Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Understanding Tooth Loss: Common Risk Factors and How to Protect Your Smile

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

No one wants to lose their teeth. Unfortunately, many people lose at least one adult tooth in a lifetime for a variety of reasons. But, seeing as it can impact both oral health and quality of life, it is helpful to understand the factors that contribute to tooth loss in order to adopt proactive strategies that help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Let’s explore the common risk factors associated with tooth loss, as well as some practical tips on preventing tooth loss. We’ll also take a look at the various treatment options available at Eggert Family Dentistry to restore and replace missing teeth.

What Is Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss refers to the condition in which a person loses one or more of their natural teeth. Tooth loss can have significant effects on a person’s oral health, as well as their ability to bite, chew, and speak properly. It can also impact one’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. Treating and preventing tooth loss is important not only for maintaining a healthy smile, but also for preserving oral function and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Tooth Loss

Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common risk factor for tooth loss. When plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, bacteria can infect the gums, leading to inflammation and loss of the supporting bony structures for the teeth, eventually causing tooth loss if left untreated.
Cavities (Tooth Decay): Untreated tooth decay can result in cavities, which, when left untreated, can progress and reach the inner layers of the tooth. Severe tooth decay can cause tooth infection or abscess, leading to tooth loss.
Teeth Grinding: The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, known as bruxism, can exert excessive pressure on the teeth, leading to enamel wear, fractures, and tooth loss over time.
Injury or Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or other forms of trauma to the mouth can cause immediate tooth loss, or damage that may eventually lead to tooth loss if not promptly treated.
Dry Mouth: Saliva plays an important role in neutralizing acids, remineralizing teeth, and washing away bacteria. Not having enough saliva in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Diabetes: Poor blood sugar caused by uncontrolled diabetes weakens the immune system. A weak immune system will find it harder to fight off infections of the gums, accelerating gum disease and potentially leading to tooth loss.
Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease by reducing blood flow to the gums, making smokers more susceptible to tooth loss.

How to Prevent Tooth Loss

Hygiene Habits

Make sure you brush and floss and floss your teeth regularly. That means brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Additionally, make sure you’re maintaining a regular schedule of dental appointments with Eggert Family Dentistry so Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can monitor your oral health.

Lifestyle Choices

It should come as no surprise that you need to avoid tobacco consumption in all forms if you want to have a healthy mouth. Other lifestyle changes might include wearing a night guard for bruxism, consuming fewer sugary/acidic foods and drinks, and talking to your medical doctor about treatments for diabetes or high blood pressure to make sure your overall health is being taken care of.

Protective Measures for Sports

If you or a loved one engage in any kind of contact sports, mouth guards are a must. A properly fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from trauma and prevent tooth loss if an accident happens. Additionally, if your sport allows it, wear a helmet! [DO WE HAVE A PREVIOUS MOUTHGUARD BLOG YOU COULD LINK HERE?]

Treating Tooth Loss

Thanks to modern dentistry, tooth loss doesn’t have to be permanent! At Eggert Family Dentistry, we can recreate the look and feel of your natural teeth using implants or dentures.

Implants are anchored in the bone and they help preserve bone mass in the jaw. Once they are established, you can care for them just as you would your normal teeth, with brushing and flossing. The feel of chewing and speaking will all feel completely familiar. Implants are built to last a lifetime, and they almost always do.

Bridges use the neighboring teeth as anchors to fill in a “tooth” where the natural tooth is missing. Bridges can be a good option if the neighboring teeth also need reconstruction or if the bone isn’t healthy enough for an implant.

Dentures or Partial Dentures are another solution and can be less expensive than implants, however, they may need to be replaced multiple times in a lifetime as the shape of the jaw, mouth and adjacent teeth change over time.

Suffering from Tooth Loss?

If you’re experiencing tooth loss, booking an appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry can be the first step towards restoring your smile. With our compassionate care and expertise, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will evaluate your oral health and determine the best treatment options for you. Whether it’s dental implants, bridges, dentures, or other restorative solutions, we can tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Give us a call today at (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!

