Welcome to the first episode of the Ask the Dentist podcast for 2022! Dr. B is excited to share with you today the company that he has partnered with to test the oral microbiome (Bristle), and why he feels that this test is so important to our health. We move on to the weekly listener's question, asking how you can kick the sugar habit. Dr. B has personal experience with this and talks us through his tips, tricks, and substitutes to live a healthier, sugar-free life. We learn why there are two prime concerns when giving up sugar (desensitizing our tongues and managing our behavior), and why it's so important not to go cold turkey. Find out what it means to be "fat-adapted", the health benefits of the paleo diet, and how your sleeping patterns are affecting your sugar cravings. Join us today to kick off your 2022 by kicking your sugar habit!Key Points From This Episode:Welcome to the first podcast of 2022, the year of the oral microbiome [0:00:12]The new test available to check on the status of your oral microbiome [0:00:42]Dr. B’s excitement for the ruling on fluoride in water released on the 18th of January [0:02:18]How today’s topic is similar to a New Year’s Resolution [0:04:00]Today’s question: What does Dr. B feel about artificial sweeteners? [0:05:15]Why our bodies are geared to seek out sweet food, and how to manage your behavior [0:05:48]The two prime concerns with giving up sugar: desensitizing our tongue, and removing the desire [0:07:35]How dentists are involved in motivating their patient’s behavior changes [0:09:53]The four aspects to kicking your sugar habit: becoming fat-adapted, working on your sleep, a paleo diet, and finding a substitute for the after-meal snack [0:10:55]How Dr. B developed his sugar habit [0:12:25]Where Dr. B first ran into the term “fat adapted”, what it means, and how it addresses the root cause of a sugar addiction [0:14:51]Fixing your sleeping pattern: how sleep drives sugar cravings and prevents you from being fat-adapted [0:17:30]How diet has helped Dr. B’s oral microbiome [0:28:16]Why Dr. B has chosen to work with Bristle [0:36:17]How to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the Dentist: Facts on FluorideSubscribe to Mondays with Mark: The weekly Ask the Dentist NewsletterAsk the Dentist Podcast Episode #40: Are Honey and Maple OK for My Teeth?The Case Against SugarMark’s Daily AppleThe 8-Hour Sleep ParadoxThe Whole30 DietThe chocolate alternatives Dr. B recommendsAsk the DentistFOLLOW DR. B: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TWITTER | TIKTOK | LINKEDIN