Photo by Eric Parker

With so many different whitening options on the market, do you ever  wonder which ones are the best? And can the store bought whitening harm your teeth?

There are a few different whitening options in our office. The first one is to have custom whitening trays made and then the patient is able to do the whitening at the convenience of their own home. The second option is the in-office zoom whitening, which gives you instant results.

The store bought whitening; such as, crest white strips is not strong enough to do any harm to your teeth. The different bleaching options contain different strengths of hydrogen peroxide. The store bought whitening does not contain very high percentages of the peroxide.

Photo by A Culinary Journal

Are there really certain foods that can stain your teeth, or is this all a big myth?? If you guessed this is a true statement you are correct! Some of the top teeth staining foods are:wine, tea, cola, berries, sauces, and sweets.

What may surprise you is that tea may be a bigger stain culprit than coffee. If you’re going to drink tea, the herbal, green, and white teas are less likely to stain than black tea.

The general rule is any food that would stain a t-shirt will stain your teeth. If you wouldn’t trust it on your shirt, you can be sure it can stain your teeth!

Photo by edrabbit

Piercings may be a prevalent form of body art these days, but have you ever thought about how certain piercings may interfere with your teeth/oral health?  Today there are many different piercings; such as, lip rings, tongue rings, monroe piercings, and angel kiss piercings, that can be done around the lip and mouth area and some of these piercings can hurt your teeth.

Out of all the different facial piercings, the lip and tongue piercings have the highest risk of harming your teeth. Accidents most often occur when people bite down on the metal piercing, or when they are playing with the piercing in their mouth. Chipped teeth can easily happen when a person has piercing on the lip or tongue area. Dr. Shamblott himself says he has seen many patients who have come in with their tongue pierced and had a chip or cracked tooth that needed a root canal and crown to fix the tooth.

Not only can these piercings create problems with your oral health, but they can also cause bacterial infections, changes in taste, allergic reactions, and muscle damage. If you have a piercing that is located close to your mouth make sure you see your dentist regularly to diagnose any potential problems.

Did you happen to see Dr. Scott on Twin Cities Live this week? You can see Dr. Scott in action with John Hanson and Ian Punnett as they each made a visit to our office.

During last week’s segment, John Hanson shared his experience being sedated at our office. John was asleep from 7am-2pm and said he has no memory of what happened and says he felt no pain! Some benefits of sedation include being able to get a lot of work done at once and not having to miss a lot of work.

Ian Punnett also shared his experience at our office during his last visit. As you may know, Ian has a dental phobia that goes back many years. You can see a clip from Ian and John’s visit here.

Photo by JosiahRitchie

Almost all babies develop habits that can be difficult to break including sucking pacifiers and thumbs. Some babies develop the habit of sucking their fingers in the womb. Although babies start sucking for a number of reasons including to make them relax and to make them feel secure, these habits can be difficult to stop.

Sucking for long periods of time can lead to permanent damage to a child’s teeth. The teeth can start to lean outward, or not come in properly. Aggressive sucking can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. You will want to start weaning your child away from a pacifier around his/her second birthday. Breaking the pacifier habit will be easier than stopping the thumb sucking habit because the pacifier can be physically removed.

If you are concerned about your child's baby teeth you can always make an appointment with your dentist!

Photo by Jacob Johan

A sealant is a great preventative procedure that acts as a barrier to protect the enamel from acids and plaque. Sealants can be applied by a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist and they can last approximately five years and sometimes even longer.

Sealants consist of a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the teeth where decay most often occurs (molars and premolars). This plastic material bonds into the grooves/pits of the teeth. Sealants help protect these vulnerable areas by sealing out decay-causing bacteria.

The best part is that the cost of a sealant is consistently less than the cost of a filling or other dental work. This preventative measure will not only protect your teeth, but can save you money in the long run!

Photo by R.O. Mania

Did you know that you can boost your mood by forcing yourself to smile? It turns out smiles can actually be contagious after all! According to a study completed in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects that were smiling.

Smiling may even be able to reduce stress. When you smile your body releases endorphins which can produce a change in your mood and help bring your stress levels down. You can view a full article on the benefits of smiling right here!

Smiling is also known as the universal sign of happiness around the world. People in all cultures use smiling as a sign of acceptance and thankfulness. Want to brighten someone’s day? Pass around a smile!

Photo by evelien noens

Did you know that dentists can screen approximately 20 million people for serious illnesses? About 20 million Americans go to the dentist yearly, but do not see their regular physician. These people did not see their regular physicians due to finances, insurance, and busy work schedules.

During oral examinations, dentists will go over the patient’s medical history and current x-rays. By doing this, along with observation, they can detect many systemic conditions; such as, heart disease and diabetes. Dentist and dental hygienist may even be able to take the patient’s blood pressure and refer them to a physician if they feel necessary.

Dentists can play a huge role in early detection for patients that were unable to see their physicians. You can click here to view the full article that was posted by the 2010 top dentist blog.

Photo by Dano

In our last blog we discussed some healthy food options, but what you drink can be just as important for your teeth. Water is a great option and so is milk and green tea. The antioxidants found in green tea can fight bacteria and some studies have even found that green tea can prevent dental caries. You can click here to view a full article on some of the benefits that green tea has on your oral health.

Drinks that are not so beneficial for your teeth are soda pop and sports drinks. These options have a lot of additives and sugars and can weaken tooth enamel. The acidic in these drinks can also make teeth more susceptible to bacteria. You can click here to read an article on sports drinks and your teeth.

Sports drinks and sodas have fewer effects on your teeth if you drink them right away and then brush afterwards. Sipping on these drinks throughout the day is when problems develop.

Photo by Westy48

Not only is eating healthy good for your body, but it is also good for your teeth. Some foods that have been proven to be good for your teeth are green tea, milk, yogurt, cheese, and fruits.  

Many green teas have been found to be healthy for your teeth because they contain fluoride that protects tooth enamel. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are essential because they are low in sugar and contain calcium. Fruits are good for your teeth because they contain Vitamin C, which is good for your gum tissue.

One easy thing that everyone can do that is very important for your body and teeth is to drink water. Water keeps the entire body hydrated (including the gums) and can help wash away food particles that may be trapped in your mouth.

To view a complete list of the top 10 healthiest foods click here. 

Photo by Portland Center Stage

What is bruxism anyway?  Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth is called bruxism and it can happen in many different ways. Most commonly, bruxism occurs when people are stressed, anxious, or while they are sleeping.

Some symptoms of bruxism include a sore jaw or headache, or even some pain in your teeth from the actual grinding. Grinding over time can lead teeth to develop fractures. Dentists can make customized mouth guards to help protect your teeth from these fractures.

If you tend to grind your teeth while you are stressed it is best to find activities that help you relax. Exercise can help reduce some tension along with physical therapy. It’s best to find things that calm you individually and stick to them. Don’t let your teeth pay the price!

Photo by luccawithcheese

Did you know there is a link between your body’s overall health and your oral health? Gum disease and health problems such as a stroke and other cardiovascular problems can be more closely related than one would expect.

There are some warning signs to watch for that may indicate that you having periodontal disease: gums that bleed easily while brushing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, loose or separating teeth. The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis, but it can be reversible with the proper cleaning and care.

