A smile is the first impression you provide others when you meet them for the very first time. It can be a symbol of health, beauty, and success. If your smile has imperfections, such as broken or missing teeth, it can impact the way others see you in a social setting. To improve your smile’s appearance, function, and health, you may want to work with a dentist in the Mount Pleasant, MI area who can help you with your needs using general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.

What does your smile say about you?

A smile with imperfections may make you appear as though your appearance to others does not matter. It may cost you a new job or a relationship if the teeth are damaged or missing. With the help of a restorative dentist such as Dr. Kenneth Egger of Mount Pleasant, MI, you can restore the smile–and your confidence–in as little as one appointment.

What treatments are used to improve the smile?

Both cosmetic and restorative dentistry often come into play when developing a smile makeover for an individual who visits the office of Dr. Kenneth Egger. Some of the more popular treatments that may be recommended to you to fix specific areas of the smile include:

• Tooth-colored fillings for areas of decay
• Dental crowns to cover broken or imperfect teeth
• Dental bridges to replace one or more teeth in a row
• Dental implants to replace teeth in a permanent, long-lasting method
• Root canal treatment for teeth that have severe damage or advanced infections
• Periodontal treatments for the early to late stages of periodontitis
• Composite resin bonding to disguise gaps and chips
• Porcelain veneers to cover imperfections near the front of the smile

Do not miss out on this opportunity to enhance your smile with advanced dentistry techniques!

If you reside in or around the area of Mount Pleasant, MI, and want to educate yourself further on the advantages of a smile makeover, call the office of Dr. Kenneth Egger at 989-773-3560 to request a consultation visit and initial evaluation. He can examine your smile and talk to you about the ways in which you can enhance your appearance with cosmetic and restorative dental solutions.

There are many conditions that can negatively impact your oral health. Dr. Kenneth Egger of Mount Pleasant, MI, is a dentist in the community who can help you in preventing and diagnosing these issues early on to ensure the best possible treatment and results.

Below are the top three oral issues that can affect the health of the smile and how to spot them:

• Tooth decay. Tooth decay, or a “cavity,” is one of the most common oral issues that can impact a person’s smile. This condition occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth, leading to damage that can eventually lead to tooth loss. To avoid tooth decay, it is important to practice good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Additionally, you should visit Dr. Kenneth Egger at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. Tooth decay is completely preventable with proper care.
• Periodontal disease. Another common oral health issue is gum disease, or periodontal disease, which occurs when bacteria spread below the gum line and attacks the tissues supporting the teeth. Gum disease can result in bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums if left untreated. It can even result in the loss of gum tissue, bone, and natural teeth without proper care and prevention. Dr. Kenneth Egger encourages patients to keep an eye out for the signs of early gum disease, also referred to as gingivitis.
• Oral cancer. Oral cancer can impact the health of the smile by causing changes in the tissue and the development of abnormal cells that form a tumor. This type of cancer may not always have noticeable symptoms, which makes it critical to visit Dr. Kenneth Egger for regular screenings. If you notice any unusual areas or lumps on your gums or mouth, contact Dr. Kenneth Egger immediately for an evaluation, as this may be a sign of oral cancer. Treatment will vary depending on both the type and severity of the cancer diagnosed.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

By practicing good dental hygiene, visiting Dr. Kenneth Egger regularly for cleanings and checkups, and being aware of any potential signs or symptoms of oral health conditions, we can help you keep your smile healthy and strong! Call 989-773-3560 to request an appointment at our office in Mount Pleasant, MI, and take steps to maintain your smile’s health with the assistance of our experienced team of professionals.

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone visits the dentist at least every six months for both a cleaning and evaluation. However, not everyone follows these recommendations, and by avoiding the dentist’s chair, you may be putting your smile at risk of potential, irreversible damage. Dr. Kenneth Egger of Mount Pleasant, MI can help you determine if it’s time to make that dental appointment you have been avoiding!

Do I need to go to my dentist?

