Pregnant women with gum disease, also called periodontal disease, are known to have more preemies than women with healthy gums.

But it's unclear whether that link is causal, and so whether better oral hygiene would make a difference.

The new study, although not ironclad proof, found that regularly using an alcohol-free mouth rinse appeared to cut women's risk of early labor by about three-quarters.

"I think this is extremely encouraging," said Dr. Steven Offenbacher, a professor at the University of North Carolina's School of Dentistry, who was not involved in this study.

"We haven't known the best way to manage these patients."

The research team, which included staff and funding from Procter and Gamble, the company that markets the mouthwash used in the study, asked 71 pregnant women with gum disease to rinse twice a day for 30 seconds with Crest Pro Health mouthwash. The mouthwash does not contain alcohol.

They compared the number of pre-term births among this group to 155 pregnant women who also had gum disease, but rinsed only with water.

Among the water-only group, 34 mothers -- or about one in five -- delivered their babies prematurely, before 35 weeks of pregnancy.

In the mouthwash group, just four mothers delivered their babies prematurely, which is about one in 20 births.

The difference between the groups "was just incredible," said Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, the lead author of the study and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

But she pointed out that the women knew which treatment they were getting -- water or mouthwash -- which in principle might have influenced the results.

Jeffcoat's team did not identify why the mouthwash was linked to fewer premature babies, but gum disease might play a role.

Gum disease starts when bacteria on the teeth infect the gums and cause swelling, and pregnancy can exacerbate the condition.

Inflammation in gum disease involves the hormone-like substance prostaglandin E2, Jeffcoat explained. This same chemical is involved in labor.

Her hypothesis is that gum disease leads to inflammation and more prostaglandin E2 circulating through the body, which might then spark an early labor. On the flip side, by treating the gum disease, women can cut their prostaglandin E2 levels and reduce their risk of going into labor early, Jeffcoat believes.

The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found that mouthwash did appear to help the gum disease.

Mothers who didn't use the mouthwash had more inflammation and sites along the gums where the tissue would bleed.

Aggressive teeth-cleaning is also used to fight gum disease during pregnancy, and a study from April found the procedure appeared to be safe for expectant mothers.

But whether it has an effect on pre-term births is still unclear.

"We are seeing that those types of treatments are usually not adequate to prevent mothers from getting worse during pregnancies," Offenbacher told Reuters Health.

Mouthwash is a less-invasive alternative to teeth cleaning, and it typically costs less than $10 a bottle.

But, Jeffcoat cautioned, "Obviously, if you don't have periodontal disease this is not going to help" your risk of pre-term birth.

Both dentists agreed it's important for pregnant women to take care of their oral health.

"They need to use a soft toothbrush and floss the right way," wrapping the floss around the tooth, Jeffcoat told Reuters Health earlier this year. "The first goal with almost all dental disease is prevention, prevention, prevention."

SOURCE: bit.ly/n5rjFX American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, online July 20, 2011.

With the media exposure that celebrities receive, it is important that their smiles are perfect. Having a Hollywood smile makeover however, it not just for the rich and famous.

You too can get a perfect smile by following the example of your favorite celebrity. If you are wondering about smile makeover cost, this will vary widely depending on what specific work you need.

WorlDental.org researched some stars have paid as much as $50,000 to get their perfect smiles. Implants and veneers can cost anywhere from $5,000 to as much as $40,000 depending on the number of teeth repaired and the specific dentist chosen. Teeth whitening and other procedures are of course much less expensive but not any less important.

There are a number of celebrities who had gaped, stained, crooked or even chipped and missing teeth at some point. Hollywood dentists have performed thousands of procedures to repair these problems. There are a number of dentists in the New York area as well that perform dentistry to the stars.

So just who are the top choices for cosmetic dentistry for Hollywood’s elite?

Kevin Sands is a cosmetic dentistry specialist who has provided services for a number of celebrities. Dr. Sands is located in the Los Angeles area and performs cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills for many stars including: Tori Spelling, Hilary Duff, Robert Downey, Jr., Charlie Sheen, Britney Spears.

Dr. Catrise L. Austin is the preferred dentist to the stars on the East Coast. Dr. Austin’s office in Manhattan, New York provides a number of cosmetic treatments for celebrities in the area for stars such as: Paula Abdul, Isaac Hayes, Malik Yoba, Toni Braxton, Eva Pigford.

