One of the great marvels of the mouth is the role that saliva plays in the healing capacity of our teeth and soft tissues. Likely this is a topic upon which you have thought very little unless you’re one of the patients who is suffering from a severe lack of saliva. This condition is commonly called xerostomia or dry mouth. Most patients who suffer from xerostomia do not become aware of the problem until they have lost at least 60% of their salivary flow. Continue reading “Spit Happens”

If you are taking Vitamin D you may want to consider including Vitamin K2 to optimize your body’s ability to direct calcium into your bones and your teeth.

History

Vitamin K is a family of fat soluble vitamins known in the forms of K1, K2, and K3. Vitamin K was discovered by two Danish researchers, Henrik Dam and Edward Doisy. They identified that Vitamin K is critical for proper blood coagulation and hence the name Vitamin K for the German word, Koagulation. Continue reading “If You Take Vitamin D, You May Want To Consider This”

Has anyone ever asked to share a piece of gum or a mint with you? Did you wonder if they were doing this out of the goodness of their heart or did it cross your mind that they were trying to tell you something about your breath? Bad breath or halitosis can be both embarrassing and cause those around you to avoid being in close proximity. As a dentist, I am frequently asked what causes halitosis (aka bad breath) and how to fix it? Continue reading “Ten Ways To Combat Bad Breath”

Dentistry is a beautiful blend of art and science. Most patients likely view what we do as the mechanical preparation of teeth to remove and repair decayed lesions. But dentists also view themselves as artists. Our teeth have very specific lengths, shapes and sizes that help to create a fantastic smile. One crucial element to an amazing smile is tooth color…the color of one’s teeth can have a big impact on how a person views him/herself and how others perceive this individual. I touched on the importance of our smiles in an earlier writing by highlighting research indicating that one’s view of his/her smile can have a very strong impact on personal self image. The science behind our smiles also indicates that others may view someone with broken, discolored or missing teeth as less friendly, less successful and less attractive. Continue reading “Looking To A Brighter Future With Every Single Smile”

You have likely heard a friend, colleague or family member say that he or she has TMJ. The person experiencing the pain associated with TMJ may cup his/her hand to the side of the face as symptoms are described to the listener. If you’ve not had the agonizing experience of feeling stabbing pain or difficulty opening and closing your jaw, count yourself lucky. This is a condition with a prevalence of 5-12% of the population which is unusually high for chronic pain disorders. It is most common in women between 20 to 40 years of age. Continue reading “What is TMJ and Why Is It Painful In Some People?”

When I graduated from dental school (25 years ago), I recall there being a buzz about xylitol in dentistry. It was being covered in our journals as a sugar alternative that demonstrated anticariogenic (prevents cavities) properties. Being a new grad who believed wholeheartedly that fluoride was the only true way to prevent tooth decay, I dismissed this as a ‘fad’ in dentistry. Fast forward a quarter century (you know my views on fluoride), xylitol has demonstrated to have positive effects that reach beyond the mouth. Continue reading “Good For Your Health, But Not For Your Pet”

As many of you are likely aware, we are all moving and breathing in one big bowl of plastic soup. An increasing amount of research is pointing to the dangers of our bodies being burdened by the plastics, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that surround us. These materials are commonly called forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment. From cookware, food packaging, water bottles and dental floss, it is hard to escape these products unless exercising a strong conscious effort to minimize exposure. It is impossible to get away from plastics completely but for those of you on a mission to reduce your toxic burden, I would like to share about a new product I have found and started using daily. This newsletter is not intended to sound alarmist, just trying to bring awareness! Continue reading “Why I Stopped Flossing With The Leading Brand Of Dental Floss”

My staff and I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support for the victims of Helene in Western North Carolina. We have loaded three large trucks full of food, water and supplies that have been safely delivered to Ashe and Watauga Counties. We cannot express adequately our gratitude for the kindness shown by so many. Continue reading “Silver Linings In The Storms Of Life”

As many of you may know, my husband and I are residents of Watauga County where my husband works full time. There is much devastation to Boone and the surrounding areas. Being back in Chapel Hill after seeing the aftermath of Helene, I have been feeling helpless when I know our community is in much need.

If any of you are feeling similarly and want to know of effective ways to help, I want to offer two ways that you can be of assistance to those who have lost homes, businesses and loved ones. Continue reading “Ways We Can Help Western NC Recovery Efforts”

The waiting is over!

It’s been 7 years in the making and 7 months since the close of the California trial that brought the neurotoxicity of fluoride to the courtroom. I have written about this previously and those of us in the space of concern are thrilled to announce that Judge Chen has finally made his ruling.

From the introduction of the ruling:

“The issue before this Court is whether the Plaintiffs have established by a preponderance of the evidence that the fluoridation of drinking water at levels typical in the United States poses an unreasonable risk of injury to health of the public within the meaning of Amended TSCA. For the reasons set forth below, the Court so finds. Continue reading “The Decision Is In!”