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!”

…you may just save your life!

Did you know that driving while sleep deprived has been identified as impairment similar to driving while intoxicated? In 2017 30% of fatal car accidents or over 9000 casualties were caused while driving intoxicated. Compare that to what experts believe to be about 20% of fatal car accidents or over 6000 casualties being caused while driving with too little sleep. This only ONE of the many possible harms caused by not receiving quality sleep. Continue reading “With This Ring”

I write this newsletter in an effort to inform, not to alarm. My intention is not to stir controversy but to bring awareness. I serve a broad patient population, with many desiring to minimize their exposure to the growing burden of toxins in our environment. There is no magic bullet to our health. It is a complex interplay of how we eat, sleep, think and live our lives. My goal is to offer information that will help you achieve your wellness goals. I am honored for the experience to care for you! Continue reading “My Personal Story of Fluoride Harm”

….and make yourself happier in the process.

As a dentist I am blessed with the experience of seeing what an improvement to someone’s smile can do to a patient’s overall demeanor. This type of dental treatment can range from repairing a simple chipped tooth that resulted from biting something too hard, to the replacement of a tooth after a fall, to a complete makeover of the smile. Repairing, replacing or enhancing one’s smile can be an incredibly moving encounter, both the patient and I can share tears of joy when he/she regains the confidence to smile again. Typically when people are embarrassed by their smile they don’t smile, they don’t make eye contact and they walk with their head down which can lead to poor overall posture and low self esteem. Continue reading “How To Change The World”

There have been increasing discussions about the impact of sleep disordered breathing in adults over the past decade. We talk about the severity of the health impacts from snoring, spouses complain that their snoring partner keeps them awake and we joke about how many ‘logs you sawed’ last night. But, did you know that not only is it abnormal for children to snore, the health impacts are far more serious than what we see in the adult population?? Continue reading “It Is NOT Normal For Children To Snore”

Well, you’re not alone!!

Most dentists will tell you it’s like pulling teeth trying to get our patients to floss on a consistent basis. It’s an awkward activity, it can be hard to maneuver around the molars and sometimes the floss shreds or breaks in the process. So frustrating!

When we brush our teeth, we are able to clean about 75% of the tooth surface area. If we are not using dental floss, we are missing the other 25% of where bacteria like to congregate. These bacteria are like the teenager having a party at home because mom and dad are out of town. We all know what a house party hosted by teenagers can look like!! The mess left behind when we don’t clean between our teeth can lead to inflamed and bleeding gums. Continue reading “Do You Hate To Floss?”