Curated Resources for a Healthier You
Dr. Pak’s Book Club
Resources for a Healthier You
At Well Being Dentistry, we believe that true health starts with education. Dr. Pak is a lifelong learner who is constantly exploring the latest research in human longevity, metabolic health, and airway physiology.
We created Dr. Pak’s Book Club to share the most impactful reads that have shaped our clinical philosophy. These books offer deep dives into why we prioritize nasal breathing, biocompatible materials, and metabolic wellness. We invite you to explore these titles and join us in the pursuit of vibrant, whole-body health.
The Science of Breathing: Why Airway Health is the New Frontier
These titles explore why the way we breathe is the single most important factor in our development, sleep quality, and longevity. At Well Being Dentistry, we also screen for nasopharyngeal volume to ensure your airway is fully open and that you aren’t experiencing chronic, “silent” hypoxia that can impact your health over time.
Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic
By Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich This is a must-read for parents. It explains why our jaws are getting smaller and our teeth are becoming more crowded—a condition known as dysgnathia. The authors explore how soft modern diets contribute to this orthopedic issue, as well as the “hidden epidemic” of sleep apnea and chronic mouth breathing in children and adults.
The Breathing Cure
By Patrick McKeown A comprehensive guide to functional breathing. McKeown provides actionable exercises to help patients switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, which is essential for reducing dental decay and calming the nervous system.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
By James Nestor Nestor explores the thousands of years of human history to understand how we lost the ability to breathe correctly and how we can hack our biology to fix it. This book is the inspiration behind our recommendation for mouth taping and nasal dilators.
Longevity & Metabolic Health: Protecting Your Biological Engine
Dental health is a mirror of your internal chemistry. These books focus on how to keep your “biological engine” running smoothly.
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
By Peter Attia, MD Dr. Attia challenges the conventional medical model of “treating disease” and instead focuses on extending healthspan—the period of life spent in optimal health. At Well Being Dentistry, we align with his philosophy: our goal isn’t just to keep your teeth in your mouth, but to ensure they function perfectly for a 100-year life, supporting your overall health and quality of life.
Good Energy
By Casey Means, MD A deep dive into metabolic health and how our cellular energy dictates our physical and mental wellness. Dr. Means explores how the food we eat and the toxins we are exposed to—including mercury amalgams and BPA in traditional dental materials—can trigger mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing cellular energy. At Well Being Dentistry, we prioritize non-toxic, biocompatible materials to protect your mitochondria and support your systemic energy and overall health.
Why Your Dentist is Recommending"Outlive" and "Good Energy"
You might wonder why a dentist is recommending books on longevity and metabolic energy. The answer is simple: Everything is connected.
- Jaws & Breath explain why we focus on Airway-Focused Orthodontics and TMJ alignment.
- Outlive & Good Energy explain why we use BPA-free and metal-free materials—to reduce the "toxic load" on your metabolic system.
Join the Conversation
Have you read any of these titles? We would love to hear your thoughts during your next visit! Dr. Pak and our clinical team are always happy to discuss how the principles in these books apply to your specific treatment plan.
Bio-Hacking & Functional Health Resources
We invite our Santa Clara and Silicon Valley patients—many of whom are already exploring the frontiers of longevity—to see how biological dentistry fits into their “Healthstack.”
Our curated resources highlight thought leaders in the Bio-hacking and Quantified Self communities, including Peter Attia, Casey Means, and Michael Nestor. These functional dentistry book recommendations offer insights into optimizing oral and systemic health.
We also provide holistic health resources Santa Clara to help patients integrate oral care with overall wellness, bridging cutting-edge science and everyday healthy habits.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Science of Wellness
Why does my dentist care about how I breathe?
Most people associate dentistry only with teeth, but your airway and jaw structure dictate your overall health. Proper nasal breathing ensures your body receives optimal oxygen, improves sleep quality, and even prevents dental decay. Books like Breath and Jaws explain how mouth breathing can lead to facial structural changes and systemic health issues, which is why Dr. Pak prioritizes Airway-Focused Dentistry.
How does metabolic health affect my teeth and gums?
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Issues like chronic inflammation or poor metabolic health—as discussed in Good Energy—can manifest as gum disease or rapid tooth decay. By focusing on metabolic wellness, we help you create an internal environment where your teeth and gums can thrive, rather than just treating symptoms as they arise.
What is the "Hidden Epidemic" mentioned in Dr. Pak’s Book Club?
The “Hidden Epidemic” refers to the shrinking of the human jaw over generations due to soft modern diets and environmental factors. This leads to crowded teeth and restricted airways. Following the insights in Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic, we focus on addressing the root cause of crooked teeth rather than just the alignment.
Is mouth breathing really that bad for my health?
Yes. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and a higher risk of cavities because it dries out protective saliva. In The Breathing Cure, Patrick McKeown highlights how switching to nasal breathing can calm your nervous system and improve your “biological engine,” a core philosophy here at Well Being Dentistry 3.0.
Why does Dr. Pak recommend BPA-free and metal-free materials?
In line with Dr. Peter Attia’s Outlive and Dr. Casey Means’ Good Energy, we believe in reducing the “toxic load” on your body. Biocompatible, metal-free materials ensure that your dental work doesn’t interfere with your cellular energy or metabolic health, supporting a longer and healthier “healthspan.”
You can find these titles at your local library or through the links. We also keep several of these copies in our Refreshment Bar for you to browse during your visit!