I want to talk about a pandemic, but not the one you might be thinking of. A recent study proposes that the Second Plague—commonly called the Black Death in the 14th century, which devastated populations across Europe and beyond—may have shaped oral microbiomes in ways that still affect chronic disease risk today. Put simply: changes … Read more

A new peer-reviewed study published March 9, 2022 adds to the growing evidence about fluoride’s potential effects on the developing brain. Fluoride is commonly added to community drinking water and table salt to help prevent dental caries. But as its use is widespread, questions remain about the balance of benefits and risks, especially during pregnancy. … Read more

E-Cigarettes Question: I was never really a smoker, but I’ve used an e-cigarette for about two years and these days I put very little nicotine in it (I dropped from 18 mg to roughly 4–6 mg over the past year). I’ve always had healthy teeth, but recently I noticed my gums are receding—especially on the … Read more

I was there when my wife gave birth to all three of our daughters. Fast forward 30 years, and my wife and I had the privilege of supporting our eldest daughter when she gave birth to her first child. Anyone who has been through that period knows the truth: the fatigue is relentless. You become … Read more

It’s one of the most frightening moments for a parent: your child arrives crying and bleeding after falling off a bike or colliding with another child. Knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can make a difference in whether a knocked-out tooth can be saved. Many parents remember dramatic childhood stories: my wife’s tale of … Read more

Invisalign is far more than a cosmetic treatment. Although marketing often emphasizes appearance and convenience, the true value of Invisalign lies in its health benefits and functional improvements for the entire mouth and jaw. Beyond near-invisibility and the convenience of removable aligners, here are the ten most important reasons to consider Invisalign, presented from least … Read more

What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the grooves and fissures on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). When properly placed, they protect vulnerable enamel from acids and bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of cavities. Sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth rather than primary (baby) … Read more

The highlight of my week is the back-and-forth email conversations with all of you. Still, when things get busy, these newsletters are often the first task to slip. So I’m committing to better consistency in 2022. As always, hit reply with any questions or thoughts—I genuinely enjoy hearing from you. Here’s what’s on my mind … Read more

Mental health often mirrors oral health: both are foundational to overall well-being. No matter how disciplined your diet or fitness routine, when mental health is compromised, other areas suffer. The same is true for oral health—without a stable foundation, other health efforts lose effectiveness. Many readers have told me they struggle to trust dentists, to … Read more

Neglecting daily brushing and flossing can contribute to hardening of the arteries, according to recent reporting in Scientific American. Though the heart and mouth seem separate, scientific evidence shows they are closely connected. Food particles trapped between teeth nourish the billions of bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. Within about 20 minutes after eating, … Read more