I’m not much for traditional New Year’s resolutions, but I do appreciate having a theme. My theme for 2021 is SIMPLIFY, so I’ve combined my two newsletters into one. Many subscribers — both patients and practitioners — were receiving both publications, so combining them makes sense. We’re all working toward the same goals, and sharing the same information helps everyone stay on the same page. I’ll be writing with both patients and dental professionals (dentists and RDHs) in mind. As always, I welcome your feedback.
Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark, where I share what’s on my mind right now.
1. Thoughts on the COVID-19 Vaccine:
I’m not an epidemiologist, but I approach my health choices thoughtfully and skeptically. After extensive reading about the vaccines and mRNA technology, I’ve received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine, and my wife has completed her two-dose series with Pfizer. For a thorough, balanced discussion, I recommend the podcast episode by Dr. Mark Hyman — “The Real Story About COVID Vaccines: What We Know, What We Don’t” (Episode 155 of The Doctor’s Farmacy). If you choose just one podcast to listen to about the vaccines, this episode is worth your time.
2. Deal of the Week:
The Oura Ring is currently discounted by $50. I use mine every night to track sleep and recovery, and I find its sleep scoring among the most useful available. My wife and I have used Oura rings for years and consider them excellent tools for tracking sleep quality.
3. Study I’m thinking about:
Recent research highlights how interactions within the oral microbiome influence disease. Growth factors produced by Veillonella parvula can enable replication of Porphyromonas gingivalis, but the mere presence of those factors isn’t sufficient — a substantial V. parvula population appears to be required to provoke P. gingivalis. This underlines how oral health depends on complex commensal relationships. I’ve summarized the study and its implications in a way that’s useful for both clinicians and concerned patients.
Mark
P.S. If you missed it, I’ve saved my Fluoride Q&A sessions in Instagram highlights — there are two parts. I’ll be hosting the next Instagram Q&A on Wednesday or Thursday this week. Follow @askthedentist on Instagram so you don’t miss it!
