Buckle up, folks! In this laugh-out-loud episode of Suburban Burnout, your host Laura welcomes her brother, the dental dynamo, Dr. Evan John. Prepare for a toothy treat as we dive into the latest dental trends and social media sensations—this is not your grandma's chat about dentures! From tonsil stones to furry tongues, we cover it all!
First off, let's set the record straight: Laura might be the studious sibling, but Evan? He's the genius with the jokes. They take a hilarious trip down memory lane, sharing wild childhood stories, including the infamous weed brownie incident. Picture this: a family of brainiacs with a college professor dad and an intellectual mom, dragging two grumbling kids on educational road trips to every university and Civil War site across the country. What was torture back then has now become a treasure trove of quirky memories and a deep appreciation for their unique upbringing.
Dr. Evan, the self-proclaimed academic misfit, found his calling in dentistry through his own orthodontic saga. In a surprising plot twist, Evan turned his dental dilemmas into a lifelong passion. Always standing up for what is right and fair, Evan shares how his commitment to ethics has put him at odds with the industry that is now dominated by corporate interests.
Busted Myths and Food Foes
Ever wonder about the safety of fluoride? Dr. Evan breaks it down with humor and facts. Fluoride is super important but often misunderstood. It's crucial for dental health, and adding it to water was a major public health intervention that slashed cavity rates.
Regular vs. Deep Cleanings? It's not just about scraping some plaque. What is right for you depends on the state of your gums. Think of gum disease like a bad roommate. If you don’t deal with it properly, things get nasty. Regular cleanings are for those with healthy gums. If you have periodontal disease, you need a deep cleaning—no shortcuts here!
Even the most diligent dental patients can be plagued by cavity woes. Genetics play a crucial role in determining future dental health. Evan jokes about his recent humbling experience of needing a cavity filled, proving that even dentists aren't immune! However, environmental factors, which are within a patient's control, also significantly impact dental health. Beware of citrus and carbonated culprits! Lemons and sparkling water can erode enamel, while sugary snacks are a fast track to tooth decay.
Oral Cancer and Autoimmune Links: What You Need to Know
Oral cancer rates are on the rise, driven largely by the prevalence of HPV. While the incidence of HPV-negative oral cancers has decreased by 50% from 1988 to 2004, thanks in part to the decline in smoking, HPV-positive oral cancers have surged by a staggering 225% during the same period. So, what does oral cancer look like? The lateral border of the tongue is the most commonly diagnosed area for oral cancer. Keep an eye out for any inconsistencies: white-colored plaques, ulcerated areas with white borders and red centers, abnormalities on the floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks.
There's also a growing link between poor dental health and the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. A comprehensive 30-year study of 1,700 patients in Europe found that 50 individuals diagnosed with autoimmune conditions had a higher plaque index, suggesting a potential connection between oral health and autoimmune disorders. However, continued research into this link is needed for conclusive answers.
Dental Dilemmas: What to Do When…
Chipping a Tooth: If you hit the nerve, find a dentist pronto. Save the broken piece and store it in milk or Gatorade until you can get professional help.
Knocking Out a Tooth: Quick! Put the tooth in a pH-friendly solution like Gatorade or Hank’s solution. Time is of the essence. Don’t scrub it—just rinse and head to the dentist ASAP. If you’re brave, try popping it back in the socket yourself.
Fact or Fiction: TikTok Trends
Oil Pulling: Dr. Evan’s take? “Do you, boo!” It’s harmless but not a miracle cure.
Teeth Whitening Blue Lights: They help a bit, but peroxide gel does the heavy lifting. Professional whitening beats DIY kits hands down.
No BS Toothpaste Tablets: Be cautious. Check the ingredients against the gold standard.
Charcoal Toothpaste: Too abrasive. Skip it!
Join us for a rollercoaster of laughter and insights in this unforgettable episode of Suburban Burnout. Whether you're into dental care or just here for the sibling banter, we've got something for everyone!
Meet Our Guest:
Dr. Evan John grew up in North Texas and moved to Norman, Oklahoma where he attended the University of Oklahoma earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He then earned a Master of Health Administration from the OU College of Public Health and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the OU College of Dentistry. To further advance his multidisciplinary dental knowledge and clinical skills, Dr. John attended a 12-month residency program at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, earning a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Dr. John strives to serve his community by providing quality dental care at Four Points Dental in Austin, TX.
In his free time, Evan focuses on fitness by strength training and competing on a competitive volleyball team, a hobby that started in dental school to blow off steam and has since continued. When he isn't working or exercising, Evan spends much of his free time frequenting local nurseries to further enhance his already robust and thriving garden. Other than that, Evan is the funny uncle to his niece and nephew and cat dad to 2 rescues.
Where to find Evan:
Professionally: Four Points Dental Studio Website Link // 512-399-4822
Personally: @revanjohn on IG and TikTok
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