We are currently experiencing an unprecedented site outage. Askthedentist.com has been offline since last Sunday. I want to thank our IT team for working around the clock to resolve the issue. What happened: Our website host, BizBudding, relies on a cloud provider called 365 Data Centers. They experienced a cybersecurity incident that impacted multiple northeast … Read more

You don’t have to use fluoride in toothpaste, water, or mouthwash. While fluoride can help reduce cavities (also called tooth decay or dental caries), it is not necessarily the right choice for every family. No judgment if you choose fluoride for your household; there are safe and effective alternatives. My three daughters were raised without … Read more

Protect My Gums While On Birth Control Question: I’m taking an oral contraceptive, which I know can affect gum health. Is there extra stuff I should be doing to ensure I have healthy gums while taking this medication? Answer: This is a great question and I appreciate that you’re thinking about prevention. Oral contraceptives can … Read more

Back in dental school, I stayed up late studying with a plate of my wife’s chocolate chip cookies as fuel. I brushed my teeth at 1 a.m., but still woke up with bad breath. At the time I attributed it to stress and exhaustion, but now I recognize it as an early lesson in how … Read more

I’m going to tell you something most dentists won’t. For four decades I watched patients do everything right — brush twice a day, floss, cut sugar — and still lose enamel, grind their teeth at night, wake up exhausted, and return with more sensitivity, recession, and damage. In many cases, the issue wasn’t their toothbrush … Read more

A retainer is an orthodontic appliance custom-made to fit your teeth. It holds teeth in their new positions after braces or helps make minor adjustments when braces aren’t necessary. Retainers are commonly made from metal wires or clear plastic materials. Orthodontic retainers serve two main purposes: Passive retainer: To maintain the new position of your … Read more

If you followed me around for a week, you’d notice some obvious health habits: regular exercise, flossing, and taking vitamins. But you’d also see a number of habits that might surprise you. Below I share the less obvious, sometimes “weird,” health practices that help keep me well at 67. These are practical, evidence-informed, and suited … Read more

Has your dentist recommended a deep cleaning? This important procedure treats gum disease and can temporarily increase sensitivity, but it often reduces gum pocket depth and helps protect your teeth and jawbone. Below is an overview of what deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) involves, who may need it, and what to expect before, during, … Read more

Dental tradition often emphasizes calcium as the key nutrient for strong bones and teeth, which is why milk is so commonly promoted in schools. However, calcium alone does not guarantee dental health. Vitamin K2 works together with calcium and other nutrients to direct calcium into bones and teeth, helping prevent cavities and in some cases … Read more

How much sleep do you need? If your answer is based on a personal idea of a “good night’s sleep,” you may be missing the point: sleep quality matters as much as — if not more than — sleep duration. Poor sleep reduces life quality and raises the risk for many chronic illnesses. That’s why … Read more