What do art history and functional dentistry have in common? They both require primary sources when researching a contentious question! Today's question focuses on Sorbitol and whether or not it can cause tooth decay. Dr. B answers this question but also takes us through his methodology when investigating a chemical, so that you can apply critical thinking to the chemicals that affect you daily. From simply googling the question to a deep dive into the literature available using the NIH's PubChem database, follow along step-by-step as the impact of Sorbitol on your teeth is untangled. We discover the most likely cause of the conflicting information available on the internet and how you can identify unreliable sources. We learn what Sorbitol is on a chemical level, how it's metabolized by humans and the bugs in our microbiome, and how it's made. We also touch on Xylitol and why Dr. B only likes some forms of it, and discover the other chemicals that are in Dr. B's investigative crosshairs for 2022. Tune in to learn all of this and more in today's educational episode!Key Points From This Episode: Using functional dentistry and logic to answer health questions [0:0:31] Dr. B’s qualifications and why he thinks the way he does about chemicals [0:01:31] Today’s question: does Sorbitol contribute to tooth decay? [0:02:56] The web search results that Dr. B sees when he Googles “does Sorbitol cause tooth decay” [0:03:11] How an acid attack can cause tooth decay, and Sorbitol biochemistry after breakdown by the oral microbiome [0:05:35] Why Wikipedia can be a good source [0:06:31] What Sorbitol is made from, the chemical structure of it, and its metabolites [0:07:22] Failure to ferment Sorbitol: why Sorbitol is not digested by oral or gut microbes [0:09:36] How the Glycemic Index works [0:10:31] The forms of Sorbitol in use, and where to check this information [0:11:48]  Why Dr. B likes Xylitol, another sugar alternative [0:15:14] Dr. B’s tips on what makes a good study [0:15:29] PubChem: what Dr. B’s favorite website says about Sorbitol [0:16:39] How to read articles that are behind paywalls: contact your dentist or doctor [0:19:52] Debunking false claims in the media: Sorbitol does not fight decay, while Xylitol does [0:20:17] How studying art history taught Dr. B to value primary sources [0:21:46] Concluding thoughts on Sorbitol, and other chemicals Dr. B is investigating [0:22:34] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Complete Guide to SugarSorbitol on WikipediaInternational Sugar Organization'RHR: A Beginner’s Guide to Scientific Research'National Institutes of HealthPubChemSorbitol Metabolism/Metabolites on PubChem'D-Sorbitol on the Hazardous Substances DataCheck 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 the rise of social media, there has also been a rise in so-called clinical advice and home health hacks, many of which are harmful. Today, Dr. B addresses the issue of tooth shaving, and why it's a dangerous trend. We hear why the serrations (mamelons) at the edge of your teeth are actually a good thing, and what you can do instead of tooth shaving if you are unhappy with your smile. We dive into the dangers of tooth shaving and home remedies for dental bleaching, and why only horses should have their teeth shaved! Dr. B also gives some great tips on how to tell if the influencer you are listening to is giving good medical advice (hint: there won’t be any shocks!). As this is the last episode of Ask the Dentist for 2021, Dr. B also talks us through some of the exciting things coming our way in 2022. We end this episode (and the year) with Dr. B’s gratitude to all his listeners, and his well-wishes for a family-filled festive season: until next year!Key Points From This Episode: Welcome to the last podcast for 2021, and why Dr. B is so grateful for his listeners [0:00:15] Tooth shaving on TikTok: be wary of the clinical advice you get on social media [0:01:40] What tooth mamelons are and why they’re a good thing [0:03:21] Why an enameloplasty is better for you than shaving your teeth [0:04:07] Why horses can (and should) have their teeth shaved, but humans should not [0:04:49] The other topic to avoid on social media: tooth whitening [0:06:00] How to tell who to trust on social media [0:06:47] Why Dr. B is thankful to have a voice through this podcast [0:07:57] What’s coming in 2022: Dr. B’s business adventure, the ruling on the fluoridation of municipal water case, new techniques, and advice for preventative dental care [0:08:24] A wrap-up of today’s episode, and Dr. B’s wishes for all his listeners over the festive season [0:10:46] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Fluoride Action NetworkAsk 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

