Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Here’s what’s new this week:
1. Article I can’t stop thinking about 🥤
We still understand very little about how food influences our bodies—especially the highly processed items in the Western diet that are engineered to keep us coming back for more.
In my book, I explain how poor nighttime breathing and disrupted sleep increase cravings for processed foods.
This article reinforced an important idea for me: addiction in this context isn’t primarily about flavor; it’s about energy. When sleep-deprived, the brain chases dopamine spikes produced by quick energy sources. Those spikes are followed by sharp crashes that destabilize blood sugar and trigger renewed cravings, perpetuating a harmful cycle.
Read the full piece here: Why You Should Never Eat Potato Chips With Diet Coke, According to Brain Science
2. Watch last week’s Invisalign Q&A 🦷
You can watch last week’s Q&A or any prior sessions on Instagram at @askthedentist. All Q&As are saved in Highlights for easy viewing.
If you have questions about pediatric dental health, don’t miss this Friday’s Q&A takeover with my friend Dr. Staci, a functional pediatric dentist. She’ll be answering questions and sharing practical tips for keeping kids’ mouths healthy.
3. On the podcast: The Oral Microbiome 🎙
On this week’s episode of Ask the Dentist, I respond to Lisa, who asks, “What can I do to optimize my oral microbiome?”
We cover everyday habits that influence oral bacterial balance—dietary choices, brushing and flossing routines, mouth taping, and the potential downsides of many commercial toothpastes. The episode focuses on practical, evidence-informed steps you can take to support a healthier oral ecosystem.
When you have a moment, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Reviews help spread the word about functional dentistry and make it easier for others to find reliable information.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week.
P.S. If you have children, I highly recommend this chewable probiotic for kids. It contains specific strains aimed at supporting oral bacterial diversity. Share this with the parents in your life who might find it helpful.