New Study Links Oral Bacteria and Preeclampsia

In a new study by the University of North Carolina, researchers have linked gum disease in pregnant women with preeclampsia -- a serious pregnancy complication that leads to high blood pressure, premature delivery, and even death of the mother and/or child.

According to lead investigator, Dr. Michael Ruma, speaking to Reuters Health, "Maternal periodontal (gum) disease clearly contributes to an increased risk of preeclampsia, and our results demonstrate that this risk is further increased in the presence of elevated systemic inflammation."

You can read the study abstract at the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Website (April 2008 issue).

If you're a woman and planning on getting pregnant or have recently become pregnant, I urge you to see your dental professional in order to determine if you have periodontal disease. According to my colleague, Dr. Abboud, a periodontal specialist, over 30% of those with the disease have a severe form of it.

You can also download my e-book, Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex, for more information about how your oral health affects your physical and sexual health.

Do You Squidoo?

Getting the hang of building an online presence takes a lot of time and effort, but it's definitely worth it.

In addition to this blog, YouTube videos, a free e-book, and a LinkedIn profile, I've recently developed a Squidoo page.

Check it and leave a message on my guest book!

Cosmetic Dentistry Does NOT Make List of Dangerous Procedures

ABC News posted a list of 10 cosmetic procedures you should avoid, including lipodissolve, permanent filler injections and makeup -- and one that sounds absolutely dreadful -- leg lengthening surgery (ugh).

What didn't make the list? Any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Of course, this doesn't mean that cosmetic dentistry is "safe." You can find all sorts of stories about botched procedures such as this one.

As with any medical procedure, you must perform due diligence to ensure the dental professional you choose is qualified and holds the right certifications and experience.

A few questions to ask:

When was the last time you took a continuing education course?

What certifications do you hold? (For example, I've been certified in conscious sedation dentistry.)

How long have you been practicing cosmetic dentistry?

Can you provide references?

For additional information, you can view my YouTube video on dental offices and infection control, and my newsletter article, "When You Need a Second Opinion."

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Websites also have lots of great information about how to choose the right cosmetic dentist as well as what various cosmetic procedures entail.

Boston Ranks #78 for Worst Teeth in the U.S.

Check out the list for the Cleanest and Dirtiest Teeth in the U.S.

Ranking at #100 -- and receiving an "F" grade is Lubbock, TX.

Boston, however, isn't far behind, coming in at #78 and receiving a "D" letter grade.

The city with the best teeth? Madison, WI.

Why do you think Bostonians have awful teeth? I think it's because Bostonians -- and most New Englanders in general -- view cosmetic dentistry as something for "vain" people.

Plus, treatment plans can get pricey and New Englanders are simply too thrifty to put out money for something "frivolous" like better teeth (even if it will improve their health).

That's my opinion anyway. What's yours?

Successful Smiles a Blog to Watch for Spring 2008

The Virtual Woman's Day blog recently posted a list of the top 96 women bloggers to watch for Spring 2008 -- and I'm honored to say that this blog made that list.

It's a fabulous list of women bloggers -- be sure to check them out. Here are links to five of them:

Back in Skinny Jeans with Stephanie Quilao

Woman Start Your Business Now with Amanda M. Gladden

Small Business Trends with Anita Campbell

The Stealth Networker Blog by Liz Lynch

The Expertise Marketplace by Suzanne Low

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex! -- Free E-Book

When was the last time you thought about your teeth? That's like asking when you last thought about your femur or your elbow.

Like breathing, teeth are an integral part of our bodies.

What many people don't understand -- or even consider -- is that the health of our teeth and mouths has a huge connection with our overall physical health -- and our sex lives!

In this new e-book, "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!" I explain the connection between your oral health and your sexual well-being -- a topic not too many people talk about.

"Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!" is a free e-book -- absolutely no registration required. Simply click the link to download your copy.

You can find just about anything to do with sex on the Internet, but you won't find how taking care of your oral health can prolong your sexual health well into old age.

In "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!" I cover oral health and sexual issues from young adulthood through old age and include the latest research concerning teens and the rise of STDs and throat cancer; the connection between smoking pot and gum disease; and how gum disease is thought to negatively affect pregnant women and their unborn fetuses.

This is a topic I'm passionate about -- and I'm thrilled to offer this e-book and the information it contains to the general public.

Download your copy of "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Sex!", forward it to friends, and post it on your blog. It's great information everyone should have -- whether you're 18 years old or 65 years old.

UPDATE! I've moved the Successful Smiles blog over to my Website. Be sure to visit me there and let me know if you enjoyed my e-book.

Dental Hygienists Lobby to Practice Independent of Dentists

Due to over zealous hygienist lobbying to law makers, and playing on the fact that the poor are not receiving dental care, the lobbying group for the Minnesota Dental Hygienists Assocation has been able to possibly move a step closer in enabling hygienists to practice dentistry independent of dentists -- according to the lastest news article, "'Super' Hygienist Threat to Dentists?"

Proponents of the proposal state it "provides access to oral care for millions of uninsured Americans, especially those in rural areas, inner cities, and suburbs."

Excuse me, but this proposal is really a major disservice to the poor -- who have a tough life to begin with.

Often the poor and uninsured suffer from complex medical issues which further impede them from working. They need the proper assessment of a trained dentist who has a doctorate degree and is able to properly assess their health history and how the dental treatment will be impacted by their current medical situation.

The poor are human beings with rights, and to think that having a less qualified person care for them is right . . . well, someone needs to look at the ethetics involved and their moral compass. Egos are in the way.

According the article linked above, the ADA has its reservations about the bill.

"In a recent statement the ADA urges, 'lawmakers to reject this legislation and work with the dental community on a more workable solution.'"

What is wrong with the ADA? Their statement was weak. This is not the answer and they need to have more incentives and programs in place that rotate new dentists into clinics that serve the poor. The Minnesota dental school cited in the article does not allow dental patients on government assistance to be patients. Why not? That would help allivate some of the problem.

Looking to Canada and other countries who have this model should be enough to prove it does not work.