Most patients smile when they hear about Invisalign, as it’s both affordable and effective. However, as soon as interproximal reduction (IPR) is mentioned, their hackles go up. Today’s question is all about IPR: what it is, its role in aligner therapy, and whether it’s a safe procedure. The enquirer in question is worried that IPR will affect the health of her teeth long-term and, in this episode, Dr. B gives an in-depth explanation of the uses, precision, procedure, and safety of IPR in the context of aligner therapy (when administered professionally). You’ll find out what questions to ask your dentist prior to receiving treatment and what to look out for post-IPR. If the safety of IPR is a question of concern for you, tune in today to find out all you need to know about this intricate, yet effective procedure!Key Points From This Episode: Today’s question: What is IPR, how does it relate to Invisalign treatment, and is it safe in the long run? [01:29] The cosmetic and practical benefits of Invisalign [02:43] What interproximal reduction (IPR) is and the role it plays in aligner therapy [05:46]  How Dr. B performs IPR in his practice [07:01] The importance of doing IPR correctly [08:06] How 3D scans ensure precision and safety [09:11] What the correct execution of IPR involves and achieves [10:03] The incredible precision of Invisalign in terms of space management [13:01] What to look out for post-IPR treatment [13:36] The negative side effects of an overly aggressive Invisalign [13:51] The safety of IPR if done professionally [14:33] Is it wise to deal directly with Aligner companies without professional guidance? [16:18] 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 DirectoryWhat Dr. B RecommendsSmileDirectClubCheck 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

Today’s question comes from Megan who found herself experiencing very serious gum sensitivity four days after getting a filling. In light of the fact that she has more cavities to be filled, she would like to know about the cause of this pain and whether or not she should be taking a different approach to the care of her gums in the future. In this episode, Dr. B explains the process of putting in a filling, how the technique of putting in a regular filling differs from a two or multi-surface filling, and how the band necessary for the latter can cause this post-op discomfort. He breaks down different scenarios of why you may experience discomfort at various points after your filling, what causes this discomfort, and how to treat it in each situation. If you suspect you may have any fillings in the future, tune in today to find out everything you need to know about the specific causes and treatments for any post-filling discomfort.Key Points From This Episode: Today’s question: Why do some people experience pain or sensitivity after a filling and should one take a different approach to the care of their gums? [01:59] The first of two scenarios of what you may experience after a filling and how you should treat it [02:59] Scenario two: what a patient may experience on the third or fourth night after a filling [03:53] Insight into the process of putting in a filling and why a band is often used [04:10] What you can expect from the filling substance in a regular filling [05:55] How the filling process is different if the cavity is in the side of the tooth [07:11] What can go wrong with the band that can cause discomfort on the night of the filling [09:28] How discomfort experienced three or four days later is usually caused by debris [10:58] The third scenario as a combination of the previous two [12:42] Why Megan should bring up her concerns with her dentist and consider a follow-up appointment [13:29] Dr. B explains why there’s nothing different that she can do the next time [14:23] What can cause post-op pain months or weeks later: an overhang [14:54] What an open-contact is and how this can also be caused by the bands used in fillings [16:48] A recap of the different things that can cause gum pain after a filling and how to tell which one you are experiencing [18:55] Why it is possible to have a filling done and experience no pain whatsoever [19:51] How common Megan’s problem is and Dr. B’s final words of advice on this topic [20:57] The importance of always asking the dentist [22:32] How to reach out to Dr. B if you have a question or find out more information [24:19] 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

As you may know, sugar is highly addictive, it’s found in many of the products we consume, and it is a major cause of chronic disease. But not all sugars are created equal. In today’s episode, Dr. B shares why we should stay far away from artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sorbitol, and choose natural sweeteners like monk fruit (luo han guo) instead. Monk fruit is 200 times sweeter than sugar, contains no calories or carbs, and it tastes good! That’s why Dr. B recommends monk fruit-sweetened products (Evolved Keto Cups, for example) as a tooth-safe snack for your kids. Tune in today to hear more about this natural sweetener, other sources of “healthy” sugars, and a reminder that sugar is something that should be consumed in moderation!   Key Points From This Episode: The ubiquity of sugar in the products we consume [02:05] Why human beings are prone to sugar addiction [02:29] Dangers of consuming too much sugar [03:05] Dr. B explains why monk fruit (luo han guo) is better than artificial sweeteners [05:28] A warning to stay away from aspartame [06:26] Why we should limit our sugar intake as much as possible [06:47] Examples of healthier sources of sugars [07:22] Beneficial characteristics of monk fruit [07:50] Where monk fruit derives its sweetness from [08:57] Dr. B shares some details about the mogroside 5 compound found in monk fruit [11:17] Keto Cups: why these are a perfect monk fruit sweetened snack for your child (or you!) [13:08] Why eating fruit is better than drinking fruit [17:55] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Podcast Episode #47: How Can You Kick the Sugar Habit?Podcast Episode #43: Does Sorbitol Cause Cavities?Evolved Keto CupsThe Big Fat SurpriseEvolved Keto CupsAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionFunctional Dentist DirectoryProducts I LoveCheck 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 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 LinkedInDr. Staci Whitman on InstagramDoctor Staci WebsiteNoPo Kids DentistryAsk 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

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 & DentistryInterview: Why We Shouldn’t Ignore the Oral MicrobiomeOral Microbiome: What Is It & Why Is It Important with Cass Nelson-DooleyAsk the Dentist Physician's CRP LetterTeeth: The Story Of Beauty, Inequality, And The Struggle For Oral Health In AmericaAn examination of periodontal treatment and per member per month (PMPM) medical costs in an insured populationAsk the Dentist: Collected Articles and Podcast Episodes About Root CanCheck 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

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 RecommendsFunctional Dentist DirectoryWhy I Recommend You Wash Your Hands With Your ToothpasteBite Wellnesse ToothpastesAsk the Dentist: DIY Probiotic ToothpasteAsk the Dentist: DIY Kids’ ToothpasteRiseWell Hydroxyapatite ToothpasteBoka Hydroxyapatite ToothpasteAssorted Articles from Ask the Dentist on HydroxyapatiteAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram 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

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 videoOrthotropics.comDr. Staci Whitman on the Functional Dentist DirectoryPreviDent 5000Venus White Ultra Whitening Oral CareMI-PasteAsk the Dentist: Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best BrandsRiseWell Hydroxyapatite ToothpasteBoka Hydroxyapatite ToothpasteAsk the DentistCheck 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 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 DentistryDr. Jennifer Chiang, DDS on Ask the DentistAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on TikTok @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

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 RemoveBest Sleep Apps + Wearable Sleep TrackersAsk the Dentist Podcast Episode #15: Should My 14-Year-Old Use Sleep Tape?Mouth Tape: End Mouth Breathing for Better Sleep and a Healthier MouthAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow 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

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 DentistryFunctional Dentistry: Everything You Need to KnowAsk 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