We are your local Shoreview MN Dentist – we are happy to serve our community for over 20 years!

We’re glad you’ve decided to entrust us with your dental care. At our office, we strive to make sure that you feel comfortable and well-cared for throughout the process. We encourage you to ask questions and be involved in treatment decisions with your Shoreview MN Dentist.

Our Qualified Dentists

We offer a number of general and specialized dentistry options to suit all ages and needs:
  • Family & General Dentistry
  • Cleanings & Prevention
  • Dental Exams
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Invisalign® & Braces
  • Botox®
  • Restorations
  • Dental Implants
  • Professional Teeth Whitening
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Healthy Smile Program
  • Laser Dentistry
Our teamContact us

 651-429-0404

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Tell If I Have Gingivitis or Periodontitis (Gum Disease)?

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. Most people are not aware of the disease because it is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal problems without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important, especially if you want to catch any problems before they cause too much damage.

Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that forms on your teeth, can lead to periodontal disease. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will keep plaque away so it cannot do its damage.

Shoreview MN Dentist

shoreview mn dentist
shoreview mn dentist

What Does Heart Disease and Other Medical Conditions Have To Do With Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Many people don’t realize that periodontal disease, which destroys gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place, can affect their overall health. It is one of the most common infections; often more prevalent than the common cold! Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason people lose teeth; it can also affect your body by causing heart disease, respiratory problems and diabetes.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest stages, it’s called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is not regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums, eventually destroying the jaw bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss!

Studies have shown a link between gum disease and systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The studies suggest that oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream, travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream may:

  • Contribute to the development of heart disease
  • Increase the risk of stroke
  • Compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases
  • Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low-birth weight baby

Researchers have concluded that there is still a lot of work to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, but enough research has been done to support the idea that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.

To keep your mouth healthy, we recommend having regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These include a periodontal evaluation to check for gum disease. Also, good home care and a balanced diet can help reduce plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Remember….the mouth body connection!  Taking care of your oral health may contribute to your overall medical health!

CONTACT DETAILS

4641 WHITE BEAR PARKWAY, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110
DDS1@BIRCHLAKEDENTAL.COM
651-429-0404

 

OPENING HOURS:

Monday-Tuesday   9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday     7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday     7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Friday     By appointment only
Saturday-Sunday     CLOSED