Veneers and crowns made with new, advanced, porcelain materials provide opalescence, brightness and natural shape that improve a smile—naturally—while lasting for many, many years.

“This option provides a wonderful way to revitalize a smile and get an image that looks younger, healthier,” says Dr. Daniel Deutsch, of Washington Center for Dentistry.

“The Implant.” No longer are patients denied a beautiful, natural smile because of missing teeth. Once fated to have removable appliances—or even dentures—these patients now have a happier alternative. Synthetic roots of new “teeth” literally are “implanted” into gum and bone.

The new implanted root is made of metal, and in time, gum and bone grow around it. And portion of implant that protrudes above gum line gets a crown that looks just like a natural tooth. It’s a miracle to those getting a second chance at teeth that feel—and look—like normal teeth.

“Patients need to know that their teeth can stay young for life,” says Dr. Lynch. “Nowadays, dentistry really does have all answers.”

A pregnant smoker is at higher risk for problems during her pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birthrate, an increased rate of premature birth, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), than babies born to non-smokers.

Studies have shown that women who quit smoking early in their pregnancies can reduce risk of damage to their baby. Even quitting in last month of pregnancy can help your baby by increasing amount of oxygen available to him/her at time of delivery.

The third crucial thing you can do to have a healthy baby is to eat healthy foods--particularly fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, eggs, cheese and whole grains. A healthy baby really starts with healthy foods. When you are pregnant, everything you eat or drink nourishes your baby as well. That is why it is so very important to eat a healthy diet. A pregnant woman only needs about 300 extra calories a day to meet her needs and provide her baby necessary nutrients. Therefore, your goal should be to highly nutritious foods while avoiding excessive calories, fat, sugar, and sodium.

A fourth way to help have a healthy baby is to take care of YOUR health and exercise sensibly and regularly. Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance--three qualities that can help you better carry weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for stress of labor, and make it easier to get back in shape after your delivery. You can't beat walking or swimming or overall fitness during pregnancy. Again, as with most pregnancy related topics, check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Finally, have your baby checked by a doctor or health care provider right after birth and throughout childhood. It is important to keep your health care appointments for both you and your baby, to get proper medical attention you may both require.

Best wishes for an uneventful, healthy pregnancy and a happy, healthy new "bundle of joy" in near future.