Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

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Episode #30: What's a good protocol, products, and tools for kids aged four-12? Oct 05, 2021

Show notes

Forming good dental habits with kids can be like pulling teeth. To address this issue, today Dr. B answers the question, "What's a good protocol, products, and tools for kids aged four-12?" Surprisingly, the products and tools are less important than the protocol, however, Dr. B still gives some good recommendations for all three! Tune in to hear why you should be using Myotape if your kid is mouth breathing, and what products to buy to ensure that if they need to brush at school, it is as easy as possible. From throwing out your mouthwash to which toothpaste to use, this episode has it all! Join us as we hear why the protocol is more important than both the products and the tools used, and what this encompasses. From diet to timing to technique, Dr. B provides a wealth of advice and practical tips that you can put into use today. You don’t want to miss this entertaining episode filled with tips to help you give your kid a healthier smile.

Key Points From This Episode:

Brushing your kid's teeth: "What's a good protocol, products, and tools for kids aged four-12?"
Why Dr. B will split his advice from kids aged four to eight-year-olds, and eight to 12 year-olds
Why protocol is more important than the products or tools used
Breaking down the products: throw out your mouthwash and fluoride-based toothpaste and buy hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste instead
Find out which toothpaste brands will make the difference
Why you should be using Myotape to prevent mouth breathing
Protocol: from technique to timing
Motivating kids to brush their teeth: modeling the behavior
Why you should supervise your kid’s brushing until the age of 10
How to give your kids the power to control their teeth-cleaning behavior
Discussing diet and how this affects their brushing routine
Tips for how and when a kid should brush at school
Two things Dr. B feels you should read about: the dental diet and vitamin K2
Choosing a functional dentist to help your kids form good habits

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Fluoride Action Network

Risewell Toothpaste for Kids

Boka Coco Ginger Flavored Toothpaste

Myotape website

The Oxygen Advantage: Simple, Scientifically Proven Breathing Techniques to Help You Become Healthier, Slimmer, Faster, and Fitter

The Breathing Cure: Develop New Habits for a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life

Close Your Mouth:

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Episode #29: How Long Should You Wait After Brushing? Sep 28, 2021

Show notes

Most of us have been taught to brush, spit, and rinse after meals. Tune in today to find out why this is not necessarily what Dr. B recommends! From the time of day to the type of toothpaste (fluoride or hydroxyapatite-based), to your age, Dr. B explains how each of these aspects can impact your dental health. We discover the molecular mechanism underlying how fluoride remineralizes teeth and why it’s dangerous for kids to swallow, but not adults. Dr. B provides a wealth of information about the invention of the first toothbrush before World War II, when fluoride was introduced into toothpaste, and what the purpose of plaque is, as well as how the type of food we eat affects it. He also shares his daily brushing routine and what you can do to improve yours. Don’t miss out on this educational episode, and don’t forget your homework for next week!

Key Points From This Episode:

When to brush: Should you be rinsing after you brush your teeth, or should you be waiting after using your fluoridated toothpaste?
How the pH in your mouth is affected by the food you eat.
Why fluoride should be on your teeth for as long as possible, but not in your body.
Waiting 30 to 40 minutes after eating before brushing to allow for remineralization.
How the biofilm is affected by brushing.
The protective role of plaque and the biofilm.
The impact of sugary and processed food on the biofilm.
When and why the toothbrush was invented.
The addition of fluoride to toothpaste and how it remineralizes teeth on a molecular level.
Why children need to spit and rinse fluoride-based toothpaste, but adults do not.
Why you don’t need to rinse when using hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste.
How brushing straight after eating removes the calcium slurry from your teeth.
Your homework for the week: Which does Dr. B do first, floss or brush?

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

'Ask the Dentist: Boka Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste'

'Ask the Dentist: Should you floss before or after brushing?'

