This week, we are joined by Dr. Ashley Lerman, Board-certified Pediatric Dentist, to chat about, you guessed it: oral hygiene. You have a question about your mouth? We've got you covered. We tackle how often you should go to the dentist, best practices for brushing your teeth (do you really need to shell out for the electric toothbrush?), flossing, and more. We discuss the persistent myths about fluoride, and the importance of it for dental health. We talk about some health hacks that circulate on TikTok (spoiler: oil pulling is not helpful) and what IS actually evidence-based to support your smile. We cover a lot of ground, so make sure to tune in!

All our sources from this episode are available at: https://www.unbiasedscipod.com/episodes/flossophy-101

(00:00) Music and Intros

(03:36) The Importance of Early Dental Health Habits

(06:41) Frequency of Dental Visits

(09:10) Special Case Dental Visits

(12:28) The Basics of Brushing and Flossing

(14:19) Types of Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

(16:26) Changing Toothbrushes and Disposable Toothbrushes

(19:00) The Importance of Flossing and Flossing Techniques

(22:28) Frequency and Timing of Flossing

(26:16) Mouthwash and Fluoride

(29:15) Fluoride and Misconceptions

(35:53) Dental Disease and Oral Health Issues

(40:05) Dental Tori and Oral Cancer

(41:32) Dangers of DIY Dental Care and The Truth about Oil Pulling

(43:47) Factors Affecting Dental Health

(44:47) Understanding the Oral Microbiome

(45:51) Teeth Whitening: Managing Expectations

(47:30) Debunking Myths about Root Canals and Fillings

(50:59) Importance of Preventive Care

(51:39) Wrap-up and Final Thoughts

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