Have you heard of dental cavitations? These hidden problems in the jawbone can go undetected for years, yet they may have significant consequences for oral and overall health. What are dental cavitations? There is considerable confusion and misinformation surrounding dental cavitations, and some patients have been misled by incorrect diagnoses. The similarity between the terms … Read more
Have you heard of dental cavitations? These hidden problems in the jawbone can go undetected for years, yet they may have significant consequences for oral and overall health. What are dental cavitations? There is considerable confusion and misinformation surrounding dental cavitations, and some patients have been misled by incorrect diagnoses. The similarity between the terms … Read more
Flossing and thorough tooth brushing are essential parts of a healthy oral care routine. The order you do them in likely won’t dramatically change your oral health, but flossing first can give you a slight advantage in removing plaque. Should you floss before or after brushing? It’s best to floss before brushing. Flossing first helps … Read more
It was 2006 when I woke to three pillows hitting my face. My daughters—three of them—had shared a hotel room with me the night before while we moved our oldest into college. They looked exhausted. Furious, actually. “Dad! You sounded like a freight train last night!” I laughed and made a joke about the train … Read more
One of the most debated topics for parents is how much fluoride children should be exposed to. Recent research has intensified that debate by suggesting a possible link between prenatal fluoride exposure and reduced IQ in children. In 2017, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reported that higher maternal fluoride exposure during pregnancy was … Read more
I’d like to try something different—inspired by my friend Cory Rodriguez’s health newsletter, I’ll share one Q&A at the beginning of each newsletter—scroll to the bottom for the answer! Q: What’s one change in your mouth that can warn of sleep apnea before you ever snore? In the last newsletter, we explored how declining estrogen … Read more
Have a dental emergency? Don’t panic. Most dental emergencies are not as life-threatening as other medical crises — the main issue is often severe pain rather than an immediate threat to overall health. You should contact your dentist as soon as possible, but if you can’t see them right away, these practical steps can help … Read more
My wife often jokes about the assortment of electric toothbrushes in our bathroom, a testament to my quest to find the best. “What toothbrush do you recommend?” is one of the most common questions I get on Instagram and on my podcast. After more than 30 years in private practice and thousands of hours reviewing … Read more
Q Hi Dr. B! I’ve been told that drinking with a straw and chewing on straws can be bad for my teeth, but I’ve also been told that drinking acidic and sugary drinks through straws (e.g. coffee and juice) is actually safer for my teeth. Can you clear this up? A Vicki, there’s a common … Read more
Did you know there is one stage of sleep most people don’t get enough of? This particular phase is essential for the body’s repair processes, appetite control, hormone balance related to weight, and daytime energy. That stage is deep sleep. As a clinician focused on sleep health, I monitor deep sleep closely in my patients … Read more