Replacing Maryland Bridges – Kate’s Story

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kate works in the medical field and came to us as a new patient in 2019. At her new patient exam, Dr. Elizabeth noted that Kate was congenitally missing her upper lateral incisors. The lateral incisor is the small tooth next to the central, front tooth. Missing lateral incisors are most commonly caused by a condition called hypodontia, in which someone is born with missing teeth. This situation is more common than you realize. Kate had her lateral incisors replaced by “Maryland” bridges over 30 years ago and she had some issues with them staying bonded in the past. Maryland bridges aren’t used much anymore, but can be a decent way to replace teeth (temporarily) for patients that are young because over time tooth and gum changes are expected.

Kate had a bridge on her lower right side as well that came out due to the fracture of one of the abutment (anchor) teeth. After this occurred, Kate decided it was time to work on her bite since she wanted implants to replace her lower teeth and once implants are placed, it is more difficult to idealize a bite since the implants can’t be moved with orthodontics like teeth can.

What did Kate want?

Kate wanted to complete her treatment as soon as possible, but she understood that changing her bite would include orthodontic treatment. Kate worked with Dr. Brian DeVoe and had traditional brackets and wires placed. Luckily, Dr. Elizabeth was able to section Kate’s original Maryland bridges so the teeth could still be moved, but Kate would not have to go without teeth in the front during her orthodontic treatment. Kate was hoping to replace her missing teeth with implants so she would not have to use her adjacent teeth as anchors, however, due to the fact that Kate had been missing her lateral incisors her whole life, there wasn’t enough bone for implants without serious bone grafting interventions. Even with surgical interventions, Kate still only would have had a guarded prognosis for implants. Therefore, Kate decided to complete her case with conventional bridges.

What was involved?

Kate spent approximately 18 months in braces. After she completed orthodontics, Kate came to our office for the pre-planning phase for her new conventional bridges. We took impressions for a wax-up so Kate could preview her new restorations. With the wax-up, we were able to complete a mock-up in Kate’s face so she could really see how the new bridges would look. Kate also spent some time bleaching of her natural teeth so she could use a white porcelain for her new bridges. This helped to brighten her smile. One interesting thing occurred while Kate was bleaching. She had purchased bleach online from the Amazon store, but ended up with a severe ulceration of her tissues from that bleach. After reviewing techniques for healing, her tissue did heal and we were able to continue on with her treatment plan.

After Kate approved the mock-up and her gingival tissue healed, she returned to our office for the preparation of her teeth for conventional bridges. We placed temporary bridges for a couple of weeks and then the final bridges were cemented. She finished her treatment by having new orthodontic retainers fabricated.

What does Kate think?

When we asked Kate what she thought about the treatment once completed, she said that she didn’t understand everything that would go into correcting her bite and planning for new restorations. She initially thought it would be a shorter process. She was surprised at all the detail that went into the planning and the treatment. “I am just amazed at the precision and every single thing that was considered. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s skill and ability to do what she does truly amazes me.” When asked what she would tell someone thinking of getting this done, she said, “I would tell them to trust the process and to trust Dr. Elizabeth. It may not be the easiest to live through or it may seem long and tedious, but the end results are so worth it!” Thank you for putting your trust in us to complete your care, Kate! We love your new bright smile!

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.

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.

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!

Antibacterial Therapies & Gum Disease

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and teeth. They range from mild gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, to more severe forms such as periodontitis (gum disease), which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

The root cause of periodontal diseases is the proliferation of bacteria on the surface of the teeth, which infects the gums. While deep dental cleanings and oral surgery are key treatments to get rid of bacteria under the gums, non-surgical treatments such as antibacterial therapies are also highly effective.

The Role of Bacteria in Periodontal Diseases

Oral bacteria naturally reside in the mouth, forming a biofilm known as dental plaque. When we don’t keep up consistent oral hygiene practices, this plaque can accumulate and become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

These bacteria release toxins and trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left unchecked, the bacterial infection can progress from a mild case of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, resulting in bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatments:

Non-surgical periodontal treatments aim to remove bacterial plaque and tartar, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of gum tissues. These treatments are usually the first line of defense against periodontal diseases and may include:

Scaling and Root Planing: This procedure involves the thorough removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. It helps to eliminate bacteria and smooth the tooth roots, allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Antibacterial Mouthwashes: Dentists may prescribe antimicrobial mouth rinses containing ingredients such as chlorhexidine. These rinses can help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and promote healing.
Local Antibiotics: In some cases, local antibiotic therapies may be applied directly to periodontal pockets under the gums to eliminate bacteria. This approach enhances the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing.

