Traveling to Mexico for medical and dental procedures is increasing in popularity. Who wouldn't want to combine a tropical vacation with some unwanted dental work, but just how wise is it to trust your healthcare to another country? It's true, you can save a significant amount of money, but is it worth the cost? Here are some things to keep in mind before you decide Mexico is the best place for your dental care. You must factor in your travel cost when determining how much money traveling to Mexico will save you. Don't forget to add in the cost of a US passport if you don't already have one, they run $145 currently. These costs may negate any savings you'd have by traveling out of the country for dental work. This may be obvious, but there can be a language barrier. Not all Mexican doctors and staff speak English, or English well. It is not uncommon for your doctor and staff to speak Spanish while you are in the room. This can put you at a disadvantage if things aren't … [Read more...]
Vaping and Dental Health
Vaping is quickly taking over as a "healthy" alternative to smoking, or at least that is what we are lead to believe. E-cigarettes are relatively new to the market, they have been around for only 15 years or so, making the long-term effects fairly unknown. Recent studies have found e-cigs/vaping to be just a harmful as smoking to the cells in your mouth. Vaping can contribute to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. As with traditional cigarettes, the vapor in e-cigarettes makes contact with your mouth when the vapor is the hottest. This heat can irritate and cause damage to sensitive gum tissue. Nicotine, often found in e-liquids, is highly addictive. When you stop using it, you can go through withdrawal, feeling depressed and crabby. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it reduces blood flow to tissue, which inhibits the tissue's ability to repair itself. Research also shows it harms the developing brains of kids, affecting memory and attention. Nicotine damages … [Read more...]
Do You Suffer From Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth affects 10% of all people and tends to affect women more than men. There are many causes of dry mouth. Medications tend to be the most common cause of dry mouth, but other causes include; dehydration, radiation treatments, diabetes, smoking, hormone imbalances, sinusitis, mouth breathing, pregnancy, and dry air to name a few. Bomstad Dental has always offered prescription toothpaste to help treat dry mouth, we now have some samples of XyliMelts for you to try too. XyliMelts are fully dissolving oral adhering discs that slowly release xylitol and natural lubricants. XyliMelts claims to stimulate saliva, reduce acid reflux and heartburn while sleeping, and reduce plaque and tooth decay by delivering xylitol. We are curious to hear what you think of XyliMelts? Should our office carry this product full time? Currently, XyliMelts are available without a prescription at WalMart, CVS and Rite Aid, and for a limited time you can try a sample from our office. Feel free to … [Read more...]
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Nearly 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, which makes oral cancer screenings essential. At Bomstad Dental, your hygienist performs a cancer check every time you visit her. Another reason why it is so important to have regular dental check ups. Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include, but are not limited to; Tobacco and alcohol use Age-most oral cancer is diagnosed in people over 40 Diet-a poor diet low in fruits and vegetables impacts your risk of oral cancer HPV-this is a sexually transmitted disease known at the human papillomavirus and it has been linked to oral cancers, especially in younger individuals (an HPV vaccine is now available) Some symptoms indicating you could have oral cancer include; A lump, irritated area or a sore Difficulty chewing or swallowing or a change in speech A red or white patch, mostly on the tongue or floor of the mouth A feeling of numbness on the tongue or other area of your mouth … [Read more...]
Supporting Operation Smile
Operation Smile provides surgery to children with cleft lips and cleft palates, who wouldn't normally have access to good medial care, throughout the world. Operation Smile was founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee, Jr. (a plastic surgeon) and his wife, Kathleen (a nurse & social worker). When they traveled to the Philippines with a group of medical volunteers to fix cleft lips and cleft palates they found themselves overwhelmed with the amount of children who needed help. Over 300 families showed up in hope of their children getting a surgery, unfortunately they were only able to help 40 children on that trip. William and Kathleen vowed to return and that is how Operation Smile was born! Operation Smile goes on hundreds of medical missions each year. Sometimes, they have to import medical equipment, other times they bring medical experts. But in every location, they work with local healthcare providers to deliver patient care in their own culture and language. … [Read more...]
Welcome, Dawn!
We are excited to announce, Dawn, has joined our team! Dawn will primarily be assisting Dr. Karban on Thursdays and Fridays. She comes to us with 20 years of experience in the dental field. Dawn received her dental assisting degree from Rochester Community & Technical College. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two young boys. In her free time, Dawn loves to spend time with her family, baking & cooking, and paddleboarding in the summer months. Dawn is a very organized, detail oriented person and we are thrilled to have her! Make sure to welcome her the next time you are in the office. … [Read more...]
Meet Molly!
We are excited to introduce to you, Molly! You will see Molly's smiling face working at the front desk when you come into Bomstad Dental. Molly is a graduate from St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, Paul and infant son, Eli. They also have a puggle named Cuddy after Minnesota Twins player Michael Cuddyer. Besides being a huge Twins fan, Molly enjoys spending time at her cabin, playing games, reading and family time. This Christmas Molly is looking forward to watching her nephews open gifts and of course, Eli's VERY first Christmas! Every Christmas, Molly has Italian food in honor of her grandma, usually rigatoni & meatballs or lasagna-I'm going to have to hit her up for some recipes! She will be hosting her family on Christmas Eve and will spend Christmas Day at her in-laws' home. Molly's favorite thing to do during the holidays is spend time with family. I was excited to hear Molly used to dance every year in the … [Read more...]
We Are Thankful For Shawna!
Shawna is the newest assistant at Bomstad Dental! You will also see Shawna at the front desk three days per week. Dr. Bomstad had the opportunity to work with Shawna when he first graduated from dental school and is very thankful she has joined his team again! Shawna lives in Burnsville with her two teenage boys and three dogs. She is currently engaged to Chance. Shawna and Chance were friends and neighbors when they were 6 years old! They reconnected after 25 years-how's that for a love story?!! Shawna is also a talented jewelry maker. She makes and creates sterling silver jewelry, hand wrapping and finishing the jewelry from scrap silver. The office staff can't wait to see some of her work! With Thanksgiving Day less than a week away, we wanted to know how Shawna will be celebrating the holiday. She will be spending the day with her brother's family. All of the cousins will get together and play outside while the adults play games inside. There will be a huge … [Read more...]
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
More and more it is believed there is a direct link between a healthy mouth and a healthy heart. Inflammation or swollen gums are a sign of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease happens when plaque builds up causing bacteria to grow below the gum line. Because gums are highly vascularized, the bacteria enters the blood stream causing inflammation in other parts of the body. Inflammation in the heart leads to hardening of arteries, also called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis makes it hard for blood to flow to the heart increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. Studies have shown when there is an absence of gum disease, there is significantly less bacteria found in the heart. Just one more reason to make sure you are getting regular dental cleanings. If you are due for a dental cleaning call 952-938-7746 or click HERE to schedule your cleaning today. … [Read more...]
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is when stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus, throat or mouth. It can be especially hard on your teeth. The enamel (or protective layer of your teeth) begins to erode away when it is exposed to an acid of a pH of 5.5 or less. Stomach acid has a pH of 2 or less, which makes getting your acid reflux under control a priority. Some signs you may be suffering from acid reflux are: Sharp or burning chest pain behind the breastbone Tightness in your chest or upper abdomen Regurgitation Nausea A recurring bitter or sour taste in your mouth Difficulty swallowing Hoarseness, especially in the morning Sore throat Coughing, wheezing or continually needing to clear your throat There are ways to prevent acid reflux and protect your teeth. Elevate the head of your bed, at least 6 inches Avoid foods that cause the esophageal sphincter to relax during digestion. (These include: coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, whole milk, peppermint & … [Read more...]
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