Mondays with Mark: Latest Updates in Functional Dentistry

Happy New Year! Here are a few developments and reflections from the world of functional dentistry and oral health.

1. The corporate influence on the nutrition profession in the U.S.
A recent research paper published last October offers a detailed analysis of how corporate interests have shaped U.S. nutrition policy. One of the most influential professional organizations in the country, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, has been criticized for close ties to food and beverage companies. The paper traces how these relationships have developed and how they affect public health policy. The takeaway for practical, everyday choices: prioritize whole foods and minimize consumption of highly processed, corporation-produced products.

2. Another ingredient to watch for in toothpaste
I continue to support clean, non-toxic oral care products. Propylene glycol (PG) is a common ingredient in many toothpastes. Animal research has reported neurological effects from PG exposure at certain doses, so it’s wise to check ingredient lists and avoid products containing propylene glycol when possible. Choosing simple, transparent formulations reduces unnecessary risks.

3. Practitioners: what should our next continuing education course cover?
We recently ran a successful CE course on oral microbiome testing in dental practice. I plan to offer another CE session in March and would love input on topics that would be most useful to clinicians. Please reply with your suggestions—your feedback will shape the curriculum.

4. The oral microbiome and long COVID
Emerging research suggests the oral microbiome may influence long COVID. In a study using tongue swabs and bacterial sequencing, researchers found that people with persistent post-COVID symptoms had oral microbial patterns similar to those seen in chronic fatigue syndrome—characterized by higher levels of inflammation-associated bacteria such as Prevotella and Veillonella. These findings point to potential therapeutic targets and reinforce the link between oral microbial balance and systemic inflammation. If you or someone you know is dealing with long COVID or another chronic inflammatory condition, this work may be worth exploring further.

5. Why do gums bleed when probed at the dentist?
A common question I see: why does my dentist poke my gums with a probe and then tell me I’m bleeding? What’s happening is a periodontal assessment. The clinician gently slides a calibrated probe along the gum pocket to measure pocket depth in millimeters. Bleeding on probing signals inflammation and is a key sign of gum disease. Healthy gums typically do not bleed when probed. Remember, only about 20–40% of the population shows no bleeding on probing, so bleeding is a common finding and not a personal failure. The mouth is one of the easiest places to observe inflammation without advanced testing, and a thoughtful dentist can explain how oral inflammation relates to overall health. If you want to find a practitioner focused on this approach, consider searching a functional dentistry directory.