The Role of Antibacterial Therapies in Treating Periodontal Diseases

Antibacterial therapies play a crucial role in combating periodontal diseases by directly targeting the underlying bacterial infection. They can be administered two different ways: systemically and locally.

Locally Delivered Antibiotics: In most cases, antibiotics are applied directly to the affected areas in the form of topical gels or powders. These topical treatments can be placed into periodontal pockets, localizing the effects of the medication. This approach is usually completed immediately after scaling and root planing procedures.

Systemic Antibiotics: In severe cases of periodontal diseases, where the bacterial infection has spread extensively, systemic antibiotics may be prescribed for a longer period than average at a low dose. This can enhance the success of deep cleaning procedures. These antibiotics are taken orally and circulate throughout the body to combat bacterial infections.

Think You Need Antibacterial Therapies for Periodontitis?

Non-surgical periodontal treatments, coupled with antibacterial therapies, can help control bacterial infections, reduce inflammation, and promote gum tissue healing. If you think you might require antibiotics to treat periodontitis, come into Eggert Family Dentistry and consult with Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert.

When you schedule an appointment with us, we can assess the severity of the disease and determine whether topical or oral antibacterial therapies are needed. We’ll be able to provide personalized treatment recommendations based on your unique oral health situation. Call us today at 651-482-8412 to schedule an appointment!

Scaling and Root Planing vs. a Regular Teeth Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

During a routine recare visit, you may have felt the dental hygienist using instruments to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth and wondered if they were performing a periodontal scaling and root planing procedure. The answer is no — periodontal scaling and root planing and a “regular” professional teeth cleaning are very different from each other.

Our patients come in for regular recare appointments as recommended, usually every 3 or 6 months. Your recommended interval may be different from your neighbor’s. During these recare appointments, our marvelous hygienists remove plaque and tartar build-up on the surfaces of the teeth. But, when our patients have signs or symptoms of gum disease (periodontitis), they often need a more detailed and deep cleaning called periodontal scaling and root planing.

Let’s take a deeper look at what you can expect from a routine teeth cleaning vs. a scaling and root planing procedure.

Professional Recare and Teeth Cleaning

What’s Involved?

During a routine teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth. Once the tartar and plaque are cleared away, your teeth will be cleaned and polished with a highly defined polishing toothpaste, and flossed. Additionally, x-rays may be taken if needed and Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will complete a thorough dental exam looking for signs of common oral health issues, like gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, bruxism (teeth grinding), and oral cancer. They’ll discuss your results with you, and recommend any follow-up appointments you might need. Regular recare visits and teeth cleanings are usually about an hour in length for an adult and can be completed within one appointment.

Benefits of Routine Teeth Cleaning:

Helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and tartar.
Reduces the likelihood of developing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Improves the appearance of your teeth by removing stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, soda, etc.
Allows us to monitor your oral health and identify any potential issues early on.

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

What’s Involved?

Periodontal scaling and root planing is a procedure that is commonly used to treat gum disease. While the goal of this procedures is to remove plaque and tartar just like a regular dental cleaning, this procedure allows for therapy much deeper on the root surface to attack any lurking bacteria.

During Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing, dental curettes and scalers, specialized instruments, remove all the plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. A topical or local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area so that no discomfort is felt during treatment. At times, it is also helpful to use high powered water irrigating instruments like the Cavitron to smooth out the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Depending on the severity of your infection, the time needed for these procedures can vary. It is common to complete treatment on one half of the mouth per session.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing:

Helps to control the progression of gum disease by removing the source of infection.
Reduces gum inflammation and promotes healing of the gum tissue.
Helps reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, which are spaces that form between the teeth and gums due to gum disease.
Prevents tooth loss and maintains overall oral health.

Schedule Your Routine Dental Cleaning Today!

