UK Substitutes for Dr. Ellie's System

Dear Dr. Ellie:

 
I live in the UK and have been trying out your system for a few months now and I love it! I have some updates on the products available in the UK.

Retardex and Listerine: are still both widely available. Retardex is supposed to have a fluoride-free version, according to their website, but I've never seen it available anywhere, even online, even though they claim it is. It's best to shop around for regular Retardex because prices differ widely. Original Listerine isn't available in as many places as cool mint-the most popular and cheapest flavour-but is still fairly easy to find and if you look around you can find bargain prices.

Xylitol: Perfect Sweet has changed it's name and is now called Total Sweet. You can also get Peppersmith Xylitol mints and gum, made with birch tree Xylitol; Spry gum is available in some places and is cheaper than Peppersmith; XylitolUK do bags of granules, granules in small sachets for tea and coffee and things like Xylitol chocolate and honey, which I've never tried. This brand is not widely available in shops at all but you can buy online-I've only bought the small sachets in shops-they are birch tree Xylitol. Sadly, I've not seen anywhere that sells your Zellies here yet and not even Amazon UK seems to ship them-unless you know differently.

Crest Original: in Britain, I assume this is the toothpaste called Crest Decay Prevention, Mild Mint. It's not widely available at all, though you do see it in the odd shop and you can buy it online. I think there may be a problem with this paste, though, as there seem to be 2 different formulations available, one which contains at least one ingredient that you don't approve of-sodium bicarbonate. I'm not sure whether this new, dubious, formulation is replacing the old one, or exists for some other reason, but you seem to see it more often now.

Here's the ingredients list for the 'benign' Crest, which you don't see often: Aqua, Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cellulose Gum, Aroma, Carbomer, Limonene, Sodium Fluoride (1450ppm), Sodium Saccharine, Trisodium Phosphate, Cl 77891

Here are the ingredients of the other 'dubious' Crest decay prevention mild mint, packaged in identical boxes, made in Germany like the other one: Aqua, Sorblitol, Hydrated Silica, Disodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Aroma, Sodium Bicarbonate, Carbomer, Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Saccharine, Xanthan Gum, Cl77891, Limonene. As you can see, it now contains the dreaded sodium bicarbonate, among other things. As I've said, this seems to be the variety most regularly sold in shops now.

However, don't despair quite yet, as I think I may have found an acceptable substitute paste! Only you can tell me whether you approve of it but I've been using it when the 'benign' Crest isn't available. It's a fairly new toothpaste called Oral B 1-2-3 fresh mint fluoride toothpaste, and is very widely available, at a reasonable price, being a basic paste. It is made by Procter and Gamble-the same company which makes Crest-and has the exact same ingredient list as the 'benign' Crest, and the same level of fluoride, the only difference being that the latter half of the ingredients are in a slightly different order to Crest decay prevention, which presumably means they are in slightly different amounts.

Here are the ingredients of Oral B 1-2-3: Aqua, Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cellulose Gum, Aroma, Sodium Fluoride (1450ppm), Carbomer, Sodium Saccharine, Cl 77891, Trisodium Phosphate, Limonene. Please let me know what you think and whether this is Ok as a substitute.

Colgate Fluorigard Alcohol-Free:is still widely available and you can get bargains if you keep your eyes peeled. I have noticed on Amazon UK that there's a seller who supplies ACT rinse, but it's shipped from America and, as well as being over five pounds for a bottle to start with, as far as I can make out, the postage costs even more than the product itself!

Stockists: I've included these separately, so you don't have to use them if you put any of the information on your site. I'm not on commission from any of them! :-) Most of the stuff is available to buy online. Retardex, Listerine and Fluorigard are widely available in large chemists and supermarkets like Boots, Wilkinson, Superdrug, Home Bargains, Tesco, Asda, Morissons, Sainsbury etc. and online. The 'benign' Crest is only available at the moment in the Co-Op, certainly in the North East of England, though I've seen people online say they've bought it at Tesco-I've never seen it for sale in there personally. There are only 2 other places that both sell Crest regularly in this area but it's now only the 'dubious' version, with the sodium bicarbonate and other odd ingredients-these are Wilkinson and B&M Bargains. You can get Crest online but what version you'll end up with, I don't know. Oral B 1-2-3 is available virtually everywhere you can buy toothpaste. Total Sweet is available in health food shops, Holland and Barrett (a British health food chain), and supposedly Sainsbury and Waitrose. Peppersmith is available in Holland and Barrett. Spry gum, I've only seen in certain health food shops, as with XylitolUK.