In order to determine the answer to this question, our dental team has a few questions for you!

• Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Dental emergencies are certain situations which require immediate attention from a dental professional. These include situations such as severe toothaches, knocked out teeth, or lost restorations. Many of these need to be addressed as soon as possible to ensure a positive outcome. For example, a knocked-out tooth will need to be brought to the dentist’s office immediately to ensure a better chance of reattaching it. Timing is critical in situations such as this.
• How long has it been since you have had a dental cleaning and examination? Preventative dentistry services such as cleanings and examinations should be performed at least every six months. This ensures patients are seen by a dental provider who can spot early signs of issues and in turn, provide the treatments needed to reduce the risks of potential issues. If it’s been over six months since your last appointment, we encourage you to schedule a visit with Dr. Kenneth Egger.
• Do you have dental concerns that need to be evaluated? Have you noticed bleeding and swelling of the gums after brushing or flossing? Have you had trouble controlling chronic bad breath? Do you find that you experience sensitivity or pain when eating sweets or drinking hot or cold beverages? Situations such as these indicate the need for a dental examination to evaluate the smile and determine the source of the issue.

Call Dr. Kenneth Egger of Mount Pleasant, MI today!

If it has been a while since your previous dental visit, we encourage you to call our office at 989-773-3560 to request an appointment for a cleaning and evaluation with our staff. We are open to new and returning patients in and around the area, and provide a judgement-free zone for quality, comprehensive dentistry.

When you clean your bathroom, you may notice that the more “elbow grease” you put into cleaning, the cleaner the surfaces get. However, this isn’t true with everything. Dr. Kenneth Egger is a dentist at Kenneth Egger Family Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, MI, who takes time to educate patients on what to do–and what not to do–when it comes to cleaning the teeth and gums. This encompasses aggressive brushing that many patients believe will allow them to clean more effectively.

Does brushing your teeth harder lead to better oral health?

While many individuals believe that brushing more aggressively will effectively remove plaque and tartar, it can actually do more harm than good! When you brush too hard, you can damage your gums and tooth enamel.

If you’re looking to improve your oral health, it’s important to brush gently and thoroughly. Be sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the back molars. You should also visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups, and if you have any questions about caring for your smile, he can assist! Dr. Kenneth Egger is always here to help Mount Pleasant, MI area patients find ways to keep their teeth and gums healthy with brushing, flossing, and routine appointments at the office.

What should I look for in a toothbrush?

In addition to learning how to use a toothbrush properly to reduce enamel loss and gum recession, Dr. Kenneth Egger can also talk to you about your options when shopping for a toothbrush, whether you are considering an electric option or a manual one. Additionally, he can tell you when it’s time to change the toothbrush or toothbrush head, primarily if fraying occurs to the toothbrush bristles. This is an indication that you need to get a new one, which should be done at least every three months in general.

How do I learn more about caring for my smile?

To ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for life, you need to pay close attention to your oral hygiene every day! Dr. Kenneth Egger and his team provide family dentistry services to help patients of all ages understand the importance of proper hygiene habits. Call 989-773-3560 to request an appointment at our office and discuss ways to achieve and maintain a healthy smile!

Dr. Kenneth Egger is a dentist in Mount Pleasant, MI, who sees patients complaining of discomfort in the mouth. Whether it’s a toothache or a canker sore, he can provide a proper diagnosis of the problem and discuss possible treatment options. Canker sores can be extremely painful and problematic for patients, but with proper care, many patients can reduce their risk and find solutions to ensure they are comfortable as the area is healing.

What is a canker sore and what causes them to develop?

A canker sore is a small ulcer that forms on the inside of the mouth, lips, or throat. These sores can be excruciating for some patients and make it difficult to eat or drink. Canker sores are not contagious, but they can reoccur. There are several things that can trigger canker sores, including stress, hormones, certain foods, and allergies. By knowing what is triggering your canker sores, you can be more prepared for their arrival or eliminate their occurrence altogether.

