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For today’s episode, we are focusing on clenching, looking at some of the root causes, risk factors, and links to gum recession. This is an important and complex topic that comes up a lot in dental work, with some notable progress being made in understanding it in recent decades. It is also a great proxy through which we can see the differences between a strictly academic approach to dentistry and a more functional and experienced approach. Although there are differences between clenching and grinding, they both fall under the condition called bruxism and shall be grouped together for the purposes of this discussion. As with most issues, understanding the root causes is the most important step, and this can help us begin to unpack treatment and get a handle on the other conditions that may be connected. The first thing to note is the two different classes of bruxism, with the condition being divided into the grinding that occurs during sleep and that which happens during periods of being awake. When it comes to bruxism, there are simple steps such as the use of sleep guards, which can be helpful but are merely a band-aid to the problem. We look at some of the circumstances that can give rise to bruxism, including stress and anxiety, aggressive dental treatments, sleep apnea and more. If we can narrow down the potential causes and patterns, we are then more able to find an effective treatment plan, so for all this and more on how to start unpacking this tricky issue, listen today! 

Key Points From This Episode:

The small differences between clenching and grindingThe root causes for bruxism, the umbrella technical term for clenching and grinding Two types of bruxism; during sleep and wakefulness Primary causes for grinding: stress, anxiety, anger, tension, misalignment, trauma, and facial developmentThe contrasting reasons for sleep bruxism; narrowed airways and sleep apnea for example  Risk factors associated with grinding and the dangers of denialThe symptoms we should be looking out for: disrupted sleep, aches, tooth sensitivity, and moreSome functional dental approaches to dealing with bruxism worth considering The process of narrowing down the risk factors and causes in order to find the right treatmentDangers and continued issues with receding gums; connecting this to grindingAddressing issues with grinding in young children early on How a good relationship with your dentist can simplify complex issues such as these 

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ask the Dentist

About Dr. Mark Burhenne

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Ask Dr. B a Question

Functional Dentist Directory

The post How to Stop Clenching to Prevent Gum Recession appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=255

Wendell Curtis

dentistintulum.com

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When it comes to making dental health decisions for yourself or your children, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. There is no absolute right or wrong decision, so it is often about finding the lesser of two evils. This is why it is important to do as much research as you can, and to find credible sources that you resonate with. In today’s episode, Dr. B. talks about sealants and some of the research around these coverings. We hear about some of the potential adverse effects, when it is necessary to get sealants for your child, and what a good sealant insertion looks like. As with many areas of dentistry, this is a subject with a lot of gray areas, but the more you know, the better informed you will be, so be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

Some background on sealants, including what they are, how long they last, and their efficacyIt is difficult to get patients in at the right time if they need sealantsYou have to weigh up the good and the bad when it comes to dental decisionsSealants contain endocrine disruptors which have adverse long-term effectsWhat researchers have found about BPA exposure with sealantsHow Dr. B’s sealant insertion process worksBefore you put something in your body, you should do thorough research

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ask the Dentist

About Dr. Mark Burhenne

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Ask Dr. B a Question

The post Should You Get Sealants For Your Child? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=251

Wendell Curtis

dentistintulum.com

>

This week’s listener question concerns the relationship between sinus infections and tooth pain. Our skulls can often be compared to a laptop, not just because of its processing power, but also because it has so many intricate parts compressed inside a small space. For this reason, it can often be difficult to differentiate between sinus pain and tooth pain. This can lead to indecision over whether to perform a root canal as well as prolonged pain for the patient. In today’s episode, Dr. B examines the intricate relationship between sinus pain and tooth pain and suggests useful tips for determining which one is the root cause. Tune in to learn how you can tell the difference and hear why it’s important to be patient with your dentist so you can avoid an unnecessary root canal!

