Sleep apnea has long been linked with older, overweight men, but research increasingly shows that women of all ages and body types can experience obstructive sleep apnea—interruptions in breathing during sleep. Because many women do not display classic warning signs, they are often undiagnosed. Clinicians frequently use neck circumference as an indicator for sleep apnea, … Read more

I just returned from consecutive trips: a family wedding in New York followed by a week in Iceland with my wife and our middle daughter. We spent our days chasing waterfalls, hiking across moss-covered lava fields, and photographing Icelandic horses at golden hour. Wherever I travel, I look for thoughtful approaches to dental care. Iceland … Read more

What is oil pulling? Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic habit of swishing edible oil—commonly coconut or sesame—in the mouth for a short period. Originating in India thousands of years ago, it is now practiced worldwide as an adjunct to oral hygiene. You can use many edible oils for oil pulling, but coconut oil is … Read more

Should I be concerned about my dental amalgam (silver) fillings? How can I tell if I have mercury toxicity? Amalgam or silver-colored dental fillings have been studied for decades. As research methods improve, we continue to learn more about how mercury vapor exposure from these restorations may affect overall and oral health. In this article … Read more

What causes canker sores, how to prevent them, and how to ease the pain when they occur… Q I have been plagued with canker sores my entire life. What can I do to prevent them? What causes them? When I do get them, how can I get them to be less painful? A Canker sores … Read more

This week we cover new findings on how flossing may help prevent dementia and the latest safety review of nanohydroxyapatite from the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Is nanohydroxyapatite BANNED? 🇪🇺Short answer: no. Nanohydroxyapatite is not banned in the EU. Confusion likely arose because the SCCS raised safety questions while reviewing the ingredient. … Read more

I enjoy a good Napa cabernet as much as anyone, but the evidence on alcohol and oral health is concerning. The good news: there are practical, science-based steps you can take to reduce harm. With holiday gatherings, toasts, and late nights, December often brings increased alcohol exposure. Below I explain what alcohol does to your … Read more

Are you anxious about visiting the dentist? You’re not alone. Dental fear affects roughly one in four people and is even more common than fear of heights. CBD oil has become a popular, natural option to ease dental anxiety, and research combined with patient reports suggest it can reduce anxious feelings. Beyond anxiety relief, CBD … Read more

For decades, dentistry has treated biofilms as the enemy, but the reality is they are essential to a healthy oral microbiome. Biofilms play vital roles in communication (remineralization), metabolism (nutrition), and defense (immunity). Rather than attempting to eliminate them, patients and providers should aim to support a balanced biofilm. Disrupting this ecosystem can contribute to … Read more

This week brings a significant update in the ongoing fluoride litigation and several important new studies worth noting. Below I summarize the latest developments and key research findings. 1. Federal lawsuit on water fluoridation: a major document release 💧⚖️The federal case that has been paused is now moving forward because the court ordered the public … Read more