It simply astounds me how blindly people accept “natural” remedies without any proof except personal testimonials, all while they proclaim that “real science” has been co-opted by greedy individuals and companies. The current fad of “Oil Pulling” is certainly one of the biggest examples of snake oil holistic mumbo-jumbo quackery to grace the surface of […]
Taking Care of Your Teeth
Does Gum Disease Cause Heart Attacks & Strokes?
I was recently reminded of claims that periodontal disease is associated with medical conditions like heart attacks, strokes, pre-term births, and diabetes. Yes, there is an association among those conditions, that’s true. However, some dentists and hygienists try to scare patients into treatment by claiming that gum disease actually causes those conditions. That’s simply not true! […]
Cavities are Not Inevitable
Most people assume that certain things are inevitable as we age, including common dental problems like gum recession, gum (periodontal) disease, or cavities. However, none of these conditions are as certain as the old adage, “the only guarantees in life are death and taxes,” as proven by a gentleman who came to see us recently. 59 Years […]
I Didn’t Know Squat about Cancer
Cancer (in general) and oral cancer were certainly topics that I learned about in our medical/dental training 18 years ago, but after reading The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, I realized just how little I actually knew. To tell the truth, after reading the book, I now have a […]
Why Can’t Dentists Cure Cavities or Regrow Enamel?
I’ve previously discussed why you can’t cure cavities, but recent research sounds promising, so it’s a good time to review. In addition, there were some good points raised in the comments of the previous article that deserve more attention. Be warned: lots of bullet lists ahead as I break it down. 😀 Recap: Why We Currently Can’t Grow Dentin […]
“If You Don’t Floss, You’ll Die,” Says One Charlotte Dentist
Oh ok, sue me for the clickbait headline….you’ll die if you do floss, too. 😀 The Story: Does Flossing Even Work? Obviously, since I’m a dentist and have many dentists friends, one of the most commonly shared and widely discussed news stories this week has been about whether or not flossing is any good for […]