Dr. Mark Burhenne, a dentist with 35 years of experience and a member of the Dental Board of California, has shared a series of what he describes as unusual, yet effective, habits that contribute to his sustained health and cavity-free status into his 60s. His advice, often disseminated through his popular 'Ask the Dentist' online platform, emphasizes simple, low-cost practices that impact oral health, sleep, and broader well-being.
One of Dr. Burhenne's most notable practices is his refusal to rinse his mouth with water after brushing his teeth. He explains that spitting out excess toothpaste and leaving the residue allows the active ingredients, such as fluoride, to continue fortifying tooth enamel. "Rinsing washes off the minerals in the toothpaste that were about to reinforce your enamel," he stated. He also prefers to brush his teeth before breakfast rather than immediately after, to avoid brushing softened enamel that can result from acidic foods and drinks.
Dr. Burhenne also advocates for a unique dessert choice when dining out: a cheese plate. He suggests that cheese can help buffer acids in the mouth and provides calcium and phosphate, which are beneficial for the tooth remineralization process. He has referred to cheese plates as "the most dentist-approved dessert on any menu."
To further support oral health, Dr. Burhenne adds electrolytes to his water, which he believes aids saliva production and its protective role against decay. At night, he uses mouth tape to encourage nasal breathing and prevent dry mouth, a condition he associates with increased cavity risk. "A small piece of tape keeps me breathing through my nose while I sleep, so I don't wake up with the bone-dry mouth that is basically a cavity factory," he explained.
His routine also includes skipping conventional mouthwash in favor of tongue scraping and oil pulling. When he feels unwell, he opts for throat spray instead of cough drops, noting that many cough drops are essentially sugar-laden candies that can negatively impact oral health, especially when the mouth is already dry. Other consistent habits include drinking high-quality green tea daily, replacing his toothbrush head every four weeks, and undergoing professional dental cleanings three times a year. He considers these more frequent cleanings to be crucial for early detection of dental issues.
A significant part of Dr. Burhenne's regimen involves physical activity, specifically taking a walk after dinner. He warns against remaining sedentary immediately after eating, citing potential negative consequences for both waistline and metabolic health. He notes that even a brief 10-minute walk can help moderate post-meal blood sugar levels, supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health. Research cited in the journal Sports Medicine indicates that interrupting prolonged sitting with light walking can significantly lower post-meal glucose and insulin levels. Similarly, separate studies suggest that a 10-minute walk after each main meal can be more effective at reducing blood glucose spikes than a single, longer walk at another time.
Dr. Burhenne's overall philosophy emphasizes that maintaining dental health extends beyond brushing, incorporating small, consistent habits that accumulate positive effects over time. He asserts that protecting teeth involves not only in-mouth practices but also broader lifestyle choices that influence the body's overall health and inflammatory state.