What the heck are crowns, veneers and implants anyway?Written by Judith Sloan
By Judith Sloan, Washington, DC.—Dentistry has become a hot topic, as writers across media spectrum are reaching into our mouths for story ideas. Apparently, making of a beautiful smile makes good copy. “And don’t we all identify in some way with those people making big changes—on shows like “The Swan” and “Extreme Makeover”—even those getting new smiles?” says Dr. Bernard Lynch, at Washington Center for Dentistry, in Washington, DC. No wonder we need to boost our dental vocabulary, especially if we’re thinking about delving into some smile improvement ourselves. So, here’s a quick review: “The Crown.” Sometimes a front tooth is out of line, too short, too wide, too narrow or hopelessly too gray, too yellow or too brown. “One solution is to pare down unfavorable tooth and then cover it with a crown or cap,” says Dr. Marc Doctors, also of Washington Center for Dentistry. The new porcelain tooth fits perfectly over minimized tooth, providing a sparkling, whiter, straighter version of its former self. “The Veneer.” Sometimes a tooth has fewer objectionable features, and alignment, color and shape can be improved with a more delicate replacement option. Consider veneer: a thin, fingernail-size shell of glistening porcelain that fits over existing tooth that has been slightly re-contoured.
| | Get Your Baby Off to a Healthy Start--Begin Before It's Born!Written by Larry Denton
Did you know that every year nearly one million American women deliver babies without receiving adequate medical attention? Or that babies born to mothers who received no prenatal care are three times more likely to be born at low birth weight, and five times more likely to die, than those whose mothers received prenatal care?If you are pregnant, there are programs in your state, that can help you deliver a healthy baby. These programs offer medical care, support and advice for pregnant women, and information about health insurance and other services you and your baby may need. For information about prenatal services in your community call (toll free) 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229). For information in Spanish, call 1-800-504-7081. Or to gain information you need to have a healthy baby contact your state or local health department. There are five vitally important things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy child. First, see a doctor or other health care provider from start of your pregnancy. Prenatal care is medical attention given to expectant mother and her developing baby. It also involves mother's caring for herself by following health care provider's advice, eating nutritious meals, getting plenty of rest, exercising sensibly, and avoiding things that could harm her or her baby. Secondly, don't drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or take drugs during your pregnancy. There is simply NO safe level of alcohol consumption if you are pregnant. One drink may be too many, since any alcohol you drink enters both your and your baby's bloodstream. Alcohol usage during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), in which babies suffer from physical, behavioral, and mental problems. As for drugs, even some legal, over-the-counter medications--antihistamines or pain medications that contain ibuprofen--can be harmful to a developing fetus. Don't take ANY medication without first consulting with your health care provider. Be careful of vitamins, as well. Although you may need more iron, calcium, or folic acid, too much of other nutrients can harm your baby. Again, consult your doctor.
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