Q I’m going to Costa Rica on a surfing trip with my buddies next week and since my dentist told me I needed a crown, I’m thinking of having it done there since I’ve heard it’s a quarter of the cost. Is it safe to get my crown done in Costa Rica or in any … Read more

Sometimes the solution to persistent dental problems isn’t a new toothbrush or a stricter routine—it’s a missing mineral. Many patients brush, floss, and follow a healthy diet, yet still develop cavities, grind their teeth, or wake with sore facial muscles from nighttime clenching. They often report feeling tired, wired, or both despite doing everything “right.” … Read more

I had a colonoscopy last year. Sitting in the prep room, one thought kept returning: a connection most gastroenterologists rarely discuss. You see your dentist twice a year. They examine your mouth closely for an hour, chart gum pockets, note bleeding, photograph recession. Dentists often know your mouth better than anyone in healthcare and see … Read more

I’m sure many of you will enjoy this — I decided to follow my own advice about progress being more important than perfection, which is why “Mondays with Mark” is arriving on a Tuesday this week. One of my goals for 2023 is greater consistency with this newsletter, so let’s dive in. 1. 🩻 X-rays … Read more

From tooth polishes and whitening toothpastes to charcoal pastes, whitening strips, and professional in-office treatments, there are many ways people try to brighten their smiles. But do these methods work? Are they safe? And what is the best whitening toothpaste? No whitening method is a magic cure-all. In many cases, yellowed teeth signal more than … Read more

In today’s newsletter, we review the study that claimed xylitol harms the heart, explain why that research is unreliable, and summarize what decades of sound science actually show. Pregnant readers: don’t miss the tip at the end — it’s an easy, powerful way to help protect your baby’s future oral health. After that study was … Read more

A quiet transformation is underway in dentistry, and it’s already changing how patients are treated and how dentists work. This article explains why more dental offices are being purchased by private equity–backed organizations, how that shift affects the care you receive, and what practical steps you can take to protect your oral health and your … Read more

If you dread dental cleanings, you are far from alone. I used to avoid them as a child because they were painful. Now, as a dentist, I understand that the best way to reduce pain is actually to have cleanings more often, not less. The more frequently you visit, the less buildup there is, and … Read more

I turned 40 in 1999. At the time, I felt much the same as I had at 30. Maybe a bit slower on the tennis court, but otherwise fine. Looking back, that decade marked the start of gradual changes—subtle at first, but cumulative. My gums began to recede. My teeth became more sensitive. Recovery from … Read more

There’s an oral-care product that has earned a permanent spot on my nightstand — and after 45 years of marriage and a drawer full of gadgets my wife has patiently tolerated, that says a lot. It isn’t a toothpaste, floss, or a tongue scraper. Three sprays before I turn out the lights. A spray after … Read more