How are canker sores treated?

There is no cure for canker sores, but there are treatments that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter remedies, such as mouthwashes and gels, can help to numb the pain. Prescription medications may also be used to treat canker sores. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or antiviral medication.

Preventing canker sores

There is no sure way to prevent canker sores. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk:

• Avoid foods that may trigger canker sores, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, and chocolate.
• Limit your intake of coffee and alcohol.
• Quit smoking if you smoke cigarettes.
• Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Learn more about ways to care for the smile

If you are located in the Mount Pleasant, MI area and want to speak to Dr. Kenneth Egger and his team about canker sores and other oral health concerns, book an appointment by calling 989-773-3560 and scheduling a visit with our friendly front office team. We can help with canker sores and many other conditions that can impact the teeth and gums.

While it is vital that you visit the dentist as recommended by the American Dental Association, it is also important that you take proper care of your smile between these appointments. Dr. Kenneth Egger of Mount Pleasant, MI, encourages you to follow specific recommendations to maintain a healthy smile all year long!

How can I take care of my smile between dental cleanings and examinations?

• Brushing can remove food particles from the surfaces of the teeth and gums while also keeping plaque from forming. Plaque is a sticky substance that can contribute to the development of cavities and periodontal disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with fluoride toothpaste to brush after every meal, if possible.
• Flossing at least once a day can remove food stuck between teeth that can result in the formation of tooth decay or gum disease.
• Eating a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep teeth and gums healthy by providing the necessary nutrients. Avoid sugary foods and beverages and sticky candy that can cling to the teeth.
• Limiting acidic foods and drinks. Acidic beverages like sports drinks, soda, and citrus juice can erode tooth enamel over time. If you consume acidic beverages, drink them through a straw to help limit contact with the teeth.
• Visiting your dentist regularly. Dental cleanings and examinations can remove built-up plaque and tartar while also identifying potential problems. Be sure to schedule an appointment at least twice a year. Taking these steps can help you maintain a healthy smile between dental visits.
• Avoiding tobacco use. Tobacco products can contribute to various oral health problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth cancer. If you use tobacco products, talk to your dentist about ways to quit.

Learn more about caring for your smile!

These are just a few things you can do to take care of your smile between dental cleanings and examinations. For more information, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kenneth Egger and his team in Mount Pleasant, MI. Call 989-773-3560 to request a visit and get started caring for your smile for a lifetime!

When you’re at Meijer cruising down the dental care aisle, it’s kind of mind boggling the number of choices in every category, but particularly toothpaste. When we were kids (at least if you’re over 50), it seems there were only one or two offerings from the few toothpaste companies out there.

Regular and mint.

Today, you could get lost in the aisle. That’s a good thing for choice, but it can be confusing when it comes to knowing what information is important in those choices. Dr. Egger tells his patients to look for two things: fluoride and the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

Just what is that ADA thing? Let’s get into that in this pre-Easter bunny blog.

What is the ADA?

The American Dental Association was founded in 1859 when dental care probably wasn’t at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Twenty-six dentists were meeting in Niagara Falls, New York and decided dentistry needed a professional society. The goal was to promote high professional standards and support scientific research in dentistry.

The ADA waited awhile to publish information for the public. Its first dental education pamphlet was released in 1908. It recommended brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing regularly, and twice-yearly dentist visits. Some things never change.

About the Seal

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is backed by science. Every product that receives the ADA Seal has been scientifically evaluated by independent experts to be safe and effective. In many cases, getting the ADA Seal means a manufacturer has to meet higher standards than are required by law. If a product doesn’t meet these standards, there is no middle ground — it will not receive the Seal of Acceptance.

More than Toothpaste

The ADA puts its seal on way more than just toothpaste and toothbrushes. It also puts its Seal of Acceptance on power toothbrushes, water flossers, whitening strips, even specialty toothpastes to prevent enamel erosion from dietary acids. You’ll find the ADA Seal on water filters in the kitchen and mouthguards for sports.

