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Let’s be honest: most people don’t reach for mouthwash because it works. They use it because they like the feeling—the tingle, the swish, the illusion of cleanliness. But what if that “fresh” feeling is actually wrecking your oral microbiome? There’s a better way to feel “fresh”—one that actually supports your oral microbiome. What Is Oil …
In the 1990s and early 2000s, my family drank iced tea every day. We made it in large glass pitchers and kept it in the fridge. We always used the same brand, which we bought from our local natural food store. It tasted good on its own, so we never added sugar. I had no …
Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way: Doing the right thing the wrong way can still hurt you. I almost made that mistake myself when I first started looking into magnesium supplementation. I grabbed the first “magnesium” bottle I found at my local co-op—without realizing it wasn’t even the form my body could use. …
When I was younger, longevity meant adding years. Today, it means adding life to those years. This month, I turned 66. And instead of slowing down, I’m doubling down—on my health, my energy, and my strength. My wife and I still ski. We mountain bike. We chase our grandkids around the house. I’m not trying to survive …
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can actually reverse a cavity, the answer is yes—sometimes… Reversing a cavity is not about brushing harder or even adding another dental appointment. It’s about supporting your body’s own defenses: saliva, the remineralization process, and your oral microbiome. Here’s what I do—and what I recommend to my patients, family, and friends. Consider …
Back in dental school, my nickname was “Consumer Reports” because I was always the guy researching everything—car seats, stereos, you name it. That curiosity never faded. These days, my deep dives are focused on health, longevity, and—most importantly—sleep. Good sleep isn’t luck—it’s a strategy. Here’s what I’ve figured out over the years for this week’s …
Whitening your teeth seems simple, right? You buy the strips, apply the gel, or use some trendy LED kit, and boom—brighter teeth. But what if I told you that most people go about whitening all wrong? And worse, they end up damaging their enamel in ways they don’t realize until it’s too late. I know because I …
Every day, parents trust pediatricians and pediatric dentists to guide their child’s health. They assume recommendations are solidly based on current science. But there’s a critical issue pediatricians routinely overlook: airway health. They don’t ask about sleep posture. They don’t check for mouth breathing. They rarely look under the tongue. They wait for a crisis—like behavioral …
Most people reach for whitening strips the minute their teeth start looking yellow. But here’s the mistake I see all the time—whitening doesn’t work on stains. And when you try to bleach away buildup, you end up with more sensitivity… and no real change. In today’s edition of “Mark’s Must-Haves” we’ll talk about what to …
A peer-reviewed study just confirmed something we’ve known in functional dentistry for years: The inflammation in your mouth doesn’t stay there. It travels. The sulcular epithelium separating your gums from your capillary-rich connective tissue is extremely thin—less than 0.3 mm in healthy gums. Inflammation makes it even more permeable, meaning the bacteria and inflammatory byproducts …
Conventional orthodontics is a scam. And I say that as a dentist who had all three of his now adult daughters go through conventional orthodontics. Today’s newsletter reveals why your child’s crooked teeth aren’t the problem—they’re the symptom of something far more important: a struggling airway. You’ll learn the early signs almost every doctor misses, …
I used to think feeling tired after 8 hours of sleep was just “normal aging.” Turns out, it was something else entirely… Imagine this: You wake up fully rested, your mind is sharp, and your body bounces back effortlessly after workouts. No dragging through the day. No mid-afternoon crashes. No brain fog. Now fast forward …
When my daughters were little, people warned me that skipping fluoride would lead to cavities. “They’re going to get cavities!” they said. But here’s the thing: not one of them ever did. Why? Because cavity prevention isn’t about “getting enough fluoride”—it’s about supporting the body’s natural ability to strengthen and protect teeth through nutrition and microbiome-friendly …
1. The Brain’s Fat Problem (And How to Fix It)Modern diets have stripped us of a critical nutrient: C15 (pentadecanoic acid). This odd-chain saturated fat plays a huge role in cellular health, supporting mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic health. That’s why I take a C15 supplement every single day. Research shows it helps with brain aging, sleep, …
Valentine’s Day is here, and let’s be honest—bad breath, poor sleep, and low energy don’t exactly set the mood. The solution? Fix your oral health, sleep, and nitric oxide levels—because they’re all connected to fresh breath, heart health, and even better blood flow (yes, that kind of blood flow). Here’s what I use personally to …
Happy Friday! I’m trying out this new format based on your feedback: Mark’s Must-Haves—products I personally use and trust to improve my health and sleep. My first must-have? This Magnesium. Magnesium is essential for over 300 bodily processes. It calms the nervous system and helps you fall—and stay—asleep. Magnesium Breakthrough is the only supplement I’ve found that includes all seven …
There’s a quiet takeover happening in dentistry—and it’s already impacting how patients are treated and how dentists practice. Today’s newsletter breaks down why more dental offices are being bought by private equity firms, how that changes the kind of care you get, and what you can do to protect yourself and your health. Today’s Sponsor …
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 smart question—and the answer just became national news. Because as of September 2024, a U.S. federal court has officially ruled that the fluoridation chemicals added to public water supplies pose an unreasonable risk …
Both of my parents died of Alzheimer’s, so brain health isn’t just something I research—it’s personal. I’ve spent decades diving into the science of cognitive function, longevity, and prevention. And when I came across this 2023 study, it completely changed the way I think about magnesium. 👉 Study: Alateeq, Khawlah, Erin I. Walsh, and Nicolas …
What if I told you the bacteria in your mouth could predict your risk of stroke? So much so, that a stroke researcher just called for a test that already exists—but most doctors don’t know about it. And that a simple change in your oral care routine could lower that risk starting today? Sounds unbelievable, …
