A patient came to see me many years ago—let’s call her Carol. She was 58, took excellent care of her teeth, and had been on a statin for five years. “Dr. B, I don’t understand,” she said, clearly frustrated. “I brush twice a day. I floss every night. I even use that electric toothbrush you … Read more

For years, when patients asked me about weight gain, I would often redirect them: “That’s not really my area. Talk to your doctor.” I was wrong. A recent study has connected pieces I’ve long suspected: the bacteria in your mouth may influence your weight. Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi collected saliva from 628 adults, carefully … Read more

Mouthwash Question: I’ve been using Crest Pro-Health for several months, and each time I use it I notice that the skin on the inside of my mouth sloughs off immediately after I finish brushing. I’m concerned whether this could be harmful. I checked the Crest website and found I’m not the only person reporting this … Read more

Digging the Root Canal: Root canals have long carried a reputation for pain and discomfort. Cultural references—from Dustin Hoffman’s harrowing dental scene in Marathon Man to comic jabs by Johnny Carson and movie lines in Little Shop of Horrors—have amplified fear and misunderstanding. Yet despite the jokes and dramatizations, most people don’t fully understand what … Read more

Burning mouth syndrome, also known as glossodynia or stomatodynia, can feel alarming and hard to understand. It affects a relatively small portion of the population, but certain life stages, medical conditions, and habits increase the risk. How can you reduce the chance of developing this condition, and what can you do if you already have … Read more

Q What’s the best manual toothbrush? A I get asked this a lot. Brushing twice a day is simple in concept, but choosing the right manual toothbrush can feel complicated. Below I’ll explain what truly matters when selecting a brush and share three manual toothbrushes I recommend most often. In this article: 1. What matters … Read more

If you wake up tired this winter—mouth dry, groggy, maybe with a mild sore throat—it’s not just age or bad luck. Your bedroom environment plays a major role. Cold, heated winter air can damage sleep quality and increase the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and respiratory irritation. Heaters run all night, humidity drops, and saliva … Read more

Did you know your C-reactive protein (CRP) test results can be affected by the condition of your oral health? Often, CRP testing overlooks the mouth’s contribution to systemic inflammation. Even mild gingivitis can raise CRP levels and influence medical decisions. Here’s what you should know and how to ensure your doctor and dentist share the … Read more

Fluoride remains one of dentistry’s most debated topics. As a practicing dentist, I’ll state clearly: I don’t believe everyone needs fluoride. That runs counter to recommendations from major public health organizations, but there is growing scrutiny. In November 2019 a federal judge allowed a case against the EPA about water fluoridation to proceed toward trial. … Read more

Over the years I’ve seen many patients who brush and floss faithfully—twice a day, never miss a checkup—and still develop new decay. That happens because brushing alone doesn’t address dietary imbalances, mouth breathing, dry mouth, or a disrupted oral microbiome. Cavities don’t appear overnight. They develop gradually as the oral environment shifts out of balance—often … Read more