If you’re here now, you may have seen our past blogs where Dr. Egger recommended the new electric toothbrushes that have received ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Now you’re an expert on the ADA and choosing the right toothpaste and other dental products. If it’s time for your next checkup with us, call Dr. Egger at (989) 773-3560.

In February’s first blog we discussed why you may want to add a mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine. There are many alternatives these days, so the choices can seem daunting.

To help, we’re going to use some ADA Seal of Acceptance options as chosen by the medical website Healthline.com.

Each of these has some different attributes, so see which could fit your needs. These are “therapeutic” mouthwashes, meaning they’re doing a job either fighting cavities and gum disease or helping keep dry mouth in check, in addition to freshening your breath.

Here are a few of the Healthline.com choices.

• Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection — The active ingredient in this Crest mouthwash is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that works on bad breath, tooth decay, and conditions such as gingivitis and receding or bleeding gums. It is alcohol-free, so it doesn’t burn, but some may find the aftertaste from the CPC too much.

• Crest Pro-Health Advanced with Extra Whitening — This contains fluoride for fighting cavities and hydrogen peroxide for removing surface stains and whitening teeth. It also strengthens tooth enamel and kills the germs causing bad breath. Whitening takes time, though.

• ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride — Active ingredient is fluoride, making it good for preventing decay, strengthening enamel, and promoting healthy gums. Comes in two flavors: one formulated with 11 percent alcohol and the other alcohol-free.

• ACT Dry Mouth — Is alcohol-free and doesn’t burn. Is highly effective at reducing dry mouth for many hours after use. Also contains fluoride for cavity fighting. Xylitol is an active ingredient. Xylitol is also in sugar-free gum. It increases the amount of saliva in the mouth, and this also reduces S. mutans bacteria, which cause plaque to form on the teeth.

• Colgate Total Pro-Shield — Alcohol-free and with a mild peppermint taste. Active ingredient is cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Kills germs for up to 12 hours, even after eating meals. Good for keeping breath fresh and reducing plaque buildup.

• Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic — Active ingredients are menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate. Along with its alcohol base, these essential oils provide an intense, minty tingle that’s pleasing for some, but too strong for others. The antimicrobial properties of the essential oils make it very effective at reducing plaque, gingivitis, receding gums, and bad breath.

• TheraBreath Fresh Breath — TheraBreath is alcohol-free and antibacterial. It reduces sulfur-producing bacteria in the mouth, eliminating even severe bad breath for up to 1 day. Its active ingredients include peppermint oil, citric acid, castor oil, tetrasodium edta, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chlorite, and sodium benzoate. Some people find TheraBreath alters their taste buds for a while after use.

So, there you have a bunch of choices for possible mouthwashes to add to your home oral hygiene. Dr. Egger is a fan of all of them, but they do have individual differences you may or may not like.

Is it time for your next cleaning and exam with Dr. Egger and our team? Call us at (989) 773-3560 to make your appointment.

If you’re a regular here in Dr. Egger’s blog, you may have perused our January offerings on bad breath, namely teenage dragon breath and sinus infection caused bad breath.

Obviously, a mouthwash would come in handy in those two scenarios. So, how about for February’s two blogs we get into mouthwashes and why you should make one a part of your oral hygiene plan.

Mouthwash is mouthwash, right?

Nope. While everyone thinks of the old Listerine or Scope mouthwash ads on TV, there are two types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic.

Cosmetic mouthwashes control bad breath temporarily and they leave a pleasant taste in your mouth.

Therapeutic mouthwashes do more serious work. Therapeutic mouthwashes include ingredients that provide long-lasting bacterial reduction and can be used for conditions such as receding gums, gingivitis, dry mouth, and plaque buildup. They can be found in over the counter and prescription formulations.

What do you want the mouthwash to do?

When looking at all the mouthwash options (and there are now lots of them), you want to consider your personal oral health needs or goals.

