere passion and a strong set of values. I bring all of this to my practice of dentistry. This allows me to relate to my patients with a high level of professionalism but on a very personal level.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my wife Kathi for 29 years. Kathi has taught at Crocus Hill Preschool for more than 20 years. Our daughter Erin recently moved back to the Twin Cities to work for Target. She had been living in New York City and working for Martha Stewart.

What are some of your hobbies outside of dentistry?

These days, we spend as much time as we can at our cabin in Ely enjoying the outdoors and keeping up with projects. I also enjoy golf and sailing.

What is something most of your patients don’t know about you?

As a kid, I was terrified of going to the dentist. My early dental experiences were traumatic and my fear of going to the dentist lasted well into my teens. These early negative experiences have made me a very compassionate dentist and very understanding of my patients’ dental anxieties.

Dr. Furey’s Hours at Eggert Family Dentistry

Tuesday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Wednesday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Thursday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Schedule your appointment today!

Disclaimer: Dr. Furey is only a participating provider for some HealthPartners dental plans and Medical Assistance. Patients within other dental insurance networks are able to see him under a non-participating provider status.

Meet Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Jeff!

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Jeff loves being able to have a positive, personal effect on his patients’ lives. Here’s your chance to get to know Dr. Jeff in his own words, including something most of his patients don’t know about him.

Why did you choose to go into dentistry?

The main reason I went into dentistry was to have a hands-on, personal, positive impact on people’s lives. Before dentistry, I worked as a chemical engineer at a small medical device company. Designing devices had a positive impact on people’s lives, but I did not have the opportunity to build relationships with the people I helped.

What sets you apart from other dentists?

The one thing that sets me apart from other dentists is that I always try to listen to any concerns people have and make sure these concerns are addressed. I spend the time to thoroughly answer my patients’ questions, whether it is a question about a filling or something more complex that might have multiple treatment options. I like to make sure patients’ questions are answered and that they are comfortable with the treatment they receive.

Tell us about your family.

I grew up in Spring Lake Park and attended Spring Lake Park schools. I have one younger brother who teaches there, and my parents still live there. Dr. Elizabeth and I will be married 17 years in July. We have five boys who seem to be growing like weeds. They attend school in the Mounds View district.

What are some of your hobbies outside of dentistry?

I enjoy reading and trying to stay in shape (keyword: trying!). I spend a lot of time in basketball gyms and at baseball and soccer fields watching our boys play sports. I like to help out with their sports teams when and where I can. Lastly, along with many other Minnesotans, I like to cheer for teams that often don’t do very well (for me, that’s the Vikings, the Twins, and the Gophers).

What is something most of your patients don’t know about you?

I worked a number of years as a chemical engineer before becoming a dentist. I’m proud to call myself a math and science geek. I’m also a big Star Wars fan and can’t begin to count how many times I’ve seen all the movies.

Dr. Jeff’s Hours at Eggert Family Dentistry

Monday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday: by appointment

Friday: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

Schedule your appointment today!

Meet Eggert Family Dentistry’s Dr. Elizabeth!

Eggert Family Dentistry owner, Dr. Elizabeth, has been practicing dentistry for more than 13 years. She was recognized in 2014 by Minnesota Monthly Magazine as a Top Dentist. Here’s your chance to get to know Dr. Elizabeth in her own words, including something most of her patients don’t know about her.

Why did you choose to go into dentistry?

I’ve always enjoyed science and was earning a chemistry degree in college. But after two years of summer research at the University of St. Thomas, I knew I needed more contact with people day in and day out.

At that time, I happened to have a job working with a woman whose husband was in dental school. It sounded perfect for me: some science, a lot of contact with people, working with my hands, and the ability to run my own business.

From that point on, I learned everything I could about dentistry and was accepted to start at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry right after graduation

What sets you apart from other dentists?

I am a woman dental business owner and have been since the age of 29. I love getting to know my patients and their families—it is a great feeling to come to work and see the friends I have built relationships with over the years. I seek out the highest caliber of continuing education courses and love sharing my knowledge and skills with my patients.

Tell us about your family.

I’m the oldest child of three. My two younger brothers are now both married. My parents live nearby in Blaine, Minnesota. Dr. Jeff and I have been married nearly 17 years. We live in Roseville with our five amazing boys: Peter (13), Luke (12), Charlie (9), Grant (6), and Zachary (3). Our kids attend school at Highview Middle School, Valentine Hills Elementary School, and St. Odilia preschool.

What are some of your hobbies outside of dentistry?

I’ve been playing handbells since 1999. Currently, you can find me playing at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Blaine. We are especially busy playing during Christmas and Easter. I spend a lot of time gardening and grow both flowers and vegetables, and I enjoy working on landscaping projects in my yard.

