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Episode #60: How do I know when my child needs pediatric sedation? May 24, 2022

Show notes

If your dentist has recommended that your child undergo a pediatric sedation, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about it (even though only one in a million of these procedures has a negative outcome). In today’s episode, Dr. B. is joined by specialist pediatric dentist, Dr. Staci Whitman, who is going to equip you with information that will make the whole idea a lot less scary. Dr. Staci explains the value of pediatric sedation, and why she prefers general anesthesia over oral or IV sedation. She also explains how she makes the decision about whether or not a child needs to be sedated, and shares examples of important questions that you should ask your child’s dentist prior to the procedure. Cavities are the number one chronic disease in children globally, and Dr. Staci recommends taking your child to a pediatric dentist from as young as 6 months so that you can prevent the need for pediatric sedation later on!

Key Points From This Episode:

A mother expresses her concerns about her two year old undergoing sedation to have his cavities treated [0:03:18]
An introduction to specialist pediatric dentist Dr. Staci Whitman [0:06:50]
Comparing oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia [0:10:12]
Why Dr. Staci doesn’t use oral sedation in her office [0:10:52]
Dr. Staci explains why she performs general anesthesia with a board certified anaesthesiologist present [0:13:49]
Paradoxical reactions that children can have to oral sedation [0:15:49]
The number of pediatric sedatives that Dr. Staci performs each month [0:17:35]
How Dr. Staci decides whether to do a pediatric sedation or not [0:17:55]
The importance of finding a pediatric dentist whom you trust [0:19:48]
Examples of questions that you should ask your dentist prior to the sedation [0:21:07]
Statistics which highlight how the safety of anesthesia has improved over the years [0:23:35]
Symptoms which indicate a dental emergency [0:25:38]
The extent of insurance coverage for pediatric sedation [0:27:58]
Why Dr. Staci likes to see children from the age of 6 months old [0:28:41]
When Dr. Staci will use nitrous oxide instead of sedating a child [0:29:56]
Benefits of taking your child to a pediatric dentist rather than a regular dentist [0:32:26]
How education can reduce the need for pediatric sedation [0:35:33]
Common causes of upper teeth decay in young children [0:37:45]
Other areas of your child’s life that can be negatively impacted by tooth decay [0:41:01]
Dr. Staci shares a summary of her advice regarding pediatric sedation [0:44:40]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Staci Whitman on LinkedIn

Dr. Staci Whitman on Instagram

Doctor Staci Website

NoPo Kids Dentistry

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

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Episode #59: What Your Physician Needs to Know About You From Your Dentist Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

Multiple systemic illnesses are linked to dysregulation of the oral microbiome, highlighting the importance of understanding the oral-systemic connection. However, we see dentists and physicians separately! Join us today to learn about the oral-systemic connection and why your physician and your dentist should be communicating. Dr. B explains why he wrote the Physician's CRP Letter, how dentistry and medicine split apart, and why this is such a bad model for overall patient health. We learn about the three mechanisms of how bacteria get into the bloodstream (infection, injury, and inflammation), and the different manifestations of the oral-systemic connection. We also find out what CRP is, why it's important as a marker of inflammation, and what to expect when you download the Physician's CRP Letter. So, to discover how to optimize your health from dentist to physician, press “Play” now.

Key Points From This Episode:

The oral-systemic connection, and why it's a core principle of functional dentistry [0:00:11]
Why Dr. B created the Physician’s CRP Letter, and today’s question [0:02:35]
The importance of communication between your physician and your dentist [0:04:15]
Why there’s a schism between dentists and physicians [0:05:06]
The negative health impacts of separating dentistry and medicine [0:06:53]
What the oral-systemic connection is [0:10:25]
How gum disease can be the foundation of inflammation through the body [0:12:02]
What CRP is used to detect [0:16:12]
The manifestations of the oral-systemic connection [0:16:56]
How the CRP letter can help you, where to find it, and what the CRP test is [0:20:17]
What your dentist needs to fill out in the CRP Letter [0:24:01]
How root canals can elevate your CRP, even though Dr. B supports them [0:24:25]
Dr. B’s wishes for the future union of oral and general healthcare [0:28:35]
The importance of the oral microbiome in the oral-systemic connection, and where you can find out more [0:30:27]
When and where to find a functional dentist [0:32:06]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