15 Stars’ Teeth Before and After Smile Makeover

Knowing which dentists provide the bulk of cosmetic dentistry to celebrities is only half of knowing just how thriving this practice currently is. There are many celebrities who have relied on dentists for braces, veneers, caps, crowns and a number of other cosmetic procedures. WorlDental.org is listing here the 15 most noticeable stars’ smile transformations.

1. Cheryl Cole from X-Factor also had bad teeth during her earlier career days. Her teeth were terribly crooked and she had pointed incisors that resembled fangs. Her teeth were straightened and the fangs were reshaped to give her a more perfect smile. Whitening was also done on her stained teeth and she now sports beautiful porcelain veneers to give her that perfect celebrity smile.

2. Hilary Duff decided to get her first set of porcelain veneers in 2005. However, she did not like the look that the veneers gave her and many critics agreed. Her first set of veneers simply did not look natural. They made her teeth very long and not proportionate with the rest of her face. However, she eventually became so unhappy with the first set that she returned to a cosmetic dentist in 2008 for a revision of her veneers. She now has shorter teeth that look much more natural than the first set that she sported. Various whitening treatments have also helped to make Hilary Duff’s teeth look completely perfect.

3. Zac Efron did not always have a perfect smile. When he first began his career, he had a wide gap between his top front teeth. Invisible braces helped to pull those teeth together and give him a more grownup smile. Teeth whitening was also in order to help brighten up Efron’s smile. It has been gossiped that Efron spent more than $10,000 having his gap removed and his pearly whites made whiter.

4. Tom Cruise also did not always have a perfect smile. Until he was 39, his teeth were horrible misaligned. He now sports a gorgeous white smile that is estimated to have cost more than $30,000 in total. From alignment procedures to the whitening, Cruise has definitely paid fair change for his overhaul.

5. Kate Beckinsale has admitted openly that she has had cosmetic dentistry done although she has not stated to what extent. Beckinsale likely has had deep cleaning and gum reconturing. Add to that cosmetic teeth whitening procedures and you get the smile that Kate Beckinsale sports today.

6. Timothy Olyphant is not nearly as well-known as many other celebrities but that did not stop him from seeking cosmetic dentistry to help with his appearance. Olyphant’s teeth were not crooked although they were far from perfect before he had veneers placed. The veneers help to give him a much more perfect smile. Before the cosmetic procedure, Olyphant’s gums were showing a bit too much. Veneers and whitening treatments have brightened up his smile.

7. Miley Cyrus had a bit of a snaggletooth look when she was younger. At 15 however, she underwent cosmetic dentistry to have veneers placed on her teeth that would give them a more perfect alignment. The veneers made her teeth straighter and her front teeth look far less prominent than they did before the procedure. Her small incisors were also covered in order to make them more balanced with the rest of her smile.

8. Victoria Beckham reportedly grew up being very ashamed to smile. Her teeth were crooked and she had a very prominent gap in the front of her top teeth. Several years ago, Beckham spent a reported $40,000 on cosmetic dentistry in order to give her a more perfect smile. She received veneers and teeth whitening treatments to brighten up her.

9. Ben Affleck had a smile that was many years in the making. Before his procedures, Affleck had small teeth that were unevenly spaced. Extensive dental work on the actor included porcelain veneers, teeth whitening treatments and crowns as well as extensive whitening. His complete overhaul cost upwards of around $20,000 according to insider reports.

10. Catherine Zeta Jones has been through many changes since her early acting days. In her earlier years, she had a rather large gap between her front teeth as well as fang-shaped teeth on the sides. Her beautiful teeth today are likely the result of porcelain veneers as well as some costly teeth whitening treatments

11. It is certainly no secret that George Clooney has had a bit of cosmetic dental work done. The actor has reportedly undergone more than $30,000 worth of dental surgery over the years. Porcelain veneers were also on Clooney’s list of things to do. A teeth grinding habit left Clooney with a crooked smile for many years. Porcelain veneers were used to lengthen the teeth that Clooney had ground down and a laser treatment was done on his gums in order to expose more of his natural teeth.

