Opinions on oral irrigators are varied and in this episode, Dr. B explains how his has changed over time and why. In response to a listener’s question about the benefits and uses of water flossers, he dives deep into the origins of the tool, why he was previously wary of them, and how they should be used to optimize safety and effectiveness. Dr. B specifies who should use water picks and why, and shares the caveats for using them, as well as his concerns about the use of dental floss. Tune in to discover the ideal personal oral health toolkit to optimize your overall health!Key Points From This Episode: A brief recap of James Nestor’s recent breath retreat [00:16] The growth of our listenership [02:26] Introducing today’s topic: water flossers [02:50] How Dr. B’s opinion of water flossers has changed over the years [03:28] The early origins of oral irrigators [04:50] The results of various studies on water flossers [07:03] How a water flosser should work for safety and effectiveness [08:25] Dr. B’s current recommendations for using a water pick [11:34]  His concerns about the use of dental floss [12:17] Caveats for using water flossers [13:45] The ideal personal oral hygiene toolkit [15:20] How oral health impacts overall health [17:58] How to find a functional dentist [19:25] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:James NestorWebetop Water FlosserRADIUS Silk FlossAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsCheck 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

Microbes can create molecules that help mineralize teeth and prevent invaders from coming in and causing cavities. They can also be the cause of various different types of oral diseases including tooth decay, thrush, and burning mouth syndrome. Furthermore, Alzheimer's, adverse pregnancy outcomes, diabetes, and certain types of cancer have been found to be associated with certain microbes in our mouths. During this episode, Dr. B is joined by Dr. David Lin for a discussion around how a dysbiotic microbiome causes ill health within and outside of the mouth, the importance of doing oral microbiome testing on every patient who comes into your practice, and the different types of oral microbiome testing tools available to you. Discoveries that have been made about the oral microbiome in recent years have catalyzed a new era of evidence-based dentistry, and a dentist that is not considering the oral microbiome is practicing below the standard of care, so be sure to listen to this episode. Key Points From This Episode: What the oral microbiome is and the role it plays in oral disease [03:44] The different types of biofilm found in the mouth [05:28]  Symbiosis versus dysbiosis in the context of the oral microbiome [06:46] Examples of the roles played by beneficial microbes [08:57] The link between your oral microbes and your gut [10:46] Two examples of microbial interactions that demonstrate the importance of community [11:13] Exploring the different types of oral microbiome testing [15:54] A case study that highlights the value of microbiome testing [31:18] Recapping how oral health is linked to overall health [34:51] The correlation between personal health data and behavioral change [37:45] Factors that affect the pH levels in your mouth [45:16] How to approach the prescribing of antibiotics [48:26] The process of assessing microbiome testing results [51:28] Reiterating the connection between oral health and systemic health [54:20] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:David Lin, Ph.D. at BristleBristle Health on InstagramGet your oral health test kit from BristleDr. David Lin on LinkedInDr. David Lin on TwitterAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsCheck 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

David Lin is the go-to guy for oral microbiome! During today’s conversation, we get an overview of the oral microbiome, and how it should be treated. Through our discussion about prebiotics and probiotics, feeding microbes, and researching the oral microbiome, you’ll learn what we mean by ‘weeding, feeding and seeding,’ and when to implement each strategy. We know firsthand that the prevention route can reduce pain and maximize efficiency, and today’s episode teaches listeners plenty of vital truths to do just that. All dentists want to be a hero to their patients. Today’s episode is sure to equip you with some powerful tools to help you to make a difference in the lives of your dentistry patients. Thanks for tuning in!Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to David Lin and his background in oral microbiome [00:25] The weed, feed, or seed concept and how it relates to the oral microbiome [01:50] Prebiotics and probiotics [03:01] Feeding the right microbe [05:30] What ‘weeding’ means in the microbiome and what it looks like [08:30] Antimicrobials that work for a client neglecting their oral health [09:16] The right time to ‘seed’ and how to do it [12:25] Determining which combination of weeding, feeding, and seeding to use [15:17] Choosing an appropriate starting point for each particular client [17:52] Early research on the oral microbiome [21:05] Questions to ask your dentist around pre- and probiotics [23:09] The benefit of knowing that the prevention route is much less painful [27:01] What dentists want out of their patient relationships [27:40] David’s preferred food that supports gut health [31:05] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:David Lin on LinkedInBristleCass Nelson-DooleyInterview: Why we Shouldn’t Ignore the MicrobiomeSlate FlosserAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsCheck 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

No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or wise you are, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly. Today’s guest has written a revolutionary book called Breath, which challenges the way that we think about breath and its implications for our overall health. In this episode, you’ll hear about James Nestor’s work as a journalist, researching, writing, and publishing the book. You’ll also hear about a tool that James has purchased which has completely changed his perspective on air quality. Join us for an enriching conversation about all things breath and breathing, as well as the importance of good sleep for a healthy lifestyle today. Thanks for tuning in!Key Points From This Episode: Writing and publishing Breath, and its global impact [05:17] Seeing the response to Breath while touring globally [08:25] Why James does not consider himself a medical journalist [10:25] A pulmonologist’s perspective on the book [19:43] The body’s ability to compensate for poor-quality breath [27:03] How James came up with the term ‘pulmonaut’ [30:33] James’s experience of writing and publishing the book [35:55] The CO2 Monitor that has changed his perspective on air quality [40:04] Where James is at with regards to writing another book [46:50] Why he doesn’t talk about what he’s writing next [48:08] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:James NestorJames Nestor on LinkedInJames Nestor on InstagramJames Nestor on FacebookCar, Vehicle, Aircraft Carbon Monoxide CO DetectorBreath on AmazonDeep on AmazonFast Food Nation on Amazon20000 Leagues Under the Sea on AmazonWhy We Sleep on AmazonBREATH: Expert Q&A | Mouth TapingAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsCheck 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

Flossing has been around for a long time (since the 1800s, in fact!). And today, flossing is considered to be an integral part of an effective everyday oral healthcare routine. But for a good many of us, flossing is a difficult chore that we often end up avoiding. This is due in large part to how time-consuming traditional flossing can be (especially if you’re still struggling with long loops of flosser string as you navigate those hard-to-reach sections at the back of your mouth). While there have been some advances over the years in the type of flossing products on the market, the new Slate Flosser, designed by our guest, Danny Snyder, is a uniquely innovative invention that is having a transformative effect on how people floss. In today’s episode, Dr. B sits down with Danny Snyder to discuss his new electric flosser product, the Slate Flosser, where he got the idea from, and the incredible ways it is helping people floss better and more regularly without the hassle that comes with traditional flossing. If you’ve ever struggled with flossing, and are curious about how you can improve your technique, then you won’t want to miss this informative conversation!Key Points From This Episode: How Danny reinvented the way people floss with his new product, the Slate Flosser [02:37] Tips to help you floss more regularly [04:42] How flossing benefits and supports your overall oral health [06:01] How Danny and his wife came up with the name Slate Flosser [14:02] A description of the tongue scraper that is paired with the Slate Flosser and the central flaw of many other tongue scrapers on the market today [14:36] A breakdown of the Slate Flosser heads and how often users can expect to replace them [16:37] Advice on how to use the Slate Flosser if you have tight contacts [18:38] How the design features of the Slate Flosser are allowing people with physical impairments to floss [19:53] Danny’s opinions on the best time of day to floss [23:44] Find out more about Danny, like where he practices and how his kids are enjoying his new product [27:37] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Slate Electric Flosser - use the promo code “askthedentist” for 10% offSmile Source SpokaneReach FlosserAsk the DentistFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistCheck 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

