I’ve recommended oil pulling for years. I wrote about it back in January and many of you tried it for the first time. I enjoyed reading your replies and success stories. Lately I’ve been rethinking some details, and I want to share what I’ve learned. Historically I recommended coconut oil, the traditional Ayurvedic choice. It’s … Read more

The main reason many people delay dental visits is a fear of pain. Avoiding the dentist can harm oral health and lead to more significant problems over time. Some discomfort after dental treatment is normal, but other types of pain may signal a complication that needs follow-up care. You might notice jaw pain or pain … Read more

Video Transcript: Dr. Burhenne of AsktheDentist.com here with a short tip about Invisalign. Invisalign is an excellent system—I’ve used it personally for about 15 years and it works well. One important thing people don’t always realize is that aligners and retainers can break. When an aligner cracks during treatment, you typically get a replacement within … Read more

Most people reach for whitening strips as soon as their teeth start to look yellow. But there’s a common mistake: whitening products can’t remove surface stains. Trying to bleach away buildup often causes sensitivity and yields little real improvement. In this edition of “Mark’s Must-Haves,” I’ll explain what to do instead and how to get … Read more

Q Dr. Burhenne, I’ve heard that certain toothpastes can cause canker sores. Is this true? A Many toothpastes include an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is a strong detergent and foaming agent that multiple studies have linked to increased canker sore outbreaks and greater pain for those who develop them. SLS is a … Read more

Invisalign has been one of the most important advances in orthodontics in my 30-year dental career. Like any effective treatment, it has details that matter. If you’re considering Invisalign or researching treatment options, this guide explains what Invisalign is, how it works, its benefits and limitations, costs, and what to expect during and after treatment. … Read more

If you’ve ever finished a tub of popcorn only to spend the next hour picking kernels out of your teeth, it can be surprising to learn popcorn can actually support dental health when prepared properly. Skip the fake movie-theater “butter” and choose better ingredients, and popcorn can help reduce plaque buildup and even support jaw … Read more

Being on the road this week in Los Angeles visiting my two nephews and recording a podcast reminded me how important it is to stick to the basics—especially when you’re away from your usual routine. For this edition of Mark’s Must-Haves, I’m sharing the travel essentials I never leave home without to support both oral … Read more

I’m pleased to have myofunctional therapist Sarah Hornsby on the blog today to discuss mouth breathing. Many people don’t realize how profoundly mouth breathing can affect a child’s health and development. Sarah’s article explains why mouth breathing deserves attention and offers straightforward strategies parents can use. I’ve followed Sarah’s work for some time, which is … Read more

Your gums can reveal more about your overall health than you might expect. Emerging research shows a strong connection between oral health, the immune system, and the gut — the body’s largest immune organ. Understanding these links can help prevent disease before it progresses. Recent studies highlight a close relationship between an autoimmune condition, rheumatoid … Read more