Over the last year, 8,772 people in the UK were given the life-changing news that they have mouth cancer – this is one person every hour.
These numbers continue to rise while the disease claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined.
The more we know about mouth cancer, the better chance we have of beating it. This means knowing how to spot mouth cancer early and knowing where to go when we see something out of the ordinary. It also means reducing our risk by cutting down on the things that cause mouth cancer.
Sadly, awareness of mouth cancer continues to be poor.
Only one-in-four know the early warning signs while knowledge of the main risk factors is as low as 15%.
Like all cancers, early diagnosis of mouth cancer is crucial. Yet around two-thirds have never checked their mouth for signs of cancer. Problems accessing health services during the pandemic has also led to a fall in referrals.
These factors all contribute to a scenario …
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https://dentistintulum.com/?p=249
What Is PAP and Is It A Safe Teeth Whitening Method?
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This episode is all about one of the most hyped-up topics in dentistry: whitening. While Dr. B has spoken on the topic previously and there is plenty of information available on his website, today’s episode looks at whitening in the context of a new substance on the market that claims to be safer than conventional hydrogen peroxide-based methods. It’s called PAP, or phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, and today’s question about it comes from Charlotte in the UK; is it actually a safer alternative to peroxide? You might be surprised by Dr. B’s answer!
Key Points From This Episode:
Some background on whitening and why there is so much hype and so little science behind itFind out what PAP is, how it works, and why the narrative that it is safe is dangerousWhy regulations regarding whitening should be stricter in the US, like they are in the EUThe importance of professional supervision when it comes to whiteningHear why Dr. B doesn’t recommend PAP as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide How overexposure to hydrogen peroxide and PAP can increase tooth sensitivityDr. B recommends waiting for further studies to be conducted on PAP before jumping on the bandwagonWhy you should be wary of any dentist that advises you to whiten your teeth
How to Submit Your Question:
Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Recommended Whitening Products
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 What Is PAP and Is It A Safe Teeth Whitening Method? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=247
Is It Sinus Pain?
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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
A simple check for mouth cancer could save your life
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…
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https://dentistintulum.com/?p=243
What Is Geographic Tongue?
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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
Metal or Plastic Fillings?
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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
How Does Oral Microbiome Affect Gum Health?
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One of the most flattering things is knowing that there are fellow functional dentists who listen to the show. Today’s question is from an aspiring functional dentist, and Dr. B dives into the oral microbiome. We hear about an article published in the Journal of Dentistry that looked at the plaque pH of caries-free versus caries-active individuals. Despite what conventional dentistry wants us to do, we cannot isolate one bacteria as being the culprit. It is all interrelated, which is why it is so important to have a dentist who understands the oral microbiome. Tune in to hear it all!
Key Points From This Episode:
The oral microbiome gives you a richer, more nuanced understanding of oral healthHear about a journal article in The Journal of DentistryIt is not one bug that causes gum disease; it’s a whole host of themCorneum bacteria is responsible for some serious diseasesWhat causes bacteria to go from commensal to pathogenicWhy we need dental microbiome researchers and degreesIt’s all about the oral microbiome
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
Journal of Dentistry
The post How Does Oral Microbiome Affect Gum Health? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=238
Can Breastfeeding Give my Child Cavities?
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As the parent of a young child, there is a lot of internal and external pressure to give them the best possible start in life. But what if it’s not always clear whether something will have a positive or negative impact? Our question this week comes from Anna, a lactation consultant who is concerned over the correlation she has seen between breastfeeding moms and cavities in young children. In today’s episode, we hear from Dr. B about the benefits of breastfeeding, why it does not cause cavities, and what other factors in your child’s life might be causing cavities. We also discuss how a vaginal birth can influence a child’s oral microbiome and why infant formula is likely to cause cavities. Later, Dr. B shares how to institute positive habits that will benefit your child’s microbiome and why it’s so beneficial. For all this and much more, tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing today’s topic on whether breastfeeding can cause cavities in childrenWhy breastmilk does not cause cavities, as it is not cariogenicHow your method of birth can have an impact on your child’s oral microbiomeThe study of breastfeeding for more than 40 days and how it affects your childThe link between breastfeeding and facial developmentWhy using formula can cause tooth decayHow the condition of the mother before birth plays a role in the child’s healthHow a vaginal birth assists your child’s microbiomeWhy breastmilk is the ideal method for culturing a child’s microbiomeSome of the factors that cause tooth decay in humans versus other mammalsWhy it’s important to minimize saliva sharing activities like sharing a toothbrushSnacks: it’s not about the quantity of the snack, but the frequency of the snackDr. B’s advice for preventing cavities by teaching children proper oral care habitsWhy it’s good to take your child to see a dentist from as early as six months
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
Boka
Risewell
The post Can Breastfeeding Give my Child Cavities? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://dentistintulum.com/?p=236
What fixes pulpitis?
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While many of us have experienced tooth pain, it seldom becomes fatal. This was not the case in the past, and world history would probably be vastly different if we had 21st-century dental care readily accessible across the ages. Welcome back to Ask the Dentist podcast, where today we ask Dr. Burhenne “what fixes pulpitis”? Tune in to find out what pulpitis is, why the pulp of the tooth is so important, and how it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Find out the difference between reversible and irreversible pulpitis (and how a crown can help either situation), and how to manage acute pulpitis. From a basic anatomy lesson on what teeth are made of and how they are formed, to a simple explanation of why tooth pain is something you don’t want to leave unchecked, don’t miss out on this fascinating episode!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to today’s question: what fixes pulpitis?Diving back into dental school, the textbooks Dr. B keptFind out about the anatomy of a tooth, from pulp to dentinWhat the pulp consists of: nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and odontoblastsHow a tooth is formed (dentinogenesis)The role of the pulp in repairing certain types of tooth damageWhat happens to the pulp as you ageThe function of the pulp: sensation, nutrition, infection prevention, and possibly even balance!How pulpitis occurs; how it causes tooth pain and why it can result in tooth deathThe difference between reversible and irreversible pulpitisWhy you should never wait to get tooth pain treatedHow a crown can prevent reversible pulpitis from becoming irreversible pulpitisWhy a crown is worth having even if the issue is irreversible pulpitisHow to manage acute pulpitisDr. B’s idea for a book: how tooth pain has shaped world history
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 What fixes pulpitis? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.
What’s The Future of Functional Dentistry?
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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 importantWhy most people ask what functional dentistry isToday’s question: what Dr. B is most excited about in functional dentistryHow Dr. Mark Hyman is an inspiration for functional practitionersWhat motivated Dr. B to become a functional dentistWorking upstream: how functional dentistry ultimately saves lives and moneyHow the body compensating causes pathology and why it’s important to intercept these compensations early onRecognizing functional dentists: one patient and one practitioner at a timeTeaching functional dentistry: learning beyond your official educationThe systems that interact to affect your dental healthBecoming a practitioner of the oral-microbiomeDr. B’s “aha” moment about sleep apnea and prevention through dentistryThe oral-systemic connection: what happens in the mouth affects the bodyHow root cause thinking can save the entire healthcare system The importance of promoting nasal breathingUnderstanding the P. gingivalis bug and its link to Alzheimer’s diseaseWhy the future of dentistry is functionalFunctional 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:
Dr. Mark Hyman on LinkedIn
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
Ask the Dentist: 5 Sleep Apnoea Questions
Can gingivitis cause Alzheimer’s Disease? [A Scientific Review]
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 What’s The Future of Functional Dentistry? appeared first on Ask the Dentist.