North Minneapolis Dental Clinic Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Hotdish and Healthy Teeth: Balancing Comfort Food with Dental Wellness During the Holidays

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

During the long Midwestern winters, we love to surround ourselves with comfort and warmth. From big blankets and oversized hoodies to toasty fires and green bean casserole, keeping cozy is the key to embracing the extended cold. With the holidays right around the corner, hotdish, turkey and stuffing, soups, and other comfort foods will be making frequent appearances at the dinner table. Fortunately, your dental health doesn’t have to take a hit. Learn how you can embrace hotdish and healthy teeth for a delicious and celebratory holiday season!

Indulge in Holiday Goodness While Protecting Those Pearly Whites

When you think about hotdish and other traditional holiday foods, it’s not hard to see how carb and sugar-laden our diets become throughout the fall and winter months. We know that cookies and candy can easily wreak havoc on our dental health, but we may not realize that carbs from all that delicious bread and savory stuffing, the carbs and sugars in our favorite Christmas pie, and the sugars in Grandma’s homemade cranberry sauce are just as likely to cause issues.

Sugar, carbs, and sticky substances can linger on your teeth, inviting bad bacteria to join the party. These bacteria produce waste products, called plaque, which can eventually harden into tartar. The bacteria also play a role in the weakening of your enamel through an acidic and erosive process.

Does that mean you can’t indulge in all the goodies that make Thanksgiving and Christmas so magical?

Not at all!

Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy holiday meals and treats while protecting your teeth:

1. Stay hydrated.

Our saliva has an important job, continually rinsing harmful bacteria from our mouths and dislodging food particles. However, saliva alone isn’t enough to keep up with the demand, especially when we’re consuming more carbs, starches, and sugars. Keep your body hydrated to maintain adequate saliva production, and regularly rinse your teeth by drinking water frequently throughout the day.

2. Incorporate fiber-rich foods.

Adding regular sources of fiber into your holiday diet goes a long way toward keeping the surfaces of your teeth clean. Whether or not you realize it, fibrous foods actually scrub your teeth while at the same time promoting gut health and saliva production.

3. Chew sugar-free gum.

Did you know that gum does more than freshen your breath? Sugar-free gum removes food particles, sticky bacteria, and plaque from your teeth, reducing the risk of serious dental issues like tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

Your Teeth Have a Wish List, Too!

You might be hoping for a designer bag or a new pair of skis this holiday season, but have you thought to ask Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert what your teeth might want? It can be easy to take your teeth for granted when they’re doing their job and not giving you any noticeable issues. However, a little love can go a long way in keeping them healthy and happy for life!

Keep up with daily brushing and flossing.

Between shorter workweeks, longer weekends, and out-of-town travel, it can be easy to get out of our regular routines in November and December. Unfortunately, harmful bacteria don’t observe holidays. Resolve to brush and floss twice daily and after big mid-day meals for optimal oral wellness.

Swish with mouthwash.

Once or twice a day after brushing and flossing, swish with mouthwash to reduce enamel-eating acidity, loosen any food particles, and strengthen enamel.

Keep up with recommended recare visits.

It’s easy to get so busy with day-to-day life that, unless you’re faced with a toothache or a dental emergency, you forget to make wellness appointments for yourself and your loved ones. There’s no better time than the present to get your end-of-the-year recare visit on the books!

Give Eggert Family Dentistry a call at 651.482.8412. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert would love to see you in our office and partner with you to keep your teeth healthy all year long! And don’t despair that it’s all or nothing. With a proactive approach to your dental health, hotdish and healthy teeth can indeed go hand in hand!

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Keeping our teeth clean for the sake of a healthy mouth is nothing new. Over 5000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians created chew sticks—bamboo sticks with frayed ends—to get food out of their teeth and freshen their breath. They also developed toothpaste made from a combination of powdered ashes. However, in the past 30 years, we’ve learned that the benefits of proper oral hygiene extend far beyond a healthy mouth. In this post, we’ll focus on the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease and steps each of us can take to invest in our oral health.

The Ripple Effect of Gingivitis

Every disease process begins somewhere, and periodontal disease is no exception. Periodontal disease starts when harmful bacteria in your mouth form sticky plaque. If thorough brushing and flossing aren’t part of your routine, this plaque can hang out on your teeth and harden into tartar. Tartar is virtually impossible to remove on your own and requires dental skill and instruments to do. If tartar is allowed to persist, it irritates and inflames the surrounding gum tissue, leading to a condition known as gingivitis.

