When was the last time your dentist asked about your gut health? If you cannot remember, you are not alone. Gut health is rarely discussed in dental visits, even though the mouth often reflects what is happening deeper in the body. While many people associate gut issues with gas, bloating, or indigestion, disturbances in the … Read more

I’m a strong proponent of using oral care products that are safe, effective, and supportive of overall health. Sometimes the best option is to make a simple solution at home. Below is an easy, inexpensive DIY retainer cleaner that effectively cleans retainers without exposing you to harsh chemicals or known allergens. Many popular effervescent retainer-cleaning … Read more

Most people assume cravings come down to willpower. But sometimes cravings reflect missing minerals. In this article I’ll explain why saliva is more than just spit, why electrolytes are crucial for oral health, and how protein plus minerals can reduce cravings by giving your body what it needs. I periodically tighten up my diet—not extreme … Read more

Oral appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by gently holding the lower jaw and tongue forward during sleep. By preventing the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway, these devices help maintain unobstructed breathing throughout the night and support better sleep quality. What is an oral appliance? An oral appliance is a dental … Read more

A reader recently asked me: “If Europe doesn’t fluoridate its water, why do they still have lower cavity rates than the U.S.?” It’s a thoughtful question—and the answer has become national news. In September 2024, a U.S. federal court ruled that the chemicals used to fluoridate public water supplies pose an unreasonable risk to human … Read more

Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Here’s what’s new this week. 1. Fluoride vs. Hydroxyapatite 🥊 I recently published a detailed comparison: Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride: How Do They Compare?. In a recent interview for the Broken Brain podcast I discussed how children today face exposure to many environmental toxins—lead, mercury, arsenic, air … Read more

I used to assume that feeling exhausted after eight hours of sleep was just part of getting older. It wasn’t. Once I understood what was really happening, everything changed. Picture this: you wake up refreshed, mentally alert, and physically recovered after workouts. No dragging through the day, no mid-afternoon slump, no brain fog. Fast forward … Read more

My patient — let’s call her Kim — came into the office with a puzzling problem: she suddenly started getting cavities. She had been my patient for more than 20 years and never had a cavity before, yet now she needed several fillings. At the end of this article I’ll outline how I investigate sudden … Read more

If you have gum disease while living with diabetes, it becomes more difficult to keep your blood sugar under control. At the same time, diabetes increases your risk of developing gum disease, so the two conditions can worsen each other. Q I’m a diabetic and would like to know your views on any toothpaste that … Read more

I’m excited to announce that my new oral probiotic is now available on Fygg.com. This product is a white-label of the Bristle oral probiotic—chosen because it already offers an effective, research-backed formula. Rather than reinventing the wheel, I opted for a trusted solution that delivers results. Supporting your oral microbiome with a probiotic specifically formulated … Read more