Brushing twice a day and flossing along with regular dental checkups can prevent any periodontal disease. You should also choose a product that has the ADA seal of acceptance that meets the criteria for effectiveness. If you are questioning whether or not you may have gum disease - come on in for a visit!

Photo by James Bowe

It’s the big toothbrush debate! Do you use an electric or manual toothbrush?

Did you know that electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes and many people find electric brushes easier to use? Electric brushes can also improve your brushing habits because they have functions, such as: timers to help you keep track of how long you’ve been brushing, digital reminders of when to replace your toothbrush head, multiple brush heads so you can choose which kind of attachment you like.

Although brushing either way is better than not brushing at all, there have been many benefits shown for using an electric toothbrush. Have you ever used an electric toothbrush? Our office recommends Philips Sonicare electric brushes. Give it a try!

Photo from Dentistry from the Heart 2012

We would like to give a huge thank you to all of our staff and volunteers that helped us last Friday during our 6^th annual Dentistry from the Heart event. We had another successful year this year thanks to everyone that donated their time and effort.

We are proud to announce that we saw 51 patients this year and we have donated an estimated combined total of approximately $150,000 in free dentistry. Mill City Dental and Lakeville Dental also had a successful event this year seeing around another 40 patients combined.

We are very thankful to have had the opportunity to help people in our community that were in need of dental treatment. Thanks again to everyone who helped us give to others!

This photo was taken during Dentistry from the Heart 2011

Did you happen to see Dr. Shamblott on Kare 11 yesterday morning?? If you missed it, you can click here to watch the video of his interview.Dr. Shamblott discussed what dentists look for while doing examinations and how the mouth is a window to the overall health of the body.

Dr. Shamblott also gave information on our Dentistry from the Heart event tomorrow. This event starts at 7 a.m. tomorrow and is on a first come first serve basis for any new patients in need. The offices participating in Dentistry from the Heart are Shamblott Family Dentistry in Hopkins, Lakeville Dental, and Mill City Dental in Minneapolis.

Photo by epSps.de

Only 2 more days until our 6^th annual Dentistry from the Heart event!

Our doors will open at 6:30 a.m. and we will see patients from 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. this Friday. Please view our website for more information on this event! This year there are also two other locations that will be participating in this event: Mill City Dental or Lakeville Dental. Patients can be seen at any of these three locations this Friday, February 24^th.

We are looking forward to seeing as many people as possible and as anticipating a very successful event this year. Check out blog next week for this year’s results. We will let you know how many patients each office was able to see and an estimate on how much treatment we donated. 

Photo by Wednesday Elf-Mountainside Crochet

Only 7 more days until this year’s Dentistry from the Heart event. This event is a based on a first come first serve basis and there are no appointments necessary to attend. Paperwork will be handed out to patients upon arrival and patients will be called back in order of completion.

This year, our doors will open at 6:30 a.m. and the event will run from 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at our Hopkins location. Mill City Dental’s hours are 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Lakeville Dental’s hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All three locations will be hosting the event this year and patients can be seen at the closest office to them.

During Dentistry from the Heart, the participating dentists will do 1 filling or 1 extraction per person in order to see as many patients as time allows. Patients will also receive a limited exam and any necessary x-rays at no charge. Please pass on the word to anyone you may know that is in need of dental care and mark your calendars for Friday, February 24^th 2012!

photo by the_moment

There are only 9 more days until our 6^th annual Dentistry from the Heart event. We are counting down to the big day and are looking forward to the opportunity to help those in need of dental care.

This year there will be two other offices participating in Dentistry from the Heart. Mill City Dental (Minneapolis) and Lakeville Dental (Lakeville) will be also be hosting Dentistry from the Heart at their locations on the same day Friday, February 24^th.

We are proud to be able to help people in our community and are excited to have these other offices join in on this day. Last year we were able to see around 90 patients at our office alone and we are anticipating a very successful year with the help of these two other offices.

Keep checking our blog for more details on Dentistry from the Heart 2012!

Photo by Horia Varlan

So how do eating disorders affect your oral health? Your mouth and gums needs proper nutrition to keep the whole picture healthy. Without this, your mouth may easily bleed, your glands may swell, or you could experience chronic dry mouth.

The constant vomiting can also cause harm to your teeth. When stomach acids constantly touch the teeth, the tooth enamel can be damaged and the teeth can change shape and color. The teeth can also become weak and thin causing them to break. Certain foods may also cause the teeth to become sensitive to hot or cold.

If you have an eating disorder, or know someone who does, you should consult with your dentist about any suggested treatment. Seeing your dentist regularly is important to stay on top of any potential dental treatment.

Photo by Horia Varlan

Did you know that roughly 10 million Americans currently suffer from eating disorders? Eating disorders tend to be more common in teenage girls young woman, but anyone can suffer from the disorder. Those with eating disorders can be seriously injured from the complications it can cause the body, but a person’s oral health can also be affected by the disorder.

The two eating disorders we will discuss will be bulimia and anorexia. People with bulimia have a constant worry and fear of being overweight. They can also suffer from periods of binge eating. After the binge, the individual usually feels very weak and out of control. They may try to make things better by throwing up what they have just eaten. 

People with anorexia usually have a fear or gaining weight or a constant dread of being fat. These individuals can be very thin yet they still see themselves as overweight. People with anorexia may exercise excessively and limit themselves to a very small amount of calories per day.

But how do these eating disorders affect your oral health? Read our blog later this week to find out!

Photo by Darwin Bell

Why do some people experience dry mouth? Dry mouth can be a side effect of a medication that a person is taking. Some medications that can cause dry mouth include: decongestants, high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and antihistamines.

Some problems that may occur due to dry mouth are difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, and a dry nasal passage. Dry mouth can eventually cause damage to your teeth. Without proper saliva to wash food away and lubricate your mouth, decay can occur.

If you suffer from dry mouth you can try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate the flow of saliva. You can also try oral rinses such as biotene or ACT Total Care Dry Mouth. If you have constant dry mouth you should consult your dentist for further recommendations.

Photo by Bisayan lady

We’re still counting down the days until our 2012 Dentistry from the Heart event. As of today there are only 23 more days until the big event!

Dentistry from the Heart is a nation-wide event that provides free dental services to people in need. There is a list of all the different clinics that will be participating in the event on Dentistry form the Heart’s main page.  

This year our office will be hosting our 6th annual Dentistry from the Heart event on Friday, February 24^th. On this day we offer one extraction or one filling to new patients who attend the event. All services are based on a first come first serve basis as we try to see as many patients as we can.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or continue reading our blogs for more information as the days get closer!

Photo by 0_corgan

Do you need some dental work completed, but don’t have the out-of-pocket expense to cover the treatment? Our office offers three different payment plan/financing options.

The first and most popular option is Care Credit. Care Credit can be used in many dental offices, vet clinics, and eye care clinics.  Care Credit offers 0% for 12 month payment plans with purchases of at least $300.00. You can apply in our office or online for Care Credit. Their website will tell you instantly if you are approved!

The second option is Chase Health Advance. Chase is also a 0% for 12 month payment plan that you are able to apply for online. Chase requires minimum purchases of $1,000 to qualify for 0%. The final option is Citibank Health Card. The Citi plan requires a minimum purchase of $250 for 0% for 6 months. Here is the online link to the Citibank healthcare payment plan.