A big part of modern dentistry is occupied by the subject and practice of teeth whitening, and while these aspirations and values do not have to be a problem per se, there are some serious things to consider when broaching the subject. Whitening has grown to be the most desirable dental procedure, and a remarkable dimension of this is the frequent requests from parents for brightening their children's teeth. As functional dentists, we have some important concerns to raise in this regard, and there are some simple rules and facts that all parents should be aware of before diving into bleaching treatments. In this episode, we explore some of the effective natural methods for whitening, what the stance of a dentist should be in these conversations and procedures, and how to mitigate the strong influence many young people experience from beauty standards on social media. We also spend some time talking about things to avoid, while noting the value of self-esteem and its relationship to our personal appearance. So to hear it all from Dr. B and Dr. Staci, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Common questions and requests from parents about whitening children's teeth [01:36] Natural approaches to whitening teeth [06:52] Thoughts on dentists bringing up the subject of whitening with their patients [08:25] Issues and dangers regarding bleaching [11:01] The problem with charcoal toothpaste and certain types of usage [15:35] Touching on the real impact of fluoride overuse [20:22] Veneers and bleaching; common practices for young people on social media [22:00] Comments and concerns about different light treatments [26:11] Misinformation and the role of dentists in correcting this [33:54] 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 @askthedentistDr. Staci WhitmanAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsLumineux Whitening StripsInvisalignCheck 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

Once again, we are thrilled to welcome the impeccable Dr. Staci Whitman to the show, as she and Dr. B fill you in on everything you need to know about sores in your mouth. We begin by taking a look at the differences between canker sores and cold sores, why you should reexamine your oral products, and the often overlooked harmful effects of sodium lauryl sulfate. Then, we discuss skin trauma and mouth breathing as causes of mouth sores, and we later add stress and fatigue to the list. When choosing oral products for children, you should do so with careful consideration, and our hosts give examples of common oral ailments found in kids. You should always seek medical advice when mouth sores are a common problem for you, and you’d be wise to avoid certain essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, and other harmful products. For more on how the oral microbiome relates to mouth sores, why Dr. Staci is obsessed with pickleball, and the highs and lows of the week, tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: Dr. Staci’s obsession with pickleball as she asks the audience for pickleball tips [01:20] Doctors B and Staci discuss the electric flosser and bee propolis [02:38] The difference between a canker sore and a cold sore [11:11] Why you should take a closer look at the oral products you use [16:11] Breaking down the harmful effects of sodium lauryl sulfate [17:48] How skin trauma and mouth breathing can cause mouth sores [20:42] The power of salt [22:01] Some nutritional advice for dealing with mouth sores [28:24] Why essential oils are not always a good idea [32:42] The overuse of hydrogen peroxide and other harmful chemicals/products [33:47] How the oral microbiome could affect mouth sores  [36:56] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Waterpik Electric FlosserBeekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat SprayBristleList of names for sodium lauryl sulfateSaturated salt water rinse recipeAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsCheck 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

Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioners set the standard for functional medicine in their industry and today’s guest is no exception! In this episode, Dr. B is joined by Dr. Staci Whitman; an IFM-certified pediatric dentist, founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry, and a repeat visitor on the show. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Dr. Staci’s holistic approach to her practice and why she had a hard time “bootstrapping” the education she needed to become a true leader in functional dentistry, which still isn’t accepted as a specialization by the ADA. Dr. Staci highlights the importance of being proactive and empowering patients and shares her advice for any practitioners looking to take a more natural, whole-body approach to dentistry. Tune in to learn more about what it can look like when medicine and dentistry actually work together, plus get a sneak peek at the exciting functional dentistry course that Dr. B and Dr. Staci are codeveloping!Key Points From This Episode: How Dr. Staci’s Instagram following contributes to (or detracts from) her practice [00:33] Ways that social media engagement can help counteract patient gaslighting [02:28] A better understanding of Dr. Staci’s recent IFM accreditation [03:00] How Dr. Staci is helping to move the needle on a functional dentistry curriculum [06:22] Some of the other courses that Dr. Staci is taking to supplement her holistic approach [07:18] Learn more about the Institute of Functional Medicine [08:54] What it looks like when medicine and dentistry actually work together [14:00] Some barriers for traditional providers who want to take a more holistic approach [17:31] The functional dentistry course that Dr. B and Dr. Staci are launching soon [21:33] This week’s highs and lows, why you should be kind to your colleagues, and more! [26:40] How to find a functional provider using the Functional Dentist Directory [33:36] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. Staci Whitman's Website: https://doctorstaci.com/Follow Dr. Staci Whitman on Instagram @doctor_staciTeeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in AmericaC-Reactive Protein (CRP) Testing LetterBristle Oral Microbiome Testing and CareDr. Burhenne's website Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionCheck 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