Unfortunately, the cascade doesn’t always stop there. Left untreated, gingivitis can quickly escalate. Gum tissue and bone can start wearing down, and because the bone levels deteriorate, teeth can become loose or even fall out. At the same time, the bacteria that is inflaming the gums can leach into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.

This bacteria can cause plaque to build up in a person’s arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis, and putting a person at a higher risk for a heart attack. But it doesn’t stop there. That same bacteria can travel to the brain and destroy nerve cells, leading to memory loss, or Alzheimer’s.

Phew!

Learn more in this summary of a study from the journal of Science Advances.

Fortunately, there are some effective steps each one of us can take to ward off the disease process before it begins!

Prioritizing Oral Health Helps Protect Your Brain

Brush and floss regularly.

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert can’t stress enough the importance of routine brushing and flossing. When you clean the surface of your teeth and in between your teeth, you remove residual food particles before they have a chance to break down and cause harmful bacteria to grow. In other words, regular brushing and flossing helps ward off gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert also recommend using fluoridated toothpaste and swishing with a fluoridated mouthwash to keep your enamel strong.

Eat healthy.

The foods we eat have a surprising impact on our oral health and overall wellness. A diet low in sugars and starches minimizes the production of enamel-eating acid that leads to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. We’ve established that these destructive bacteria that causes gingivitis and periodontitis can wreak havoc not only on your mouth but also on your heart and brain.

On the flip side, foods rich in healthy fats and omega fatty acids, such as nuts, olive oil, and fish, increase the production of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps your brain create new memories. Avocados, also high in healthy fats, can prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. And remember to incorporate proteins and foods rich in Vitamin D for optimal brain wellness.

Live healthy.

Tobacco, alcohol, and vaping can interrupt your mouth’s healthy microbiome and contribute to the disease process.

Tobacco raises the risk of gum disease and slows down the gums’ healing process.

Alcohol is high in sugar and can kick off the gum disease cascade.

Vaping contains acidic compounds that can erode tooth enamel, damage the gums, and increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

These three habits cause dehydration, reducing saliva production. And because the primary function of saliva is to rinse harmful bacteria from the mouth, these bacteria may persist and grow, leading to eventual periodontal disease. Additionally, in excess, these habits can increase a person’s risk of oral cancer, which can metastasize throughout the body.

Conversely, limiting or avoiding these substances will promote a healthy mouth, brain, and body for life!

Control chronic conditions.

Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes, can increase a person’s risk of gum disease. Carefully managing diabetes and other chronic conditions with diet and medication is a first line of defense against periodontal disease. In addition, be mindful of any routine medications that cause a dry mouth, and take necessary steps to increase saliva production to ward off destructive bacteria.

Schedule regular recare visits.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we know that one of the most important investments you can make toward oral health and wellness is routine wellness visits with us at Eggert Family Dentistry. At each recare visit, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert performs several crucial assessments, interprets x-rays, and prescribes a fluoride treatment for your teeth. They proactively care for your teeth, search for early signs of periodontal disease, and take steps to correct or counteract any issues they detect.

Other Factors That Affect Oral Health

Lastly, be aware that other factors, including hormonal changes and genetics, can impact your oral health and ultimately, your brain health. Talk with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert if you have any oral health concerns!

The link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease is undeniable, proving that Alzheimer’s disease can start in the mouth. Follow these tips to maintain oral wellness! If you need to set up your next recare visit, reach out to us at 651.482.8412!

Avoiding “Spooky” Front Teeth- Mary Kay’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Mary Kay is a longtime patient of Dr. Elizabeth. She noted at her first appointment that she had “TMJ” and her right side was experiencing clicking and she was seeking therapy for the condition. TMJ disorders (or TMD) can manifest with different signs or symptoms for different people and encompass a wide variety of diagnoses. Typically, people with TMD experience pain in the jaw joint and/or in the muscles that control jaw movement. Dr. Elizabeth suspected that Mary Kay’s TMD could be related to how her teeth fit together and talked to Mary Kay about the benefits of orthodontics for her. Mary Kay wasn’t ready at that time, but after a few more sessions with Dr. Elizabeth and realizing that the cracking occurring on her teeth and the fact that she had already lost a few teeth at a relatively young age, Mary Kay did want to hear more.

Mary Kay’s Panoramic Image 2021, note the implant and some missing teeth.