Check out which plan would work best for your personal situation and be able to get the treatment you need!

Photo by @Chris

Are you having a hard time flossing under your bridge, braces, or bonded retainer?  There are a few types of floss you may want to try! One of them is Oral B’s Super Floss. This floss has a stiffened end floss threader along with some spongy floss in the middle to help eliminate plaque under any rough areas and under the gum line.

Another brand of floss to try is Oral B's Glide Threader Floss. This floss is conveniently packaged in single use packages so it’s easy to carry a few of them with you. This floss also has the stiffened threader tip to help you floss under appliances.

One last brand of floss that you might want to try is GUM Eez-Thru Floss Threaders. These threaders can be attached to any piece of floss to allow you to floss under bridges, implants, or orthodontic appliances.

If you have areas that need special attention with flossing, try one of these floss threader brands. Any of will help you get the job done!

Photo by Ehsan Khakbaz

Nitrous Oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is an option that most dentists offer to help patients relax during procedures. The nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and is inhaled through a mask you wear over your nose.

But does it really make you laugh? Even though it has been names the laughing gas, nitrous oxide does not normally make you laugh. Some of the most common effects are tingling of your limbs, or a sense of heaviness in your limbs.

Overall, nitrous should make you feel very calm. The main goal of using the nitrous is to make you feel more relaxed and less focused on the procedure. If you are anxious or nervous about your upcoming dental procedure you can ask to use the nitrous oxide!

Want to know the best part about nitrous oxide at Shamblott Family Dentistry?? It’s free!

Photo by Rakka

When’s the best time to floss? Is there a correct way to floss? We’ll give you the flossing scoop!

Have you ever wonder exactly how much floss you should be using? Around 18 inches is a good starting spot. You will want to wind the floss around you middle fingers and pinch the floss with the thumb and index fingers. Flossing at least once a day will help prevent periodontal (gum) disease.

One important thing to remember is to not snap the floss between your teeth. You will want to guide the floss between the teeth with a zig-zag motion. According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, you should slide the floss up and down against the tooth and under the gum line. One last thing...make sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth!

Check our blog again soon for more dental tips!

Photo by rKleine

If you’ve been to our office lately you would have noticed the large countdown clock we have hanging on our wall by the front desk. Today the clock reads 42 days…until Friday, February 24th, which is Dentistry from the Heart Event!

This year will be our sixth year of participating in the event and so far we have donated $100,000 worth of free dentistry. Last year we saw around 70 patients and we hope to see as many more as we can this year.

Stay tuned for more information on this event!

Photo by lola um

Extractions may be one of the most commonly dreaded dental procedures, but they don’t have to be! Your dentist can administer nitrous oxide before giving the local anesthetic and starting the procedure. During the procedure you can listen to music (and at our office) even watch a movie!

After an extraction you can expect a small amount of bleeding to occur, but the most important things are to avoid are smoking or drinking through a straw. Both smoking and drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot and slow down the healing process.

The most important thing to do the days after an extraction is applying ice to the outside of the mouth on the side of the mouth the extraction was done. Applying the ice will bring down the swelling and thus reduce some of the pain. If a dry socket does occur, you should see your dentist right away. Your dentist will clean the site and place a medication dressing in the socket, which will provide pain relief.

Photo by that.girl

Have you ever tried to fix your own tooth before making a dental appointment? Here are some surprising results from a Chicago dental survey that approximately 300 dentists completed.

About 70% of dentists have seen a patient who has previously tried to treat their own problem before seeing a dentist. Super glue has been the most commonly used home treatment! According to the survey, patients try to super glue their own broken crowns and dentures before deciding to make an appointment.

Have any guesses which sport causes the most dental injuries? That sport is basketball followed second by hockey. Do you have any dental stories? Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter!

Photo by Hacklock

Have you ever wondered how exactly dental insurance works? Dental insurance is much different than medical insurance mostly because there is a cap on how much they will pay. Once you have met your maximum allowance the patient is then responsible for any extra expenses until the plan renews.

It’s that time of year again when most dental plans are renewing their benefits. Does your dental insurance plan run on a calendar year? If so, your benefits will be renewing January 1^st! Have any dental work you’ve been putting off, or were you maxed out of your insurance last year? Now’s the time to come on in!

Our office is open Monday-Thursdays from 7-7 and Fridays from 7-4:30.

Did you hear Dr. Scott on myTalk 107.1 last Sunday, November 6^th? He was on the air with John Hanson talking about the top 10 (or 12) warning signs that you need a new dentist! Dr. Scott and John also had a special segment called Rachel’s Dental Trivia where Dr. Scott gave out trivia that his daughter Rachel had found.

Have you ever called your dentist with a toothache and they say they can get you in next week?? This can be a sign that you need a new dentist! Your dentist should be able to get you in the same business day, or the next day at the latest! Another sign is if you’ve never had an oral cancer screening. Your dentist should evaluate your mouth for oral cancer at all of your exams (every 6 months). Click here to hear Dr. Scott’s radio show and find out some of the other signs!

Dr. Scott also revealed the results of the candy buy-back program. We recently received the candy that was collected from ISLA and the students collected a total of 138 pounds! With the 500 pounds that our office collected that brings the grand total to almost 640 pounds! Thank you all for your contributions and helping us surpass this year's goal!

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s candy buy-back program. We had a great turn out this year bringing in around 500 pounds of candy between our office location and the ISLA drop off.  We were able to beat and surpass last year’s total of 200 pounds.

Our candy was packaged up and shipped today to Operation Gratitude and is currently on the way to the troops! This year alone, Operation Gratitude has shipped 700,869 packages to troops and their family members. Click here to view more ways to give back to the troops!

You can view photos of this year's event on our Facebook page. If you missed out on donating your candy this year, you can always stop by next year!

Photo by SteveStJude

In the year 2000, Americans consumed more than 53 gallons of soft drinks! This surpassed all other beverages; such as, water, coffee, milk, and even beer. Soft drinks have replaced other nutritious beverages and one out of every four beverages consumed in the U.S. is a soft drink.

The American Dental Association categorizes “soft drinks” as any beverage that contains sugar, carbonation, or acidic products. This would include many juices and also sports drinks. If you consume sports drinks, it’s recommended that you swollow the drink right away and not swish it in your mouth. If you wear a mouth guard you should rinse the mouth guard with water after consuming sports drinks.

Any soft drink that is high in sugar can lead to dental caries and enamel erosion. People who consume three or more sugary beverages a day have 17-62% higher dental caries than people who consumed no soft drinks at all. Just remember, if you’re going to drink soft drinks or eat sugary foods, try to brush afterwards and avoiding sipping all day long!

Did you catch Dr. Shamblott on myTalk 107.1 last Sunday, October 9th? The topics were dental insurance, our Halloween Buy-Back Program, and we also added in a little dental trivia for you! Please check out our Facebook page, or follow us a twitter on dental trivia for the month of October.

If you have dental insurance that runs on a calendar year you will want to make sure to use your benefits before the end of the year. Benefits that are not used will be lost, as they do not roll over to the next year. Dental insurance is different from medical insurance because it has an annual cap, which typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 per plan year.

