🦷 Mondays with Mark: Second Plague (also known as the Black Death)

I want to talk about the pandemic, but not the one you think…

A new study suggests that the Second Plague (also known as the Black Death in the 14th century, which killed off up to half of the entire world population) might have influenced the development of oral microbiomes that contribute to the chronic diseases we face today.

In other words, the Black Death might be why we have such terrible oral microbiome health today. Your therapist said you could blame your parents, but they forgot to mention you could also blame your ancestors from the 14th century!

The researchers found that the Streptococcus group in modern oral microbiomes, associated with low-fiber, high-carbohydrate diets and dairy consumption, might have emerged due to these dietary shifts, thanks to survivors of the plague being able to afford those more processed foods.

So…why should YOU care, as someone living in the 21st century?

• We don’t have control over what happened to our ancestors, but knowing what happened to them and how it affected our oral microbiomes can help us focus on what’s good for our own oral microbiomes in today’s world.
• Oral microbiome testing is important. You need to know where you stand! This is the oral microbiome test I use at home and with patients.
• Do we have the ability to undo the damage that large-scale hygiene-related pandemics do to our oral microbiome? The answer is ABSOLUTELY!
• Despite historical, endemic changes to the oral microbiome, you as an INDIVIDUAL, still have the ability to manage and control your own oral microbiome. Learn how to reset your oral microbiome with my online course—if you’re someone who has struggled with your oral health, this course is guaranteed to change that.

Now for the latest from the Ask the Dentist podcast…

🎧 In Episode #112, I discuss “How to Prevent and Treat Gingival Recession” This is a must-listen if you want to treat and prevent gum recession—something I get asked about a lot!

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Would you do me a favor? Leave a review for the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Every time I get a new review, I read it, and it makes my day to hear how it’s impacted your life.

P.S. Did you know our pro-strength hydroxyapatite varnish is available for at-home use? This varnish can be used as a toothpaste, a spot-treatment, or even in trays overnight for whitening, sensitivity, cavities prevention and even reversal in some cases.