Mary Kay suffered for years with TMD. Her bite put uneven forces on the teeth, she had crowding, and when she went into her chewing movements, her back teeth hit very hard. Luckily, orthodontics can improve a number of the issues Mary Kay had. When Mary Kay was ready, she went for a consult with Dr. DeVoe of DeVoe Orthodontics. Dr. Elizabeth works closely with Dr. DeVoe and she had confidence that he could help improve Mary Kay’s bite and therefore, her TMD symptoms. During the course of treatment, Dr. DeVoe discussed options with Dr. Elizabeth for Mary Kay’s front two teeth. Originally, Mary Kay had one existing porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on her right central incisor. With the wear pattern Mary Kay had on her other teeth, this crowned tooth no longer matched its neighbor in either color or size and shape.

What was involved?

Mary Kay completed her orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe. Mary Kay noticed an improvement to her bite and her TMD symptoms did improve as well. Mary Kay was also lucky enough to address a deviated nasal septum with nasal surgery. This also helped improve her breathing and helped her sleep improve. Improvements in sleep always help underlying pain issues with not only TMD, but other chronic pain conditions. To fine tune the bite, Dr. DeVoe asked Dr. Elizabeth to complete equilibration for Mary Kay in order to sync her tooth bite with her jaw bite. This also helped solidify a better bite for Mary Kay.

For her front teeth, Dr. Elizabeth discussed options with Mary Kay. Mary Kay had many options, including doing nothing. She could also have chosen to bleach all her natural teeth and leave her existing crown as is. Dr. Elizabeth recommended, for best color match and to be most conservative, that Mary Kay bleach her natural teeth and then replace her crown on her right central and also complete a crown for her left central to gain symmetry in shape, color, and contour. Mary Kay underwent Zoom in-office bleaching and then her new crowns were completed.

What does Mary Kay think?

Before having the procedures done, Mary Kay was just hoping her teeth would look better when all the treatment was completed. She said that the process of braces hurt at first, but noted that she got used to it and it was less intense the longer she had the braces on. “All of the steps from braces to replacing the front teeth went very smoothly. I am very happy with the outcome. My teeth look much better.” Mary Kay would highly recommend to anyone considering treatment with Dr. Elizabeth to do so because all the steps Dr. Elizabeth works through creates a great outcome as everything comes together!

Mary Kay – we are so happy that you are pleased with your results, thank you for your commitment and the trust you put into the treatment as well! Congratulations on your new smile! We look forward to treating you and your friends and family for many years to come!

Understanding TMD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

You’ve probably heard of TMJ, but the term is commonly misused. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint in your jaw or where your jaw opens and closes. What people often refer to as TMJ is actually TMJ disorder or TMD. When it comes to oral health, it’s critical to understand what TMD is, how it can present, and what you can do if you suspect TMD is an issue for you.

What is TMD?

When things are properly aligned and working as they should, we don’t give our temporomandibular joints a second thought. They are two of our body’s many unsung heroes. However, anytime you yawn, speak, or chew, you can thank your TMJs for making it possible!

Unfortunately, our jaw joints and the muscles and ligaments surrounding them can cease to work properly, resulting in jaw clicking, jaw and facial pain, and a cascade of other issues. 5-12% of people deal with TMD at some point in their lives.

What Causes TMD?

There is no singular cause of TMD. Instead, several conditions can result in a misaligned jaw and issues with the temporomandibular joints.

These include:

A jaw injury (often from sports or a car accident)
Malocclusion
Sleep apnea
Bruxism
Stress

Additional causes or activities that can aggravate TMD include:

Oral habits, like chewing on pencils, fingernails, ice, etc.
Poor posture
Stomach sleeping

Common Symptoms of TMD

Even though jaw and face pain are common symptoms, they’re not always present, or they’re accompanied by other seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

Jaw and facial pain
Jaw stiffness
Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
Jaw popping, clicking, or locking
Neck or shoulder pain
Pain behind the eyes
Back pain
Toothache or earache
Headaches or especially migraines
Dizziness
Ear ringing (tinnitus)
Teeth sensitivity with no other detectable causes
Loose teeth
Receding gums
Worn down or cracked teeth

Diagnosing TMD

If you have one or several of these symptoms and are suspicious that you’re dealing with TMD, make an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert. They will explore your health history, perform a dental exam, and take any necessary imaging to diagnose or rule out TMD. During your dental exam, they will observe and feel your jaw joints and muscles when you open and close your mouth and may press on your face and jaws to test for areas of sensitivity.