I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and have been known to get my kids to eat things such as gnocchi and kale. Otherwise, our boys keep us busy driving to and cheering at various sporting events.

What is something most of your patients don’t know about you?

With the addition of Dr. Jeff last year, I was fortunate enough to take a two-week vacation—my first one ever! I took my oldest kids, Peter and Luke, and joined my parents on a whirlwind European tour. My parents were celebrating their retirement. I had never been to Europe before and got to hit the highlights: London, Paris, Lucerne, Venice, and Rome. I loved Paris—that came as a surprise to me—it was a beautiful city!

Dr. Elizabeth’s Hours at Eggert Family Dentistry

Monday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Tuesday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Wednesday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Thursday: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

Schedule your appointment today!

Keeping an Eye on the Tooth Fairy Price Index

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

On average, the price of teeth has gone up since 2000. Over the years, the tooth fairy and her international cohorts have been compelled to leave behind more and more money in exchange for baby teeth.

It turns out the tooth fairy adjusts her gifts according to the strength of the US economy. When the US is doing well, her gifts get more valuable. In 2016, the official Tooth Fairy Index predicts tooth prices will stagnate around $4. In 2014, the price for a tooth was just under $4.50.

Tooth economists track tooth price inflation by polling caregivers. To contribute to their research, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll.

About the Tooth Fairy

The impish international phenomenon kids in the United States know as the Tooth Fairy manages a team of tooth traders around the world. These traders visit the homes of children who have recently lost baby teeth. In exchange for teeth, they leave behind cash or small gifts. A visit from the Tooth Fairy helps celebrate your child’s transition to adolescence.

Different countries around the world have different customs. In the United States, children leave their teeth under their pillows for the Tooth Fairy. Kids in Europe do the same thing, but they are visited by the Tooth Elf.

In Argentina and Sweden, the Magical Mouse sniffs out baby teeth in glasses of water. He drinks the water, takes the tooth, and leaves a little money behind. The Magical Mouse also visits children in South Africa. But instead of looking in a drinking glass, he sniffs out teeth under pillows and in slippers.

Magical Mouse’s cousin, Tooth Rat, visits kids in the Philippines. He’s a busy fellow and asks children to leave their teeth on windowsills so he can grab them easily. In return, he leaves a little cash.

The Tooth Fairy isn’t just for kids. She also gives parents and caregivers advice on how to keep their kids’ teeth healthy. You can visit the Tooth Fairy Pinterest page for tips.

Eggert Family Dentistry is proud to support the Tooth Fairy in her quest for beautiful baby teeth. We help kids keep their smiles healthy and gleaming so the teeth they lose will become some of the Tooth Fairy’s most prized possessions. To schedule your child’s appointment, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today.

Got Cavities? Your Genetics May Be (Partially) to Blame.

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

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

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

Genetics and Mouth Bacteria

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

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

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

Preventative Care Still Matters

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

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

Trauma to a Front Tooth – Sarah’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Sarah came to us first as a new patient with her parents before Christmas. They were looking for a solution for her front teeth. Sarah experienced trauma at 13 years old and her left front tooth fell out at that time and was re-implanted. Sarah had a root canal done within a couple weeks of the trauma, which was the recommended course. As with many trauma cases, over the years Sarah has noticed that tooth and her other front teeth are starting to turn dark because of the trauma. When Sarah was seen in our office, her tooth was showing signs of significant external root resorption. The long term prognosis of the tooth is poor but at the time of her visit with us she was not experiencing any pain or swelling.

What did Sarah want?

Sarah is currently a senior in high school and wanted to improve the look of her front teeth for graduation and prom. Sarah and her parents weighed different options for restoring her front teeth and ultimately decided to keep her natural teeth for now since they aren’t causing her any pain. They chose a treatment option that will buy Sarah some time and improve her esthetics and also let her finish growing.

What was revealed during the comprehensive records process?

Some questions Sarah and her parents needed to decide were – how to address the uneven gum tissue levels? How to address the uneven tooth edges? How to improve the color on potentially dying teeth? Save the left front tooth for now or not? How long would they allow treatment to take? What was their budget at this time?

What was involved?

To help Sarah and her parents answer some of those questions, Dr. Elizabeth designed different blueprints out of plastic to try directly in Sarah’s mouth to help Sarah and her parents see the results of some of the different treatment options available.

In the end, Sarah decided to split the difference on the length of her teeth. She decided not to change her gum tissue levels at this time. She wanted to keep the left front tooth for now. And, she wanted to do as much as we could to improve the color with composite filling material. We all decided to add composite veneers to three of her front teeth and to bleach her remaining teeth for a cost effective way to improve the esthetics for a few years.

What does Sarah think?

Sarah and her parents were thrilled with the results! It was a low cost way to keep her smiling through her graduation and into the future! Sarah 4