Did you know that a woodpecker’s tongue wraps all the way around its brain? In today’s episode, we’re talking all things tongues as Dr. B answers a listener’s question about tongue thrust! From the evolutionary reason for why a woodpecker’s tongue is like it is, to how a tongue thrust affects your face, breathing, talking, and so much more, this episode has it all! We dissect how the tongue functions normally and what leads to an abnormal position such as a tongue thrust. We are reminded of the importance of functional dentistry as Dr. B explains why getting braces to fix the results of a tongue thrust doesn’t fix the underlying issue, and how the swallow reflex works. Find out who you should turn to instead of your local dentist when given an absolute answer, how to check if you have a tongue thrust, and what you can do to fix it! We look forward to having you join us.Key Points From This Episode: Today’s question: what would Dr. B recommend for a tongue thrust? [0:01:45] Why our tongues are amazing and their role in oral and overall health. [0:02:27] Dr. B’s perception of the swallow reflex and the physics underlying it. [0:05:28] What happens in the mouth when the tongue is thrusting forwards. [0:06:49] Why a dentist’s absolute answer to being unable to fix a tongue thrust should be challenged. [0:07:28] How a tongue thrust can affect your health, [0:07:57] The root cause of a tongue thrust and how functional dentistry is important in addressing it. [0:09:03] Why Dr. B recommends that a myofunctional expert should be present at birth. [0:11:00]  How to tell if you have a tongue thrust. [0:11:55] How a tongue thrust can be treated: behavioral retraining. [0:13:40] The role of myofunctional therapy in retraining your facial muscles. [0:15:28] Where to find a myofunctional therapist that Dr. B recommends. [0:16:56]  Why the functional approach is the best. [0:17:41]  Where to find a functional dentist. [0:18:47]  How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the Dentist: Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia): Diagnosis, Symptoms, Surgery, and MoreAn Article About a Woodpecker’s TongueAsk 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

For thousands of years, humans lived relatively sugar-free, with refined sugars not yet produced. However, in today's society, much of what we consume has been processed and sweetened. In this episode, Dr. B addresses the question of whether honey and maple syrup are ok to eat, and how they impact your teeth. The short answer is "no", however, there are nuances to everything in the body, and Dr. B gives some great tips on how to consume small quantities of sugar, safely. We hear why the myriad of "health benefits" to honey so widely publicized on the internet are not all they appear to be, and how you can wean yourself off sugar. We discuss how our ancestors lived, and why eating honey was probably not as bad for them as it is for us! From intermittent fasting to eating sweet things in one go, to Dr. B's very own microbiome-friendly omelet, don’t miss out on this sweet episode!Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to the root of all evil in dentistry: processed sugars [0:00:09] Today's question: Are honey and maple syrup considered sugar, and do they affect our oral microbiome the same way as refined sugars? [0:02:27] How honey is produced and processed, and why it can be good for you [0:04:00] Why sugar is bad for your teeth and how honey is slightly different from pure refined sugar [0:06:03] Why we don’t want to disinfect the mouth: causing dysbiosis [0:07:24] What dextran is and how honey can break it down [0:08:11] The difference between maple syrup and honey and how maple syrup affects your mouth [0:09:01] Dr. B’s advice for eating a healthy breakfast: the best diet for your teeth [0:11:00] How much sugar you can eat a day, and how often [0:13:07] Why our ancestors probably didn’t snack and what you can eat for breakfast [0:14:32]  How the oral microbiome is regulated and how sugar disrupts this [0:15:46] Bad news for today’s questioner, Chrissy [0:16:56] How giving up sugar changed Dr. B’s tastes and health [0:17:11] The systemic issues with ingesting sugar [0:18:11] Conclusion: there are no shortcuts [0:19:27] Some tips on weaning yourself off sugar [0:20:19] Why you should never give infants honey [0:21:02]  How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dr. B's Microbiome OmeletAsk the Dentist: Collected Articles about SugarAsk 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

