Last week I shared a personal piece about losing both of my parents to early-onset dementia (link in case you missed it). The response was overwhelming: hundreds of messages, many with stories of loved ones facing dementia, cancer, or chronic illness. Today I want to focus on what I’ve learned from those experiences and from … Read more

We live busy lives, and after a long day it can be hard to come home and cook—even though homemade meals are usually the healthiest choice. Many processed and fast foods contain ingredients that can disturb the oral microbiome and contribute to cavities. For a quick, nutritious alternative, here is an easy recipe that’s fast … Read more

A toothache is pain in or around a tooth, most commonly caused by cavities, a fracture, or gum disease. Some toothaches require prompt dental care and may be dental emergencies. The quickest way to relieve a toothache at home is to take an effective anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Advil) or another NSAID like aspirin. NSAIDs … Read more

This newsletter is sponsored by BIOptimizers, the makers of a highly regarded magnesium supplement. They back Magnesium Breakthrough with a 365-day money-back guarantee—no need to return the bottle if you’re not satisfied. Imagine a child who snores and breathes through the mouth from age five. At first it seems harmless, then bedwetting persists at 10, … Read more

You don’t have to use chemical whiteners to make your teeth look brighter. By using contrast, minimizing staining, and adopting consistent oral care habits, you can significantly improve the appearance of your smile without whitening products. Ways to make your teeth look whiter naturally: Change Your Lipstick The shade of your lipstick influences how white … Read more

If you suffer from TMJ pain, you know how disruptive and unpredictable it can be. It may present as jaw, ear, neck pain, or headaches, and symptoms often come and go without warning. Beyond the discomfort, TMJ issues can feel difficult to treat. Simple advice like “stop chewing gum” or “de-stress” may help some people, … Read more

Why is it so hard to remember to floss? Most people can remember to brush twice a day, but flossing often gets overlooked. Patients regularly arrive at hygiene appointments dreading the reminder from their hygienist about flossing — and there’s a psychological reason for it. Flossing can feel awkward or unpleasant. The motion and sensation … Read more

  Q Cavities Question: My dentist recently started using a tool that detects cavities with a laser. I’ve had only two cavities my whole life, but at my last visit, the laser tool detected four new cavities! This feels wrong to me. What do you think about this tool? Could it be overly sensitive or … Read more

Without dental records that travel with you, your future care can be compromised. Q My dentist suddenly closed his practice and transferred my records to another dental office I don’t want to work with. What are my rights to my health records, and how do I obtain them from the new dentist? A Under federal … Read more

I hope you all had a restful long weekend. I’m sharing a recent study I found thought-provoking: Association between sleep duration and dental caries in a nationally representative U.S. population (July 2023) This paper supports the idea that sleep plays a central role in many modern health problems. The researchers observed that people who sleep … Read more