I'll finish by saying that your system is great! It's very addictive and I have noticed positive results-I'd recommend it to other people. My teeth are a lot less sensitive and look brighter and whiter. They've also never felt cleaner. Thanks and keep up the good work!






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Fears and Concern

Hi, I bought your book and all of the components of your system. At first, I thought this was great but then I started researching fluoride, chlorine dioxide, etc. and have become increasingly sickened by the idea of rinsing my mouth with these toxic chemicals. I do like xylitol however and use this, but I find it difficult to believe that anyone could possibly feel that fluoride and chlorine are safe. Even though they're not swallowed completely, aren't the tissues in the mouth absorbent---after all the first phase of digestion begins there. Your whole program has become increasingly horrifying to me. 

 - D

Hi D,

I understand your concerns about toxic products and with all the information available today, it is certainly difficult to know what is good for us and what is bad. For years, dentists have been changing silver ( mercury) fillings to white ones, unaware that the toxins in white fillings may be MORE harmful.
We all travel through a learning process - and I respect your opinions and thoughts.

Chlorine Dioxide (Closys)
I think it is good to be concerned about fluoride, dyes and chemicals.
On the other hand, Chlorine dioxide has nothing to do with Chlorine ( except a similar sounding name).
The Closys mouth rinse works by delivering oxygen to the mouth - oxygenating the germs in the pockets around teeth.


ACT Fluoride
I would fight to have fluoride out of drinking water - and never suggest any of the strong gels that many professionals recommend. I explain this in my book and why (in the perfect world) we would not need fluoride. On the other hand, we must be aware that damaged teeth, fillings or broken teeth that need extraction, are a problem for general health. ACT fluoride will help strengthen and beautify and keep teeth healthy all your life long!


Xylitol
If you have good oral health and healthy teeth - you may not need anything more than xylitol to look after them. On the other hand, please be aware that gum disease can cause horrible effects on body health. Germs under the gums can attack your heart, joints and brain, and inflammation in the mouth has a wide reaching effect on the gut and other body systems.


Complete Mouth Care System
I have used my system personally for over 30 years - with the very rinses and paste that I recommend to others. My own children started using this system from the age of 6 years - every day of their lives.
They have exceptional teeth and very good general health.


Your Personal Choice
I think you must choose the way that feels comfortable to you - and I respect that.
I know that 90 percent of US adults have dangerous dental disease in their mouths and I know that this system can help them. I have nothing to do with the products that I recommend.
I am not paid or asked to do this. I spend my life writing and recommending because this is a wonderful way to control dental disease - which for many people is an answer to their prayers.


Thank you for your comments,
With best wishes for 2012,
Ellie

Dr.Ellie Phillips DDS
Solutions for Oral Health
www.DrEllie.com
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Healing Baby Teeth: Testimonial

Hi Dr. Ellie,

Every month I take my grandson in to get fluoride varnish w/Xylitol on his teeth.

Last month [January] the hygienist was checking his mouth and then called the Dr, and they both were looking in my grandson's mouth. Then the Dr. said, and I quote, "We'll just have to wait and see what the x-rays say."

He then said they could not find the "cavities" they had seen in Trenton's teeth, and also that Trenton's teeth were the cleanest of anyone, young or old, who had come through their office. There wasn't any plaque anywhere, they asked if we flossed his teeth and I told them no.

Ok, so I took my grandson in this month [February], same thing like they thought it was a fluke, but my grandson's teeth were still clean and clear. So then the Dr. commented to me and indirectly to the hygienist he had never seen a tooth remineralize before.

He also commented on my grandson's upper front teeth - the ones he had broken when a baby, that the cavities had definitely been halted in them, they were now strong teeth howbeit still broken.

Thanks for all your help, it has truly been a blessing.

-N

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Zellies Complete Mouth Care System

Dr. Ellie, I enjoyed your book very much. I found it informative and I currently implementing many of your ideas.  I had a couple of questions from your book.