Flavoring water with lemon juice has become the new rage, with people doing it for several reasons; from health benefits to making drinking water more palatable. However, lemon juice is acidic, and as we know from previous episodes with Dr. B, acid attacks in the mouth are bad for enamel! Tune in today to find out how you can safely enjoy your lemon-flavored water and other acidic drinks, where you can find a pH stick to find out exactly what it is that you are drinking, and why prevention is better than cure. We dive into the history and culture of people sucking on citrus fruits, and how this impacts your teeth. We also hear how other health conditions affect your enamel and are reminded how acid attacks work. Finally, Dr. B talks us through his feelings towards the coming winter. Press play now to find out more!Key Points From This Episode: What the Fall season means to Dr. B [0:00:10] An overview of today’s topic: “Is it okay to drink lemon water all day long?” [0:04:00]  Why we drink lemon juice in the morning [0:05:06]  How drinking lemon juice in the morning compared to drinking lemon water throughout the day affects your teeth differently [0:06:09] Why sucking on citrus will cause damage to your teeth [0:07:43] The cultural history of sucking on citrus fruits [0:08:30] Dr. B’s wife’s morning routine and how she drinks her lemon water safely [0:09:26] Drinking lemon juice throughout the day: flavored water versus fresh lemon juice [0:10:46] How to tell the pH of your drink and interpret these results [0:11:36] The process of acid attacks within the mouth and how they overlap with drinking an acidic beverage [0:12:19] Why prevention is the best thing to do for dental care [0:13:25] Know what you’re drinking: don’t assume that water is neutral [0:14:20] How to give your teeth the chance to re-mineralize [0:15:22] Situations that will dissolve enamel in months [0:16:11]  How to snack safely throughout the day, and tips on getting kids to drink lemon water [0:19:16] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The New Fat Flush PlanAsk the Dentist: Collected Articles on Acid AttacksAsk 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

Many people shudder when they hear the term "root canal", so, unsurprisingly, there is an even greater fear around baby root canals. In today's episode, Dr. B addresses this fear by answering a question about the risks involved in baby root canals, and how they work. From his position of expertise, Dr. B talks us through why a root canal is a great option, and how a baby root canal is not all that different. He defines the difference between a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy in kids, and how each of these can and should be done. We find out why Dr. B stopped using formocresol, and what he and his functional dentist colleague, Dr. Staci Whitman, use instead. We learn about the anatomical differences between baby and adult teeth, and why it's so crucial to treat damaged baby teeth rather than to simply extract them. To find out more about the root cause of a root canal, tune in today!Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today’s topic: talking about root canals on baby teeth [0:00:12] The question itself: ‘Are baby root canals the same as adult root canals in terms of any risks that they could run?’ [0:01:49] Comparing the baby root canal to the adult root canal [0:02:37] Why Dr. B stopped using formocresol in baby pulpotomies [0:03:25] The difference between an adult and a baby tooth root canal [0:04:17] How pulpectomies have changed over time: using an electrosurge and formocresol [0:07:19]  Why formocresol can be harmful [0:09:11] What good dentists are now using instead of formocresol [0:09:56] Why Dr. B doesn’t believe the rumors about root canals being bad for you [0:10:26]  Alternatives to a root canal in a kid and why these are not generally advised [0:11:06] When to find a new dentist [0:13:13] Other alternatives to formocresol [0:13:56] The wrap-up of the episode and why it’s important to ask questions [0:14:48] Why it’s best to see a functional dentist, and where you can find one [0:15:16]  How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Root Cause Movie ReviewDo We Still Need Formocresol in Pediatric Dentistry?Clinical and Radiographic Success of Low-Level Laser Therapy Compared with Formocresol Pulpotomy Treatment in Primary MolarsAsk The Dentist Blog: New Study: Low-Level Laser Therapy Can Be as Effective as Formocresol In Saving Primary MolarsAsk The Dentist Blog: Root Cause Movie Review: Are Root Canals Killing Us?Dr. Staci Whitman's WebsiteDr. Staci Whitman on InstagramAsk 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

