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 …
The post Your mouthwash is backfiring—try this 2-min trick instead appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Most of us learned that breathing is simple: oxygen goes in, carbon dioxide goes out. But there’s actually a third gas that quietly determines how well you sleep, how calm you feel, and how efficiently your body uses oxygen—nitric oxide. Understanding this three-gas system is especially important right now, because winter creates a perfect storm …
The post Is your sleep worse in the winter? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

I was bike riding this morning, and I started thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Actually, that’s not quite right—I was thinking about how I don’t make them. Never have. And I started wondering why that word bothers me so much. Then it hit me: resolute. You know what that word actually means? Unwavering. Indomitable. Undefeatable. They named battleships …
The post Why I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Last week, I was helping my son-in-law fix a leaky faucet in their kitchen. The problem? A worn-out rubber gasket. It was supposed to create a watertight seal, but after years of use, it had degraded—and now water was leaking everywhere. “If we don’t replace this,” I told him, “you’re not just dealing with a …
The post If your gums bleed, this seal is already failing appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

It’s December 22nd. You’re surrounded by sugar. Your oral microbiome is under siege. When you constantly expose your teeth to sugar—through candy, treats, and grazing—the bad bacteria in your mouth produce acid.  That acid drops your oral pH below the critical threshold for enamel demineralization, creating the perfect environment for cavities and gum inflammation.  Add …
The post The Potato Trick Dentists Don’t Talk About appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

If you’re taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, I need to tell you something your doctor probably didn’t mention when they wrote that prescription. Your mouth is taking a beating. Maybe you’ve already noticed it. Most prescribing doctors aren’t warning patients about this. Because you deserve to know what’s happening in your mouth and what …
The post If You’re on Ozempic, Read This Before Your Next Dental Visit appeared first 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 …
The post What I’m doing about my 8-year-old granddaughter’s cavity appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

If you’re waking up tired this winter—mouth dry, groggy, maybe even a little sore throat—it’s not just age. And it’s not bad luck. It’s your bedroom. Most people don’t realize this, but winter air is destroying their sleep quality and setting up their mouth for cavities, gum inflammation, and worse. The heater runs all night. …
The post Is a 70 degree bedroom ruining your sleep? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

It was 2006, and I woke up to three pillows hitting my face. My daughters—all three of them—had been in the same hotel room with me the night before, as the family was moving in our eldest for her freshman year of college. They looked exhausted. Furious, actually. “Dad! You sounded like a freight train …
The post Why are the healthiest people often the worst sleepers? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

I love a good Napa cab as much as anyone. But here’s what we know about alcohol and your mouth: the news isn’t great. The good news? Today I’m sharing a science-backed protocol to minimize the damage. Between holiday parties, toasts, and late-night gatherings, December means more alcohol exposure for most people. Here’s what happens …
The post Most people miss this December health risk appeared first on Ask the Dentist.