Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

In today’s episode, Dr. Staci joins Dr. B to discuss the misinformation about flossing spread online by social media influencers. They explain why social media algorithms can be incredibly harmful, the destructive nature of clickbait and fearmongering, how studies against flossing measure up to the truth, and the positive results Dr. Staci has witnessed in her own patients who floss regularly. Our doctors then explore exactly what social media influencers say about flossing, the vital information they’re conveniently omitting, why our hosts are irked by the iteration that flossing causes bleeding, and how some influencers use their large fan base in a highly irresponsible way. Dr. Staci’s advice is simple: Please floss! And she warns against accepting medical advice that hasn’t referenced any credible sources. Finally, we look at the Bristle Health study confirming the benefits of flossing, why Dr. B thinks that flossing is a no-brainer, and the transmissible nature of bacteria and other factors you must consider when making decisions about your oral health. Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Staci and Dr. B discuss the misinformation being spread online about flossing [00:52]Why social media algorithms are more harmful than helpful [01:22]The perils of clickbait and fearmongering [01:45]Assessing the studies that go against flossing [01:57]What Dr. Staci has witnessed in her patients who floss regularly [03:03]The (wrong) things social media influencers are saying about flossing [03:49]The vital information that influencers are omitting [05:59]Why Doctors B and Staci are irked by the statement that “flossing causes bleeding” [08:07]How it’s utterly irresponsible to use a big following to spread misinformation [09:02]Dr. Staci’s professional advice: Please floss [10:11]Talking about the Bristle study that confirms the benefits of flossing [11:00]Water picks as a great alternative to flossing [13:30]Dr. B gives his take on why flossing is a no-brainer [14:14]Why you need to also consider the transmissible nature of bacteria [15:39]A quick summary of what we’ve covered in this episode [18:33]How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Bristle Research: The effect of flossing on the oral microbiome‘How to clean the back of your tongueBristle Health Slate Electric FlosserAsk the Dentist Shop | FlossDr. Staci WhitmanFollow Dr. Staci on Instagram @doctor_staciFollow Dr. Staci on Twitter @doctorstaciFollow Dr. Staci on Facebook @doctorstaciCheck 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 we're all aware, the simple act of breathing is an essential part of our lives. Yet, how many of us have taken the time to truly contemplate the power it holds over our health? In our latest episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Chuck McGee, an enthusiastic breathwork coach. He walks us through his intriguing health journey and enlightens us on the transformative potential of conscious breathwork.We begin by discussing how adjusting common routines like the way we sit, stand or even use our mobile devices can affect our health. Chuck provides us with a deeper understanding of various breathing techniques, such as mouth taping and lateral expansion of the lower ribs. You'll be surprised to learn how these simple changes can lower stress levels and drastically improve your wellbeing. We also delve into the benefits of nasal breathing and its role in enhancing sleep, reducing sympathetic tone, and improving oral health. Key Points From This Episode:0:00:00 - The Power of Breath0:16:12 - Wim Hof Method and Breath Training0:21:03 - Optimal Tongue Posture and Breathing Techniques 0:25:24 - Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Taping0:32:25 - The Impact of Breathing Techniques 0:35:19 - Mastering Breathwork and Its Benefits 0:38:48 - Practicing Biomechanics and Breath Modulation0:48:44 - Proper Breathing Techniques With Masks 0:52:59 - Impact of Holding Stomach In 1:13:29 - Box Breathing and Intentional Excitement Show Links:Unblock Your Nose!Sponsored By:LMNTGet 8 FREE packs with any order at DrinkLMNT.com/AskTheDentistPaleo ValleyFor 15% off go to: https://paleovalley.com/askthedentistCheck Out Chuck McGee:Online: https://icedvikingbreathworks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icedvikingbreathworks/The link for my free breathworkTopic: Chuck McGee III's Breathwork sessionTime: 11 am PST Sundays + 9PM pst MondaysJoin Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/750599401How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/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

Our Instagram page has seen a recent influx of questions about cavities, so today; Dr. B answers some of those questions to help you gain a better understanding of how cavities are formed and what you can do to prevent them. It seems that dentistry is caught in a tunnel-vision cycle of cavity re-restoration, but to end this cycle, we need to first understand that cavities are an ongoing disease process and also still the world’s number one disease. After laying out the differences between demineralization and remineralization, Dr. B explains the Stephan Curve and how it gives us a better understanding of how cavities are formed. We also learn more about critical PH, how long it takes for a cavity to form, why remineralization is slower than demineralization, and the ever-present importance of saliva. Dr. B wraps up this episode by explaining why he chose this topic and offering some useful tips on how to both treat and prevent cavity formations. Key Points From This Episode:Dr. B answers a series of questions from Instagram about cavities [00:18]A quick look at the history of dentistry and fixing cavities [01:34]The tunnel-vision cycle of re-restoration [02:38]Why it’s important to understand that cavities are a disease process [03:20]Understanding the equilibrium of demineralization and remineralization [04:54]The ins and outs of the Stephan Curve as an explanation of how cavities form [06:28]Diving deeper into demineralization: the beginning of the formation of a cavity [12:54]The tipping point of critical PH [18:01]How long it takes for a cavity to form [19:18]Exploring the enamel remineralization process [20:42]How remineralization is a slower process than demineralization [22:58]The importance of saliva quantity and quality in cavity prevention [25:00]How fluoride helps facilitate remineralization and other ways to achieve equilibrium [26:15]The way saliva promotes remineralization through proteins [29:32]Recapping everything Dr. B has discussed today and why he chose this topic [31:40]How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:The Stephan Curve Ask 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

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

Check Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!Today I am going to talk to you about something very seemingly simple - water. Why should you listen to a dentist about drinking water? The obvious answer is fluoride in your water, which I am going to touch on. I will give you some hints on how to get rid of fluoride in your water, but today is about distilled water. I will talk about why we should be distilling water, and if not at least filtering. I’ll touch on why this is important and how it relates to your oral health.Topics Discussed:03:52 - Deciding to use distilled water07:31 - Importance of clean water10:30 - What is distilled water?11:40 - Importance of water in the body14:04 - Assessing the problem with water15:30 - Claims against distilled water16:40 - The risks of well water and the filtration process21:09 - Microplastics in water and the affect on children22:51 - Fluoride in the water24:31 - Knowing the different impurities in your drinking water25:10 - Debunking the myth that “distilled water is too pure”31:46 - Safety and quality claims39:09 - Oral health is the key to overall healthSponsored By:BiOptimizers: Magnesium Breakthrough www.magbreakthrough.com/askthedentistCode ASKTHEDENTIST gets you 10% off any orderShow Links:Water DistillerReverse OsmosisTable Top and Travel FiltersElectrolytes Microplastic Free SaltCheck Out My NEW Line of Toothpaste and Professional Dental Varnish!!Check out Dr. B's website for more information: https://askthedentist.comSubscribe to Dr. B's newsletter Mondays with Mark: https://askthedentist.com/newsletter