Welcome back to Ask The Dentist, your dose of dental advice in a bite-sized podcast! Today Dr. B covers all things porcelain veneers: from what they are, to how they work, to whether or not they are necessary, and so much more! Tune in to hear Dr. B’s favorite story about giving a patient veneers, and how they changed this person’s life. We find out why it’s so important to make sure that you are getting veneers for the right reasons, and what the long-term consequences are. We discover the health benefits to veneers, and the costs involved in getting them. Dr. B also gives out some great advice on how to ensure that your dentist is the best person to give you veneers, and how to select the veneers that are right for you. For the dentists out there, Dr. B specifically addresses how to select veneers that are the best looking for each patient, as well as how to manage a patient’s expectations. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode!Key Points From This Episode: Welcome to the new listeners: what Ask The Dentist is all about, and where you can find more information [0:00:17] What a functional dentist is [0:01:08] Today's question: What does Dr. B feel about porcelain veneers, are they safe, and do they affect your health? [0:02:52] Dr. B's favorite case study of when porcelain veneers positively impacted a patient’s life [0:04:27] Why cosmetic dentistry is a miracle of modern dentistry [0:11:59] Dr. B’s opinion on the health impact of veneers: they are non-toxic and safe if done properly [0:13:56] The downsides of veneers: they are expensive and are a lifelong commitment [0:14:38] How a veneer works and the process behind getting them done [0:15:07] Tips on when you should be wary of a dentist doing veneers [0:16:53] How you can make sure that you are comfortable with the veneers before cementing [0:17:44] What to expect after getting veneers [0:18:37] Caveats to getting veneers and managing your expectations around them [0:19:08] The rare cases where insurance will cover a veneer [0:20:17] The dark side of Hollywood: cosmetic dentistry and the lengths actors will go to [0:20:52] What can go wrong with veneers and how to prevent these worst-case scenarios [0:22:10] How to choose the dentist to do your veneers and the veneers themselves [0:23:52] The key to a good veneer: the lab and the characterization [0:25:57] The importance of examining your motives for getting veneers as a patient, and case-selection on the dentist’s side [0:26:47] Why Dr. B loves doing veneers [0:30:48] The health benefits of cosmetic work [0:32:03] Composite veneers: a temporary fix [0:33:32] How to find your nearest functional dentist that can do cosmetic dentistry [0:35:53] How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Dental Accreditation: the London Dental InstituteAsk The Dentist: Collected Articles About VeneersAsk the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollowCheck 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

One of the first rituals a child is taught is to brush their teeth after breakfast. And up until 10 years ago, Dr. B was giving this same advice to patients. However, with the discovery of the oral microbiome, science is no longer pointing to this as best practice. Today Dr. B addresses the question “What is the benefit of brushing our teeth before or after our first meal of the day?” Tune in to hear how eating causes an acid wash within our mouths, and how brushing during this results in enamel demineralization. Find out the role of the oral microbiome in the production of acid following eating, and why disinfecting the mouth doesn’t work (and can even be harmful). Dr. B uses a simple analogy to describe the mechanical benefits of brushing and flossing in disrupting the biofilm and explains the pros and cons of the timing of your morning brushing. Listen in to find out why you should be changing your brushing habits!Key Points From This Episode: Why Dr. B’s answer to today’s question differs from his answer 15 years ago Today’s question: “What is the benefit of brushing our teeth before or after our first meal of the day?” How eating causes acid exposure in the mouth The mechanism underlying tooth decay by acid wash How our understanding of this process has changed due to the discovery of the oral microbiome Why disinfecting the mouth doesn’t work, and is bad for you Keeping the oral microbiome commensal: brushing and flossing at the right time How the oral microbiome protects your teeth Weeding the garden: an analogy for disrupting the biofilm How the biofilm is affected by sleep Why brushing right after eating can cause enamel damage by acid exposure and demineralization  The two best times to brush your teeth in the morning: before eating or 30 minutes after How the mechanical action of brushing and flossing helps the oral microbiome Why brushing right after an unhealthy meal doesn’t undo the damage Why you need to brush your teeth even if you don’t eat in the morning The role of functional dentistry in changing the status quo and staying up to date with science  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

