Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

 “I have a question about fluoride varnishing on toddlers’ teeth: What would be the alternative treatment?”Fluoride varnish is a highly-concentrated form of fluoride, typically composed of 5% sodium fluoride. It is applied to the tooth’s surface after cleaning and lasts up to four hours. The problem with fluoride is not the mineral’s contact with your teeth, but the coating serving as a “glue” whi...

Dr. B sits down with Natasha Beck. The mother of four is the face behind Dr. Organic Mommy, a platform created to help every family make healthy decisions for themselves, drawing on her experience as a mom and her expertise in psychology, neuroscience, and public health. She is also a board member of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping...

 Dr. B sits down with Dawn Winkelmann, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Pediatric Feeding Therapist specializing in infant swallowing. She is the co-author of the book Making Mealtime EZPZ, featured on The View and Shark Tank. Dawn is also the product designer for EZPZ, a company that offers developmental feeding tools to help children feed independently and meet critical milestones. Dawn provide...

Registered dental hygienists Sarah Hornsby and Melissa Mugno sit with Dr. B to discuss the importance of myofunctional therapy not just to one’s oral health, but to their overall health. Sarah and Melissa define myofunctional therapy as the identification and treatment of issues within the oral cavity and the head/neck that are affecting potentially any area of the body, from the airway to the sta...

Today’s episode covers an essential aspect of healthcare that is not often discussed and just so happens to be the root cause of the majority of chronic diseases: facial development. We shed light on the ramifications of an underdeveloped lower face and what we need to keep in mind if we want to minimize this phenomenon in ourselves and our children. Lending his expertise to this vital topic is sp...

Today, Dr. B welcomes  Dr. David Lin to the podcast to discuss how one company is reinventing our approach to oral health—by highlighting the foundational importance of the oral microbiome. Dr. Lin has a Ph. D. in Microbiology and Immunology and is the Co-Founder and CSO of the startup Bristle. The newly launched company is on a mission to help people understand and improve their oral health using...

On this episode of Ask the Dentist, Dr. Mark Burhenne takes a deep dive into Spermidine and the many benefits it offers not only in optimizing oral health but also supporting longevity. He explains why this critical building block – widely available and well-tested – is essential (most especially if you’re undergoing treatment for gum disease). In response to a listener’s question, Dr. B spells ou...

The hallmark of functional dentistry is its holistic approach, and Dr. Mark Burhenne’s guests on this episode of Ask the Dentist are Exhibit A. Dr. Kimberly Baer and Dr. Jennifer Tipograph are sharing thoughts on the many benefits associated with their integrative approach and use of non-reactive dental implant techniques. Their toxin-free, bio-friendly family practice, based just outside Washingt...

On today’s episode of Ask the Dentist, Dr. B breaks down the myths and misconceptions surrounding glycerin in toothpaste. He unpacks the question:“Does glycerin in toothpaste coat the teeth and prevent absorption of minerals?” Here is the short answer: Glycerin’s solubility factor is actually quite high, and it does not seal your teeth off from all the important ingredients in saliva. Unfortunatel...

Midnight snacking is quite common for those with Type 1 diabetes, who need to maintain their blood sugar levels. If you do find yourself reaching for a simple source of sugar after bedtime though, should you brush your teeth afterward? Today, Dr. B answers this question by sharing his recommendations for which snacks he believes are best and how to take care of your oral hygiene in the middle of t...

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,...

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...

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 s...

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 expl...

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 denti...

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 bo...

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...

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...

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 the...

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....

If you've ever investigated the chemical makeup of your retainer cleaner, you would have been horrified to discover toxic chemicals such as persulfate. Understandably, today's question is from a concerned listener who wants to know if Dr. B has any advice on how to avoid these chemicals. Join us today as we hear about the retainer and denture cleaning products currently on the market, an...

In the USA, children are often encouraged to brush their teeth multiple times a day, however, as they grow older this often tapers to just mornings and evenings. Today’s question is from a listener in Colombia, where it is not uncommon for people to brush multiple times a day as adults. After listening to Dr. B's podcasts on how brushing your teeth can strip away the enamel, Steven sent in hi...

One of the most widely known recommendations for women while pregnant is to avoid eating fish due to the mercury content. But what about amalgam fillings? Today's question is posed by Emily, a concerned mother who wants to know if her breast milk is safe for her baby to drink because of the metal fillings she has. Join us to find out why Dr. B has both a short and a long answer to today'...

Following the removal of braces, many orthodontists place a fixed retainer to ensure there is no relapse movement of your teeth. However, as Dr. B explains today, teeth are a dynamic tissue, and permanently fixing them in place can cause a multitude of oral health issues such as gum recession, gum disease, and even bone loss. Join us as Dr. B addresses Sarah and Staci’s questions about whether fix...

Almost everyone wants that shiny, white smile… But at what cost? Many kinds of toothpaste sold throughout the USA have Relative Dentin Abrasion values well over the hardness of what our teeth are made of, resulting in tooth sensitivity and increased wear and tear. Today Dr. B dives into the makeup of common toothpaste brands, and how each of these is likely to affect your oral health. From the sur...