When I first began seeing patients in Silicon Valley, I noticed something curious. Many of my South Asian patients showed mild yellow‑orange staining on their teeth, often along the gumline or on molar surfaces. When I asked about their diets, turmeric kept coming up. I reassured them the stains weren’t a reason to stop using … Read more

Contrary to popular belief, oral care is not about eradicating every microbe in your mouth. Many oral microbes support local and systemic health, including cardiovascular function. Preserving microbial balance in the mouth is essential for overall well-being. We already appreciate the intestinal microbiome’s broad influence on mood, metabolism, immune function, and cognitive health. Yet the … Read more

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that can support oral health — from reducing bad breath and cavities to improving gum condition. Evidence for oral probiotics spans years of research, although large-scale human clinical trials remain limited. Many patients, however, are still unaware of the potential benefits dental probiotics can provide. What are dental/oral probiotics? … Read more

I’ve been talking with many new members of our Functional Dentist Directory recently, and it has made me reflect on my own dental career. Here are a few thoughts I’ve been thinking about. Early in my career, working for a large corporate dental chain, I learned a harsh lesson: the system often rewards procedures over … Read more

A common question I hear is whether hydroxyapatite is FDA approved. The short answer is no — not specifically for dental use. Below I explain what that means and what to look for when choosing a hydroxyapatite toothpaste or varnish. Fluoride varnishes used in dental offices have FDA clearance as Class II medical devices, but … Read more

Feeling overwhelmed by all the dentist choices? Want to know how to find a good dentist with confidence? By the end of this article you’ll have practical tools to choose the right dental practice for you and your family. This guide covers what to consider before choosing a dentist, reliable ways to find one, key … Read more

Q I have a 2 year old daughter. I have been brushing her teeth with childrens’ toothpaste for 1 year. On the back of the childrens’ toothpaste it says it contains 500ppm fluoride. She has been eating this stuff for a year because she can’t spit. I feel horrible. Now she has what looks to … Read more

Headlines across major health sites emphasize the importance of gut health. The gut plays a central role in overall health, and its condition depends largely on the diversity and balance of the gut microbiome. Since the mouth reflects overall health—the US Surgeon General called it “the mirror of health and disease in the body”—it follows … Read more

If the term MTHFR looks like an acronym for something alarming, you’re not alone. Mutations in the MTHFR gene affect many people and can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including concerns that affect oral health. When MTHFR mutations go undiagnosed, they may be linked to problems such as: Gum disease Tooth decay … Read more

Falling Asleep Question: How bad is falling asleep without brushing your teeth? Answer: Many people are surprised to learn that going to bed without brushing is effectively like sleeping with filth in your mouth. Here’s why: every time you eat, the bacteria that normally live in your mouth feed on food particles. Like all living … Read more