C-Reactive Protein Testing: Why We Need Collaboration in Medicine & Dentistry

Interview: Why We Shouldn’t Ignore the Oral Microbiome

Oral Microbiome: What Is It & Why Is It Important with Cass Nelson-Dooley

Ask the Dentist Physician's CRP Letter

Teeth: The Story Of Beauty, Inequality, And The Struggle For Oral Health In America

An examination of periodontal treatment and per member per month (PMPM) medical costs in an insured population

Ask the Dentist: Collected Articles and Podcast Episodes About Root Can

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 #58: Tab or Toothpaste? Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

With climate change being the issue it is, many people are seeking alternative packaging for health products that reduces their environmental footprint. One of these alternatives is toothpaste in tablet form. Today’s episode is centered around a listener's question of whether she should be using Bite tablets or Wellnesse toothpaste. We dive into the topic with Dr. B's appreciation for both brands, and why he is so grateful for the options that boutique brands are providing us with. We next move on to the pros and cons of tablets, such as the ingredients commonly used, whether or not they are broken down enough by chewing to impact our oral microbiome, and why they are sometimes more practical than toothpaste itself. We next hear about the pros and cons of toothpaste! Dr. B describes the necessary evils of toothpastes, why he prefers hydroxyapatite-based products, and why the premixing in a tube is potentially an advantage. So, to make an informed decision on your tooth-cleaning product, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s topic, and why Dr. B had to go through his shed [0:00:19]
Today’s question: Which is better, Bite tablet or Wellenesse? [0:02:13]
The brands behind these two products, and Dr. B’s thoughts on their ethics [0:03:23]
Why Dr. B likes the concept of a tablet toothpaste, and the pros and cons [0:05:36]
The other ingredients that concern Dr. B, and the benefits of hydroxyapatite [0:10:25]
Why Dr. B doesn’t like products that foam too much [0:11:20]
Dr. B’s major concern around the Bite tablet: does chewing it break down the ingredients enough to thin the biofilm? [0:12:25]
The best aspect of the Bite tablet: the convenience [0:16:30]
Testing toothpaste on your skin before using it in your mouth [0:23:53]
Comparing toothpaste to a tablet: the benefits of premixing [0:24:59]
A summary of Dr. B’s answer, and why he prefers toothpaste [0:26:08]
Dr. B’s appreciation for both Bite and Wellnesse as brands [0:29:36]
Why Dr. B is not against glycerin in toothpaste [0:31:08]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
What Dr. B Recommends

Why I Recommend You Wash Your Hands With Your Toothpaste

Bite

Wellnesse Toothpastes

Ask the Dentist: DIY Probiotic Toothpaste

Ask the Dentist: DIY Kids’ Toothpaste

RiseWell Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Boka Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Assorted Articles from Ask the Dentist on Hydroxyapatite

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

Follow Dr. B on Instagram

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 #57: Why Do I Have White Spots on My Teeth After Braces? Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Ask the Dentist! Today's question is from a listener who has white spots on her teeth following braces, and she wants to know what Dr. B recommends to treat them. We dive into the topic with Dr. B's explanation of what these white spots are, and how they are formed. We learn why the current standard practice of orthodontics is outdated, and why parents need to be involved when a kid gets braces. Tune in to hear Dr. B's three main suggestions on how to prevent these white spots (diet, swishing, and mouth tape), and how they work. Next, we move on to the noninvasive treatments, like fluoride- and hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, the Icon procedure, and tooth whitening. We wrap up the episode with the pros and cons of choosing more invasive treatments, and how visiting a functional dentist from a young age can eliminate the need for braces entirely. For all this and so much more, join us today.

Link To Study: Click Here!