12. Demi Moore is no stranger to cosmetic dentistry procedures either. She has reportedly spent more than $12,000 on her veneers and laser teeth whitening treatments in order to receive the beautiful smile that she flashes today. Moore had straight teeth in the beginning but was simply not satisfied with the shape of her teeth. The veneers that she chose made her teeth all perfectly uniform and laser whitening gave Moore her perfectly bright smile.

13. Oprah Winfrey is rumored to have benefited from Invisalign braces at some point. Although her teeth were never in terrible shape, Winfrey did want them to be more uniform. Invisalign braces are clear plastic alignment aids that are undetectable (almost invisible braces) so no one knows that they are being worn. These braces can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the misalignment.

14. When Nicolas Cage began acting he did not have the perfect set of teeth that he has today. Cage has undergone several dental treatments including braces. In fact, he was sporting silver braces at the Annual Writers Guild awards in 2003 on his lower teeth. Before braces, Cage’s teeth were crooked. After braces he has also had teeth whitening treatments to give him the perfectly bright smile that he has today.

15. Sharon Stone has one of the most recognizable smiles in Hollywood. Stone however, did not always have this perfect smile. She has spent thousands of dollars on veneers as well as laser teeth whitening treatments in order to get the beautiful smile that she shows today.

Celebrities flash their beautiful smiles at every chance and many have no idea just what these celebrities paid for these perfect smiles.

Cosmetic dentistry is a popular way to perfect a number of imperfections and give everyone a more perfect set of teeth. If you have problems with your teeth and you want a celebrity smile, consider the procedures that these celebrities had in order to give them their perfect choppers.

It's no surprise he got booed off stage again but what we really want to know is where have Charlie Sheen's teeth gone?

After his latest stage show in Connecticut, Charlie was snapped returning to his hotel with a lot less teeth that his 'Two and a Half Men' character.

Perhaps Charlie has got more to chew on than we thought?

Sheen admitted to UK press back in January that his drug habit has caused him to lose his teeth and that he had to have veneers.

It would seem that those veneers are now falling out.

Is Charlie Sheen's career over?

http://bit.ly/gGt5yg

Flossing can add 6 years to your life

Flossing can add about 6.4 years to your life—and brushing without flossing is comparable to cleaning only 65% of your body, according to a press release from Flossbox. For more, click here: http://tinyurl.com/3u2m3ac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylnQ-T7oiA

http://www.amarillo.com/stories/062210/fea_16887937.shtml

Landon

Answer: Millions suffer from "messy plate syndrome": More food is found under your "plate" than on your plate. Solution: Implant-supported overdentures which will allow his existing denture, if in decent condition, to be securely anchored to his jaw bone to prevent food from rushing underneath. Two to four implants do the job with special attachments embedded into the dentures called locators. Costs range from $4,500 to $10,000+, depending on the available bone. The longer you wait for treatment, the less bone you will have to work as "empty" bone will atrophy.

and

http://www.cosmeticdentistryusa.org/fort-worth/cosmetic-dentistry-fort-worth.php

Methamphetamine is a cheap, easy-to-make illicit drug. It's known by several street names: Meth, Speed, Ice, Chalk, Crank, Fire, Glass, and Crystal. It is highly addictive and its use is on the rise in the U.S. even though it produces devastating effects on users' health.

Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that can cause shortness of breath, hyperthermia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, permanent brain damage and rampant tooth decay. Some users describe their teeth as "blackened, stained, rotting, crumbling or falling apart." Often, the teeth cannot be salvaged and must be extracted.

The extensive tooth decay is attributed to the drug's acidic nature and its tendency to dry mouth tissues. A methamphetamine "high" lasts much longer than that produced by crack cocaine (12 hours versus one hour for cocaine). This can lead to long periods of poor oral hygiene. And while they are high, users often crave high-calorie, carbonated, sugary beverages or they may grind or clench their teeth, all of which can harm teeth.

Heavy users may appear malnourished because methamphetamine acts as an appetite suppressant.

According to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 12.3 million Americans age 12 and older had tried methamphetamine at least once in their lifetimes (5.2 percent of the population), with the majority of past-year users between 18 and 34 years of age. Significant decreases in the past year use were seen among 12- to 17-year-olds.

