The debate over baby pacifiers has continued for years. Parents encounter opposing advice: pacifiers can soothe infants and even lower SIDS risk, yet prolonged use may harm oral development and complicate breastfeeding. As a dentist, I believe pacifiers can be helpful for both children and caregivers if used thoughtfully and at the right times. Why … Read more

What molecule was named “Molecule of the Year” in 1992 and later earned three pharmacologists the Nobel Prize in 1998 for its role in cardiovascular health? The answer is nitric oxide. It may not always get the headlines, but nitric oxide plays a crucial role in inflammation control, digestion, sleep quality, immunity, memory, and behavior. … Read more

Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Here’s what’s new this week… 1. Why Do Some of Us Get More Plaque than Others? [Episode #5] 🎙 Have you ever wondered why a partner or friend who seems less diligent about oral care gets a spotless dental report while you, despite careful brushing and … Read more

Here’s what’s new this week… 🥣 Want to make your own toothpaste? Although there are several fluoride-free toothpastes I recommend, no commercial product is perfect—store-bought options always involve compromises. That’s why DIY toothpaste recipes remain popular: they let you control exactly which ingredients you use every day. On my site you’ll find step-by-step guides for … Read more

I’m writing from our barn in Napa Valley on a bright, blue-sky day. I hope many of you are enjoying time off today—whether for President’s Day, Carnevale, or a simple pause in your routine. I have several updates to share, starting with a new podcast episode, an upcoming tongue-tie Q&A, and some evidence-based notes about … Read more

One of the questions I’m asked most often is whether parents should get their child an electric toothbrush. Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Be thoughtful about how and when you introduce it. What to Know Before You Buy Your Child an Electric Toothbrush Kids can be frightened by an electric toothbrush: They buzz, make noise … Read more

At the very first well-baby visit, an unnecessary divide often begins. Medical care over here. Dental care over there. But the mouth is not separate from the body, and that early separation contributes to many children falling through the cracks. Below are four specific ways this split harms kids — and practical alternatives to improve … Read more

A parent wrote to me last week: “We brush. We floss. We’ve switched toothpaste. But my kid still keeps getting cavities. What are we missing?” I’ve heard that question hundreds of times, always spoken with the same blend of concern and guilt. Here’s the truth: cavities aren’t just the result of poor brushing. They often … Read more

The best mouthwash for bad breath is often no mouthwash at all. Read on to learn why some mouthwashes can worsen bad breath rather than help it. Q What’s the best mouthwash for bad breath? A Don’t be fooled by upbeat commercials showing people happily swishing mouthwash. Mouthwash alone does not cure bad breath. There … Read more

Modern dental care often assumes cavities must be filled, but there are alternative approaches. A remineralizing mouth rinse can support your teeth’s natural rebuilding process and, when used early enough, may even help reverse small cavities. Sounds unlikely? It’s not. Cavities arise from several interacting factors in the mouth: an acidic pH, insufficient mineral-rich saliva, … Read more