Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

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Episode #10: What can I do about receding gums? May 18, 2021

Show notes

Gum recession is something that affects many people of all ages. Today, Dr. B explores this common issue, what the symptoms are, and gives insights into the most common causes of the condition. These include aggressive orthodontics, food trauma, and tongue and lip-ties, among others. We also hear about ways that you can prevent your gums from receding. Importantly, this problem cannot be reserved non-surgically, which is why it is so important to take a proactive approach to stop the issue from occurring in the first place. Tune in to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

Find out what gum recession is and the tell-tale signs that you might have it
Some of the common gum recession causes
How aggressive orthodontics contribute to gum recession
What food trauma is and its links to gum recession
How lip and tongue-ties can cause the gums to recede
What happens when your teeth are crowded and the way this impacts to gum recession
The congenital reason for gum recession and who is most at risk
Ways that you can prevent gum recession from happening
Learn whether gum recession is reversible or not
If you intervene in the early stages of gum recession, you will not need surgery
You can prevent gum recession but surgery is the only way to reverse it

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

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Episode #9: How to Avoid Fluoride May 11, 2021

Show notes

Oral health is about so much more than cavities. It is linked to our overall health, and there are ties between a lack of oral health and chronic health struggles later in life. Fluoride is a controversial topic, and in today’s episode, Dr. B talks about this prevalent neurotoxin. We begin by hearing about why it is crucial to ensure that those with developing brains aren’t exposed to it. There is evidence that shows that it lowers IQ. After that, Dr. B shares the three biggest sources of fluoride in our lives and how to avoid consumption. There are so many harmful chemicals that we are exposed to which we don’t have control over, but it is relatively simple to limit our exposure to fluoride. Remember, it is easier to fix a tooth than it is a brain, so take the necessary precautions now for you and your family’s health.

Key Points From This Episode:

It is so important to protect anyone with a developing brain from fluoride
The biggest source of fluoride in your life is your drinking water, but it is easy to remove it
An affordable product Dr. B recommends that removes fluoride from your water
The U.S drinks more fluoridated water than every other country in the world combined
Another source of fluoride that Dr. B worries about
The fluoride treatments you get from conventional dentists are also problematic
If your dentist pushes back against you opting out of the fluoride treatment, look for a new one
You don’t need fluoride to have a cavity-free child

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Fluoride and IQ: Does prenatal exposure to fluoride lower IQ?

Hydroxyapatite Vs. Fluoride: How Do They Compare?

Fluoride in Water & Toothpaste: Uses, Dangers & Side Effects [2020 Update]

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best Brands

Dr. B's Favorite Toothpastes

Fluoride For Kids & Cavities: The Myths & The Science [Parent’s Guide]

Does Fluoride Toothpaste Work?

The Dangers of Fluoride on the Brain and IQ with Dr. Mark Burhenne on Dhru Purohit Podcast

Zero Water

Dhru Purohit

Dhru Purohit on Instagram

‎Dhru Purohit Podcast

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Episode #8: 5 Sleep Apnea Questions May 04, 2021

Show notes

Finding the right advice and navigating the system when it comes to treating sleep apnea can be frustrating. So, today, Dr. B is addressing five relevant questions related to sleep apnea. These are questions that he and his wife had and struggled to answer, even as medical professionals, when they found out about their sleep apnea diagnosis. In this episode, we hear about the factors to consider when deciding on a device to help with sleep apnea, the efficacy of surgery to treat a tongue tie, and the reliability of at-home testing. Functional dentists are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about sleep apnea, so if you have access to one where you live, try to see them because they are more likely to spot the disorder than your physician. Be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Question 1: What factors should you consider when deciding between an oral appliance and a sleep apnea machine?
Two points to consider when deciding on a device and how to ascertain them.
Question 2: How effective is surgery in releasing a tongue tie?
Why you should consider surgery along with mild functional therapy to treat tongue ties.
Question 3: How reliable is at-home sleep apnea testing?
Why Dr. B cautions against using a standalone home test.
Question 4: Are other gadgets, like chin straps or nostril strips, effective treatments for sleep apnea?
These ‘sleep hacks’ usually will not treat sleep apnea alone.
Question 5: Are there any new developments in the field of sleep apnea research?
Some of the advancements that excite Dr. B and the others he is worried about.
Your dentist is more likely to see sleep apnea than your physician, so go see them.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Tweetables:

“If you don’t navigate the system properly, if you don’t end up with the right device or therapy, then you’re going to get frustrated.” — @askthedentist [0:03:08]

“Go see your dentist. Your dentist is more likely to be able to see sleep apnea than your physician.” — @askthedentist [0:11:23]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram: @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter: @askthedentist