Dr. Shamblott also talked about our candy buy-back program that we will be hosting for the 3^rd year. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, November 1^st and Wednesday, November 2^nd from 3-7 p.m. We will pay $1.00 cash per pound (up to 5 pounds). All the candy goes to the troops overseas through Operation Gratitude.

Photo by Miala

Did you hear that we are doing the Halloween Candy Buy-Back two days this year? This will be Shamblott Family Dentistry’s 3^rd year participating in the event. The candy buy-back program is an event organized by Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends care packages to the U.S. military troops that are deployed overseas. Along with helping the deployed members of the military, Operation Gratitude also sends care packages to the wounded warriors and veterans and the children whose parents are being deployed.

This year Shamblott Family Dentistry will be collecting Halloween candy for the candy buy-back program on Tuesday, November 1^st and Wednesday, November 2^nd from 3-7 p.m. at our office. For each pound of candy that is donated we will give $1.00 cash(up to 5 pounds)! The candy buy back is a great way to save your teeth and give back to others.

Do you know anyone who is a student at ISLA (International Spanish Language Academy)? This year we will also have a drop off location at ISLA for any ISLA students. The ISLA drop off will take place on the same dates and times as our office drop off.  Please help us spread the word of this great event! We would love to beat last year’s total of 200 pounds!  

Photo by SirGarlichad

One habit that some teenagers may have is frequent snacking on unhealthy foods. Frequent snacking and drinking soda can lead to decay. If you’re going to drink soda, you should brush after drinking and try not to sip it throughout the day. Teenagers can use anti cavity rinses such as ACT or Listerine Total Care (in the purple bottle) to also prevent decay. These rinses work best if used right before bedtime and with nothing to eat or drink afterwards.

Teenagers may also be involved with sports and are at risk for oral injuries to the mouth or jaw. Mouth guards should be worn for all contact sports and the mouth guard is a customized guard that can be made by your dentist.  If you are playing sports and wearing a mouth guard, you will want to eliminate your consumption of sports drinks since the guards can trap sugar and residual liquid.

Some adults may experience dry mouth with symptoms including: soreness in the mouth, cracking in the corners of mouth, and difficulty speaking. Dry mouth is sometimes caused by medications such as antidepressants and decongestants. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is important if you are experiencing dry mouth. Biotene can be used to ease these symptoms.

If you have dentures, you will want to make sure to take good care of them to keep them looking good and fitting well. Dentures should be cleaned every day with a denture brush and cleanser solution. You should keep your dentures moist if they are not being worn. If dentures need to be adjusted, you always want to see your dentist!

Photo by cindy47452

You can expect your child to start losing their baby teeth between ages 6-12. Most baby teeth will fall out in the same order in which they erupted. With the chance of the tooth fairy coming, some children are excited lose their teeth and others are nervous about the process. If your child has trouble removing their baby teeth they should wait a few days and then give it another try. If you become concerned that a baby tooth is not loosening on its own, you should consult with your dentist.  

One of the next common things that may happen to your child, is that they may need braces. The orthodontic process usually starts between ages 8-14. The best results for treatment are produced while a child is growing, so this is the prime time to begin. If your child has braces and plays sports, a mouth guard is recommended to prevent any injuries to the jaw or mouth.

There are certain products available right now that are recommended for children. There is a blue tinted rinse called Listerine Agent Cool Blue. This rinse is used to show children the spots that they may have missed while brushing. You also want to make sure you buy toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval and if your child has braces that they are using Super Floss to floss under their brackets.

Read our blog next week for more info on dentistry for teenagers to seniors!

Photo by Cattias.photos

Dr. Shamblott’s radio on Sunday, September 11^th was in memory of the 9/11 attacks we all remember. This tragic event is what prompted Dr. Shamblott to the topic of forensic dentistry. Forensic dentistry helped identify the remains of the victims of 9/11.

Did you know that after 9/11 there were approximately 2,900 families in New York that needed help in identifying their loved one? About 1 year after the tragedy forensic dentists were able to identify 973 victims using dental records, charting, and DNA.

During the 9/11 tragedy, forensic dentists used a few different steps in order to identify the victims. First, the body would be recovered and checked for any type of identification that they may have had on them. If there was no ID, the body then was moved to the medical examiner’s office and photographed. At the examiner’s office, they checked for any unique jewelry, or special markings. If there was still no one to identify the body, then there was about 20 different forensic dentists who tried to identify with x-rays, charting, or any unique dental work (root canals) that the victim may have had.

During the aftermath of 9/11 there was a national recall for x-rays, impressions, and dental charting. The forensic dentists entered all the names and information of the people that were missing and matched it up in their system with the dental records they had received. Their computer system was then able to make some matches.  

Click here to read more about an actual dentist involved in the 9/11 identification process. Hope you enjoyed Dr. Shamblott's show on the events of 9/11. Our thoughts are with all of those who have lost a loved one.

Photo by BC Gov Photos

During the month of September we will be talking about dentistry throughout the different ages of life. We will start with babies and infants and let you know what to expect at this age, some common habits of infants, and how to avoid decay at an early age!

If your child is nursing, you can possibly prevent decay by filling your child’s bed-time bottle with only water. If your child has a habit of sucking their thumb or pacifier you usually don’t have to worry! These habits typically only become a problem if they continue for a long period of time and most children quit these habits on their own. Children should start to see the dentist around age three for routine cleanings and exams once every six months.

As for home care, parents will want to begin cleaning their children’s gums right away. This can be done by using a cloth and water, or by using a soft infant toothbrush. Once the teeth are erupted, you will want to help your child brush twice a day. At this age children do not have the ability to brush effectively, so helping them will be very important!

Hope this blog was helpful to those with youngsters! You can check out our next blog to find out more info on dentistry for children between ages 5-15.

Did you miss Dr. Shamblott’s last radio show “The Waiting Room” on mytalk 107.1?? We will try to re-cap it for you! John Hanson from Twin Cities Live was Dr. Shamblott’s co-host last Sunday, July 31^st. Together they discussed sports dentistry, wisdom teeth, and John even shared his own personal experience as a patient at Shamblott Family Dentistry.

John and Dr. Shamblott discussed sports injuries and what to do if you ever have a tooth knocked out. Dr. Shamblott recommends having a Save-A-Tooth kit along with your first aid kit. A Save-A-Tooth kit will allow the tooth to stay moist until you are able to see a dentist. If you do not have a Save-A-Tooth kit, you can put the knocked out tooth in milk, but you never want to put it in water. After a tooth falls out, there is a limited amount of time for it to be saved, so you will want to make sure to get in to see your dentist!

When discussing mouthguards, Dr. Shamblott recommends coming in for a customized mouthguard. You always want a mouthguard that fits properly, is tear resistant, and that is not bulky. Remember, the cost to have a proper fitting mouthguard will be much cheaper than the cost to replace a missing tooth.  As far as sports drinks go, Dr. Shamblott suggests drinking them only while engaging in an athletic activity (and then switch to water). Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar and drinking them all day long would be worse than drinking pop!

Click here to listen to this show online!

Photo by FastPhive

During Dr. Scott’s last radio show “The Waiting Room” on mytalk 107.1, he talked about dental urgent care. Dr. Scott suggests that if you are worried or concerned in any way about your teeth, you should come in and have it looked at. Usually, the longer you wait, the worse the situation will get.