Key Points From This Episode:

The relationship between a sinus infection and tooth painWhy the skull is like a laptop: it has lots of parts compressed into a small spaceWhy there can often be confusion over whether you might need a root canalHow inflammation due to maxillary sinusitis can lead to inflammation inside the toothSome of the methods for determining whether you have sinusitis or an infected toothHow sinusitis and tooth pain respond differently to cold waterThe debilitating effect that tooth pain can have on an individualWhy it’s often helpful to see a specialist like an endodontistHow sinus infections can lead to unnecessary root canals

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ask the Dentist

About Dr. Mark Burhenne

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Ask Dr. B a Question

Functional Dentist Directory

The post Is It Sinus Pain? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=245

Wendell Curtis

dentistintulum.com

17 November 2021
More people in the UK will lose their battle with mouth cancer if we do not get into the habit of checking for signs of the disease at home, according to the Oral Health Foundation.
New research by the charity and Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, has shown that almost two-in-three (64%) have never checked themselves for signs of cancer in or around the mouth.
Carried out as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month, the investigation also found that more than one-in-four (27%) do not know any of the potential early warning signs for the disease.
More than 2,700 people in the UK lost their life to mouth cancer last year – a 48% rise compared to a decade ago.  With almost half (45%) of all mouth cancers diagnosed in stage IV, the most advanced phase of the disease, the Oral Health Foundation is appealing for more people to routinely look for signs of mouth cancer.
According to Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the charity, a simple check could sa…
Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=243

Wendell Curtis

dentistintulum.com

>

Geographic tongue is a common, easy-to-spot oral condition, where the tongue takes on an atlas-like appearance. There are white borders around patches on the surface of the tongue, and in some cases, the condition can be painful. So, what causes this problem? In today’s episode, Dr. B gets into some of the potential factors that cause this issue and also unpacks what you can do to overcome it. Like with any medical issue, there is no silver bullet or simple solution. As such, it is important to take a holistic treatment approach rather than a palliative one. Tune in to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why the condition is called ‘geographic tongue’, and where it can appear Some of the potential causes of geographic tongue The age group that is most affected by this condition If you have a geographic tongue, your dentist should be looking at a holistic solutionThe possible link between stress and geographic tongue Psoriasis and geographic tongue and the link between the two conditions Other proposed conditions that could cause geographic tongue Dr. B’s take on some palliative home remedies that are commonly suggested to treat geographic tongue More holistic treatments to the causes of geographic tongue A simple solution you use do to treat dry mouth  Dr. B’s best palliative solution treatment for geographic tongue 

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ask the Dentist

About Dr. Mark Burhenne

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Ask Dr. B a Question

Functional Dentist Directory

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers

The post What Is Geographic Tongue? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=241

Wendell Curtis

dentistintulum.com

>

Fillings are very common procedures and while they are preventable, they still happen. So, if you are getting a filling done, should you go with metal or plastic as your material of choice? Today, Dr. B outlines these two materials and weighs up the pros and cons of each. Even though plastic is not good for us, the metal in our mouths is far worse. There are numerous side effects of metal fillings that Dr. B explains. We also hear which material he uses for fillings on his patients. Remember, there is no informed consent when it comes to choosing your filling material, so make sure you explicitly tell your dentist which one you’d prefer.

Key Points From This Episode:

You should always ask your dentist before they place anything in your mouthThere is no informed consent when it comes to the type of material that’s used for a fillingA history of metal fillings, why they are so popular, and some of the drawbacks of this materialDetails about plastic fillings and some of the dangers that come with themWhy Dr. B thinks plastic fillings are still overall better than metal onesThe material Dr. B is currently using for his fillings

How to Submit Your Question:

Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ask the Dentist

About Dr. Mark Burhenne

Follow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentist

Follow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentist

Ask Dr. B a Question

Functional Dentist Directory

Mercury Fillings Dangers, Who Is At Risk & Removal Checklist

The post Metal or Plastic Fillings? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=240

Wendell Curtis

dentistintulum.com