Key Points From This Episode:

Talking about demineralization following the use of braces [0:00:07]
Why spring podcast season is helping spread the word of functional dentistry [0:02:34]
Today’s question: what to do about the white spots on my teeth after braces? [0:04:05]
How TikTok is helping get information out [0:05:42]
Why our current approach to orthodontics is archaic and doesn’t address the root cause [0:06:13]
Why demineralization should be considered a cavity [0:14:12]
How your diet affects the development of these white spots [0:15:14]
Dr. B’s musings on how etching might be the start of the demineralization [0:18:11]
Why prevention is better than treatment, and when to use cavity detectors [0:27:17]
How mouth tape can prevent demineralization [0:28:46]
Why parents need to get involved [0:30:06]
Dr. B’s recommendations for treating lesions [0:30:43]
What to expect when whitening your teeth [0:33:27]
The pros and cons of the Icon procedure [0:34:28]
Dr. B’s fluorosis and how he’s managed it [0:39:49]
Why porcelain veneers should be the last resort [0:40:51]
What Dr. B hopes listeners learned from today’s episode [0:42:01]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Icon procedure youtube video

Orthotropics.com

Dr. Staci Whitman on the Functional Dentist Directory

PreviDent 5000

Venus White Ultra Whitening Oral Care

MI-Paste

Ask the Dentist: Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best Brands

RiseWell Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

Boka Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste

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 #56: What Do You Need to Know About Oral Piercings? Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

Oral piercings are common amongst younger generations and are frequently judged by those who are older. This is not the case with Dr. B, who feels it's your choice. Tune in today to hear why you should be changing dentists if yours is making you feel uncomfortable about your piercings, and what to look for in a dentist who will give you the proper care. Dr. B breaks down the locations of oral piercings and the most common health issues associated with each of them. We also hear some great advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene around piercings, through salt-water washing, CRP testing, tongue scraping, and changing the material your piercing is made from. Join us to learn how to program your body to accommodate your new piercing, and why dentists are concerned about gum recession and broken tooth syndrome. To discover how piercings could be affecting your sense of taste, and so much more, press “Play” now!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why Dr. B might be a little hoarse: Hyman’s channel [0:00:12]
A shout-out to Jennifer Chiang, DDS and her effort to further the functional dentist cause. [0:01:50]
Today’s question: What should people with oral piercings be doing to maintain good oral health? [0:04:41]
Why Dr. B doesn't like the judgment surrounding oral piercings. [0:06:16]
The most common oral piercing locations, and why you should do a CRP test. [0:07:26]
Why dentists are concerned about gum recession and cracked tooth syndrome. [0:09:36]
How to program your proprioception to accommodate a new piercing. [0:11:27]
Talking tongue piercings: how they’re done and the materials Dr. B recommends. [0:12:30]
How a lip piercing is different from a tongue piercing, and the impact on the oral microbiome. [0:14:54]
What to look for in an infected piercing, and Dr. B’s cleaning suggestions. [0:17:22]
A summary of Dr. B’s advice. [0:20:12]
What you should be looking for in a dentist who will look after your piercings. [0:20:34]
Why Dr. B recommends scraping your tongue if it's pierced. [0:21:57]
How certain piercings could affect your sense of taste. [0:23:29]
Dr. B’s experience with oral piercings. [0:25:15]
Why you shouldn't pierce the body if you are immune-suppressed. [0:26:11]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Hyman+

Dr. Jennifer Chiang's Blog on Functional Dentistry
Dr. Jennifer Chiang, DDS on Ask the Dentist

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on TikTok @askthedentist

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

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Episode #55: Tonsil Stones, Bad Breath and Grinding, What's the Connection? Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

Like many people, Dr. B is not a fan of the time change. However, as always, he has some great tips on how to cope with the change, resulting in improved sleep and better time management. Join us as we move from this helpful topic, to today’s question about tonsil stones, bad breath, grinding, and how they are all linked! We first learn what tonsil stones are, and how Dr. B recommends managing them without surgery. We hear how the oral microbiome is involved in their formation, and what the products and foods are that you should avoid. We next learn what to expect from a dentist when visiting one for tonsil stones, and why bad breath is the least important concern around them. The benefits of visiting a functional dentist are made clear as Dr. B breaks down how mouth breathing causes dryness, which causes tonsil stones, which then leads to sleep paroxysm, and so much more! You don't want to miss out on this fascinating episode.