• Bad breath — If your main worry is bad breath, using a cosmetic mouthwash (like regular Scope) during the day may be all you need for keeping your breath fresh in the short term, say, for a big meeting.
• Dry mouth — If you’re taking a certain medication and one of its side effects is dry mouth or if you have a health condition that creates this problem, then you need a mouthwash designed for oral comfort for many hours.
• Plaque or gum problems — Other conditions, such as plaque buildup, receding gums, and gingivitis can be addressed by choosing mouthwashes containing fluoride, or those with other active ingredients that kill bacteria.

One constant is to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This means the mouthwash has been tested for effectiveness by the ADA. Not every mouthwash has this, including some of the biggies.

Look for these ingredients

Don’t just look at the hype on the front label, check the ingredients. Look for these ingredients:

• Fluoride — Fluoride is proven to fight tooth decay and to help strengthen enamel.
• Cetylpyridinium chloride — This eliminates bad breath by killing bacteria.
• Chlorhexidine — This reduces plaque and controls gingivitis (gum inflammation).
• Essential oils — Some mouthwashes contain compounds found in essential oils, such as menthol (peppermint), eucalyptus, and thymol (thyme), which have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
• Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide — These are whitening ingredients.

OK, those are the basics of what to look for when looking to add a mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine. In February’s second blog, we’ll get into nine recommended mouthwashes from a noted health website.

Until then, if it’s time to see Dr. Egger and our team for your regular twice-yearly cleanings and exams, give us a ring at (989) 773-3560.

When it comes to birthdays, 50 is a definite milestone. It’s true for our health, as well. This seems to be a time when our bodies can start demanding more attention as issues such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis start to show themselves. Also, as women exit menopause changing hormone levels may need some attention. And that’s not to mention our eyes, with presbyopia making us reach for reading glasses and cataracts starting to cloud our vision. 

In other words, after 50 our bodies can need more attention. 

But that’s no time to forget your oral health. After all, you don’t want to join the 25 percent of Americans over the age of 65 who have no remaining teeth. Dr. Egger has some advice for our older patients from Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding areas.    

Don’t forget the fluoride 

Cavity prone years and fluoride seem to go together. But fluoride’s not just for kids — all human teeth need fluoride, whether age 9 or 90. Remember, fluoride is important for the remineralization of our teeth. This is the process where the teeth regain the minerals they need after they demineralize. Fluoride helps this process, which is important to ward off tooth decay. Older people have an increased risk for cavities versus those in middle age. This is especially true around old silver amalgam fillings that have been in place for some time. 

And don’t listen to the fluoride poisoning conspiracy nut jobs. Fluoride isn’t a plot to poison or brainwash you; it’s a method to strengthen the enamel in your teeth, and that’s a good thing. If you’ve gotten a couple cavities of late, we can even help strengthen your enamel with one of those tasty fluoride treatments you may remember from your youth. 

Dry mouth 

Old age and dry mouth aren’t necessarily linked, but some facets of aging can increase your risk for dry mouth. Taking regular medications or certain chronic conditions can increase your risk for dry mouth. And with dry mouth comes an increased risk for cavities and decay issues. If you wear dentures, dry mouth can affect the quality of their fit. 

So, what can you do? Use a “moisturizing” mouthwash or dry mouth spray. Chew sugar-free gum, as it encourages saliva production. You can use an “artificial saliva” product; these products have ingredients that closely mimic your real saliva. 

Mind your dentures 

If you have dentures, take care of them as diligently as you would natural teeth. Clean them with denture-specific toothpaste (regular toothpastes are too abrasive) and be sure you clean them every day. And don’t forget to use a soft toothbrush on your gums and tongue to remove any bacteria and food particles. 

Lastly, don’t overlook your twice-yearly professional cleanings and exams with Dr. Egger and our team. These are the easiest way to ensure healthy teeth and gums heading into your golden years. Call us to make your next appointment, (989) 773-3560.