American Academy Sleep Medicine

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

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Episode #7: Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap — Is it Safe for Your Mouth? Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Most of us are familiar with Dr. Bronner's, a company that produces a host of hygiene products, including hand and body soaps, toothpaste, and hand disinfectant. You might have seen that they say that their castile soap can be used as toothpaste, but is this safe? In today's episode, Dr. B dives into what castile soap actually is and why it is better than regular, mass-produced soaps. He talks about why, when combined with essential oils, which are bactericidal, using castile soap as toothpaste is not a good idea. Remember, we want to nourish and feed our mouths rather than create a dysbiosis. Finally, Dr. B recommends how to safely use castile soap as toothpaste if you are in a pinch. Be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Insights into castile soap, its history, and how Dr. B has been using it for over 30 years.
Why you should not be putting essential oils in your mouth.
What a dysbiosis in the mouth is and the myriad of problems it leads to.
If you are in a pinch, you can use castile soap; just make sure to dilute it!
How Dr. Bronner's differs from regular soap; it doesn't dry your skin out, and it's alkaline.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram: @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter: @askthedentist

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

Dr. Bronner's
Dr. Bronner's affiliate link: https://amzn.to/36RhnNB

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Episode #6: Why Isn't Tongue-Tie Release Surgery For Adults Talked About More? Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

There is an apparent dearth of literature and conversation on the topic of tongue-tie surgery for adults and today's listener question asks why that is. There are a few probable and possible reasons for this, and it is very relevant to ask the question in the first place, as treatment of the condition is as important for adults as it is in younger patients. One of the main reasons might be simple human bias, as well as the different approaches of parents and independent adults towards pursuing surgery. Parents to children suffering from tongue-tie are more likely to agree to surgery more quickly, while an adult considering treatment for themselves, might delay for a number of reasons, including issues around medical insurance and work commitments. To round off our exploration of this question, Dr. B reminds us of the problems that can result from untreated tongue-tie, as well as the high numbers of individuals who are affected.

Key Points From This Episode:

Today's question: Why isn't tongue-tie release surgery for adults talked about more?
The biased emphasis on tongue-tie treatment for children.
Some of the possible reasons for the lack of literature focussing on this surgery for adults.
The high numbers of people affected by tongue-tie symptoms.
Taking the steps towards surgery and why these are more direct for children.
The huge impact that tongue-tie can have on the path of a person's life.
Later conditions and comorbidities that can result from untreated tongue-tie.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Tweetables:

“Adults can benefit greatly from tongue-tie surgery.” — @askthedentist [0:01:48]

“Tongue-tie has become very prevalent. 40 or 50% of the population is born with some kind of tongue-tie, and that's a huge number.” — @askthedentist [0:02:41]

“The takeaway here is that tongue-tie is as important in adults as it is in infants, and we should all be looking out for it, and as patients be willing to address it.” — @askthedentist [0:04:05]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

Check out Dr. B's website for more information: https://askthedentist.com

Subscribe to Dr. B's newsletter Mondays with Mark: https://askthedentist.com/newsletter

Episode #5: Why Do Some of Us Get More Plaque than Others? Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

If you have ever been in a situation where your partner or a friend, who is not as careful with their oral health as you are, comes back with a clean report while you're struggling with cavities, you know how frustrating this can be. So, why do some people get more plaque than others? It is a question that confuses dentists, especially when those who are not as diligent seem to get away with murder. In this episode, Dr. B talks about why we should not disinfect the mouth but, instead, feed and nourish the oral microbiome, which is the pillar of good oral health. We also hear about epigenetics and how this contributes to plaque buildup. Even if you are healthy in most ways, there is likely something you are doing or consuming which is contributing to your levels of plaque, so it is vital to find a dentist that will help you dig deep to get to the bottom of this issue!

Key Points From This Episode:

A listener question asking why some of us develop plaque more easily than others.
It all comes back to the oral microbiome; which is the pillar of oral health.
Why the use of lemon oil and tea tree oil is not recommended.
How epigenetics might be contributing to someone's plaque levels.
A look at nighttime mouth-breathing and why this might contribute to issues.
Some differences that account for why some people can get away with more than others.
People think they eat well without realizing that a certain food is harming their oral biome.
The importance of seeing a dentist who can address everything for you.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Tweetables:

“Disinfecting the mouth is not a good way to go. It's really about nourishing the mouth, keeping it healthy.” — @askthedentist [0:04:58]

“Just because you're flossing and brushing and eating well does not guarantee that you will not get cavities.” — @askthedentist [0:07:56]

“There's a disconnect on many different levels and you may think you're doing everything correctly but there's something you're not aware of that's making you that person that does have the dental issues.” — @askthedentist [0:11:15]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

Check out Dr. B's website for more information: https://askthedentist.com

Subscribe to Dr. B's newsletter Mondays with Mark: https://askthedentist.com/newsletter

Episode #4: Sleep Bruxism: Thinking About this Problem Differently Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

Grinding your teeth at night, or sleep bruxism, is a common problem, and dentists have typically taken a teeth-protection first approach through night guards or TMJ splints. As research emerges around the topic of sleep bruxism, findings show that there is a link between sleep and nighttime grinding. In today's episode, Dr. B talks about why it is crucial to differentiate between daytime and nighttime grinding. Often healthy people are told that they do not have sleep disorders, something Dr. B and his wife experienced firsthand, so you have to advocate for your health and find a functional dentist who takes an airway-centric approach and helps you conduct a sleep study. Dr. B breaks down some of the sleep study details and makes a case for treating the root cause of sleep bruxism rather than the symptom.