Dr. Scott sees a lot of patients with dental fear. Because of fear, people tend to wait a long time before going to the dentist. At Shamblott Family Dentistry, we offer same day work to help those who are in pain. We do not want you to have to suffer any longer!!

Dr. Scott talked about the different options that we give patients. We always discuss the recommended treatment and walk patients through what the process will be. We offer free nitrous oxide to help patients get through their work and we provide the option for IV sedation for those with extreme fear.

Photo by Timsnell

The type of sedation that we do in our office (IV sedation) is also used in many other offices. Not only is IV sedation used for plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and oral surgery, but it is very useful for dentistry. Shamblott Family Dentistry uses IV sedation not only for oral surgery procedures, but also for patients with anxiety or other dental fears. Read this article for more information on IV sedation.

There are many benefits of having IV sedation. People are able to breathe and move on their own, which notifies the doctor and nurse anesthetist that the patient is having discomfort before the patient is even conscious of it. There are less side effects with IV sedation than with general anesthesia. Patients tend to have a lower risk of blood clots, less nausea, and quicker recoveries with IV sedation.

We have seen many patients who have had their work done at our office with IV sedation and had wonderful results. We always work with the same group of nurse anesthetists who take very good care of our patients. If you're interested in sedation, we would love to meet you!

Photo by MaryLane

Thinking about sedation?  If you are fearful of coming to the dentist, have a busy schedule, or have difficulty getting numb, sedation may be just the solution for you! 

There are many great reasons to have your dental work done with sedation. You will not remember or feel a thing and you can do up to six hours of dentistry while sedated.  Many years of missed appointments (up to eight separate appointments) can be made up in just one or two visits.   

We have a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) that will be at every sedation appointment. The nurse anesthetist will administrate the sedative drugs and will monitor the patient throughout the entire procedure. This form of IV sedation is safer than other types of sleep dentistry.

Please give us a call for more information about sedation and setting up a sedation consultation appointment!

Photo by WolfSoul

Did you ever catch our segment on Twin Cities Live? Dr. Shamblott was on the air June 6^th with John Hanson (who is one of our patients)! If you missed the show, you can watch it online at Twin Cities Live’s website.

During his interview, Dr. Shamblott talked about our Six Month Smiles program. We are happy to announce that we currently have a few cases in the processes! Six Month Smiles is a great program for those people with crooked smiles, crowding, crossbites, or overbites. Both the braces and wires are tooth-colored and the treatment can be completed within 6 months.You can click here to view before and after pictures of people who have completed the Six Month Smile program.

If you have any questions about Six Month Smiles, please give our office a call. You can also schedule an appointment online! We offer a free consultation and x-rays to determine if you are a candidate for Six Month Smiles.

Photo by Heather Durdil

During Dr. Scott’s latest show on “The Waiting Room” he discussed Dentistry for Teens.  During this show he talked about how to care for your teeth and what things that teenagers should avoid.

One big point that Dr. Scott and Elizabeth discussed was that children learn their habits from their parents. This can include good or bad oral hygiene and also eating habits. Drinking pop all day can be very bad for your teeth.  The carbonation and acid in pop all break down to sugar, which lead to cavities. If you really need a pop, you should drink it fast and brush right away after. The best thing to do is not have the pop around the house, or to drink plain tap water.

Dr. Scott and Elizabeth discussed how eating disorders can also play a part in oral hygiene. Repeated vomiting can result in loss of tooth enamel, tooth decay, and gum disease. Malnutrition from other eating disorders can also lead the gums to disintegrate.

The best things you can do to take care of your teeth is brush twice a day and floss at least once. Drink lots of tap water and try to avoid sugary foods and sodas. If you have a teen that plays sports, you will also want to make sure that they are wearing a proper fitting mouth guard to help prevent injuries.

If you would like to listen to this last show on Dentistry and Teens, you can listen to it myTalk's website.

Photo by TruShu

“John” came to our office because he had a huge dental phobia. This phobia started off from a bad experience he had as a child. “John” considered making an appointment for many months before finally getting up enough courage to call our office. We got “John” in for his initial appointment within a few days, so he wouldn’t have to worry about it for long.

During “John’s” first appointment, Dr. Shamblott did an initial exam and x-rays and we were able to help him through this first appointment. “John” discussed his huge dental phobia with Dr. Shamblott and they decided that his best route for treatment would to be sedation. We did “John’s” sedation consultation during his first visit and he left with all the information about his upcoming appointment and an estimate on his insurance coverage.

“John’s” wife dropped him off the day of his sedation appointment. She left her cell phone number with us and ran a few errands while “John” was asleep. During his 6 hour sedation appointment, Dr. Shamblott was able to get all of “John's" treatment completed. We sent “John” and his wife home with written instructions on each procedure he had done and called him later in the day to check up on him. “John” recovered very quickly from the procedure and was able to go back to work the next day.

“John” now comes to our office every 6 months for his routine cleanings and exams with no problem. He does not worry or get nervous when having to call to make an appointment. He knows our staff by name and actually looks forward to his upcoming visits. We are proud to be able to help “John” overcome his dental anxiety and hope to help others do the same.

We see a lot of patients at Shamblott Family Dentistry who begin coming to our office with a dental emergency. We have been able to help those patients get out of pain the same day and also get them back to our office to finish the remainder of their work. We have excellent team members who are patient and understanding and we always try to accommodate patients in emergency situations.

Here is a testimonial from one of our actual patients who came to us with an emergency. “During the first visit with Dr. Shamblott, I was very impressed by the warm welcome and the professionalism of all the employees. Dr. Shamblott gave me very professional, quick, and comprehensive care. I had an urgent need and Dr. Shamblott saw me on the spur of the moment. It was my first time at his clinic. I was VERY impressed and will highly recommend him! – SR”

We have many other stories that have come from our patients that we would love to share with you. You can read all of our testimonials on our website. We would like to give a thank you to all of our wonderful patients…and a special thanks to those who have shared their experience with us for us to share with others.

Have you ever had a dental emergency??  One in every four people will have a dental emergency at least once in their lifetime. Dental emergencies can be very painful and should not be over-looked.

There are a number of things that qualify as an emergency. Some of these things include: a toothache, wisdom teeth pain, a lost crown, a broken tooth, or a lost filling. Some injuries can be prevented by wearing mouth guards during sports and avoiding hard foods that can break teeth. If you have any dental emergencies or injuries to the mouth, you should be treated right away.

At Shamblott Family Dentistry, we always try to see emergencies the same day. We offer a free exam and x-rays for new patients to find out what treatment is needed. Call us with your emergencies!

Don’t like going to the dentist?? Did you know that 9%-15% of Americans feel the same way? That breaks down to about 30-40 million people, so if you think you’re alone, you’re not!

Any phobia can cause an unreasonable fear about a situation or object. Those with dental phobias have a higher risk of developing gum disease, early tooth loss, and many other dental problems because they may avoid going to the dentist.

Want the good news?? Dental phobia, like any other phobia, can be treated! You should tell you dentist any concerns or fears you may have at the initial appointment, so that they can be properly addressed.

At Shamblott Family Dentistry we help patients overcome their fears by changing the way they are treated. We are your "no fear" and "no shaming" dentists. Come and give us a try!

Ever wondered about dental care for seniors?  Dr. Scott gave helpful tips for the mature mouth during his last radio show The Waiting Room on FM107.1 last Sunday, May 15^th.

One common question about seniors and dental care is whether they should still be concerned about developing cavities. To answer that question, Dr. Scott points out that cavities can actually be more frequent in older adults for many reasons. One reason is that some seniors today were not exposed to fluoride in drinking water like many people are today. Also, dry mouth from certain medications can lead to more tooth decay.

Dr. Scott also gave some helpful tips to those with dentures. Dentures need to be cleaned every day and should be replaced every 7-8 years because of changes in bone and gum tissue. You will want to make sure to never sleep in the dentures or try to adjust them yourself. If dentures begin to fit loose there is a chance they will need to be adjusted or relined.

If you missed Sunday’s show, you can listen to it online at MyTalk. Dr. Scott’s next show will be Sunday, June 12. Stay tuned for more info on the topic of the next show!

One of our dental hygienists, Anne, made a trip to a local school to talk to the students about oral hygiene. Anne visited ISLA (International Spanish Language Academy) in Minnetonka on Thursday, May 5^th and Monday, May 9^th.

During her visits, Anne talked to the students about the difference between healthy and unhealthy food and beverage choices. She brought in different beverage options to show the children how much sugar can be in drinks. Shamblott Family Dentistry donated toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes and t-shirts to all the students.

ISLA is a K-6 public school that immerses students in the Spanish language. The teachers at ISLA have a combined total of 75 years of experience and you can click here to read more about them!

Photo by Monstro

Is there really such a thing as a no fear dentist? One of our goals at Shamblott Family Dentistry is to provide all of our patients with a pain free and comfortable experience. We understand that no one likes going to the dentist! We also understand that dentistry can be expensive. Because of this we offer different payment options to meet your budget.

Shamblott Family Dentistry offers a free initial exam and x-rays to new patients to try and help lighten the load and free N2O (laughing gas) to help put you at ease. While having work done, you can listen to headphones, or watch a movie with the video glasses we provide. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible.

We also provide same day emergency appointments to get you out of pain! We welcome both current and new patients and offer both early morning and evening appointments. Our mission is to make sure that you have a great visit every time! Feel free to read some of our testimonials of what our current patients have to say about us.

Photo by Bodytel

Diabetes is a disease marked by high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Some common symptoms of diabetes are fatigue, frequent urination, mildly high blood pressure, and increased thirst. There are two types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, the cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased if a sibling or parent has type 2 diabetes.

The common link between diabetes and oral health is gum disease. In fact, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease. Some symptoms of gum diease are: bad breath, loose teeth, and tender or swollen gums. Gum disease can be diagnosed by your dentist and is treated with a deep cleaning also known as scaling and root planing. For extreme gum disease, you may be referred to a periodontist. There are surgical procedures such as bone and tissue grafts that may done on those with extreme disease.

Another oral health problem that can be associated with diabetes is thrush. Thrush is an infection that grows in the mouth and tongue and can be noticed by the white spots it causes. Thrush can cause ulcers, infection, soreness and even cavities.

If you have any of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your dentist. Our office offers a free intial exam and x-rays for new patients!

Photo by Air Combat Command

Have you ever wondered what really causes a cavity? Is it really from the sugary things we eat??

Dietary sugars and starches definitely increase the risk of developing cavities, but bacteria are the culprit that converts food (especially sugars and starches) into acids. The bacteria and acid then combine with saliva to form plaque that sticks to the teeth. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth by brushing and flossing then mineralizes to tartar/calculus.

There have been some interesting discussions on how cavities are caused and even if they are contagious. Check out this article ‘Are Cavities Really Contagious’ that talks about how bacteria can be spread from person to person.

Photo by Zadi Diaz

We are now offering a new service called Six Month Smiles! Do you want great results in a short time? This may be a good option for you!

Six Month Smiles is an adult braces options that straightens the teeth in only 6 months. Tooth colored wires are used to straighten the front teeth with a very low force. Six Month Smiles is designed for people with spaced or crooked teeth who are not looking for any alterations to their bite.  This is a fast, affordable, and modern approach to orthodonticts.

Are you interested in finding out more about this service? Call today to schedule a free initial exam, consultation, and x-rays with Dr. Scott! Click here to view some FAQ about this service.

Photo by Matsuyuki

Have you or someone you know ever had a canker sore??  We will try and inform you on what exactly they are and how they occur!

A canker sore is a lesion that develops in your mouth or gums. They can get in the way of simple tasks like talking and eating, but they are not contagious (unlike cold sores). Usually, canker sores will go away within a week or two on their own.

How do you know if you have a canker sore?  Canker sores can vary in form, but some symptoms include: unfamiliar lesions, irregular edges, or painful and annoying lumps. The exact cause of canker sores is unclear, but some things known to cause them are stress, food allergies, or minor injuries.

People who are most susceptible for developing canker sores are females or those with a family history of canker sores.  There are over the counter treatments that can be purchased; such as, Cankaid, or topical pastes that include benzocaine. If a canker sore is not healing, or you are getting them often you should see your dentist for other recommendations.

Photo by mmmcrafts

Have you heard the term supernumerary before? Supernumerary (hyperdontia) is an extra copy of one or more teeth. It occurs most common in people with a cleft palate or cleft lip, but can also be due to the environment, genes, or injuries.

Usually, it is recommended to have supernumerary teeth removed and orthodontic treatment started. The removal of teeth is necessary for a normal bite relationship between the upper and lower arches. There are also cases where removing a supernumerary tooth is necessary to allow enough room for the permanent tooth to come in.

To determine if a supernumerary tooth is present, your dentist will do a panoramic x-ray. Problems can be prevented by early detection and regular x-rays.  

Have you ever wondered why it's so important to take care of your children's teeth at a young age? Baby teeth are there for a reason and you will want to take care of them just like you would permanant teeth.

Some may question the importance of maintaining baby teeth when they will eventually fall out. It's actually very important to save the baby teeth because they are needed for the development of the jaw and they also hold the place for the permanent teeth. More importantly, baby teeth are necessary for speaking and eating.

It's very important to keep up with your children's dental work. If they need sealants, fillings, or a pulpotomy (baby root canal) you should always follow your dentist's recommendation!

You can read more about the importance of taking care of your children's baby teeth.

Did you miss Dr. Scott's last radio show? We will re-cap it for you!

Last Sunday, March 6th, Dr. Scott's show "The Waiting Room" on FM 107.1 discussed our recent Dentistry from the Heart event results and he also gave recommendations for dental products. Some of his recommendations included: an electric sonicare toothbrush, a 2 minute timer for kids, super floss for bridges and braces, and any ADA seal of approval toothpaste.

As far as mouthwashes go, ACT anticavity rinse is recommended for all patients old enough to rinse for 30 seconds and spit. Agent Blue mouthwash is great for kids and biotene for dry mouth works well. If you can't brush after eating use xylitol gum (sugar free) can help neutralize acids and dislodge food from your teeth.

Dr. Scott's next show will be Sunday, April 3rd. Stay tuned for more info!

We are happy to announce that our 5th annual Dentistry from the Heart event was a huge success! Take a look at some photos from this year on our Facebook page.

This year we saw around 70 patients at our location and we did not have to turn anyone away. Lakeville Dental, who also participated on February 25th, saw around 30 additional patients. With the two offices combined, we donated around $40,000 this year! Since our first year in 200, we have donated around $100,000 in free dentistry to those in need.

We would like to thank all of our volunteers and everyone who contributed to the event. We were able to help many people who otherwise would not have had the ability for very necessary dental work. We look forward to helping more and more people every year!

Don't forget that our Dentistry from the Heart event is tomorrow February 25th, 2011 starting at 7a.m! Our patients will receive a limited exam and x-rays and then either one free filling or extraction. We wil see as many people as we possibly can.

This year, Lakeville Dental will be participating in this event with us. They have three dentists and other staff members that will be volunteering from their Lakeville location. At our Hopkins location, Dr. Scott, Dr. Claudia, and Dr. Ines De Llano will be our dentsits on staff. We are proud to be able to help the community and look forward to seeing a lot of patients.

We are still looking for volunteers to donate blood from 1:30-4:30 and you are still able to donate online. Click on schedule now, schedule a donation, and then search "Shamblott" under Organization.

"Getting people out of pain is the greatest gift I can give someone" -Dr. Scott Shamblott

During Sunday's radio show "The Waiting Room" Dr. Scott discussed our upcoming Dentistry from the Heart and Memorial Blood Drive events and also talked about stories of what people have done when having a toothache. Dentistry from the Heart is a non-profit organization that is hosted in 48 states by about 250 dental offices.

There are no income restrictions for this day, but you must be a new patient to the office. All patients seen on Friday, Feb. 25th will receive a limited exam, x-rays, and either one filling or one extraction. Shamblott Family Dentistry alone saw 68 patients last year and gave away $25,000 in free dentistry. This year, Lakeville Dental will also be hosting Dentistry from the Heart at their office.

One of Dr. Scott's favorite toothache stories was while he was a resident at the University of Tennessee Hospital. Dr. Scott was one of four residents who were on call in the emergency room when a pager went off in the middle of the night. As Dr. Scott went down to the ER and evaluated his patient, he noticed the patient at many broken and abscessed teeth. The patient said his toothache hurt so badly he had to start brushing it!

Don't forget to register to donate blood for our Memorial Blood Drive during our Dentistry from the Heart event this Friday, Feb. 25th. The blood drive will run from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and you can register to donate right online. Click on schedule now, schedule a donation, and then search "Shamblott" under organization.

Do you ever clench or grind your teeth? This condition, known as bruxism, can lead to headaches, jaw problems, and can even damage teeth. Some people do not know they have bruxism because they may grind their teeth at night while sleeping.

Some symptoms of bruxism are worn teeth or tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or facial pain. Bruxism can be caused by stress, frustration, or anxiety. Doing things that help you relax may be beneficial in reducing stress.

By going to your regular dental exams, you can screen for bruxism. Dentists are able to see any wear and tear on teeth, or any tooth fracture that may be caused by clenching and grinding. Dentists can also make a customized mouth guards to prevent the clenching and grinding.

Do you have any of these signs/ symptoms? We make mouth guards right here at Shamblott Family Dentistry!

This year during our annual Dentistry from the Heart event, we will also be having a Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive. We will have a blood mobile outside in our parking lot and will be accepting donations from 1:30-4:30.

Did you know that every time you donate you are saving the life of up to as many as 3 people? There is always someone in need and donating is a great way to give back. On average, 1 out of every 3 people will at some point need blood.

You can schedule an appointment online at our location. Click on schedule now, schedule a donation, and then search "Shamblott" under organization. Every donation helps!

What is one thing that is hard to measure on your own? You guessed it...it's bad breath! Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can cause anxiety and be embarrassing.

Ever wonder what causes bad breath? Some of the causes are health conditions, dry mouth, and the foods we eat. Uncontrolled diabetes is one health condition the can cause a fruity odor. Sinus infections can also be associated with bad breath because of nasal drips. Some foods that can be the culprit of bad breath are onions and garlic.

Little changes such as brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and drinking lots of water can help eliminate bad breath. Certain mouth rinses and toothpastes can kill the bacteria that cause plaque buildup and they can be good at neutralizing odor.

One last thing that can help with bad breath is visiting your dentist at least two times a year for regular dental exams!

Did you know that Dentistry from the Heart's events have helped more than 25,000 patients over the country? Over the past nine years, the events have contributed more than $5.5 million in free dentistry.

You can follow Dentistry from the Heart on Facebook or view their website.

Shamblott Family Dentistry will be participating again this year in the event on Friday, February 25th starting at 7:00 a.m. You can read more about about our event on our previous blogs.

Our doors will open at 7:00 a.m. on the 25th, but many people begin arriving very early. Once you have arrived and filled out paperwork, we will call people back in a first come first serve basis. The services we offer that day include extractions and fillings and we try to complete one service per person in order to serve more people.

This day our regular staff will be present along with many volunteers and also local news crews. The news crews will arrive early to tape footage of the event and may even interview some patients. Please pass around the word and come with a smile!

Our Dentistry from the Heart event will take place this year on Friday, February 25th, 2011. Dentistry from the Heart is a non-profit organization that was design to help those in need of dental care. This is a country wide event made up of about 300 plus dentists.

This is Shamblott Family Dentistry's fifth year of participating with this organization. It is our way to give back to the community and help those who are in need of dental care. We are proud to have both our dentists and entire staff involved in this event.

You can read more about Dentistry from the Heart and view different clinics that will be participating.

FM 107's radio show host, Ian Punnett, called into this show to explain his own personal dental phobia and how he has dealt with and overcome those fears. Did you miss the show? Listen to Scott discussing dental emergencies and dental phobia.

Interested in scheduling? Our hours are Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call us anytime to schedule at 952-935-5599. You can also read testimonials online.

Today, 43 out of the 50 largest cities have community water fluoridation. Community fluoridation is an inexpensive and safe way to prevent decay. Americans of all status' and ages are benefited from fluoridation.

People at high risk of decay may also benefit from additional fluoride products. Some additional products include: mouth rinses, dietary supplements, and gels and varnishes that are professionally applied.

Want to find out more information on fluoride? Ask us at your next dental exam!

During the beginning of the procedure, the mouth will be prepared so that only the teeth are exposed. The clinician will then apply the Zoom whitening gel that is specifically designed to be used with the Zoom light. Together, the gel and light break up the stains and discoloration on the teeth.

We recommend completing 4 fifteen minute sessions to achieve the best results. While the sessions are taking place, you can watch a movie with our movie glasses, or listen to headphones.

Interested in finding out more about Zoom whitening? Read Zoom testimonials.

Call our office to schedule an appointment!

The National Cancer Institute program states that 30% or oral cancers are found in the tongue. Other oral cancers are found in the lip or floor of the mouth. Historically, 75% of oral, neck, and head cancers are related to tobacco and alcohol use.

Oral cancers can be detected at a curable stage and a thorough examination of the mouth can be done in only a few minutes. If you haven't had a dental exam this year, make sure to schedule one soon!

Dental crowns can enhance the appearance of your teeth by repairing teeth that are damaged. Crowns are tooth shaped coverings that are placed to rebuild and strengthen the teeth. A crown will cover all of the tooth structure at and above the gum line.