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Episode #28: Can Breastfeeding Give my Child Cavities? Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

As the parent of a young child, there is a lot of internal and external pressure to give them the best possible start in life. But what if it’s not always clear whether something will have a positive or negative impact? Our question this week comes from Anna, a lactation consultant who is concerned over the correlation she has seen between breastfeeding moms and cavities in young children. In today’s episode, we hear from Dr. B about the benefits of breastfeeding, why it does not cause cavities, and what other factors in your child’s life might be causing cavities. We also discuss how a vaginal birth can influence a child’s oral microbiome and why infant formula is likely to cause cavities. Later, Dr. B shares how to institute positive habits that will benefit your child’s microbiome and why it's so beneficial. For all this and much more, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing today’s topic on whether breastfeeding can cause cavities in children
Why breastmilk does not cause cavities, as it is not cariogenic
How your method of birth can have an impact on your child’s oral microbiome
The study of breastfeeding for more than 40 days and how it affects your child
The link between breastfeeding and facial development
Why using formula can cause tooth decay
How the condition of the mother before birth plays a role in the child’s health
How a vaginal birth assists your child’s microbiome
Why breastmilk is the ideal method for culturing a child’s microbiome
Some of the factors that cause tooth decay in humans versus other mammals
Why it’s important to minimize saliva sharing activities like sharing a toothbrush
Snacks: it’s not about the quantity of the snack, but the frequency of the snack
Dr. B’s advice for preventing cavities by teaching children proper oral care habits
Why it’s good to take your child to see a dentist from as early as six months

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!!

Boka

Risewell

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Episode #27: How Does Oral Microbiome Affect Gum Health? Sep 14, 2021

Show notes

One of the most flattering things is knowing that there are fellow functional dentists who listen to the show. Today's question is from an aspiring functional dentist, and Dr. B dives into the oral microbiome. We hear about an article published in the Journal of Dentistry that looked at the plaque pH of caries-free versus caries-active individuals. Despite what conventional dentistry wants us to do, we cannot isolate one bacteria as being the culprit. It is all interrelated, which is why it is so important to have a dentist who understands the oral microbiome. Tune in to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

The oral microbiome gives you a richer, more nuanced understanding of oral health
Hear about a journal article in The Journal of Dentistry
It is not one bug that causes gum disease; it’s a whole host of them
Corneum bacteria is responsible for some serious diseases
What causes bacteria to go from commensal to pathogenic
Why we need dental microbiome researchers and degrees
It’s all about the oral microbiome

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!!

Journal of Dentistry

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Episode #26: Metal or Plastic Fillings? Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

Fillings are very common procedures and while they are preventable, they still happen. So, if you are getting a filling done, should you go with metal or plastic as your material of choice? Today, Dr. B outlines these two materials and weighs up the pros and cons of each. Even though plastic is not good for us, metal in our mouths is far worse. There are numerous side effects of metal fillings that Dr. B explains. We also hear which material he uses for fillings on his patients. Remember, there is no informed consent when it comes to choosing your filling material, so make sure you explicitly tell your dentist which one you’d prefer.

Key Points From This Episode:

You should always ask your dentist before they place anything in your mouth
There is no informed consent when it comes to the type of material that’s used for a filling
A history of metal fillings, why they are so popular, and some of the drawbacks of this material
Details about plastic fillings and some of the dangers that come with them
Why Dr. B thinks plastic fillings are still overall better than metal ones
The material Dr. B is currently using for his fillings

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
Admira Fusion

Mercury Fillings Dangers, Who Is At Risk & Removal Checklist

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Episode #25: Sinus Versus Tooth Pain? How Do We Tell The Difference? Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

This week’s listener question concerns the relationship between sinus infections and tooth pain. Our skulls can often be compared to a laptop, not just because of its processing power, but also because it has so many intricate parts compressed inside a small space. For this reason, it can often be difficult to differentiate between sinus pain and tooth pain. This can lead to indecision over whether to perform a root canal as well as prolonged pain for the patient. In today’s episode, Dr. B examines the intricate relationship between sinus pain and tooth pain and suggests useful tips for determining which one is the root cause. Tune in to learn how you can tell the difference and hear why it’s important to be patient with your dentist so you can avoid an unnecessary root canal!

