Spring is here. After a long, cold winter we are all looking forward to warmer days and all the activities we've been planning since autumn. The changing of the seasons is a good way to remember that it is time for a new toothbrush. Believe it or not, toothbrushes don't last forever. After about three months, the bristles begin to deteriorate and lose their effectiveness. If you brush hard and aggressively, you may notice that the bristles on your brush may appear crushed and splayed out even sooner. There is also the germ factor. Toothbrushes are easily contaminated and harbor a lot of bacteria. Getting a new one periodically makes sense from a basic hygiene point of view.

There was a recent article in the popular media that pointed out a possible connection between dental X-rays in expectant moms and low birth-weight babies. We are not sure if the Xrays are responsible for low-birth weight in the newborns. However, there is some solid research that show that pregnant women who have periodontal disease are more likely to deliver preterm babies. It seems that the inflammation that occurs with gum disease has powerful and widespread effects on the body. Profound chemical changes in the body in response to this inflammation can actually alter the course of a pregnancy. It is very important that women who plan on having a child go to their dentist for a thorough exam and preventive treatment.

A study was reported that linked dental X-rays with low birth-weight babies in expectant moms. We are not sure if there is a cause and effect link between the X-rays and low birth-weight babies. It has always been the policy of dentists to avoid X-rays on pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. When a pregnant woman comes to our office with a condition that requires an X-ray in order to provide the proper treatment, we always use the smallest amount of radiation possible and we protect our patients with lead shields. If an expectant mom had an abscess or severe gum disease, it would be necessary to take an X-ray to diagnose and treat the problem. Researchers need to determine if it is the X-rays that effect the baby or if it is the abscess or gum disease.

Do you have apprehensions about taking your child to the dentist for his or her first checkup? Could that be one of the reasons why you haven't made that first important appointment? Well, your child's first visit to the dentist does not have to be for a check-up. There's no reason why it can't be a social visit just to "get acquainted." If your youngster hasn't been to the dentist yet, the next time you have an appointment take him along.

There is a small, but very important structure that is vital to the proper functioning of our teeth. Teeth are not simply fused to our jaw bones. There is a system of fibers called the periodontal ligament that forms an attachment between the roots of the teeth and the bony supporting socket. During normal chewing, tremendous pressure is applied to the teeth and transferred along the root to the underlying bone. The periodontal ligament serves an as effective "shock absorber." It cushions both the horizontal and vertical forces applied to the teeth.