Key Points From This Episode:

How Dr. B decided on the format for Ask the Dentist podcasts [0:00:19]
A tip on how to avoid sleep issues when the time change happens [0:01:01]
Today’s questions: “What can I do about tonsil stones, and are clenching and grinding both symptoms of sleep apnea?” [0:02:56]
What tonsil stones are, how they are formed and what your tonsils can tell you [0:04:40]
Why Dr. B recommends holding off on tonsil surgery [0:06:47]
What to look for if you think you have a tonsil stone [0:08:33]
The microbiome of the tonsils, and how it’s linked to tonsil stones [0:10:39]
What you can do to avoid or treat tonsil stones [0:12:41]
When to go see a dentist, and what to expect [0:14:37]
How mouth breathing can cause tonsil stones [0:15:51]
How a dentist can identify mouth breathing [0:18:48]
The food, drinks, and products to avoid when dealing with tonsil stones, and why drinking lots of fluid is important [0:19:25]
What to do about bad breath and why it’s not the biggest issue with tonsil stones [0:20:33]
Dr. B's thoughts on paroxysm, and how to improve the symptoms [0:21:03]
A wrap-up of the episode, and why functional dentistry can help answer a complex question like today’s one [0:23:05]
Where to find out more about functional dentists and dentistry overall [0:25:09]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Remove

Best Sleep Apps + Wearable Sleep Trackers

Ask the Dentist Podcast Episode #15: Should My 14-Year-Old Use Sleep Tape?

Mouth Tape: End Mouth Breathing for Better Sleep and a Healthier Mouth

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

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

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 #54: Can't Find a Functional Dentist Near Me? Then Do This... Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

By now all Ask the Dentist podcast listeners should be well aware of and hopefully using, Dr. B's functional dentist directory. However, what can you do when you can't find a functional dentist near you? Today's episode starts with Dr. B providing a different definition of what functional dentistry is, followed by a discussion around why the question featured is such a good one. Dr. B explains why no dentist is not better than a regular dentist, and how biological and integrative dentists are part of the functional dentist family. We also hear some great questions on how you can interview a dentist near you to determine if they are a functional dentist without knowing it, and where you can contact Dr. B if you are totally at a loss! Tune in for a reminder as to why functional dentistry is so important in the prevention of diseases and disorders later on in life, and how COVID has launched the field of teledentistry. For all this, and so much more, join us today.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why Dr. B is so pleased with Hayleigh’s question [0:00:17]
A different definition of what functional dentistry is [0:01:20]
Hailey's question: Where to turn when you can't find a functional dentist [0:03:49]
Why a great question is one that reveals a problem [0:04:10]
Why choosing between a functional and a regular dentist is not mutually exclusive [0:05:04]
How to find a functional dentist on your own: the questions to include when you interview a dentist [0:06:44]
Why some dentists don’t realize that they are functional dentists [0:09:44]
How dentistry is involved in preventing sleep apnea and the resulting comorbidities [0:11:08]
What to do if a dentist labels themselves as a biological or an integrative dentist [0:11:56]
Where you can reach out to Dr. B so he can get a referral for you [0:13:51]
How Hailey's question led Dr. B to include teledentistry (not yet released) in his functional dentist directory [0:14:59]
How COVID has improved teledentistry [0:16:53]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Functional Dentistry vs Conventional Dentistry

Functional Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know

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 #53: How To Keep Your Retainers Clean Without Poisoning Yourself Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

If you've ever investigated the chemical makeup of your retainer cleaner, you would have been horrified to discover toxic chemicals such as persulfate. Understandably, today's question is from a concerned listener who wants to know if Dr. B has any advice on how to avoid these chemicals. Join us today as we hear about the retainer and denture cleaning products currently on the market, and why Dr. B is so concerned about persulfate. We dive into the role of a functional dentist in not only identifying the side effects from retainer cleaners coming into contact with your mouth but also their role in preventing dental issues later in life. Discover some great tips from Dr. B on retainer cleaning habits, and his very own DIY retainer cleaning recipe containing all-natural and easily accessible ingredients! Lastly, we end off with Dr. B advising a visit to your grandparents to ensure they aren't at risk of ingesting some poorly labeled chemicals. Press "Play" now!

