Yesterday I spent Thanksgiving chasing my grandkids around the yard—tag, soccer, the whole nine yards. I’m 66 and I can still keep up. That didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of daily investments in my health for decades—investments that cost money upfront but have spared me medications, surgeries, and a lower quality of life. … Read more

A large new study followed 122,000 people for nearly a decade and found a striking link between specific oral microbes and future pancreatic cancer risk. Researchers identified three mouth bacteria—Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eubacterium nodatum, and Parvimonas micra—and one fungus, Candida, as predictors of higher pancreatic cancer risk years before diagnosis. People with elevated levels of these … Read more

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health, even if neither you nor your child eagerly anticipates the dentist. As a dentist, I’ve found that several factors can make these visits more pleasant—most importantly, finding a pediatric dentist you trust and feel comfortable with. This is particularly crucial for children, who may experience … Read more

Jessica Simpson recently admitted in an interview that when she doesn’t have time to brush her teeth, she sometimes resorts to using Listerine and wiping with her sweater. Skipping brushing isn’t just unappealing — it can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Using mouthwash as a quick fix to freshen … Read more

Every day, parents trust pediatricians and pediatric dentists to guide their child’s health, assuming their recommendations reflect current science. Yet one crucial area is often overlooked: airway health. Many clinicians do not ask about sleep posture, check for mouth breathing, or examine under the tongue. Too often they wait for a crisis—behavioral problems, speech delays, … Read more

Have you been imagining a brighter, more confident smile — whether to impress friends and family or simply to correct discoloration or minor damage? Dental veneers may be the solution for you, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Before committing to this cosmetic procedure, it’s important to understand what veneers are, when they help, and … Read more

3.5 billion years of evolution gave you a built-in shield against cavities and gum disease. Here’s why it no longer works. Biofilms are often called the “skin” of the tooth, but that label understates their complexity. Rather than a simple coating, biofilms are ancient, organized biological systems that adhere to hard surfaces and support microbial … Read more

Happy New Year! Here are a few developments and reflections from the world of functional dentistry and oral health. 1. The corporate influence on the nutrition profession in the U.S.A recent research paper published last October offers a detailed analysis of how corporate interests have shaped U.S. nutrition policy. One of the most influential professional … Read more