Traffickers have aggressively targeted rural areas in an effort to escape law enforcement, and most use is found in the western, southwestern, and midwestern U.S.

For example, we tell kids to drink milk for strong teeth and bones. From a dentist's point of view, how important are milk and dairy products in keeping teeth healthy? Calcium is very important as teeth form, and milk and dairy products are the best source of calcium and can play a role in preventing cavities.

As young teeth develop, adequate calcium intake during childhood and adolescence is important for children in developing and maintaining healthy teeth throughout adulthood. In addition, many studies show that eating dairy products, especially cheese, after meals or snacks helps to prevent the bacterial coating on the teeth from converting food sugars to acid; reducing the risk for cavities. Cheese also stimulates saliva flow, which helps to clear acids from the mouth that can cause cavities.

Dairy products, again, especially cheese, can actually prevent teeth from losing minerals and in some people, may even restore minerals to teeth. Some studies even show that proteins and phosphorus in milk may reduce the risk for cavities.

Though eating more nutritious foods can help promote healthy teeth and gums, beware of those that can cause tooth decay. While some foods are obvious culprits, such as candy, juices and sodas, other foods high in carbohydrates such as fruits, peanut butter, crackers and potato chips increase the risk of cavities as well.

All sweet foods are not created equal. Sticky foods such as cookies and candies stick to the surface of teeth and linger. These foods should be limited because they stick to the teeth and saliva is unable to wash the sugar away.

In addition to food choices, dentists and dietitians believe that children who consume too much soda and not enough nutritional beverages are more prone to tooth decay in addition to serious ailments later in life, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel, which ultimately leads to cavities. If erosion spreads beneath the enamel, pain and sensitivity may eventually result. This can cause nerve infection and necessitate a root canal.

How can you help prevent this? Encourage your children to drink plenty of water. An article published by the Academy of General Dentistry recommends that school children should rinse their mouth with water after meals, especially at school. This leaves their mouth with a reduced sugar and acid content.

While we can't follow are children around throughout their day with healthy snacks and a toothbrush, we can instill good habits by providing them with discipline and structure in making smart food and beverage choices and encouraging routine brushing and flossing

In a Feb. 18 letter to dentists, Dr. Howard Marsh, GSK's chief medical officer, described the company's action as a precautionary measure. He said GSK asks that doctors with patients describing neurological symptoms associated with long-term, excessive denture adhesive use report such cases by calling toll free 1-866-640-1017.

To date, the FDA has not issued any advisory to the public or the profession on this issue.

The products affected are Super Poligrip Original, Super Poligrip Ultra Fresh and Super Poligrip Extra Care. GSK will transition to zinc-free versions of all affected variants. Zinc free will be clearly shown on the new packaging.

For more information on denture adherents and other consumer products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance visit www.ada.org/ada/seal/category.asp.

To see the GSK statement, visit http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2010/2010_pressrelease_10017.htm

Well, it's a little more than that, but there he was at Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nev., Feb. 19, 2010, asking the president of the United States, "What's your vision for how dentistry fits into your larger framework for health care reform?"

The chanciness had to do with just being there, having scored tickets to the president's town hall meeting from a friend at a software users group meeting both were attending in Las Vegas. But even getting in was no certainty, let alone having the opportunity to ask a question. What are the odds, 1,500 folks admitted, 7 questions entertained?

"We did some creative seating, moved up toward the front like we knew what we were doing, and I smiled a lot, raised my hand frequently. I'm 6'5" and 250 pounds and that didn't hurt. I did everything I could to be in the right position, and somehow I got his eye. There was a lot of luck involved."

Dr. Burris put his question, the president responded, and the rest is archival (transcript at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-town-hall-meeting-henderson-nevada Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.).

Dr. Burris sees it as "a civil exchange" more effective than the rhetorical, shouting matches reported by local media as characterizing some of the 2009 town hall meetings more specific to health care reform than this wider ranging White House event. "Even if you don't agree with people, with your elected officials, you can still have a civil exchange. I didn't vote for Obama but still, he's our president.

"With a little bit of luck we can have an impact on the political process," Dr. Burris told the ADA News in a telephone interview. "That kind of exchange right there could actually help set the policy."

Dr. Burris is a member of the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.

Landon

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Comer and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.

As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.