Yes -- I did say her sweater. According to Ms. Simpson herself, she actually prefers to forgo brushing her teeth altogether, but when her teeth are feeling, well, like a sweater, she uses her designer duds as a dental hygiene tool. "I don't brush my teeth," boasts Simpson to iheartradio. "No, really! I just use Listerine -- and sometimes I'll use my sweater."
If you are completely disgusted, hopefully this highly intelligent comment by the mega-star will ease your mind: "I do brush every now and again, but my teeth are extremely powerful. Fine, maybe when I'm 60 I'll all, 'ow!'"

Really, Jessica? Please tell me you are kidding. When did you decide that you were above brushing and flossing? Maybe you would have better luck with men if you started to brush? It's just a thought Jess...

Dental Assistant Recognition Week will be coming to a close on March 13, 2010. I hope all of the dental assistants out there were treated to some well deserved pampering from their dentist this week!

Do you know how the profession of dental assisting began? Take a look at "The History of Dental Assistants and The American Dental Assistants Association" and see for yourself how much dental assisting has changed over the years! We've certainly come a long way - that's for sure!

Do you know of a dental assistant or other dental professional that deserves some recognition? Share how this person positively impacted your dental experience, in my Reader Response section: "Your Greatest Dental Experience"

In light of the recent concerns surrounding denture creams and adhesives that contain zinc, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement urging denture wearers to see their dentist, if their dentures are ill-fitting or problematic.

Why would you see your dentist if you wear dentures? This isn't a cash grab - I promise. Your dentist will monitor how your dentures fit, and make adjustments to accommodate your changing gum tissue. Along with your denture adjustments, your dentist will do a thorough examination of your mouth, to check for any signs of oral cancer, thrush, even gum disease.

If you wear dentures, you shouldn't have to rely on denture creams and adhesives to keep your dentures from causing embarrassing situations, along with affecting your quality of life. Speak to your dentist if your dentures are uncomfortable or just don't fit anymore.

GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK) issued a consumer advisory on February 18, 2010, regarding the safety of their Super Poligrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' and 'Extra Care' denture adhesives. The concern centers around the amount of zinc that is contained in the product, and how it is bonded to an unknown formulation. According to GSK, suggestions that excessive zinc exposure may contribute to the development of anemia, neuropathy, and other neurological symptoms that may cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs and difficulties with walking and balance, initiated the advisory. GSK has voluntarily stop the manufacture, distribution and advertising of all Super PoliGrip denture adhesive products made with zinc.

Consumers with Poligrip products that contain zinc are encourages to stop using the product immediately, contact their physician or dentist, and use a denture adhesive that does not contain zinc.

Zinc is considered to be an essential mineral for our health and wellness, and is found in proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, and salmon. The recommended daily value of zinc is 15 mg/day. For denture wearers that rely on a denture adhesive to hold their dentures in place, the risk of overexposure becomes evident. It has been suggested that as little as 25 mg. of zinc may contribute to anemia and copper deficiency.

If you are using a denture adhesive, and you are unsure if it contains zinc, please speak to your dentist, physician, or pharmacist. If you rely on the use of a denture adhesive to help keep your dentures in place, due to poor fitting dentures, speak to your dentist about treatment options that will improve your situation, without the need for adhesives.