Treatment Options for TMD

TMD treatment runs the gamut:

Pain relievers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxers can help with day-to-day discomfort. For some people, however, the pain is persistent, and over-the-counter and prescription meds don’t cut it. They’re dealing with other bothersome symptoms and need a more proactive approach. This medicinal approach works best for short-lived or acute TMD issues.
Custom oral splints can relieve tension in the jaw and keep it properly aligned, reducing clenching and grinding.
Botox injections help relax jaw muscles and can lessen jaw discomfort. However, Botox will need to be repeated about every 3 months to maintain relief. Instead of Botox long-term, it is usually best to work to figure out the actual diagnosis of what is happening with your joint and look to make dental changes that can work for long-term relief.
If stress is the underlying cause of TMD, stress-management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and breathwork can get to the root of the problem.
If the atlas, or C1 vertebrae is out of alignment and causing the jaw to be misaligned, working with an upper cervical (NUCCA) chiropractor can be an effective way to realign the jaw and alleviate TMD symptoms.
After an oral exam and x-rays, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may determine you’re a good candidate for occlusal equilibration. Occlusal equilibration involves subtly and precisely reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to correct the alignment of the bite and the position of the jaw. This process allows jaw muscles to relax and reduces or eliminates pain and sensitivity.
Orthodontics can also be an effective way to change tooth positions and your bite to help alleviate the muscle and joint strain of TMD.
In severe cases when less invasive treatments and techniques don’t alleviate TMJ issues, TMJ surgery may be required. Arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, and open-joint surgery are two surgical approaches to TMD.

Prevention for TMD

A recent NIDCR study identified clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and nervous system factors that may increase a person’s risk for TMD. In other words, while it’s treatable, it isn’t always avoidable. However, there are a few precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing TMD.

Don’t stomach sleep. Sleep in a position that properly supports your head, neck, and spine.
Maintain good posture. Utilize physical therapy or chiropractic treatments to stay in alignment or consider yoga with a certified instructor.
Practice stress-reduction techniques.
Be mindful of chewing. Don’t chew on inanimate objects like pencils and don’t chew your fingernails. Avoid taking huge bites of food and overextending your jaw. Minimize or eliminate gum chewing.
Schedule routine recare visits at Eggert Family Dentistry!

If you’re experiencing bothersome symptoms and suspect you’re dealing with TMD, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of North Oaks, MN will perform a TMD evaluation. If they detect TMD, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan that realigns your jaw and alleviates pain. Give us a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule your appointment!

“I’d Like to Get Some Veneers” – The Dental Journey for Kris

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kris came to Eggert Family Dentistry as a new patient in the summer of 2021, looking for a clinic closer to home after she had moved to the area. Kris had been through Invisalign treatment in recent years, but her teeth had relapsed and she wasn’t happy with how things had changed. She also noted that she had a small mouth and a gag reflex that made it difficult for her to tolerate x-rays. Dr. Elizabeth was curious, wondering if Kris might have a compromised airway? At her new patient appointment, Kris asked Dr. Elizabeth, “I’d like to get some veneers, but what would be involved?” Kris told Dr. Elizabeth that previously a different dentist told her she would not be a candidate for veneers due to her bite. Elizabeth believed that Kris would be a candidate for veneers, but suspected that some tooth movement first would be best. So, Dr. Elizabeth welcomed Kris to undergo the records process with her in order to figure out how to get Kris the smile she deserves!

What did Kris want?

Kris’ main objective was to have whiter and bigger teeth. She wanted to be able to eat without any limitations and have her teeth show in her smile. She was sure it would give her so much more confidence. She had friends who had had veneers done on their teeth and she loved the result. What she didn’t know until undergoing the records process was why her teeth had relapsed after her last Invisalign treatment and why she had such a severe gag reflex. Dr. Elizabeth noticed that her tooth positions were putting strain on her tongue and it looked like her tongue craved more space. Dr. Elizabeth believed by addressing this, she could help Kris have a much more stable end result, a better airway, and set her up for beautiful veneers. Therefore, Kris started her treatment with Invisalign.

What was involved?

Kris underwent Invisalign treatment with goals to improve her crowding, expand her arch, create space for porcelain veneers, level her gum tissue, and provide comforting support for her joints and muscles. After less than a year of Invisalign, Kris was then ready to plan for her restorations. Before starting the restorations, Kris underwent Zoom Whitening in-office bleaching at Eggert Family Dentistry for both her upper and lower arches to help achieve the brightness she wanted. A mock-up was done as well, to verify the shape of her future veneers. Once Kris was happy with the color of the teeth that would stay natural and after she approved her mock-up, Kris was ready to prepare the teeth for veneers. She spent part of the day with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and went through the procedures needed to get her teeth ready for her veneers. After about 3 weeks with temporary veneers, Kris came back to seat her veneers. Kris chose to veneer 8 teeth on her upper arch.

