Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are painful fluid-filled blisters that most commonly appear on the lips or around the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are one of the most common viral infections worldwide. Although there is no permanent cure for cold sores, antiviral medications and a range of home … Read more

Video Transcript Hello, Dr. B from AsktheDentist.com. What is the most common type of tooth pain? After 25 years in practice, I see one pattern more often than others, and I’ll describe it here. The typical symptoms include a brief, non-lingering sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks — coffee, ice cream, or cold … Read more

Leaky gut, periodontal disease, and chronic illness might sound dry, but they are deeply connected and highly relevant to your health. Framing these topics in a clearer, more urgent way may help you take action. If I told you your gut can influence periodontal disease, you might be curious. But if I said an unhealthy … Read more

Q My 7-year-old daughter’s baby tooth fell out. It looks like just a shell of a tooth without any inside. There is a red, soft, rounded protrusion left on her gum. It doesn’t hurt her. What is this and what do we do about it? A What you’re seeing is common: a little red piece … Read more

Despite spending more than $3 trillion on healthcare, the United States still loses nearly one million people each year to preventable diseases. Because of this and other concerns, more people are turning to preventive and functional approaches to health, including the oral care field. Functional dentistry expands the preventive, whole-body mindset of functional medicine to … Read more

If your teeth or jaw are misaligned, orthodontic treatment can correct your bite and improve oral health and appearance. Whether through traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or oral appliances such as mouthguards, orthodontic devices align teeth and help maintain their position. Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that requires extra training beyond general … Read more

Gingivitis — bleeding and inflamed gums — is the earliest stage of gum disease, most commonly caused by plaque accumulating beneath the gumline. This widespread condition affects a large portion of adults over 30. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession, jawbone loss, and eventual tooth loss. Why worry about bleeding gums? … Read more

Is a tongue tie — a restriction of the lingual frenulum — the cause of your child’s breastfeeding troubles or speech difficulties? For many years tongue tie was little understood. Early in my practice, most patients had never heard of it. When I suggested that they or their children might be tongue tied, I was … Read more

Most of us were taught that breathing involves two gases: oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. In reality, a third gas—nitric oxide—plays a quiet but vital role in how well you sleep, how calm you feel, and how efficiently your body uses oxygen. Recognizing this three-gas system matters especially in winter. As we seal our … Read more

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