Newsletters

We often think about brushing, flossing, and dental visits when we think about keeping our mouths healthy. And most of us know that too much sugar isn't great for our teeth. But here's something you may not know: when you eat that sugar matters too. A dessert enjoyed right after dinner isn't necessarily the same as that same dessert eaten a few hours later. And the reason has a lot to do with your oral microbiome, your saliva, and the time your mouth needs to recover between

Most people think dry mouth means they need to drink more water. Sometimes that's true. But sometimes the problem isn't dehydration. It's stress. When your body perceives stress, it shifts into what is commonly called "fight or flight" mode. This response is designed to help you survive danger, not digest your lunch. Your heart rate increases. Your muscles prepare for action. And many normal digestive functions temporarily slow down. Including saliva production. Dig

Hi Friends, Dr. Christina Kraft here to share how improving your sleep can support your teeth, gums, and overall health. Why Better Sleep Means a Healthier Mouth If your gums bleed, cavities keep coming back, or fatigue lingers—it may not just be about brushing and flossing. The quality of your sleep directly affects the health of your teeth, gums, and oral microbiome. Sleep is when your body (and mouth) repair and restore balance. Without it, inflammation rises, immu

Hi Friends, Dr. Christina Kraft here. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common and frustrating complaints I hear. Many people try special toothpastes or coatings for months or years and are left wondering why the relief is minimal or does not last. Tooth sensitivity is not just about “thin enamel.” It is usually a sign that the protective layers of the tooth have been disrupted by gum recession, acid exposure, or wear. When this happens, tiny channels in the tooth, ca

Hi Friends, Dr. Christina Kraft here - if you experience acid reflux or heartburn, your oral health is affected. Reflux doesn’t just impact your stomach - it lowers the pH in your mouth, disrupts your oral microbiome, and causes inflammation around implants. Inflamed gums around implants aren’t just uncomfortable, over time they make implants harder to maintain and increase the risk of long-term complications. Reflux also contributes to concerning dry mouth, bad breath,

Hi Friends, Dr. Christina Kraft here - Did you know the plaque on your teeth may have a surprising connection to plaques in your brain? Emerging research shows that the bacteria behind gum disease don’t just affect your mouth—they can travel to the brain and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia . How Oral Plaque Influences Brain Health Microbiome imbalance fuels inflammation: Overgrowth of harmful oral species alters immune function, creating a

Hi Friends, Dr. Christina Kraft here - if you indulged in some Halloween candy yesterday (or maybe a little too much), you’re probably noticing sugar cravings today. It’s not just about willpower, your sweet tooth may actually be driven by bacteria in your mouth. Why Your Cravings Aren’t Just in Your Head Streptococcus mutans , a common mouth microbe, loves sugar. It’s behind cavities - but also shapes cravings. When it overgrows, it: Dulls taste buds , making sweets feel

Sip Your Way to a Healthier Mouth and Body Green tea has been used for centuries for its healing properties - and modern research supports its role in both oral and systemic health.Its benefits come from polyphenols , especially a compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) , which has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. How Green Tea Supports a Healthier Mouth Reduces gum inflammation: EGCG helps calm the immune response in the gums, reducing swelli

If you're dealing with cavities, gum disease, fatigue, or chronic illness—your body is trying to tell you something. Most health...

Vitamin D: A Summer Essential for Your Mouth and Body With summer here, many people benefit from paying extra attention to their vitamin...

We’re only beginning to understand the power of the oral microbiome - the community of microbes living in your mouth. These organisms...