Urgh!! The dreaded task of brushing a set of teeth sitting inside an uncooperative little mouth. Not once, but twice. Every day. And for two whole minutes!

In this episode, Dr C asks a question most children, and probably plenty of adults, have wondered about: “Why do I have to brush my teeth?” To help us answer it, we are joined by dental hygienist and author Carina Løvstad.

Together, we explore what cavities actually are, how bacteria and sugar team up to damage enamel, why some parts of our teeth are much harder to clean than others, and what role fluoride plays in toothpaste.

Expect cavities, plaque, fluoride, electric toothbrushes, miswak sticks, wobbly teeth, bleeding gums, shark teeth and some brutally honest discussion about who is actually better at brushing Dr C’s teeth: Dr C herself or her mother, Helen, the show’s two co-hosts.

To contact Carina, you can email her at smaabisser@gmail.com, or follow and message her on Instagram at @smaabisser.

Got a question for the show? We chomping at the bit to know what fascinating questions you’ve been pondering lately. Let us know and maybe we’ll feature it on a future episode. Email us at hello@talkingofscience.dk

Paintings crack; we can't visit the famous Lascaux cave paintings; and people put WHAT into artwork?

In this episode Dr C asks a characteristically profound question: "Why does everything get destroyed?"

To help us answer it, we're joined by Associate Professor Michela Gambino, conservation scientist and microbiologist. Together we explore the hidden battle being fought to preserve everything from cave paintings and ancient papyri to gravestones, galleries and family keepsakes.

Along the way we discover how moulds, algae, fungi and insects slowly break down the objects we value, why humidity keeps conservators awake at night, and what happened when thousands of priceless books were submerged during the devastating 1966 Florence flood.

Expect cave paintings, Viking ships, marble tombstones, museum disasters, UNESCO sites, conservation ethics, and some unexpectedly emotional conversations about what humanity chooses to save for future generations.

To contact Michela Gambino, who is a conservation scientist and microbiologist at the Royal Danish Academy's Institute of Conservation, email mgam@kglakademi.dk

Got a question for the show?

We want to know what fascinating questions you've been pondering lately. Let us know and maybe we'll feature it on a future episode. Email us at hello@talkingofscience.dk

They say no one is busier than a kid at bedtime - and how better to stall at bedtime than the age-old technique of asking a big question?

In this episode, Dr C and Helen are exploring Slumberland with sleep and health complexity expert Professor Naja Hulvej Rod. They unpack what happens in our bodies and brains during sleep, why good sleep is essential for learning, mood and long-term health, and how routines shape our sleep patterns.

The conversation also dives into the impact of smartphones, sleep trackers and wearable technology, examining how they can disrupt rest and influence our relationship with sleep. Along the way, we discover fascinating insights into sleep cycles, teenagers' sleep needs, and practical tips for getting a more ZZZZs.

To get in touch with Naja Hulvej Rod, email nahuro@sund.ku.dk

Do you have a funny, unexpected, or slightly ridiculous science question you'd like us to answer in Series 3?

Send your questions to:

📧 hello@talkingofscience.dk

We'd love to hear the strange things your kids ask, the conversations that stop you in your tracks, or the science mysteries you've always wondered about. Your question could inspire a future episode!