What does Kris think of her results?

Before undergoing procedures to get her veneers, Kris told us “I was really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. It seemed overwhelming in the beginning.” Yet, she was very confident in Dr. Elizabeth and was excited to start the journey. Kris told us that she didn’t mind the whole process and after undergoing everything, she understands the need for it to take some time.

Kris is very happy with her results. She told us “Thank you! I love it so much! I am super happy with everything!” She also shared, “I think it’s so funny that people at work and my friends can tell something is different but cannot pinpoint what it is!” She would definitely recommend the treatment to others and says, “It is a team effort and you have to do everything that is expected of you for the best results.” Kris feels that having a better smile is fantastic. She would tell anyone thinking of having the treatment done “Do it in a heartbeat! Of course, it is an investment but it’s not as bad as you think and definitely worth it!”

Congratulations Kris – you look fabulous and we appreciate your trust in us to help us live out our motto of providing “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!”

Oral Facial Development and the Origins of Mewing

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

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

Why is facial development important?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Affects Dental and Facial Development in Children

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use Affects Dental and Facial Development in Children

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common soothing behaviors for infants and toddlers. While these habits provide comfort and are appropriate for the first few months of life, they can significantly affect your child’s dental and facial development if they continue too long. As a parent, understanding the potential consequences of prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use is crucial for ensuring your child’s healthy development.

What happens?

When thumb sucking or pacifier use persists beyond the age of 12 months, it can start to impact the alignment of your child’s teeth and the shape of their jaws. These habits create constant pressure on the developing mouth, which can lead to problems such as an open bite, where the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, or a crossbite, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, have seen firsthand how these habits can alter a child’s dental structure, leading to the need for orthodontic or other interventions.

In addition to dental alignment issues, thumb sucking and pacifier use can also affect the overall facial development of your child. Prolonged use of a pacifier or habitual thumb sucking can lead to changes in the shape of the jaw bones and the position of the teeth, which can impact the symmetry and esthetics of your child’s face. This can also contribute to speech and swallowing difficulties due to improper tongue positioning.

What can be done?

The good news is that the sooner you help your child break these habits, the more likely they are to develop a healthy dental and facial structure. Stopping thumb sucking and pacifier use at a young age allows your child’s mouth and jaw to develop correctly because they can get their tongue in a position that promotes proper development. This can then prevent the need for extensive dental work later on. You might be surprised by the positive changes that occur when these habits are stopped early, as the mouth and facial muscles begin to realign naturally. Here are some before and after photos of during pacifier use and after simply stopping pacifier use. You can see the teeth have mostly self-corrected on their own.

How to help your child give up their pacifier or thumb

To help your child give up their pacifier, consider gradually reducing its use by limiting it to certain times, such as bedtime only. You can also introduce a reward system to encourage your child to go without the pacifier during the day. If your child is older, you might try explaining why it’s important to stop using the pacifier, using age-appropriate language to help them understand. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often recommend these strategies to parents at Eggert Family Dentistry, as they have proven effective in many cases.

For thumb sucking, positive reinforcement is key, especially since you can’t keep the thumb away from the child! Praise your child when they refrain from sucking their thumb, and consider offering a small reward for keeping their thumb out of their mouth. You can also try using a bandage or a thumb guard to remind your child not to suck their thumb. If the habit is particularly persistent, consulting with the dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert, can provide additional guidance and support tailored to your child’s needs. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we have found setting young children up with the Myobrace Infant Trainer can prove especially effective because it develops correct muscle posture as well as gives the child something to keep in their mouth.

By addressing thumb sucking and pacifier use early, you can help ensure your child develops a healthy, beautiful smile. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are here to support you and your child through every stage of their dental development, offering personalized advice and care to help your child achieve the best possible outcomes. Call us today with questions about how to help you and your family! 651-482-8412.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder and Its Effect on Breathing

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Oxygen is essential for life. Without it, we wouldn’t survive, and without an adequate amount of it, our bodies don’t function properly. We breathe in oxygen through our nose and mouth. From there, oxygen enters our bloodstream and moves into every cell of our bodies, affecting every organ and system. However, certain factors can inhibit our body’s ability to access ample oxygen, which can, in turn, affect our overall health in some major ways.

One primary culprit of inadequate oxygen is Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder or OMD. Alarmingly, 38% of the population is affected by OMD. Let’s take a few minutes to learn what OMD is, causes and symptoms of OMD, and the importance of nasal breathing for optimal health.

