Today’s newsletter is a bit more technical. If you enjoy data, this deep dive will interest you—because it dismantles one of the biggest myths in oral health right now. If you’d prefer the short version, here’s what this article shows: The “10% nano-hydroxyapatite” claim is misleading. A new peer-reviewed study compared Fygg’s 3.1% nano-hydroxyapatite formula … Read more

We often hear about the gut–brain connection, but the microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract actually begins in the mouth. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and everything you eat and drink directly shapes the oral microbiome—often before those effects reach the gut. When the oral microbiome becomes imbalanced, harmful bacteria can flourish … Read more

  As a dentist, I believe in giving patients the tools and knowledge to address the root causes of dental problems rather than merely treating symptoms. That approach is especially important when it comes to cavities. Many people experience dental anxiety tied to cavities, and fillings are often presented as the default solution—even for very … Read more

We hear the usual breast cancer prevention advice: get mammograms, understand your family history, eat well, and stay active. Those measures matter. But there’s an under-recognized risk factor many women—and many clinicians—rarely discuss: the health of your mouth. In January, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center published a study that deserves widespread attention. … Read more

Q Can you get gum disease from kissing? I’m worried that because I kissed someone who I know had bleeding gums that I might be at risk for periodontal disease, gingivitis, cavities, or any other mouth problems. Am I? A Many people casually share utensils, drinks, or even toothbrushes with family members or partners without … Read more

Question: At work, I heard someone bragging that he had just come back from the dentist and gotten a clean bill of health despite the fact that he hadn’t flossed in over a year. But when I stopped flossing years ago, my hygienist noticed right away and said I had gum recession and gingivitis. (Since … Read more

Most people assume cravings are a matter of willpower. What if, instead, they’re signals that your body is missing key minerals? In this article I explain why saliva does far more than you might think, why electrolytes are essential for oral and overall health, and how getting enough protein and minerals can reduce cravings by … Read more

Have you ever wondered: 🤔 Does your retainer smell?🤔 Is your retainer causing bad breath?🤔 Could your cleaning routine be damaging your oral appliance? I answer these questions and more in the latest short episode of my podcast. Episode #91: Microbiome-Safe Oral Appliance Cleaning | Small Bites In this episode you’ll learn:🎧 Why cleaning oral … Read more

We’ve all seen the commercials: thirty seconds of swishing mouthwash and your teeth will be whiter, your gums healthier, and bad breath gone. The reality is more complex. In fact, mouthwash is one of the common dental mistakes made by both practitioners and patients. Beyond marketing, it’s important to know that many mainstream mouthwashes do … Read more

Whether it’s your own child pleading to skip a dental appointment or a friend’s child who is terrified of the dental chair, dental anxiety in kids is a real and common problem. Left unaddressed, this anxiety can grow over time and make maintaining oral health much harder. The good news is that you can reduce … Read more