Key Points From This Episode:

The results Dr. B saw when he Googled “functional dentistry” [0:00:11]
Why a tongue-tie specialist should be present at your child’s birth [0:02:08]
A dentist’s role in screening for sleep disorders, and the ADA’s updated policies [0:03:49]
Keeping your retainers clean without poisoning yourself [0:04:53]
Today’s question: What is Dr. B’s retainer cleaning ritual, and what he would recommend [0:06:02]
Using denture cleansers for cleaning retainers, and why Dr. B stopped selling them [0:06:21]
What the FDA did when persulfate was identified as being an irritant [0:10:45]
How persulfate works to clean retainers, and how it’s taken up by your retainer [0:12:29]
Dr. B’s thoughts on why people mistake denture cleaners for other products [0:14:55]
What to look for to detect retainer or denture cleanser poisoning [0:16:01]
Why you need to clean your retainer [0:19:29]
The alternative denture and retainer cleaners that Dr. B recommends, and his routine [0:21:32]
Another instance where similar packaging resulted in healthcare problems [0:27:40]
Why you want a natural biofilm disruptor in your cleanser [0:28:42]
The DIY approach and why Dr. B favors it [0:29:43]
A wrap-up of today’s episode, and why you should check on your grandparents’ denture cleansing habits [0:31:47]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

How to Clean Retainers [No Harsh Chemicals Required]

ADA-Approved Denture Cleanser: Why do they contain this disturbing ingredient?

DIY Retainer Cleaner (for Hawley, Metal, & Invisalign)

Assorted Articles from Ask the Dentist on DIY Products

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

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter

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 #52: Is Brushing After Lunch a Good Thing? Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

In the USA, children are often encouraged to brush their teeth multiple times a day, however, as they grow older this often tapers to just mornings and evenings. Today’s question is from a listener in Colombia, where it is not uncommon for people to brush multiple times a day as adults. After listening to Dr. B's podcasts on how brushing your teeth can strip away the enamel, Steven sent in his question asking if it is unhealthy to brush after lunch. Tune in to find out why Dr. B encourages this, but only under certain circumstances and only if you have good brushing habits! Join us to get some tips on what these good brushing habits look like, and when to time your brushing for maximum tooth health. Dr. B also shakes up the episode introduction by including Dr. Alvin Danenbeg’s definition of functional dentistry. We close off with a reminder of why functional dentists are the future, and where you can find out more.

Key Points From This Episode:

An introduction to today’s question and how Dr. B is changing the introduction to each episode [0:00:12]
Dr. Al Danenberg’s definition of what functional dentistry is [0:01:22]
What inspired Steven to ask today’s question: healthcare in Colombia [0:03:46]
Why Dr. B would reword the question and the benefits of brushing multiple times a day [0:07:30]
The science behind why Dr. B is concerned about brushing right after lunch [0:08:51]
Technique tips: how to brush your teeth properly [0:14:17]
Why Dr. B isn’t against brushing multiple times a day [0:15:10]
A call to functional dentists listening to the podcast to send in their definitions of what functional dentistry is, and to join Dr. B’s network [0:15:29]
How dentistry has shifted since Dr. B’s time at dental school, and where the field is going now [0:16:46]
Where you can find out more about functional dentistry [0:17:52]

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Alvin Danenberg on Ask the Dentist

Crazy-Good Living!: Healthy Gums, Healthy Gut, Healthy Life
Dr. B's Interview with Dr. Alvin Danenberg

Mark Sisson

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist