If you’re a parent of a young child, you know teething can be an uncomfortable and stressful phase. Many over-the-counter remedies promise relief, but few support long-term oral health. For example, the FDA has warned against benzocaine teething gels because they can cause methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition that reduces the amount of oxygen … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

Ozone therapy is a dental advancement I wish had been available earlier in my career. Because it has come up frequently in our Live Q&A sessions for The Oral Microbiome Reset program, I want to offer a clear, concise overview of what both dentists and patients should understand about this effective approach. If you’re looking … Read more

If you switched from a mainstream toothpaste like Crest to a so-called “natural” toothpaste, grab the tube and check the ingredient list now. If you see peppermint oil, tea tree oil, spearmint oil, wintergreen, clove oil, or cinnamon oil, your “natural” toothpaste may be disrupting your oral microbiome. You likely made the switch to avoid … Read more

Q I hate flossing. I know I need to do it, but I just can’t stand it. What are my options? A Let me be the first dentist to say this — I don’t blame you for not flossing. It’s not your fault. Flossing can be awkward, uncomfortable, and many people are put off by … Read more

Like colorful cereals and fruit drinks, many toothpastes aimed at children come in playful packaging that hides potentially harmful ingredients. A quick look at ingredient lists for popular kids’ toothpastes often reveals substances such as Triclosan, which may disrupt hormones, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can trigger canker sores in some children. Many commercial children’s … Read more

Pregnancy is an exciting chapter, but it often brings a flood of advice and conflicting information. Fortunately, when it comes to oral health, the guidance is straightforward and easy to follow. Here are the key points to keep in mind for safe dental care during pregnancy: 1. Tell your dentist Routine dental visits are generally … Read more

I’m excited to explore this week’s topic, prompted by a subscriber, Julie. If you missed the previous edition of Mondays with Mark (Can Nano-Hydroxyapatite Cross the Blood Brain Barrier?), it’s useful background for today’s conversation. Julie asks: “Thank you for introducing Hydroxyapatite to me. Would you please comment on Micro hydroxyapatite? I know it’s not … Read more

Q My dog is 8 months old and his teeth get brushed once a day. But do I need to worry about flossing and brushing twice a day to keep his teeth clean? He eats dry dog food every day. A Many people wonder how a soft-bristled toothbrush can remove that brown, hardened calculus from … Read more