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What I’m Buying on Prime Day - Ask the Dentist
It’s Prime Day. If you’re planning to stock up, and you’re curious what I’m stocking up on, here are the three things in my cart right now. These are products I use regularly, rely on, and always wait to buy when Prime Day discounts roll around. If you’re stocking up too, I’d love to hear what …
My July 4th Dinner Strategy (Sleep Hack Included) - Ask the Dentist
If you’re planning a July 4th cookout, here’s what I’ve got lined up… 1. My go-to burger (with hidden organ meats)I keep it simple: Mix by hand. Form a ball, then flatten. Add a slice of firm sheep cheese in the middle of the patty—not on top. Bison meat cooks slower than beef and can dry out if overcooked. …
Is your mouthwash blocking weight loss? - Ask the Dentist
Everyone’s talking about Ozempic. But almost no one is talking about this: You might already have your own version of it—and it might be breaking down because of something as simple as your mouthwash. In this newsletter, we’re unpacking how your mouth—not your stomach, not your weight, not your willpower—could be sabotaging the hormone that …
Low-fat advice didn’t just fail us—it hardened our arteries. - Ask the Dentist
Last week I mentioned something in passing that caught your attention: during my time in Iceland, I couldn’t help but notice how many people seemed to have broad, well-developed jaws—especially compared to what I often see in the U.S. In Iceland, dairy isn’t demonized. It’s celebrated—and it’s different from what we find in most U.S. …
Why I Got Fired My First Year as a Dentist - Ask the Dentist
It was the summer of 1982, and I wasn’t a dentist yet. I was a 20-something biochemistry and art history major at the University of British Columbia. I spotted a book on my mom’s bookshelf—Life Extension by Pearson and Shaw. I didn’t know it at the time, but that book would set me on the …
This country doesn’t fluoridate their water. Here’s what shocked me. - Ask the Dentist
I just got back from back-to-back travel: first a family wedding in New York, then a week in Iceland with my middle daughter and my wife.My middle daughter, my wife, and I spent our days chasing waterfalls, hiking through mossy lava fields, and photographing Icelandic horses at golden hour.Everywhere I go, I’m on the lookout …
The fertility factor no one talks about - Ask the Dentist
You might be tracking your cycle. You might be taking prenatals, getting your body ready, or even weighing fertility treatments. But here’s something almost no one—doctors included—talks about: Your mouth may be playing a role. If you’re trying to conceive (or thinking about it), you deserve to know what the science actually says about oral …
You’re probably missing this mineral - Ask the Dentist
Sometimes what’s missing isn’t a better toothbrush. It’s a mineral. I’ve seen too many patients who brush and floss and eat a “healthy” diet—and still get cavities. Still grind their teeth. Still clench their jaws so tightly at night that their facial muscles are sore in the morning. They wake up tired, wired, or both—despite doing …
10 weird things I do to keep my teeth cavity-free - Ask the Dentist
I’ve seen countless patients over the years who brushed and flossed religiously—twice a day, never missed a checkup—and still came in with new decay. That’s because brushing doesn’t fix dietary deficiencies, mouth breathing, a dry mouth, or disrupted oral flora. Cavities don’t just show up. They form slowly, as your oral environment shifts out of …
Dear pediatricians: please stop doing these 4 things - Ask the Dentist
At the very first well-baby visit, a divide begins. Medical over here. Dental over there. But the mouth isn’t separate from the body. And that early separation is why so many kids fall through the cracks. Let’s talk about four places this split is doing harm to children—and what we can do instead. 1) Stop …
4 things you're doing "right" that still cause cavities - Ask the Dentist
A parent wrote me last week: “We brush. We floss. We’ve switched toothpaste. But my kid still keeps getting cavities. What are we missing?” I’ve heard that question hundreds of times. It’s always asked with the same mix of desperation and guilt. And it always leads to the same truth: Cavities don’t just come from …
One patient said it saved them. Another said it ruined them. - Ask the Dentist
A root canal saved one of my patients. Another told me it ruined their health. That contrast—so common, so extreme—is exactly why people feel stuck. If you’ve ever had a root canal and wondered whether it was a mistake, or you’re facing the decision and don’t know who to trust, this email is for you. …
Everything I use before 9am... (plus links) - Ask the Dentist
Everyone’s talking about morning routines—but most of them skip the mouth (of course). If you’ve ever wondered what I actually do before 9 a.m.—as a dentist who’s spent 40+ years thinking about the oral microbiome, who has a bit of gum recession, some dental work to maintain and look after, and a deep respect for …
Is xylitol bad for you? - Ask the Dentist
In today’s newsletter, we’re breaking down the study that claimed xylitol is bad for your heart, why the science doesn’t hold up, and what decades of real research say instead. And pregnant moms—don’t miss the tip at the end. It’s one of the most powerful (and easy) ways to protect your baby’s future oral health. …
6 things you'll always find in my bag... - Ask the Dentist
Ever heard of “EDC”? It stands for Every Day Carry—the handful of essentials you bring with you wherever you go. I’m often on the road—whether driving between Napa and San Francisco to take care of my grandkids, going mountain biking with Roseann, or headed to the airport to visit one of our three daughters, I rely on …
The oldest organ in your mouth isn’t what you think - Ask the Dentist
3.5 billion years of evolution gave you a built-in shield against cavities and gum disease. Here’s why it no longer works. Biofilms are often referred to as the “skin” of the tooth, a simple and ubiquitous layer that adheres to hard surfaces like teeth. However, this description fails to capture the true essence of biofilms …
Your mouthwash is backfiring—try this 2-min trick instead - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Still drinking tea from the natural food store? - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 The two health problems I didn’t know were sabotaging me... - Ask the Dentist
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. …
🦷 You're not aging—you're upgrading (if you do this) - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Most pediatricians miss this... - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 How I Get a 93+ Sleep Score Every Night - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Your teeth aren’t yellow—they’re stained (and my must-haves for fixing it) - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 The Whitening Mistake I Made on My Own Daughter - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Can you actually reverse a cavity? - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 You brush your teeth—but are you brushing for your heart? - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Why conventional orthodontics is a scam - Ask the Dentist
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, …
🦷 The One Supplement I’ll Never Skip + This Week’s Must-Haves - Ask the Dentist
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, …
Feel Tired No Matter What? This Molecule is Why - Ask the Dentist
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 …
Mark’s Must-Haves for Fluoride-Free (and Cavity-Free) Kids in 2025 - Ask the Dentist
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 …
Mark’s Must-Haves for Fresh Breath, Deep Sleep, and Better Circulation (Yes, Even There 🍆) - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Mark's Must-Haves: My #1 Mineral for Sleep - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 So your dentist is still defending fluoride? Here's what you're going to forward them... - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 What private equity is doing to your dentist’s office - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 Once I Read This Study, I Never Skipped a Day of Taking This Mineral - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 This Mouth Bacteria Raises Stroke Risk by 20%—Do You Have It? - Ask the Dentist
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, …
🦷 I Kept Seeing This Weird Symptom in My Patients—Until I Finally Figured Out Why - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 A Federal Judge Sounded the Alarm on Fluoride—Then Politics Drowned It Out - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 My granddaughter got a cavity—here’s the exact protocol I put her on - Ask the Dentist
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 …
🦷 My 2025 Daily Non-Negotiables for Energy, Longevity & Oral Health - Ask the Dentist
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 …