Study Debunks Oral Sex Myth -- Maybe

WebMD recently posted the results of a new survey that shows teenagers are NOT engaging more in oral sex as a replacement for intercourse.

Quoting WebMD, who quotes Laura Lindberg, senior research associate at the Guttmacher Institute,

There is a widespread belief that teens engage in nonvaginal forms of sex, especially oral sex, as a way to be sexually active while still claiming that technically, they are virgins. However, our research shows that this supposed substitution of oral sex for vaginal sex is largely a myth. There is no good evidence that teens who have not had intercourse engage in oral sex with a series of partners.

The article goes on to state that STDs are common and mentioned the link to oral cancer -- which is all well and good, but it's information most of us already know.

It also shouldn't surprise anyone that teens are having sex.

The real issue -- and one not brought up in the WebMD article or the survey -- is that we as a country are not doing a good job of communicating the facts of STDs.

The fact that one in four girls gets one proves it -- as does the fact that the U.S. has the highest rates of STDs *in the world.*

(Unbelievable if you ask me.)

Here locally a story ran in the Gloucester Times about the number of high school pregnancies spiking to three times the "normal" number.

According to the report, high school girls are intentionally becoming pregnant due to the influence of young Hollywood stars, such as Jamie Lynn Spears, doing so.

What this story confirms is that these young women, and many like them, do not use anything to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.

Unfortunately, preaching abstinence is not going to work. Or, it should be followed up by education on the prevention and transmission of STDs.

It would be interesting to compare the rates of STDs in 15-year old girls from 20 years ago to see if anything has changed.

NBC's Brian Williams Does Not "Get" Importance of Oral Health

I watched the video below in stunned amazement.

NBC's Brian Williams received dental floss in response to an ongoing debate about the connection between Alzheimer's Disease and periodontal disease.

He sacrastically reports that this connection lacks any type of "medical underpinnings."

So NBC's healthcast reporter actually provides him with the information based on a study of 20,000 identical twins.

Williams response is more sarcasm -- causing TV news reporter Sue Simmons to fall off her chair in dramatic disgust.

What stunned me? Brian's reaction to medical evidence!

Like many people, he simply does not understand how your oral health affects your entire body!

New Drug Eliminates Effects of Local Anesthesia

Hate feeling like your lip or tongue is about five sizes too big once you've been subjected to anesthesia?

According to today's New York Times, Novalar Pharmaceuticals, a small drug company, has won FDA approval to market a new drug that dispels the effects of local anesthesia.

According to the Times article, the new drug, called OraVerse, "cut the median time it took for full sensation to return to the lips by about 75 to 85 minutes, or by more than half."

The drug seems easy to use -- after the dentist has completed a procedure, "he or she injects OraVerse into the same spot where the anesthetic had been injected."

This is just another way that dental technology is making dental dentists less stressful and more pain-free for patients!

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?