When I first started practicing dentistry, I kept noticing the same frustrating pattern in my patients. They brushed, they flossed, they did “everything right.” And yet—they still had cavities, bleeding gums, and bad breath. At first, I blamed diet. Maybe sugar was the issue? But then I looked closer. The real problem? They were mouth …
One of the most underutilized tools in dentistry is magnesium—it’s that important for preventing cavities, healing small ones, and reversing sensitivity. Today’s newsletter is brought to you by BIOptimizers, my all-time favorite magnesium. Try it today with code ASKTHEDENTIST—it’s been a game changer for my teeth, sleep and mood. In late 2024, a federal judge delivered …
When my three-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with a cavity, my first thought wasn’t just, She needs a filling. It was, How did we get here?Fillings happen. Even in families who eat well, brush regularly, and avoid soda. But when a cavity forms, it’s not just bad luck—it’s a sign that something deeper is going on. And if …
Most people think health is about what you do once in a while. It’s not. It’s what you do every day that shapes your energy, resilience, and longevity. These are my daily non-negotiables—habits I stick to no matter how busy life gets. 1. Why Nitric Oxide Is a Game-Changer (And How to Boost It Naturally)Nitric oxide (NO) is …
When we think about fats, most of us focus on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—the well-known players in the world of essential nutrients. But what if I told you there’s a missing link in this conversation? One that could play a critical role in balancing your health, especially when it comes to inflammation and aging well? Today, …
Ever felt that sharp zing from hot coffee, ice cream, or even just breathing in cold air? Tooth sensitivity isn’t random—it’s your teeth trying to tell you something. Most people grab Sensodyne and call it a day. But numbing the pain doesn’t solve the problem—it just masks it. Instead, here’s exactly what I do when …
Here’s exactly what I’d do and what I would eat if I had a small cavity I wanted to reverse. Cavities aren’t permanent. Your teeth are living tissues designed to repair themselves in a process called remineralization—where minerals like calcium and phosphate, delivered through your saliva, are redeposited into your enamel. But be aware—for this process …
For decades, fluoride has been lauded as a key ingredient in preventing tooth decay, leading to widespread water fluoridation across the United States. However, emerging scientific evidence raises critical questions about the safety and efficacy of this practice, particularly concerning its potential impact on brain development in children. This week’s federal court ruling challenged the status quo …
This newsletter is brought to you by BIOptimizers, makers of my all-time favorite magnesium supplement. BIOptimizers is so confident you’ll love Magnesium Breakthrough that they offer a 365-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t love it for any reason, you don’t even have to return the bottle. It’s completely risk-free. Imagine being five. Every night, you sleep with your mouth …
We’re fortunate to have the makers of my all-time favorite magnesium sponsoring this newsletter. They’ve been my go-to for nearly two decades because they produce the highest-quality magnesium on the market. No fillers. No toxins. Just pure magnesium with seven essential forms your body needs for optimal absorption. I just stocked up myself because they’re …
Today, let’s tackle a frustrating issue that many of us face: a coated white tongue, persistent bad breath, and that unpleasant taste lingering in your mouth. If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone—these symptoms often indicate candidiasis, or oral thrush, which is essentially a yeast infection in your mouth. Many people reach for strong mouthwashes …
I’m thrilled to dive into this week’s topic, which comes from a subscriber, Julie. If you missed the last edition of Mondays with Mark (Can Nano-Hydroxyapatite Cross the Blood Brain Barrier?) be sure to catch up, as it sets the stage for today’s discussion. Julie asks, “Thank you for introducing Hydroxyapatite to me. Would you please comment …
Nano-hydroxyapatite (Nano-HAp) has been generating a lot of buzz in the world of oral care—and for good reason. It’s a powerful remineralizing agent that not only strengthens enamel but also protects your teeth. However, with this growing interest, some concerns have popped up, particularly about whether Nano-HAp is safe for the rest of your body, especially when …
This newsletter is brought to you by our sponsor, BIOptimizers (makers of my all-time favorite magnesium supplement) You might think that, as a dentist, I’m mainly worried about teeth on a holiday like Halloween. But that’s not the case. What really concerns me is the culture of candy worship and how it sets kids up for …
For about six years, I relied on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to guide my approach to periodontal work in private practice. I would hold off on aggressive treatments like surgery or deep cleanings until a patient’s diabetes is under control. This wasn’t just a personal preference; it’s the right thing to do. Dentists must stop …
I just got my colonoscopy which I get every five years. And it got me thinking… Colorectal cancer (CRC) rates are climbing among younger populations, raising questions about the adequacy of current screening guidelines. Traditionally, the recommendation has been to begin screenings at age 50, but evidence suggests this may no longer be appropriate. This …
Gum disease doesn’t just “get better.” It needs to be stopped in its tracks before it leads to irreversible damage. This newsletter is brought to you by our sponsor, BIOptimizers, makers of my all-time favorite magnesium supplement—click here to unlock Black Friday discounts and gifts with purchase with code ASKTHEDENTIST. Let’s rethink sugar. Dentists have spent …
What if I told you the health of your mouth is directly linked to the health of your heart? Today’s sponsor, BIOptimizers, makes my #1 favorite magnesium supplement—click here to unlock Black Friday discounts and gifts with purchase with code ASKTHEDENTIST. Nitric oxide (NO), a tiny molecule, plays a massive role in your body. It …
Let’s break it down… What Happened? A federal judge in California just ruled against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ordering them to take action on fluoride levels in U.S. drinking water. The ruling is based on growing evidence that fluoride, particularly at certain levels, may harm children’s brain development. Judge Edward Chen found that the …
Let’s break it down… What Happened? A federal judge in California just ruled against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ordering them to take action on fluoride levels in U.S. drinking water. The ruling is based on growing evidence that fluoride, particularly at certain levels, may harm children’s brain development. Judge Edward Chen found that the …