The Basics of Proper Breathing

Breathing is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, and for most people, it occurs naturally, without much thought.

As a result, you may not realize there is a right way and a wrong way to breathe, and improper breathing lends itself to some serious problems.

When the face, mouth, and jaw structure as well as the soft tissue structures and tongue placement are aligned and functioning as intended, proper breathing is effortless, and our bodies get the oxygen they need. However, when one or more components of the orofacial structure are misaligned or not working properly, breathing is compromised and can negatively affect a person’s health.

Habits and Issues That Can Cause Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

Taking charge of your health and your children’s health can, in many ways, minimize the risk of OMD.

Thumb-sucking is a developmentally normal and healthy reflex that helps babies self-soothe and fall asleep. However, if this reflex becomes a habit and continues past the age of one, or definitely into the toddler years, it can exert too much force against a child’s developing front teeth and cause a high and narrow palate. Over time, it can train a child’s tongue to anchor down and forward instead of resting on the roof of the mouth. Ultimately, it can lead to OMD and affect speech and breathing.

Extended use of pacifiers, bottles, and sippy cups can have the same negative effects on a child’s mouth and facial development, resulting in impaired speech and restricted airflow.

According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 10% of babies are born with ankyloglossia, also known as a tongue tie. If not corrected, ankyloglossia, which affects the position and movement of the tongue, can make it difficult to close the lips properly, speak without a lisp, and breathe properly. In other words, a tongue tie can affect oral posture and lead to OMD. If you think your child has a tongue tie, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert would be happy to assess your child in our office and advise if surgery would be the best course of action to avoid a cascade of future health issues.

Nail-biting, bruxism, and tongue, lip, and cheek-sucking are other habits proven to cause muscle and structural disorders of the face, mouth, and jaw. If you struggle with these bad habits, behavior modification, a custom night splint, or other interventions may help preserve proper alignment and function, minimizing the risk for OMD related issues.

Neurological deficits and developmental delays—causes out of a person’s control—can also lead to OMD.

Read Lizzie’s story here and see how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert detected early signs of OMD and, together with Lizzie’s parents, pursued early treatment to help set her up for a lifetime of health!

Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

Some of the most common symptoms of OMD include:

Tongue thrust
TMD
Headaches
Sleep-disordered breathing/sleep apnea
Fatigue, anxiety, or depression
Lisp
Drooling
Difficulty swallowing
Mouth breathing

In addition, people with OMD often present with a sluggish face and weak, parted lips, a tight chin, and a facial grimace.

Improper Orofacial Structure Can Lead to Mouth Breathing

Let’s take a closer look at mouth breathing.

When the face, mouth, or jaw is misaligned or working improperly, nose breathing can be difficult. Because of our inherent need for oxygen, our bodies will do whatever is necessary to get proper airflow. That’s why both children and adults with OMD often resort to mouth breathing, especially when they’re asleep.

Mouth breathing is inferior to nasal breathing because air that passes through the mouth isn’t filtered like air through the nose. The nasal cavity also humidifies air before it enters the lungs. Additionally, our bodies take in more oxygen when we breathe in through our noses, and our nervous systems shift into a more parasympathetic state, reducing oxidative stress.

Health Implications Beyond the Mouth

Why is mouth breathing a big deal?

Over time, mouth breathing can permanently alter the position of the jaw, tongue, and lips, move the tongue low and forward to facilitate airflow, and lead to malocclusion—an uneven bite.

Poor oxygen and higher oxidative stress can affect children’s cognition, behavior, and academic performance and lead to hyperactivity. Left untreated, it can also lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke in adults.

Clearly, Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder is nothing to take lightly. If you believe you or your child is dealing with OMD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry. They will assess your mouth, face, and jaw and determine if everything is working properly. If they conclude that OMD is present, they will help you create a plan for the best path forward. This could encompass one of many interventions, including a night splint, dental or orthodontic treatment, a custom Myobrace® appliance, or behavior modification. Give our office a call today at 651.482.8412!

Which Splint is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When it comes to dental health, particularly addressing issues related to your bite, splints or also known as “dental appliances” can be a game-changer. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert offer a variety of splints designed to cater to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Understanding the different types of splints available and their benefits can help you make an informed decision about your dental health.

Splints Available at Eggert Family Dentistry, Explained!

