Fear of the dentist—often called dental fear, dental anxiety, or dental phobia—is common. Many patients bring this concern to the dental office, and while advice can be scattered or incomplete, there are proven approaches that help people regain control of their oral health and reduce fear. When dental anxiety is left unaddressed it can turn … Read more

Q I had my wisdom teeth removed six months ago at the age of 21. My appearance seems to have changed. My jaw seems narrower and seems to sit a little higher on my face. Is this possible. A Many people, including myself, notice subtle changes in facial appearance after wisdom teeth removal. These changes … Read more

It’s Prime Day. If you’re planning to restock essentials and want to see what I’m buying, here are the three items in my cart right now. These are products I use consistently, trust, and wait to buy when Prime Day deals arrive. If you’re stocking up too, tell me what made your list. Reply and … Read more

One common stereotype about dentists is that we simply don’t want you to eat sugar or candy. In reality, many other foods are far worse for your teeth—some even masquerade as health foods or snacks for children. Candy isn’t the sole culprit. In my practice I often include a small square of organic dark chocolate … Read more

I was in Los Angeles last week visiting one of my daughters, and she took me to Erewhon. (Happily, for the record.) If you’ve never been, Erewhon is the grocery store where a smoothie can cost $22 and the parking lot looks like a Tesla showroom. When in Rome, right? Naturally I found myself in … Read more

Most people assume health is about the occasional effort. It isn’t. Health is shaped by what you do every day—those daily habits determine your energy, resilience, and longevity. Below are the non-negotiable habits I follow consistently, no matter how busy life gets. 1. Why Nitric Oxide Matters (And How I Boost It Naturally)Nitric oxide (NO) … Read more

Q I like to drink seltzer water — I make it at home from tap water, with a CO2 cartridge. A neighbor told me that she’s asked a million dentists and they all agree that seltzer is very bad for your teeth. I believe she’s thinking of carbonic acid. It’s not like I have a … Read more

Chances are you’ve heard the advice to aim for eight hours of sleep each night. Questions like “Are you getting enough sleep?” or “Are you getting your eight hours every night?” are common, and much of the scientific literature and public health messaging focuses on sleep duration. But far too little attention is paid to … Read more

I knew we were in trouble when I saw Jack’s eyes in the rearview mirror. My wife and I had just picked up the grandkids because our daughter and son-in-law had to go out of town. Jack’s eyes were glassy. When we got home he walked straight to the guest bedroom and climbed into bed—no … Read more

Many Americans lack dental insurance and are often surprised by the sticker price for dental procedures. Have you been avoiding the dentist despite a nagging toothache because of money worries? Good news: you’re not alone, and you have more affordable options than you might think. There’s no shame in delaying care. Nearly 27% of American … Read more