Craze lines. Those little fractures you find on teeth could be an early indicator that something is wrong. How do you uncover the root cause and how can you nip it in the bud as early as possible?(Note that there is a difference between craze lines and cracked teeth, the latter of which is a serious issue for which you would need a root canal.) To identify craze lines, Dr. B recommends what’s called a “transillumination device” to spot them even before they become visible to the naked eye and become an aesthetic issue. At that point, you would need a dental restoration; although, a potential solution to avoid this is to whiten your teeth and lighten the craze lines to render them invisible. You may have to go through this process once every few years. If restorative work is unavoidable, what is needed is the application of a veneer which should last anywhere between 15-20 years before needing to be redone. What are the root causes of craze lines? They include bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep or in the daytime), misaligned teeth, nail-biting, and chewing on non-food items (ex. ice, bone, pencils, etc.). As with all issues, real or suspected, the best course of action is to talk to your dentist to address it as early as possible!Key Points From This Episode:●     Introducing today’s topic: How to identify craze lines [00:00]●     How to use a transillumination device to identify craze lines early [01:23]●     Root causes of craze lines [04:00]●     Cracked teeth versus craze lines [06:17]●     How to whiten your teeth to render craze lines invisible [07:46]●     How sudden temperature changes can cause craze lines [11:02]Resources:Click Here to Record a Message for Dr. BFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneCheck 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

In this episode, Dr. B addresses the question; what are the alternatives to fluoride varnish on toddlers' teeth?  He highlights the dangers it poses to the human body and the alternatives to fluoride in varnishes and toothpaste. Dr. B explains the science behind the use of varnishes, the steps being taken to ensure available alternatives to fluoride varnishes and the challenges with creating and adopting these alternatives.Key Takeaways❏      Fluoride is a neurotoxin that should not be in our mouths because it gets absorbed, goes to the brain, and has permanent effects. Hence it should be removed from our toothpaste and water. ❏      Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride, containing 5% sodium fluoride, which is applied to the tooth surface after cleaning to help the teeth remineralize or repair themselves. ❏      Varnish has chemicals in it that enable it to be painted on the tooth surface. With this, fluoride in the varnish can be continually released over three to four hours into the saliva to recalcify teeth. However, fluoride is toxic, and as it gets released into the saliva, it is absorbed into circulation through the oral mucosa from where it goes into the brain. ❏      Although fluoride is widely used, there are not many good studies on it.  While some studies say it is good for the prevention of dental caries, the FDA only recognizes its use in desensitizing sensitive teeth but not as an anti-decay agent. ❏      Currently, in the US, there are no well-known alternatives to either fluoride or the chemicals used to make the varnish stick. The only viable alternative to fluoride is a biomimetic material already in use in Europe and Japan, which contains Hydroxyapatite, a natural building block of the enamel and dentine. ❏      Say no to fluoride treatment, and  address the causes of decay.  Use hydroxyapatite toothpaste two or three times a day.❏      Very soon, hydroxyapatite varnish will also be available in stores.❏      If you have been shamed about declining fluoride, find another dentist. Episode Timestamps●     [01:50] A short overview of the dangers of Fluoride use. ●     [03:32] About fluoride varnishes and why they should be discouraged. ●     [10:08] Alternatives to Fluoride varnish. ●     [16:57] How can the industry change from the use of fluoride?Resources:Karex hydroxyapatite ToothpasteDr. B’s recommended hydroxyapatite toothpastesClick Here to Record a Message for Dr. BFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneCheck 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