One of the splints offered is the anterior deprogrammer. This appliance is designed to temporarily disengage the bite, allowing the muscles of the jaw to relax. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing bite problems and can provide relief from muscle pain caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). If you experience frequent headaches or jaw pain, an anterior deprogrammer might be recommended to help alleviate these symptoms and to determine if your bite is a contributing factor.

For those dealing with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), TMD splints or orthotics are an excellent option. These splints are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to reposition the jaw to a more comfortable position, reducing stress on the TMJ. Patients with TMD often suffer from jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty in opening their mouths fully. A TMD splint can help reduce these symptoms by providing a stable and balanced bite.

Another specialized appliance is the Tanner appliance, which is used for treating bruxism and in designing a new bite. The Tanner appliance is a full lower arch anatomical splint. It is the best adjusted version of a TMD splint and it often is worn only at night. This appliance helps us to determine where the muscles sit in a comfortable position and analyze the tooth position there. Often after wearing a Tanner appliance, you will have a great idea of how the positioning of your teeth affects your overall health and well-being and it helps us plan for a new bite so you can enjoy the improved effects day in and day out!

For those who need a more flexible solution, softguards offer a comfortable and adaptable option. Made from a softer material, these guards are ideal for light bruxism. They are especially useful for patients who may not tolerate harder materials well or those who need a lot more support for their joints over their muscles. If you experience occasional teeth grinding or clenching, a softguard may provide the necessary protection without discomfort.

Essix retainers are another versatile option, primarily used to maintain tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment. These clear, thin, removable retainers are comfortable and virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for post-orthodontic care. If you’ve recently had braces or other orthodontic work done, an Essix retainer will help keep your teeth in their new positions. For some people, it can help protect teeth from the effects of bruxism, but typically, for moderate to heavy bruxism, the retainers will wear out quickly.

For more comprehensive protection, custom fit occlusal guards (also known as night guards) are highly effective. These guards are tailored to fit your mouth precisely, providing robust protection against moderate and severe bruxism. They are made from durable materials and are designed to withstand significant grinding and clenching forces. The downside to a standard occlusal guard is that if the bruxism is caused by an airway compromise, by wearing the occlusal guard, the airway collapse may be more significant while wearing the appliance because it helps to keep your muscles relaxed. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of why you are bruxing is important.

The Seattle Protocol is an innovative approach to diagnosing and treating TMD and related issues where airway compromise is suspected. This protocol involves a series of diagnostic steps and treatments, including the use of various trial splints to find the most effective solution for each patient. By systematically evaluating different treatment options, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can pinpoint the best appliance to best improve your airway, which should improve any signs or symptoms you are having from sleep apnea. If you find yourself waking up tired or experiencing frequent sleep interruptions, the Seattle Protocol is a suitable option to explore.

Finally, for patients suffering from diagnosed mild or moderate sleep apnea, a mandibular advancement appliance can be a lifesaver. This device works by holding the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, this appliance can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health by reducing snoring and apneic events and associated risks. You will find your sleep quality will improve significantly because your body can get the oxygen it needs!

How You Can Get Help

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert utilize a comprehensive evaluation process known as the Records Process to determine the best splint for your needs. This process involves a thorough examination of your bite, jaw function, and overall oral health. By analyzing this data, they can recommend the most appropriate splint to address your specific issues. Whether you need relief from TMD, protection from bruxism, or help with sleep apnea, Eggert Family Dentistry will guide you through each step, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

Choosing the right splint can make a significant difference in your dental health and overall well-being. At Eggert Family Dentistry, you can trust that you will receive personalized, expert care designed to meet your unique needs. Call us today! 651-482-8412!

The Impact of Teeth Grinding on Your Oral Health: Risks and Consequences

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Clenching or grinding your teeth — also known as bruxism — is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should ignore.

While some consequences of bruxism are simply annoying, others are more serious and can negatively affect your oral health. Let’s take a few minutes to dive into the impact of teeth grinding, signs to watch for, serious consequences that can occur, and how to treat and prevent it.

Understanding Teeth Grinding and Its Causes

Teeth grinding can affect children and adults alike. Small children are notorious for grinding when they’re cutting baby or permanent teeth, but they generally grow out of it. Not everyone grows out of bruxism, however, and adults often report their sleeping partners grinding so loudly it actually wakes them up out of a sound sleep!

While you might think of bruxism occurring only when you’re asleep (sleep bruxism or SB), it can occur just as frequently during your awake hours (awake bruxism or AB). In either case, the person generally doesn’t realize they’re clenching or grinding their teeth and often attributes their symptoms to the wrong causes.