Both regular teeth cleanings and scaling and root planing have their unique purposes and benefits, so be sure to consult with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert for personalized oral care recommendations. When you come into Eggert Family Dentistry for a routine dental cleaning, we will be able to conduct an oral exam and recommend the appropriate procedures based on your unique oral health needs. Remember, regular dental recare visits and good oral hygiene habits are essential for a healthy smile! Call us at 651-482-8412 to book an appointment today!

Worried About Periodontal Disease? Don’t Skip Your Regular Dental Check-ups!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If your at-home regimen is the “key” to healthy teeth and gums, regular dental check-ups are the lock — you need both to ensure that your teeth and gums are being properly cared for.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we encourage all of our patients to come in for regular dental check-ups. Not only do regular check-ups keep our patients’ teeth clean, they also allow us to monitor our patients for any signs of serious dental problems, such as periodontal disease.

Let’s take a look at how regular dental check-ups play a crucial role in preventing and managing gum disease.

Understanding Periodontal Disease and Inflammatory Diseases

Periodontal Disease (commonly called gum disease) is loss of bone support for the tooth. This usually starts as inflammation of gum tissue and is caused by bacterial growth around the tooth, often along and under the gum line. According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.

In its early stage (AKA gingivitis) the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone is lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out.

There are four stages of Periodontal Disease:

Stage 1: Gingivitis, indicated by red or inflamed gums that may bleed during brushing.

Stage 2: Early periodontitis, in which the bone supporting the teeth shows slight loss of bone mass. Other symptoms may not be apparent.

Stage 3: Moderate periodontitis, in which bone around the teeth and gum tissue are damaged and teeth may start loosening.

Stage 4: Advanced periodontitis, in which symptoms are more severe, teeth may be very loose and biting and chewing can be painful. At this stage, it may prove to be difficult to save the teeth.

The best way to avoid periodontitis is to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits and to schedule regular dental check-ups at Eggert Family Dentistry. You can also reduce your likelihood of developing periodontitis by minimizing or eliminating risk factors that can lead to gum disease.

Causes and Risk Factors of Gum Disease

During a dental check up, or recare visit,, Dr. Jeff Eggert or Dr. Elizabeth Eggert will be able to assess whether or not any risk factors are present that increase your likelihood of developing periodontitis. Risk factors of gum disease include:

Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly increase the risk of gum disease and impede the healing process.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make gums more susceptible to inflammation and gingivitis.

Genetic factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing gum disease, even with proper oral hygiene practices.

Certain medications: Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and certain heart medications, can increase the risk of gum disease.

Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cancer weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to gum disease.

Poor nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections, including gum disease.

The Role of Regular Dental Check-ups

Your continued health is our main goal at Eggert Family Dentistry, and regular dental check-ups allow us to protect your oral health for the long-haul. With regular dental check-ups, we can:

Determine your exposure to any risk factors and decide if any extra preventative measures are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Monitor your oral health for any signs of gum disease before it becomes more serious. We are trained to recognize the early signs of gum disease, even before symptoms become noticeable to the individual. During recare visits, we provide a thorough examination, including measuring pocket depths (spaces between teeth and gums) and evaluating gum health. Early detection allows for timely intervention and prevents the disease from progressing further.
Perform professional teeth cleaning on a consistent basis. Using specialized tools, we will remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gumline. This thorough cleaning helps prevent the progression of gum disease by eliminating its main causes.

Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings

There are so many benefits of having your teeth cleaned professionally and regularly, including:

Preventing tooth decay and cavities. Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, stopping cavities before they start.
Removal of stubborn stains. Over time, teeth can accumulate stains from various sources such as coffee, tea, tobacco, or soda. Professional dental cleanings include a process called dental polishing, which helps remove these surface stains and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Freshening breath. Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a result of accumulated bacteria and food particles in the mouth. Professional dental cleanings remove these, leaving your breath fresher and more pleasant.

Ready to Schedule Your Dental Recare Visit?

Take control of your oral health and enjoy the benefits of a brighter smile, fresher breath, and peace of mind knowing your dental health is in good hands. Call Eggert Family Dentistry today at 651.482.8412 to schedule a dental check-up with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Vaping: What Every Parent and Teen Should Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

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

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

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

Who’s Vaping and Why?

