A US-based dentist with more than four decades of experience has revealed the 'unsexy' supermarket staples he swears by for healthier teeth. He has also listed the two everyday products he says Australians should stop using immediately.
Dr Mark Burhenne’s Top Tips
Dr Mark Burhenne, the Silicon Valley-based family dentist behind the hugely popular Ask the Dentist series, has amassed a following of more than 1.1 million people by sharing practical, no-nonsense advice on oral health. Now, he is lifting the lid on the surprising drugstore buys he relies on, many of which cost just a few dollars.
Toothache Pain Management
Among his most eyebrow-raising tips is a simple pain management hack for toothaches, using a common over-the-counter medication in the form of generic supermarket brand ibuprofen. 'I used to tell my patients about this - if you ever have a toothache and are waiting to be seen. Three pills, three times a day, three days max. I call it the 3-3-3,' he explained. Dr Burhenne said tooth pain is often linked to inflammation, meaning consistent dosing can help take the edge off while you wait for treatment. 'But please don't ignore the pain... tooth pain never goes away on its own, this is just to keep your sanity while you wait.'
Mouth Breathing and Cavities
It is his take on what happens while you sleep that has really caught attention, particularly his claim that mouth breathing, not sugar, is the biggest driver of cavities. 'One strip across my lips before bed,' he said, referring to the growing trend of mouth taping to encourage nasal breathing. 'Keeps me nose breathing all night long... mouth breathing is the number one cause of cavities - not candy!' He then doubled down on the importance of keeping airways clear overnight, recommending another humble pharmacy staple - saline nasal spray. 'Bonus if your pharmacy carries a brand called Xlear which contains xylitol. A clear nose equals nose breathing all night, equals saliva all night, equals cavity prevention.' According to the dentist, saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth, helping to neutralise acids and control bacteria, which is something that is hugely compromised when people breathe through their mouths.
Flossing Made Easy
For daily hygiene, Dr Burhenne urged people to ditch the idea that flossing has to be uncomfortable or time-consuming, suggesting a simple switch could make all the difference. 'If you need a way to floss that doesn't feel like a punishment for your fingers... a floss stick could change your life,' he said. 'Floss and scroll at the same time!'
DIY Mouth Ulcer Remedy
He also shared a DIY remedy for painful mouth ulcers, recommending a simple saltwater solution. 'Heal a canker sore faster with a supersaturated salt rinse. To make at home, take warm water, then stir in salt until it won't dissolve anymore. Swish 30-60 seconds four-to-five times a day,' he advised, noting you can 'make your own or get this pre-made one.'
Retainer Cleaning Hack
For those with retainers, he revealed a surprisingly low-cost cleaning hack that does not involve specialised products. 'If your retainer is getting kind of stinky, soak it in some white vinegar and water and voila.'
Products to Avoid
While his list of go-to products is refreshingly simple, Dr Burhenne did not hold back when it came to the items he believes people should stop using immediately. He warned against toothpaste containing peppermint oil, despite its popularity in 'natural' formulations. 'Peppermint oil is antimicrobial for the same reason it has been used in wound disinfection for centuries. It kills bacteria without distinguishing between the harmful ones and the ones protecting your teeth. Great way to disrupt your oral and gut health.' He also took aim at alcohol-based mouthwashes, including well-known brands often used to combat bad breath. 'The alcohol dries out your mouth, which destroys the saliva that was actually keeping odour-producing bacteria under control, so your breath just gets worse.'
Public Reaction
His advice has sparked widespread debate online, with many praising the back-to-basics approach, while others were surprised to learn that some of their daily habits could be undermining their oral health. 'Oh no, I have used alcohol-based mouthwashes for years!' one worried follower commented. 'Writing all these notes down on my next shopping trip,' another said.
The key message, according to Dr Burhenne, is that maintaining a healthy mouth does not have to be complicated, but it does require understanding what actually supports the delicate balance of bacteria and saliva that keeps teeth and gums in check.