When NASA noticed astronauts were losing essential minerals in space, they started prescribing hydroxyapatite supplementation. A Japanese company picked up on this, and in the 1970s released a commercial toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite. Recently, a toothpaste brand in the USA has also jumped on the bandwagon, and today Dr. B answers two questions about why this is a great prospect! Tune in to hear how hydroxyapatite works on teeth (and bones), why it’s better than fluoride, and where you can find it. Dr. B breaks down complicated chemistry into a simple explanation that makes the benefits of hydroxyapatite clear. From whether nano- or micro-particles are better, to how the state of the mouth affects its efficacy, you don’t want to miss out on this educational episode! Join us today to get the details on two of Dr. B's favorite studies, why you shouldn't be concerned about absorbing hydroxyapatite, and so much more! Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today’s questions: “What’s the natural size and shape of hydroxyapatite in our saliva, would having the most biomimetic size and shape in toothpaste make it more effective?” What biomimetic substances are, and why Dr. B supports them How calcium is a building block of the body The functions of essential nutrients like hydroxyapatite What the difference is between nano and micro-sized particles Why both nano and micro-sized hydroxyapatite particles are safe for use: how they get broken down in the body The history of calcium-phosphate based materials in human health and modern medicine How hydroxyapatite was introduced into toothpaste: from NASA to Sangi The difference between fluoride and hydroxyapatite in enamel repair Why hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are better than microparticles in toothpaste Two of Dr. B’s favorite studies on hydroxyapatite in human health How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Sangi co., ltd JapanThe Biomimetic Approach to Design Apatites for Nanobiotechnological ApplicationsNano-hydroxyapatite and its applications in preventive, restorative and regenerative dentistry: a review of literatureAsk the Dentist: Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: What It Is, Benefits, & Best BrandsAsk the Dentist: Boka Hydroxyapatite ToothpasteKarex websiteFunctional Dentistry: Everything You Need to KnowThe future of dentistry is functional. Here’s WhyAsk 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

As a functional dentist, Dr. B is used to being asked what functional dentistry is. However, this week, this question comes with a twist as fans ask Dr. B what he is most excited about in functional dentistry. Tune in to discover Dr. B's journey to functional dentistry, from sleuthing as a child to setting up a directory globally for fellow functional dentists. Find out how functional dentistry ultimately saves lives and money, and why (despite this) the ADA doesn’t yet accept it as a specialization. We discuss diseases that functional dentistry can prevent, and Dr. B's book recommendations that cover functional topics. From nasal breathing to flat dental plates, Alzheimer’s disease to sleep apnoea, Dr. B takes us through his tips and research into the pathologies that he has applied to functional dentistry, to benefit his patients and family members. Join us to hear all this and more about the future of functional dentistry. Key Points From This Episode: Dr. B's weekend plans: why getting out from behind a screen post-vaccination is so important Why most people ask what functional dentistry is Today's question: what Dr. B is most excited about in functional dentistry How Dr. Mark Hyman is an inspiration for functional practitioners What motivated Dr. B to become a functional dentist Working upstream: how functional dentistry ultimately saves lives and money How the body compensating causes pathology and why it’s important to intercept these compensations early on Recognizing functional dentists: one patient and one practitioner at a time Teaching functional dentistry: learning beyond your official education The systems that interact to affect your dental health Becoming a practitioner of the oral-microbiome Dr. B's "aha" moment about sleep apnea and prevention through dentistry The oral-systemic connection: what happens in the mouth affects the body How root cause thinking can save the entire healthcare system  The importance of promoting nasal breathing Understanding the P. gingivalis bug and its link to Alzheimer’s disease Why the future of dentistry is functional Functional dentistry throughout the world: From Brazil to Japan How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Functional Dentistry: Everything You Need to Know - Ask the DentistThe future of dentistry is functional. Here's why. - Ask the DentistDr. Mark Hyman on LinkedInBreath: The New Science of a Lost ArtAsk the Dentist: 5 Sleep Apnoea QuestionsCan gingivitis cause Alzheimer's Disease? [A Scientific Review]Ask 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