A reader wrote in this week:“Dr. B, I just finished a course of Augmentin, and I keep reading about what antibiotics do to your gut. But is there anything I should be doing for my mouth and oral microbiome?” Yes. And I’m glad someone finally asked, because oral care after antibiotics is often overlooked. Antibiotics … Read more

The dentist you choose can shape your health. This is Part 2 of 8. Today we focus on your brain. Think back to the two people I described last week: same age, similar genes, similar diets—one who chose a whole‑body dentist and one who opted for a traditional drill‑and‑fill approach. That single choice can have … Read more

The most effective whitening aid I own isn’t a product you buy in a store. It’s not the polisher in my drawer, not whitening strips, and not even toothpaste. It’s saliva. A well-hydrated mouth is essentially self-cleaning; a dry mouth is a magnet for stains. When a tooth is dry it not only collects pigment, … Read more

The dentist you choose today can affect your heart, your brain, and your overall health decades from now. Imagine two people: the same age, similar genes, and comparable diets. Years ago, one chose a dentist who treats the mouth as part of the whole body. The other chose a conventional drill-and-fill dentist covered by insurance. … Read more

When we think about improving our health, losing weight, and living longer, oral health is rarely the first thing that comes to mind. We focus on a healthier heart, lungs, and brain—but what about a healthier mouth? The truth is that the mouth is connected to every other system in the body. The condition of … Read more

Last week I helped my son-in-law fix a leaky kitchen faucet. The culprit was a worn rubber gasket. It should have made a watertight seal, but after years of use it had deteriorated—and water was leaking everywhere. “If we don’t replace this,” I told him, “you’re not just dealing with a drip. You’re facing water … Read more

One of the most underused tools in dentistry is magnesium—it plays a vital role in preventing cavities, helping small lesions heal, and reducing tooth sensitivity. This newsletter is sponsored by BIOptimizers, my preferred magnesium supplement. Many patients report improvements in sleep, mood, and oral health. Consider trying it with code ASKTHEDENTIST for the trial that … Read more

A reader named Nancy wrote in this week with a question I’ve heard in different forms for years: “What order do you actually use your stuff?” It’s been almost a year since I last walked you through my before-noon routine. This week I’m keeping it simple: no tip, no study, no long dive—just the full … Read more

A friend of mine, a healthcare practitioner, called me in tears a few years ago. She hadn’t seen a dentist in more than four years. When she finally made an appointment, the dentist presented an $8,000 treatment plan on the first visit. Everything was framed as urgent, with little explanation of how her condition had … Read more

I see it far too often: a parent brings a toddler in for their first dental visit only to learn the child already has several cavities. Baby teeth falling out later doesn’t make cavities in primary teeth harmless. Cavities in baby teeth can affect the development of the permanent teeth and influence the size and … Read more