The different types of crowns available include: ceramic, gold, and porcelain fused to metal. Ceramic may be the most appealing, but porcelain fused to metal may be more appropriate on back teeth because of its strength. With a porcelain fused to metal crown, some metal may show at the gum line. Each type of crown has its own benefit and detraction. You will want to discuss the different treatment options and benefits of each with Dr. Shamblott or Dr. De Llano when you are here.

Do you have flex benefits that expire soon? Call us to schedule a free initial exam and x-rays and to use your benefits before the end of the year!

This year, we are open on Friday, December 24th from 7:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and also Friday, December 31st from 7:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Do you have time off work and need to get in before the end of the year? Call us to schedule an appointment!

The Staff and Shamblott Family Dentistry would like to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!

Did you know that an estimated 20-30% of adults are afraid to go to the dentist? And another 40-50% of people are fearful of going to the dentist. Most dental phobias come from bad experiences during childhood.

Extreme dental phobia can prevent people from going to the dentist and many dental phobic patients find dental treatment easier with sedation.

At Shamblott Family Dentistry, we offer many non-sedation options; such as: DVD glasses, headphones, blankets, pillows, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). In addition to that, we also provide an option for IV sedation with a nurse anesthetist.

Do you have any dental anxiety?? Our goal is to provide a comfortable, pleasant experience to all our patients. Call today to schedule an appointment!

Worried about having a dental emergency around the holidays?? To better serve you, our office will be open the Friday after Thanksgiving until 4:30 p.m.

Are you off work that day? Call us now to schedule an appointment!

Happy Thanksgiving!

From,

The Staff at Shamblott Family Dentistry

Please help us make the holdidays happy for many less fortunate children. You can drop off any unwrapped toys at our office starting now until December 18th, 2010.

Want to find out more about the Toys for Tots Foundation, or other ways to donate?

We are proud to be a patient, caring, and no shaming dental office. We offer free nitrous oxide (laughing gas), use of headphones, and movie glasses to provide patients a more relaxing experience. We hope to eliminate all excuses that people may have not to go to the dentist.

Do you have flex dollars that you need to spend before the end of the year? Use them or lose them! Now is the time to get scheduled - don't put off your trip to the dentist any longer!

Our 2nd annual candy buy back program turned out to be a huge success! We received approximately 200 pounds of candy yesterday to be donated to the troops.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, donated, and helped us with this event. The staff at Shamblott Family Dentistry (and the troops) greatly appreciate your support!

Did you miss the event? Read more about it on our Facebook page.

Tune in this coming Sunday, October 31st to Sr. Scott's radio show "The Waiting Room" on FM 107.1 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

During this next show, Dr. Scott will discuss our 2nd annual candy buy back program where we are paying $1.00 cash for every pound of candy donated! All of the candy we receive will be sent to the troops. This event will take place at our office on Monday, November 1st from 3:30-7:00.

Dr. Scott will also have a guest on this Sunday's show. Our office administrator, Bettina, will be talking about dental insurance and how to maximize your benefits for the end of the year.

Want to learn how to get the most out of your benefits? Tune into FM107.1 this Sunday!

A baby's first tooth erupts around 4-8 months and usually all 20 baby teeth have appeared by the age of 3. Baby teeth are important because they hold the place for permanent teeth and they also help guide them into the correct position.

As far as dental visits go, Dr. Shamblott listed a few tips to help a child's dental visit go smooth. Here are some helpful tips: inform your child about the visit, but don't go into detail, answer any questions in a matter-of-fact way, and let the dentist answer any questions about dental tools or procedures. As far as what not to tell your children, here are some helpful tips: don't tell your child that something may hurt, about any unpleasant experience you may have had, and don't promise your child a reward for going to the dentist.

Fluoride prevents cavities by making your tooth enamel stronger and it can even keep weak spots in your tooth enamel from turning into cavities. Fluoride found in drinking water is one of the least expensive ways to help stop cavities. It is a good idea to give your child plenty of water instead of sweet drinks. Besides drinking water, fluoride is also found in toothpaste and mouth rinses.

Are you interested in listening to Dr. Shamblott's next radio show? Tune in next time Sunday, October 31st 10:00-11:00 a.m.

This year, the event will take place on Monday, November 1st, 2010 from 3:30-7:00 p.m. at our office. We will be paying $1.00 cash for every pound of candy that is donated. The donated candy is then boxed up and shipped to the troops.

Last year, we shipped approximately 75 pounds of candy to the troops. Our goal this year is to get closer to 100 pounds! Want to help us meet our goal?? Stop by and help us out (and help your teeth)!

Find out other ways to support our troops through Operation Gratitude.

This year's Dentistry from the Heart event will occur on Friday, February 25th starting at 7:00 a.m. During this event, we give our entire day to serve our community. Patients will be examined and will receive free extractions or fillings as time permits. Work will be done on a first come, first served basis.

Are you interested in volunteering for this event, or in need of dental work? Read more about Dentistry from the Heart (and countdown the days to the event with us)!

Sedation dentistry is a great way to change your smile. You can snooze while we work!

Are you interested in sedation? Call 952-935-5599 for a free consultation. You can also read more about sedation on our website.

Stages Theatre Company operates out of the Hopkins Center for the Arts (HCA)located on Mainstreet in the heart of Downtown Hopkins. HCA has two separate performing spaces, an art gallery, a dance studio, and other spaces that are available to the community. Read more about Stages Theatre Company.

Charlotte's Web will be adapted from the original story by E.B. White and will include the young pig named Wilbur and the extremely literate spider named Charlotte. You can join Wilbur, Charlotte, and all the animal friends during this heart-warming musical. Want to find out information on available tickets?

This week's topic will be about nutrition and dentistry. Dr. Scott will discuss daily nutritional needs and why certain foods cause decay. He will also chat about what causes bad breath and which hygiene products are most beneficial.

Want to read more about previous shows/topics?

During the fire truck visit, Dr. Shamblott and his daughter, Rachel, along with 4 other children and other adults, were able take a tour of the fire trucks. They were also able to go 90 feet in the air in the truck's bucket lift.

Hopkins Fire Department has around 41 members and takes on about 550 responses annually.

Please spread this good news to your friends, family, and colleagues that may have Health Partners or Delta Dental.

Do you have Health Partners or Delta Dental? Call or email us to schedule an appointment!

At the bottom it says To: Dr. Scott, my favorite dentist.

Photo by Royblumenthal

It’s one of the words that most people cringe about…root canal! Root canals are one of the most dreaded dental procedures and there are many misconceptions about them.

You can click here to read the top 10 myths about root canals. Most people believe that root canals are a painful procedure, but this belief comes from how procedures were done in the past.

To most people’s surprise, root canals these days can be a pain-free procedure that can be completed in 1-2 appointments. You can read more about root canal procedures and how we can help you get through the procedure right here.

Photo by loudista

We all know a toothache can be one of the most irritating things, but what can be worse is not being able to tell which tooth is really hurting you. There is an article by Science News that talks about how the brain detects different types of pain. You can click here to read the article.

It’s been found that the brain can distinguish between a paper cut and a splinter, but detecting pain in the mouth can be more difficult. Many brain regions respond to upper and lower tooth pain in the same way leaving it very hard for a person to detect which tooth is actually bothering them.

If you’ve experience tooth pain and couldn’t tell where it was coming from now you know you are not alone!