A dentist recommending chocolate? It may sound surprising, but recent research from Japan, England, and the U.S. shows that certain types of chocolate can help reduce cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. Dark chocolate—not sugary milk chocolate—doesn’t deserve the sole blame for dental problems. In fact, components found in dark chocolate may help prevent cavities and … Read more

Q My veneers no longer match the color of my other teeth, so I’m interested in whitening them. How do you go about whitening veneers? A Unfortunately, whitening gel does not work on veneers. To get veneers to match the rest of your teeth, they usually need to be replaced. That said, there are effective … Read more

A common stereotype in medicine nearly kept me and my family from receiving diagnoses for decades. Many people picture sleep apnea as an issue affecting an overweight man in his 60s, but that image is misleading. In my 30s, 40s, and 50s I stayed lean, exercised, and ate well—yet I had undiagnosed sleep apnea. I … Read more

Your body is naturally equipped to repair damage, including in the mouth — provided it has the right nutrients. That’s where supplements that support cavity healing can be helpful. It’s possible to get proper nutrition from food alone, but many people benefit from targeted supplementation. First, let’s clarify what actually causes cavities. What Really Causes … Read more

Why do men experience bleeding gums far more often than women? You may have noticed it yourself: a man in his 40s whose gums bleed frequently while his partner has few problems, or a dental hygienist who sees more severe periodontitis and tooth loss in male patients than in female ones. For years the explanation … Read more

Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Here’s what’s new this week: 1. Permanent retainers 🦷 In my latest article I review the advantages and disadvantages of permanent retainers and outline the key questions to raise with your dentist if you are considering one. The piece covers durability, oral hygiene considerations, potential complications, … Read more

Gum recession cannot be reversed, but it is largely preventable. When caught early, the signs and symptoms can be managed so your gums and smile stay healthy. This article explains how gums function, why they matter, the common causes and risk factors for receding gums, how to recognize early signs, and practical steps—both conventional and … Read more

When my three-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with a cavity, my first thought wasn’t simply, She needs a filling. It was, How did we get here? Fillings happen—even in families who eat well, brush regularly, and avoid soda. But when a cavity forms, it’s rarely just bad luck—it’s a sign something deeper is going on. If … Read more

Recent headlines highlight a worrying trend: colorectal cancer is appearing in people at younger ages. That’s understandably alarming. In this article I examine a developing area of research: the relationship between Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Specifically, how might the bacteria in your mouth influence colorectal cancer risk? For nearly a decade, researchers … Read more

A root canal saved one of my patients. Another told me it ruined their health. That contrast—so common, so extreme—is exactly why many people feel stuck when faced with this choice. If you’ve had a root canal and wonder whether it was the right decision, or if you’re weighing the option and don’t know who … Read more