• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Ask the dentist logo

Ask the Dentist

Health Begins in the Mouth | Dr. Mark Burhenne

  • Shop
    • Courses
  • For Dentists
    • Become a Member
    • Current Members
  • Find a Dentist
  • Podcast
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Sleep
  • Nutrition
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Orthodontics
  • Conditions
  • Procedures
Home › Podcast › Podcast Episode #40: Are Honey and Maple OK for My Teeth?

Podcast Episode #40: Are Honey and Maple OK for My Teeth?

Listen on Apple Podcasts logo
Listen on Google Podcasts logo
Listen on Amazon logo
Listen on Spotify logo
Listen on Sticher logo
Get the RSS Feed logo
More Episodes

Bad Breath: What causes it and how do you cure it?

functional dentistry public health concern

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health: A Public Health and Economic Concern

tooth fairy price per state US

The Going Rate for the Tooth Fairy in Each State

Current Research on Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Efficacy and Safety

How Deep Is The Connection Between Gum Disease And COVID-19 Complications?

For thousands of years, humans lived relatively sugar-free, with refined sugars not yet produced. However, in today’s society, much of what we consume has been processed and sweetened. In this episode, Dr. B addresses the question of whether honey and maple syrup are ok to eat, and how they impact your teeth. The short answer is “no”, however, there are nuances to everything in the body, and Dr. B gives some great tips on how to consume small quantities of sugar, safely. We hear why the myriad of “health benefits” to honey so widely publicized on the internet are not all they appear to be, and how you can wean yourself off sugar. We discuss how our ancestors lived, and why eating honey was probably not as bad for them as it is for us! From intermittent fasting to eating sweet things in one go, to Dr. B’s very own microbiome-friendly omelet, don’t miss out on this sweet episode!

Submit Your Question

Dr. B loves answering your questions. Record a voicemail for your chance to have it answered in a future episode.

Ask a Question

Key Points From This Episode:

  • An introduction to the root of all evil in dentistry: processed sugars [0:00:09]
  • Today’s question: Are honey and maple syrup considered sugar, and do they affect our oral microbiome the same way as refined sugars? [0:02:27]
  • How honey is produced and processed, and why it can be good for you [0:04:00]
  • Why sugar is bad for your teeth and how honey is slightly different from pure refined sugar [0:06:03]
  • Why we don’t want to disinfect the mouth: causing dysbiosis [0:07:24]
  • What dextran is and how honey can break it down [0:08:11]
  • The difference between maple syrup and honey and how maple syrup affects your mouth [0:09:01]
  • Dr. B’s advice for eating a healthy breakfast: the best diet for your teeth [0:11:00]
  • How much sugar you can eat a day, and how often [0:13:07]
  • Why our ancestors probably didn’t snack and what you can eat for breakfast [0:14:32] 
  • How the oral microbiome is regulated and how sugar disrupts this [0:15:46]
  • Bad news for today’s questioner, Chrissy [0:16:56]
  • How giving up sugar changed Dr. B’s tastes and health [0:17:11]
  • The systemic issues with ingesting sugar [0:18:11]
  • Conclusion: there are no shortcuts [0:19:27]
  • Some tips on weaning yourself off sugar [0:20:19]
  • Why you should never give infants honey [0:21:02] 

How to Submit Your Question:

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

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. B’s Microbiome Omelet

Ask the Dentist: Collected Articles about Sugar

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

Category: Conditions

About Mark Burhenne, DDS

I’m on a mission to empower people everywhere with the same evidence-based, easy-to-understand dental health advice that my patients get. You can read my story here. I have been a dentist in private practice for 35 years. I graduated from the Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA in 1987 and am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL), American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and Dental Board of California.

  • All Posts
Previous Post:Mark Burhenne smiling in blue shirt with glasses onPodcast Episode #39: Is Lemon Water Bad for My Teeth?
Next Post:Podcast Episode #41: What To Do About a Tongue Thrust?Mark Burhenne smiling in blue shirt with glasses on
Ask the dentist logo

Welcome to the website of Mark Burhenne, DDS, functional dentist. Learn how to prevent and heal dental health issues.

MORE ABOUT DR. MARK

Quick Links

  • Cart
  • My Account
  • About
  • Interview Dr. Burhenne
  • Contact

Resources

  • Find a Functional Dentist
  • Newsletter

Our Products

  • All Products
  • Reversing Cavities Naturally
  • Cavity Free Kids Guide
  • The 8 Hour Sleep Paradox
Connect with Dr. Mark
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
Academy of General Dentistry Sleep Medicine logo

Copyright © 2023 · Ask the Dentist · All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions / Advertising Policy / Medical Disclaimer