Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

For today's episode, we are focusing on clenching, looking at some of the root causes, risk factors, and links to gum recession. This is an important and complex topic that comes up a lot in dental work, with some notable progress being made in understanding it in recent decades. It is also a great proxy through which we can see the differences between a strictly academic approach to dentistry and a more functional and experienced approach. Although there are differences between clenching and grinding, they both fall under the condition called bruxism and shall be grouped together for the purposes of this discussion. As with most issues, understanding the root causes is the most important step, and this can help us begin to unpack treatment and get a handle on the other conditions that may be connected. The first thing to note is the two different classes of bruxism, with the condition being divided into the grinding that occurs during sleep and that which happens during periods of being awake. When it comes to bruxism, there are simple steps such as the use of sleep guards, which can be helpful but are merely a bandaid to the problem. We look at some of the circumstances that can give rise to bruxism, including stress and anxiety, aggressive dental treatments, sleep apnea and more. If we can narrow down the potential causes and patterns, we are then more able to find an effective treatment plan, so for all this and more on how to start unpacking this tricky issue, listen today! Key Points From This Episode:The small differences between clenching and grindingThe root causes for bruxism, the umbrella technical term for clenching and grinding Two types of bruxism; during sleep and wakefulness Primary causes for grinding: stress, anxiety, anger, tension, misalignment, trauma, and facial developmentThe contrasting reasons for sleep bruxism; narrowed airways and sleep apnea for example  Risk factors associated with grinding and the dangers of denialThe symptoms we should be looking out for: disrupted sleep, aches, tooth sensitivity, and moreSome functional dental approaches to dealing with bruxism worth considering The process of narrowing down the risk factors and causes in order to find the right treatmentDangers and continued issues with receding gums; connecting this to grindingAddressing issues with grinding in young children early on How a good relationship with your dentist can simplify complex issues such as these How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryCheck 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

There are many factors that can attribute to cavities, many of which, play an important role in the management of oral hygiene. In today’s episode, Dr. B goes dives into an explanation behind the factors that need to be addressed when taking oral care into consideration. He shares some key points regarding the dry mouth condition, how your diet factors in, oral hygiene including toothpaste recommendations, flossing, and biofilm management, and genetics. Dr. B also reminds us that it is important to try and stay on the side of remineralization rather than demineralization. Tune in today!Key Points From This Episode:We discuss factors that need to be addressed with regards to cavities1. Dry Mouth; dehydration and mouth breathing 2. Diet; why it’s important to factor in what we eat in our daily diets3. Oral hygiene; biofilm management, flossing first and using the right toothpaste 4. Genetics; how your teeth form and why you don’t need to worry about itThe importance of working with a dentistXylitol and how it factors into oral hygiene managementWhy you should floss before brushingWhether or not flossing spreads the disease of decay; no it does not.The importance of staying on the side of remineralization than demineralization How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryThe Dental Diet by Dr. Steven LinCheck 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

Cavitations are not widely recognized in the field of dentistry, despite a growing body of evidence to support their effects on the body. In today’s episode, Dr. B explains what cavitation is, how this empty space in your body - where no bone exists - links to chronic disease, and walks us through steps to take if you think you may have one. We also hear about the surgical treatment available. Remember, if you suspect you may have cavitation, you should go and see a functional dentist as they are armed with the knowledge to help you overcome this state of disease. Tune in to hear more! Key Points From This Episode: An explanation of what cavitation is and why it causes problems in the body Cavitational osteonecrosis is not a recognized state of disease in dentistry The detailed diagnostic procedure necessary to find cavitation Some of the main causes of cavitations, including trauma from dental treatments The links between cavitation and chronic disease  Surgery is the only treatment option if you have cavitation Why Dr. B is so passionate about cavitations and educating people about this problem There is a growing body of research around cavitations and their effects If you think you have cavitation, go and see a functional dentistHow to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryCheck 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

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 itHow to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryCheck 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

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 fluorideThe biggest source of fluoride in your life is your drinking water, but it is easy to remove itAn affordable product Dr. B recommends that removes fluoride from your waterThe U.S drinks more fluoridated water than every other country in the world combinedAnother source of fluoride that Dr. B worries aboutThe fluoride treatments you get from conventional dentists are also problematicIf your dentist pushes back against you opting out of the fluoride treatment, look for a new oneYou 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 BrandsDr. B's Favorite ToothpastesFluoride 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 PodcastZero WaterDhru PurohitDhru Purohit on Instagram‎Dhru Purohit PodcastAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter 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

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:Ask the Dentist WebsiteFollow Dr. B on Instagram: @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter: @askthedentist Ask Dr. B a QuestionAmerican Academy Sleep MedicineAmerican Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine The 8-Hour Sleep ParadoxCheck 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

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:Ask the Dentist WebsiteFollow Dr. B on Instagram: @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter: @askthedentist Ask Dr. B a QuestionDr. Bronner'sDr. Bronner's affiliate link: https://amzn.to/36RhnNBCheck 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

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:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryCheck 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

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:Ask the Dentist WebsiteAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryCheck 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

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/askthedentistTweetables:“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:Ask the Dentist WebsiteAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryThe 8-Hour Sleep ParadoxOura RingCheck 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