Here’s what’s happening this week.
Coming Soon: A central database for hydroxyapatite safety studies
One of the best parts of this community is the spirit of collaboration. I recently connected with functional dental provider Jacqueline Carcaramo, RDH, and discovered we were both maintaining separate collections of studies on hydroxyapatite. We decided to combine our efforts and create a single, searchable repository of safety and efficacy studies for dentists, hygienists, patients, and researchers.
My team is uploading the studies now, and I expect to share the database next week. If you’d like to contribute, please send the most meaningful hydroxyapatite study you’ve found—especially those that helped you persuade others to try it. Email me and we’ll add it to the collection.
Update on the TSCA trial
The recent status hearing was very brief. The court is awaiting the finalized NTP monograph and several recent studies on fluoride neurotoxicity before moving forward. The next hearing is scheduled for June.
Reading between the lines, Judge Chen’s comments suggest he is inclined toward the plaintiff’s position, with his key point being to review the NTP findings on fluoride. The NTP has already characterized fluoride as a neurotoxicant in certain contexts, so this appears to be a procedural pause while the court confirms the latest evidence. I’m cautiously optimistic we’ll see a favorable update soon.
“I’ve never heard flossing described this way before.”
Flossing can influence far more than oral health. Emerging evidence ties good interdental hygiene to lower risk factors for dementia, cardiovascular disease, reduced systemic inflammation and C-reactive protein (CRP), decreased risk of preterm birth, and even improved fertility. The common link is inflammation—controlling chronic inflammation supports whole-body health, and flossing helps reduce the local oral inflammation that contributes to systemic effects.
Because the flossing post generated a lot of interest last week, below are useful resources you can share:
6 reasons to floss (not related to teeth) (Instagram)
I hate flossing, what are my options? (blog)
How to floss the right way (blog + video)
How bad is not flossing? (blog)
If you have questions about flossing and inflammation, please submit them here. I’ll consider your questions for discussion on the weekly podcast.
Podcast Episode #44: Should You Share Your Oral Microbiome With Your Child?
This week’s episode explores why I generally advise against kissing children on the mouth, despite historical and cultural practices. I discuss the oral microbiome, transmission risks, and practical alternatives for affectionate contact. I enjoy answering listener questions and aim to make the podcast useful, so please send feedback and topic suggestions.
Help spread awareness about the oral-systemic connection by leaving a review for the podcast wherever you listen.
Thanks for reading. Have a great week.
P.S. In case you missed it, readers save 10% on Bristle oral microbiome testing with the code DRB. A healthy oral microbiome is foundational to overall health, and this at-home test simplifies collecting the data you need.