Key Points From This Episode:

A listener question asking for advice on how to stop nighttime teeth grinding.
Why there is a differentiation between sleep bruxism and daytime bruxism.
How dentists have typically approached sleep bruxism treatments.
Why you should not get a night guard to prevent sleep bruxism.
The importance of doing a sleep study to rule out a sleep disorder.
Some of the benefits of treating the root cause of your sleep bruxism.
Being healthy with no comorbidities does not mean you do not have a sleep disorder.
Ways to track your sleep and how the information can help you.
Night guards can alter your bite in a way that worsens your sleep.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Tweetables:

“The reason we grind at night is different than the reason we grind in the day.” — @askthedentist [0:02:13]

“I would definitely recommend dealing with the sleep issue first and that will help you with not grinding anymore and protecting your teeth.” — @askthedentist [0:09:18]

“If your dentist jumps right on the bandwagon and wants to protect your teeth, be wary of that because he or she is not considering the root cause of what is causing you to grind at night and they could actually make it worse by trying to help you.” — @askthedentist [0:10:27]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox

Oura Ring

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

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Episode #3: The Oral Microbiome Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

There is a rising body of knowledge about the importance of the oral microbiome for the maintenance of oral health, but we are still a long way off from understanding things in their entirety. Today on the show, we answer a listener question about how to maintain an optimal state in the oral microbiome! Dr. B gets into some habits revolving around diet, brushing, flossing, and even taping the mouth shut while we sleep. In his explanations, he elaborates on the role that plaque plays in keeping the oral microbiome healthy, the harmful effects of modern toothpaste, and the connection between the microbiome's health and overall wellbeing. He also talks about which kinds of dentists to see if you would like to get reliable information about the oral microbiome because not all dentists are trained or even aware of this topic that is so central to their craft! Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Growing recognition about the importance of the oral microbiome.
A listener question about how to keep the oral microbiome in an optimum state.
The link between the oral and gut microbiome and what foods to avoid eating.
Different colonies of biomes that exist in different areas of the mouth.
The importance of the biofilm or plaque for protecting the teeth.
Taping the mouth when sleeping because of how much an open mouth can affect the biome.
Why the paleo diet is so helpful for keeping the oral microbiome balanced.
The role genetics can play in people having different experiences with their microbiome.
All the threatening chemicals that are in fluoridated toothpaste like emulsifiers and surfactants.
Which types of dentists to see who will be qualified to advise about the oral microbiome.
Where we are in our efforts to measure the health of microbiomes.
Everybody has a unique microbiome, making testing and diagnosis difficult.
How to still get hydroxyapatite if you stop using toothpaste.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Tweetables:

“These orifices that aren’t closed most of the time, or sealed up, like the nose and the mouth, they need protection. They need a very active biome and immune function.” — @askthedentist [0:05:52]

“Everyone is unique when it comes to their biome.” — @askthedentist [0:11:25]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!

The Dental Diet
The Dental Diet affiliate link: https://amzn.to

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Episode #2: The Frenum Attachment Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

Today on the show Dr. B gets a question from a listener about whether it is necessary to do surgery on a one-year-old due to the formation of their frenum attachment. The frenum, in simple terms, is the web-like skin tag that connects the upper lip to the upper gum. Dr. B busts a few myths about the frenum attachment to the upper gum and the role this plays in causing gaps in teeth. He talks about the fact that gaps in teeth in young children are normal and also makes sure to suggest which types of associated conditions related to the frenum attachment are cause for concern. Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

A question about whether it is necessary to intervene in a diastema in a one-year-old.
Whether a piece of skin joining the upper lip to the gums will cause a gap tooth.
It is typical to expect spaces between teeth in children around the age of one.
Issues that can become serious because of a frenum tie.
When to see a specialist who deals with lip and tongue ties.

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist

Tweetables:

“If the frenum attaches too low to the edge of the gums close to the teeth, the thinking is, and again this is a bit of a myth, that that could cause separation of those two teeth, otherwise known as a diastema.” — @askthedentist [0:01:30]

“The space that you are seeing between E and F now is probably a good thing.” — @askthedentist [0:01:30]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist