Episode 27: Oral Health with Dr. David Xu

Down and Dirty with Nathaniel Ernst

Curious about how the condition of your oral health might offer insights into your overall health? Then this episode is for you! Today’s guest is Dr. David Xu, a dedicated and accomplished dentist with an educational background of note. He studied at the New York University College of Dentistry and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, and works out of Beddington Dental Clinic. Join the conversation as we get right into the down-and-dirty of oral health as Dr. Xu shares valuable insights and goes over the Dos and Don’ts of how to take care of your pearly whites. He is passionate about oral education, including good oral hygiene habits, because in the end prevention is key! Tune in to hear many valuable insights, including how genetics plays a role in oral health, the best flossing techniques, the difference between a stain and plaque, what foods to avoid, the main purpose of fluoride, and much more! Thanks for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The down-and-dirty of being a dentist: good overall oral hygiene.
• Dr. Xu talks about the importance of oral health and its impact on your overall health.
• The role genetics plays in oral health (and beautiful teeth).
• He shares how often we should brush our teeth.
• Flossing: what it is and what it does.
• We dive into bad breath and how it relates to flossing.
• He explains what a Cavitron does.
• A quick tip on the proper flossing technique.
• His thoughts on water flossing.
• We talk about all things cavities and the advantages and disadvantages of different fillings.
• The difference between a stain and plaque, and the different levels of staining.
• Teeth whitening and the techniques to whiten teeth.
• His thoughts on peroxide as a rinse.
• He elaborates on whitening toothpaste and how it works.
• Dr. Xu’s advice on foods to avoid.
• Why he tells his patients it is not about how much you have, but how often you have it (that will affect your teeth)!
• We discuss the link between gum disease and cardiovascular health.
• How our oral health changes as we age.
• Dr. Xu explains the main purpose of fluoride and why it’s in our water.
• He offers his insights into the increasing popularity of cosmetic dentistry.
• The importance of braces in terms of overall oral health (and not just the cosmetic benefits).
• Development of the teeth in the jaw (wisdom teeth) and why we are getting them pulled out.
• How you can help develop your jaw and teeth properly as a child.
• He highlights innovations or advancements in dentistry he’s excited about in the near future.
• His opinion on the most challenging part of being a dentist.
• Dr. Xu’s advice to those who have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist.
• How often you should be getting a check-up.
• Where you can book an appointment with Dr. Xu.

Links Mentioned:

Dr. David Xu on LinkedIn

Beddington Dental Clinic

Nathaniel Ernst

Nathaniel Ernst on LinkedIn

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