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

Students vape because of three main reasons:

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

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

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

Side Effects and Dangers of Vaping

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

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

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

Side Effects of Vaping:

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

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

Side Effects of Being a Nicotine Addict:

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

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

How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health

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

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

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

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

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

The Bottom Line

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

Questions About Vaping and Your Oral Health?

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

Quitting Smoking: Health Effects of Smoking and Cessation Resources

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

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

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

Effects of Smoking on Your Overall Health:

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

Difficulty Breathing:

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

Increased Anxiety and Depression:

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

Increased Risk of Heart Attack:

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

Oxygen Deprivation of All Muscles:

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

Effects of Smoking on Your Oral Health:

Yellowed Teeth:

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

Dry Mouth:

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

Receding Gums:

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

Increased Cavities and Tooth Loss:

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

Oral Cancer:

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

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

Why Quit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources to Help You Get Started with Quitting Smoking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lean on The Experts at Eggert Family Dentistry

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

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

Smoking Marijuana: 6 Oral Health Effects You Should Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Marijuana (AKA cannabis) is commonly used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Just like other recreational drugs, such as alcohol, it’s important for patients to be aware of the potential negative health effects associated with the use of marijuana. With all the buzz lately about legalizing marijuana in Minnesota, we thought this topic very timely.

Because the majority marijuana users ingest it by smoking, one’s oral health can be significantly impacted by marijuana use. According to research, the negative oral health side-effects of smoking marijuana include:

Dry mouth, which can lead to a number of other oral health conditions.
Cavities and tooth decay because of appetite stimulation associated with use.
Gum disease has been linked to frequent marijuana use.
Oral Candidiasis (thrush) which causes redness, white plaque, and soreness inside the mouth.
Yellow teeth are a common side effect of smoking, whether it’s cannabis or tobacco.
Risk of oral cancer is increased in regular marijuana smokers.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, one of our top priorities is to educate our patients about their oral health. Here’s an in-depth look at the oral health effects of marijuana use.

1. Dry Mouth

Also known as xerostomia, smoking marijuana can cause dry mouth by decreasing the production of saliva. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser for your mouth, carrying antimicrobial agents that kill disease-causing bacteria. Without it, bacteria are allowed to flourish in the mouth, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Cavities

While dry mouth makes you more likely to experience tooth decay, appetite stimulation that marijuana users experience can also lead to an increased presence of cavities. Many cannabis users report that their consumption of high-sugar foods increases during cannabis use. This, in combination with a lack of saliva, creates the perfect environment for cavities to develop.

3. Gum Inflammation/Gum Disease

Any kind of smoke, marijuana or not, has the potential to irritate and inflame the gum tissue. Inflammation and irritation can contribute to gum disease, which is a serious oral health problem that causes tooth loss and other health complications. Gum disease can also be caused by the proliferation of bacteria that’s caused by dry mouth. It cannot be cured and requires regular treatment to manage.

4. Oral Candidiasis

Commonly known as Thrush, oral candidiasis is a fungal infection in the mouth caused by an increased production of yeast colonies. These colonies are normally present in the mouth, but the effects of cannabis in combination with poor oral hygiene can promote overgrowth. This results in redness, excess white plaque, and soreness inside the mouth.

5. Yellowed Teeth

Just like cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke contains tar and other chemicals that can adhere to the surface of the teeth, causing them to become discolored and yellow. A regular marijuana smoker may notice that these stains are difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing. Patients may need professional whitening treatments to remove stains from marijuana smoke.

6. Oral Cancer

The link between oral cancer and marijuana smoke is still being debated and researched today. However, it has been reported that a synergistic effect between tobacco and cannabis smoke may increase oral and neck cancer risk for people who smoke both (that includes cigars that have been hollowed out and filled with cannabis).

Questions? Call Eggert Family Dentistry

Just like it’s important to be aware of the negative health effects of alcohol, so too must one be aware of the negative health effects of marijuana. If you’re a regular smoker, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and visit Eggert Family Dentistry regularly so that we can monitor your oral health. If you have questions about the oral health effects of marijuana smoking, or would like to make an appointment to have your oral health evaluated, please call us at 651-482-8412. We look forward to helping you take care of your oral health!