Teeth grinding — and the uncomfortable side effects of it — generally has one of several root causes: improper alignment of teeth; stress, anxiety, anger; caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption; tobacco use; prescription medications; or airway issues.

Stress

Stress affects the human body in a variety of ways. It causes surges of adrenaline and cortisol, as well as increased heart rate and breathing.

When this happens, our bodies shift from “rest and digest” mode into “fight or flight” mode, and our muscles tense up and prepare for action. This tension is often noticeable in our neck, shoulders, and hips. Our jaw muscles often tense up too, and we grind unconsciously to cope with the pressure.

Caffeine

We love coffee and other foods and beverages with caffeine because they give us energy. But they’re also a muscle stimulant and can increase muscle activity in the jaw, resulting in grinding.

Tobacco

Just like caffeine, tobacco is a stimulant and increases muscle activity in the jaw.

Alcohol

Not only does alcohol consumption affect our sleep patterns, but it actually alters the neurotransmitters in our brain. Consequently, jaw muscles can overcompensate and become tense, resulting in grinding.

Also, if not properly managed, alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which makes our mouth dry and can lead to teeth grinding.

Airway Issues

Sleep disordered breathing can result in teeth grinding. If you’re having a difficult time breathing at night, you may unconsciously move your teeth around or grind them to open up your airway. This also occurs during the day, unconsciously. For example, if your body feels that your airway is more “open” with your jaw in a position that puts more stress on your teeth, but less stress on your airway, your body will choose to keep your airway open over keeping pressures off your teeth.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications, including antidepressants and psychiatric meds, can alter neurotransmitters in the brain and cause jaw tension and teeth grinding.

Tip: If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth as a result of a prescription medicine, talk to your prescribing doctor to see if your dosage can safely be adjusted or if there is another medication choice you can try.

Impact of Teeth Grinding: Signs and Symptoms

Do you think you or your loved one might be dealing with bruxism? Here are some signs to watch for:

Tooth damage: chipped, worn down, fractured, or loose teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Headaches or earaches
A jaw that clicks or doesn’t open and close smoothly
A sore jaw
Irritated cheek tissue
Tongue indentations
Gum recession
Gingivitis
Damaged dental work

Tip: If you catch yourself clenching or grinding, place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your top teeth. This will automatically unclench your teeth and relax your jaw. This isn’t a permanent fix but can help provide relief from jaw tension in the moment.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

You and your loved ones don’t need to live with the uncomfortable and potentially damaging effects of teeth grinding.

Successful treatment of bruxism addresses the root cause: If the root cause is physiological, dentistry, orthodontia, or airway treatment could help; If the root cause is stress, managing it is imperative. In other words, there are several effective treatment options! Let’s take a closer look:

Splint/Occlusal Appliance

In order to protect your teeth from chipping, cracking, or wearing down during sleep bruxism, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can create a custom in-mouth appliance, or splint. This splint will fit your teeth perfectly, protect their surfaces, and absorb bite force. There are different ways to design splints based on your individual needs. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth are happy to help you determine which might be best!

Dental Restorations

When teeth grinding has been undetected or left untreated for a long time, teeth can become permanently damaged.

If needed, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can create crowns or veneers for your teeth to restore their strength and integrity and improve the appearance of your worn-down teeth. Properly shaping the teeth can also help relieve extra pressure on your jaw.

Orthodontia

If Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff determines that the root cause of bruxism is due to severely misaligned teeth or jaw bones, they will refer you to an orthodontist for a consultation or sometimes we can even do the orthodontics in our office with Inivisalign. Braces and other orthodontic interventions can widen your palate, realign teeth, and reposition the jaw, correcting your bite. They can even help with breathing issues!

Treatment for Airway Issues

If Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert suspects that sleep disordered breathing is a factor for you, they will schedule an evaluation and discuss possible treatment options, including the reputable Seattle Protocol.

Botox

If the grinding is persistent and the effects are severe, Botox injections can provide temporary relief. Botox is a neurotoxin that can be injected and has been found to temporarily relax muscles and reduce nerve signals in the jaw that lend themselves to teeth grinding.

De-Stressing Techniques:

If you’re under significant stress and it’s the likely cause of your teeth grinding condition, pursuing de-stressing techniques, such as therapy, breathwork, stretching, and journaling, can help reduce stress or help you manage it better. These interventions can also help alleviate overall body tension and stress-induced pain.

If you’re dealing with symptoms of teeth grinding, we’d encourage you to schedule a bruxism evaluation appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert. Give our office a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule your appointment.