Key Points From This Episode:

The relationship between a sinus infection and tooth pain
Why the skull is like a laptop: it has lots of parts compressed into a small space
Why there can often be confusion over whether you might need a root canal
How inflammation due to maxillary sinusitis can lead to inflammation inside the tooth
Some of the methods for determining whether you have sinusitis or an infected tooth
How sinusitis and tooth pain respond differently to cold water
The debilitating effect that tooth pain can have on an individual
Why it’s often helpful to see a specialist like an endodontist
How sinus infections can lead to unnecessary root canals

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!!

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 #24: What Is Geographic Tongue? Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

Geographic tongue is a common, easy-to-spot oral condition, where the tongue takes on an atlas-like appearance. There are white borders around patches on the surface of the tongue, and in some cases, the condition can be painful. So, what causes this problem? In today's episode, Dr. B gets into some of the potential factors that cause this issue and also unpacks what you can do to overcome it. Like with any medical issue, there is no silver bullet or simple solution. As such, it is important to take a holistic treatment approach rather than a palliative one. Tune in to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why the condition is called ‘geographic tongue’, and where it can appear
Some of the potential causes of geographic tongue
The age group that is most affected by this condition
If you have a geographic tongue, your dentist should be looking at a holistic solution
The possible link between stress and geographic tongue
Psoriasis and geographic tongue and the link between the two conditions
Other proposed conditions that could cause geographic tongue
Dr. B’s take on some palliative home remedies that are commonly suggested to treat geographic tongue
More holistic treatments to the causes of geographic tongue
A simple solution you use do to treat dry mouth
Dr. B’s best palliative solution treatment for geographic tongue

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

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

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Episode #23: Should You Get Sealants For Your Child? Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

When it comes to making dental health decisions for yourself or your children, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. There is no absolute right or wrong decision, so it is often about finding the lesser of two evils. This is why it is important to do as much research as you can, and to find credible sources that you resonate with. In today’s episode, Dr. B. talks about sealants and some of the research around these coverings. We hear about some of the potential adverse effects, when it is necessary to get sealants for your child, and what a good sealant insertion looks like. As with many areas of dentistry, this is a subject with a lot of gray areas, but the more you know, the better informed you will be, so be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Some background on sealants, including what they are, how long they last, and their efficacy
It is difficult to get patients in at the right time if they need sealants
You have to weigh up the good and the bad when it comes to dental decisions
Sealants contain endocrine disruptors which have adverse long-term effects
What researchers have found about BPA exposure with sealants
How Dr. B’s sealant insertion process works
Before you put something in your body, you should do thorough research

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!!

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 #22: What Is PAP and Is It A Safe Teeth Whitening Method? Aug 10, 2021

Show notes

This episode is all about one of the most hyped-up topics in dentistry: whitening. While Dr. B has spoken on the topic previously and there is plenty of information available on his website, today’s episode looks at whitening in the context of a new substance on the market that claims to be safer than conventional hydrogen peroxide-based methods. It’s called PAP, or phthalimidoperoxcaproic acid, and today’s question about it comes from Charlotte in the UK; is it actually a safer alternative to peroxide? You might be surprised by Dr. B’s answer!

Key Points From This Episode:

Some background on whitening and why there is so much hype and so little science behind it
Find out what PAP is, how it works, and why the narrative that it is safe is dangerous
Why regulations regarding whitening should be stricter in the US, like they are in the EU
The importance of professional supervision when it comes to whitening
Hear why Dr. B doesn’t recommend PAP as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide
How overexposure to hydrogen peroxide and PAP can increase tooth sensitivity
Dr. B recommends waiting for further studies to be conducted on PAP before jumping on the bandwagon
Why you should be wary of any dentist that advises you to whiten your teeth

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Recommended Whitening Products

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