1. You recommend chlorine dioxide as a pre-rinse in your system to balance the PH in your mouth. It can expensive to use everyday. What are your thoughts of using  a premixed packets of pH balanced sodium chloride & sodium    bicarbonate mixture (USP grade, natural ingredients, isotonic, preservative & iodine free) in an oral irrigator? Would that be sufficient for balancing the PH in the mouth.

2. You recommend using probiotics if you use chlorohexidine rinse. When can you take probiotics orally.  After you rinse?  Wouldn't the antibacterial rinse still be in the mouth and kill the probiotic good bacteria? What oral probiotic would you recommend?
 - Z

Hi Z,

Thank you for your message.
I get many wonderful testimonials every day from people who are thankful for this system and the way it can (almost miraculously) improve oral health.

I also get a lot of questions from people who want to change this system and create their own! I cannot advise you to do this. It took me many years to find this incredible and simple solution to oral health problems. It took years of trial and error - testing, interrogating patients and looking closely at oral health year after year.

You can use whatever you like, BUT I know you need to use my SYSTEM exactly - if you want to experience the improvements and helpful changes I talk about. You can get all kinds of problems from using the WRONG  toothpaste, or if you substitute for Listerine or ACT. I suggest you use my system EXACTLY as I recommend. Think of this as a cake recipe - and you cannot change the ingredients!

Also, be sure not to confuse Closys ( Chlorine Dioxide) with Chlorhexidine ( a horrible rinse I would NEVER recommend). Closys basically gives your mouth an oxygen bath - which does not disrupt good oral bacteria. Xylitol is also specific for sticky and harmful bacteria - and it allows healthy bacteria to live in the mouth and behaves as a probiotic in the lower digestive tract. Listerine is effective because its actions come from the essential oils it contains. These have years of "testing" and do not build up resistance nor do they damage the healthy bacteria we need for sustainable oral health.

This is why I do NOT suggest you try other products.
It is easy to upset your mouth balance and end up with problems.

Those of us who have been using this system for decades - will never change. I hope this answers your question!
Ellie
www.DrEllie.com


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Child Cavities

Hi Dr. Ellie,
I so much appreciate the time you take in answering questions and how informative your blog is.

I started following your program about a month ago after my son (5 yrs old) had cavities and was given 2 crowns. I sure don't want him to have to go through that again. He brushes and uses the act rinse. He won't use the closys or listerine, even diluted. He doesn't like the taste of either. I give him zellie gum as often as I can, which probably is not everyday. He loves the gum.

How do I know when and if it's working for him? There were additional small cavities the dentist wanted to fill, but I wanted to give your system a chance first.  Do we have the dentist recheck after a few months? Or is there another way to tell or see a difference?

Thank you again...

Aloha,
JB


Hi JB,

To stop disease and repair teeth they must be helped every day (ACT) and given the tools they need to repair (xylitol). This means good tooth cleaning and the use of enough xylitol each day.

(There is no need for the Closys and Listerine for baby teeth. These rinses are part of the system for teens and adult teeth. These rinses help to stop and reverse gum infection - which is rarely a problem for children.)

Preschool years are vitally important years for childrens teeth.
5 yeas of age is a very important year for your son, since he is about to erupt new adult molar teeth.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DENTAL YEAR OF HIS LIFE!!!
I am not so worried about baby fillings as the health of his brand new adult teeth - teeth that are supposed to last for the rest of his LIFE!!!

If you can improve the health of his mouth and protect his new teeth this year - your son will probably have beautiful teeth for ever.
YOU CAN DO THIS - but you will have to work hard!

The most important things to know:
1. 50% of your effort must be to get some Original Crest toothpaste and/or ACT rinse to his teeth every day and ALWAYS BEFORE SLEEPING AT NIGHT).

2. The other 50 % of your effort is to ensure your son has at least 5 grams of xylitol every day.
Below this amount WILL NOT WORK FOR REVERSING OR PREVENTING CAVITIES in a child with decay history!!!

How to get enough xylitol
Over the years I have come to the conclusion that the best way to get this amount is to use one teaspoon of xylitol in water - every day.
The best time to do this is probably first thing in the morning.

Put a teaspoon into a bottle of water and have your son drink this during the day - make it fun - this is a special ZellieWater drink.
It will not even taste sweet - you can dilute it as much as you like - it will still work.

This water will give him 4 grams of xylitol in multiple exposures.
The gum pieces will add another couple of grams ( each piece has one gram xylitol ) and together this habit will take you to an effective dose.
This way he will have somewhere between 5-10 grams a day - you should do this with him.

Last thing - remember the importance of a clean toothbrush!
Swish the brush head in Listerine ( this explodes the bacteria) then rinse under water ( this rinses the brush clean) and store the brush so that it will dry.

Please let me know how things work out.
Work HARD now - it will pay you back in the years ahead as you see your son's beautiful teeth smiling at you!


Best wishes for a wonderful 2012,
Ellie


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Calcium Lactate to Xylitol?

Hi Dr. Ellie,

I was wondering if you have considered added calcium lactate to Zellies as a way to improve the remineralization of tooth enamel when used in conjunction with Xylitol? I'm basing that on the following article:

http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=88905

If that article is accurate, it seems like calcium lactate in Xylitol mints/gum would improve the effectiveness of the mints/gum and possibly offer an alternative to the ACT mouthwash (possibly toxic flouride) step in your Zellies oral health system?

What do you think? Is this something you have or will consider, or have you concluded it won't help?
 - J

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your suggestion.
I appreciate your idea and the fact that there many be several products ( probiotics etc) that could be potential combination "with xylitol". Unfortunately in vitro experiments often do not produce the same effects in vivo or they have other unexpected effects.

As a clinician, rather than a researcher, I view studies with a "grain of salt". My goal is freeing people from dental problems - not inventing a new wonder product. The main question in my mind is "does this work" - and "does this product give positive and sustainable results, in real life - year after year".
I have tested my system and these specific products year after year - on myself, my patients, my employees, my family and then the public for decades before writing my book and selling Zellies.
This is MY personal recommendation after 40 years of being a concerned dentist.

In dentistry we have a myriad of products produced each year claiming and "tested" to show they do X and Y. Every dental office is "sold/told" that these products are better/ more effectively than some old fashioned product. Is this true? or is there some "other side of the coin" - with long-term problems or side effects that you only discover after months or years of use?

Crest Pro Health is a classic - with the terrible staining that it causes - yet free samples and recommendations are made in dental offices daily. Colgate Total with its Triclosan - leads too many mouth ulcers ( to say the least). Biotene is a disaster. Antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals would make my list endless - with temporary benefits and often unwanted "side effects" .

I KNOW that used year after year, pure xylitol and my system of rinses will help people enjoy healthy teeth. The purer the xylitol - the happier I am about incorporating it into my products.

I have looked closely at fluoride and of course it works very harmoniously with xylitol.
Dilute sodium fluoride, used as a rinse, cannot be compared with the toxic by-products in our water supplies nor the strong gels and pastes that dentistry often touts as a "cure".
The mechanism of fluoride must be understood - and it is complicated - which is why I plan to give webinars on this subject soon - so stay tuned!

Best wishes and thanks for your suggestion,
Please keep in touch - I appreciate your feedback.


Ellie
www.DrEllie.com
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Gums

Dear Dr. Ellie: Hi- I have a friend who has a severe genetic disorder that causes her gums to recede. She has had surgery multiple times and is due for another round. Would Zellies make any difference for her?

Thanks,

J

Hi J,

I would love to hear more about why this problem is "genetic".

There is a test to show which germs are in your mouth - it is called an Oral DNA test - and this may be very useful for her - if it has not already been done.

Periodontal disease was thought to "run" in families - but we now know that is spreads on toothbrushes and when people kiss and share food.
I would like to learn more.

If you want to start somewhere, I think Zellies and sufficient xylitol could be a huge help.
Most of all I would suggest using the Complete Mouth Care System www.DrEllie.com

I have taken people who were about to have $6,000 worth of gum surgery and make them healthy again.
There are things she should avoid: any whitening products or peroxide, baking soda, drinking soda or acidic drinks, chewing gum with sorbitol and artificial sweeteners.

Hope this helps.
I offer telephone coaching help - www.DrEcoaching - and this may be useful for your friend.
Let me know,

Best wishes,


Ellie
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The Fluoride Debate

Dear Dr. Ellie:

I really can’t get the straight scoop from the internet on this – can you give me 2 or 3 sentences as to why fluoride is a bad idea?   Is it because we have enough in our water and/or because it’s really not necessary for good dental care?  I’d love to dig in to these great natural brands of toothpaste but I see that so many of them, almost without exception, lack fluoride.    Thanks.
-N

Hi N,

The FLUORIDE debate: I like to compare fluorides and chlorides - as an illustration.

Fluorides come from Fluorine : Chlorides come from Chlorine
These two elements are very similar and stand next to each other on the chemistry element list.

Neither chlorine nor  fluorine are safe - they are toxic gases which poison the lungs and the body.
Both chlorine and  fluorine combine with many other elements - and the combinations make compounds.

Many of these compounds are toxic - with the exception of two stable double-bonded compounds - their calcium and sodium compounds **** ( THIS IS THE REAL TAKE-HOME).

Calcium chloride - for example - has been used for years in the making of brie cheeses, beer, sports drinks and caramel fillings in chocolate ( to name a few uses)!
Sodium chloride - is table salt ( you will agree that these are very different products compared with chlorine gas).

Some salt is necessary for health, but excess salt is not healthy (for other reasons - not because it comes from chlorine).

Calcium fluoride is a naturally occurring compound and is found in soil and rocks.
Sodium fluoride - is the stable salt of fluoride. It is expensive - so they do not use it often - they prefer cheap alternatives.

A small amount of sodium fluoride is great to heal teeth and make them stronger. It works topically as a catalyst on the outside of the tooth surface. A little each day will keep teeth strong - but excess is not healthy ( for other reasons - not because it comes from fluorine)

In drinking water they substitute a silico-aluminum compound - which is an aluminum by-product of manufacture ( not recommended). In Crest Pro Health ( and many newer pastes) they use Stannous Fluoride ( a tin based fluoride) which is cheaper .

The problem with stannous fluoride is that it has a reaction with silica ( the main product used in good toothpaste). So they substitute chalk (in place of silica) and the problem is that chalk does not bind or control SLS. The result is that these newer pastes appear to create problems  - ulceration of gums, sensitivity, staining of teeth, loss of taste - even dry mouth.

A little sodium fluoride helps teeth absorb minerals (from saliva) to make tooth enamel repair itself.
Enamel is composed of living crystals and the fluoride can help a tooth become smoother, stronger and more acid resistant ( which is why teeth then appear whiter).

Only dilute fluoride makes this happen - you only need a small amount each day ( just like salt).  Too much fluoride can damage teeth.

Hope this is a good comparison that helps you understand why only a couple of fluoride products are GOOD for teeth.
Best wishes,

Ellie


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Complete Mouth Care System

Dear Dr. Ellie: I was just curious why is it you chose those products like the toothpaste and mouthwashes how come you don't use closys toothpaste or biotene mouthwash which has xylitol in it I am just curious why.


-D



Hi D,

I was checking emails and I think I did not reply to your questions.

The reason that I recommend the products that comprise My Complete Mouth Care System is because they work in harmony to stop dental problems, protect people from any new ones and often reverse the damage of gum disease and cavities. No other system that I know of can do that.

When you mix and match the products with other products ( that have different chemistry and ingredients) my 40 years of clinical searching has shown me - that these positive results are not achieved.

Sometimes it is things like glycerine, other times the chemicals or sometimes a lack of something.

Biotene is definitely NOT my suggestion and often it makes teeth more sensitive and stained - and the amount of xylitol is insufficient for the benefits of xylitol that you get with pure products and the method I recommend.

This is like making a cake - and I have given you ordinary ingredients but AN EXTRAORDINARY METHOD - use it and you WILL see the results!!

Hope this answers your question.


Sorry for the delay,

Ellie

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Fluoride Supplements

Hi Dr Ellie,


The town we live in does not have fluoride in the water supply so the kids have gotten fluoride tablets from their pediatrician since they were very little. I remember you mentioning about the trouble with your first kids as a result of fluoride supplements. Their dentist has no input on the ingested fluoride and says to refer to their doctor for that. From our discussion today it seems that you would recommend the ACT over the supplements. Am I right? Thanks


-E


Hi E,

There are two sides to this "topic" ( and remember people make $ from selling supplements!)

Here is a link to the ADA "traditional" writing on the topic and how effective it is to apply fluoride to the teeth directly:

"Topical fluoride inhibits the demineralization of sound enamel and enhances its remineralization.(12,13 ) When fluoride is absorbed by the enamel along with calcium and phosphate during the remineralization process, it establishes an improved enamel crystal structure that, in comparison with its state before mineralization, is more acid resistant and contains more fluoride and less carbonate."

The rest of their article goes on and talks about the risks and benefits of supplements and this is posted here:
http://jada.ada.org/content/141/12/1480.full

We know too much fluoride before age 3 can give permanent teeth defects and brown or white marks on the surface. Many dentists think supplements have benefits, but I believe we ingest plenty of fluoride from a variety of hidden sources ( it is in a lot of foods and drinks, teas and prepared foods ) so there is no need to use supplements these days. I don't personally trust supplements nor have I ever recommended them.

Here is an interesting article you may also want to read ( This doctor discusses supplements very clearly and very well):
http://drjaygordon.com/pediatricks/general/fluoride-supplements.html

Hope this give your food for thought!
Ellie

Dr. Ellie Phillips DDS
Solutions for Oral Health

www.DrEllie.com

www.Zellies.com

www.DrEcoaching.com

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Hypomineralization

Dear Dr. Ellie:

I was just by the dentist today with my five year old daughter. One of her 6-year molars just came in and it was hurting her. The dentist said that this tooth has MIH – and that basically this tooth is doomed. She recommended using a fluoride gel and MI paste to help protect the tooth as much as possible, but that I should expect that it will cause her lots of trouble in the future.

What do you recommend?
-Y

Hi Y,

Many adult molars come into young mouths and are poorly formed or with poorly developed enamel.
The problem seems to be getting worse these days. Adult molars develop in the baby jaws around the time of birth - so any birth trauma, premature birth or Caesarian birth can be the possible cause of these defects.

I would need to know how your daughter's other teeth are - do you have a picture? My general recommendation would be to start using xylitol regularly and ASAP!!

How co-operative is your daughter? - and do you have time to "count" grams of xylitol each day?
If you do not, then I suggest thinking about ZellieBears - a quick dissolving candy that would help these teeth a lot.

You daughter would have one of these xylitol bears after breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Twice a day you should put a drop of ACT bubblegum mouth rinse on a toothbrush and brush this gently over this tooth and her other teeth ( using the ACT in place of toothpaste).

( I just remembered that your dentist recommended MI paste and fluoride gel. Most kids don't like the gel, and although it may be stronger fluoride than ACT - it will not be any more effective - some studies even show that stronger fluoride is LESS effective). MI paste is quite expensive - and you need to know that it is basically a milk paste. If your daughter likes cheese and whole milk ( organic is best) then I suggest using real milk products. Always be aware that juice drinks and sodas are horrible for teeth. If she likes to drink a juice - have it during a meal and eat a ZellieBear afterwards!
http://zellies.gostorego.com/children-s-products.html

Please let me know if you need more information,
Ellie

Dr.Ellie Phillips DDS
Solutions for Oral Health
www.DrEllie.com
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Best Forms of Xylitol

Hello Dr. Ellie

Can you settle a debate that we are having at home with regards the form that xylitol needs to be in for our daily doses.

At the moment, we are using granular xylitol dissolved in water as a regular dose.  We also supplement this with some granular xylitol on a teaspoon after meals, snacks and drinks.  Living in the UK we can't get hold of Zellies, unless we order from the US (which looks like being expensive).

My feeling is that it doesn't matter too much what form the xylitol is in, so long is we get the exposure.  However, my wife feels that we need to be using xylitol sweets/gum instead of granular after meals.

Can you help clarify this for us.

Many thanks

G


Hi G,

I don't want to take sides - so I'll say that you are both correct!

To get rid of plaque and prevent cavities: ( the effects are equal - no matter how you use it)
Research shows that it does not matter the form that xylitol is in ( candies, gum etc).
In the most recent studies the only xylitol products that did not seem as effective as the mints and gum was xylitol in toothpastes and rinses. (This does not surprise me - since the toothpastes with xylitol are usually too abrasive, and mouth rinses with xylitol are often acidic).

Zellies mints are simply granular xylitol "pressed" into a mint shape - with a drop of flavor!  You could dip a strawberry into the xylitol crystals and have virtually the same effect!

People think that chewing the gum makes a difference, but studies do not support this.
In Scandinavia they give gum to preschool kids, have them chew until the flavor is gone and then spit it out.

The effects of the xylitol are immediate and they come from "feeding" xylitol to the harmful germs in your mouth - which basically inactivates them. Cavity and other harmful germs multiply at the end of a meal - so this is why xylitol is so useful at the end of a meal. If you have gum disease - it seems that sipping xylitol in water is one of the very best ways to control this problem.

To strengthen or repair teeth - or make them whiter:( Zellies mints and gum may be best)
The other way xylitol works is to generate a flow of saliva into your mouth.This stimulated saliva contains minerals which go into teeth to harden and repair them, and make them whiter.
I think my mints appear to do this even better than xylitol alone - because the mints are sooooo delicious!

Xylitol generates a flow of saliva into the mouth ( it is part of the sequence that happens when you eat xylitol) but when something is delicious and you like it - this flow is often increased!
If you put xylitol into water you will not get this "mineralizing" effect to the same degree.
Also, eating granules off a spoon may, of course, not be as delicious as having one or two Zellies mints!

I hope this explain why you are both correct! I am coming to UK this spring for a vacation - maybe I can find a distributor there to help us get Zellies to you more easily!

Best wishes,
Ellie

Dr. Ellie Phillips DDS

Solutions for Oral Health

www.DrEllie.com
www.Zellies.com
www.DrEcoaching.com

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Listerine

Dear Dr. Ellie: Are you saying that it is the not the essential oils which kill s. mutans but the acidic nature of Listerine which demineralizes teeth and which should keep careful people from using it?

 - A

Dear A:

No, you are correct - it is the essential oils that are working to remove immature plaque cells in the mouth - that is true.

The problem is that Listerine is a two-edged sword, because it is acidic and potentially mouth-drying.


Studies show that Listerine has antibacterial effects better than much stronger antiseptic mouth rinses.
These studies show that harmful plaque pathogens are eliminated in one minute by rinsing with Listerine.(Whereas other rinses like chlorhexidine take 5 minutes or more.)

Also, the good news for Listerine is that it does not damage the healthy oral ecology.


The problem with Listerine is that it is acidic and has alcohol in it (and alcohol is mouth-drying and therefore potentially hazardous for teeth and the mucosa of the mouth). Young, healthy men normally have copious amounts of alkaline saliva in their mouths - which is able to wash away these potential problems, and this allows them to use Listerine - without problem. Basically if you have alkaline ( and therefore mineral-rich saliva) your own saliva will deal with temporary acidity and mouth-drying problems.


Issues and dental damage occur for people using Listerine when their mouth conditions cannot compensate or wash the problem away.

This would be someone with an acidic or dry mouth.

People with dry mouth ( e.g. those on meds, people with allergies or sinus breathing problems for example) cannot wash this acidic liquid off their teeth adequately. Women often have long periods of their lives when their saliva is acidic ( it is hormone related - e.g. during pregnancy and as they get to middle age). People with dry mouth or an acidic mouth cannot remove or negate the acidity and drying action of Listerine.

I developed my system of mouth care to deal with these detrimental aspects of Listerine - (yet allow people to enjoy its benefits for gum health). Crest Cavity Protection paste can supply ions and sodium fluoride to the tooth surface where it interacts quickly enough to offer protection to teeth during the spell of acidity with the Listerine.

This is why I only recommend and advise this toothpaste and NO water rinsing between the steps.
After applying the paste to the teeth and rinsing with Listerine, the patients immediately rinse with ACT - a dilute fluoride rinse ( ACT is able to remineralize enamel after acidic exposure).

The outcome is a dramatic improvement for anyone who would otherwise be vulnerable to dental damage from the Listerine.

Thanks for your interest.


Ellie


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Questions for Dr. Ellie

Dear Ellie,

What is your opinion of Myofunctional Orthodontics?
I ask because we are thinking of addressing orthodontic issues our children have with a dentist offering this service.

It is very appealing as it has prevention at the heart of things similar to your own oral hygiene work. Here are some websites www.jfdental.com, www.myoresearch.com , and www.dentalbraces.com.au

The Buteyko breathing method seems relevant here also.

I would be very interested in your opinion of any or all of this as I value same.

Best regards,

M


Hi M,

Orthodontics has recently incorporated a number of new approaches - which I am not an expert to discuss.  I was trained differently - and I have somewhat old-fashioned ideas about orthodontics.

Just like every other "business" once you commit to someone's therapy - your choice will provide a long and lucrative revenue stream for the provider. I have seen children in braces for multiple years - and personally I am not at all convinced it was necessary. On the other hand, when you completely trust your provider, he or she may provide an expert and wonderful outcome - one that is stable and healthy for your child.

I cannot common on your children's therapies, but I can suggest (in the way you asked me for my opinion) that maybe you seek a second opinion from another dentist in your area.
There are definitely more than two sides to the orthodontic coin - and you need to weigh some of the things they tell you.

In my humble opinion I would ask what happens if you wait a few years? also what is their "end point" - is it going to be stable - or will your child/children need to wear appliances for the rest of their lives?
These are important facts to consider.

Sorry not to be of more help,
Ellie


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Listerine and Teas

Hi, I've just been using your system for a week and a half now, and I love it!  Thank you!!  I do have 2 questions though.  I have gums that have receded quite a bit, and using the Listerine makes them feel like they are really receding - I can almost feel them doing just that after I swish!  I am trying to not brush too vigorously, but I wonder if that gum feeling is normal with using the Listerine and if it will go away.

My second question has to do with the acidity - I drink a large up of hot tea at my desk each morning and afternoon (black tea in the morning, green in the afternoon), and I am feeling guilty about the acid of the tea.  Would it be beneficial to put a spoonful of xylitol in the tea?  or would the acidity of the tea cancel out the beneficial effects of the xylitol?  I am not that crazy about eating mints or especially gum, but I do eat some granules after the cleaning system and sometimes after meals, though I need to be using more.  Thank you in advance for your help!
  - L




Hi L,

Listerine:
It is essential to use the correct toothpaste and to apply it to your gums and teeth before using Listerine. I only recommend the original Cavity Protection Crest.
In my opinion no other paste will work.

You need to apply this paste around the roots of your teeth - inside and out.
It is essential to brush correctly a little below the junction where your gums meet your tooth enamel.

Most people do not brush adequately at this place.
Most people focus on brushing their teeth and this means they do not massage their gums sufficiently with their toothbrush.

Personally I think battery/rotary brushes make this harder in some mouths - especially for people who have trouble getting their brushes in the back of their mouths.
I think you need to think carefully about HOW you brush and ensure you are reaching all around your gums with the Crest toothpaste.

Do NOT rinse the paste off your teeth - you need the residue from the paste to protect your teeth while you rinse with Listerine.
You can spit out any big glob of toothpaste, but don't use any water rinse.
Providing you have the correct toothpaste, apply it around all the sensitive gum areas and do not rinse it off with water - then you should find this system is OK.
If you still feel some sensitivity, you may want to try diluting the Listerine with water, at least for a while.

The value of Listerine for your gum health is so great - you should really try to figure this out - let me know if you need more help.

Teas
Many teas are acidic, but the real problem for most of them is that they come from plants and leaves that contain phytates - a product that interferes with the protective coating that normally covers healthy teeth.
You need this healthy covering over your teeth and gums, particularly if you plan to repair and re-grow any damaged tooth or gum tissues.

The only tea I know that does not seem to have so much of this effect is ROOIBOS tea.
This is an organic tea made from a plant known a "red bush" from the Cape region of South Africa.

You may want to switch to try Rooibos tea and when you finish the drink, enjoy some xylitol or a tooth-protective food like a piece of cheese.
It is far more beneficial to have some xylitol after your drink, rather than putting xylitol into the tea.

www.DrEcoaching.com

If you need some extra help applying the system - let me know.
I have helped a number of people with gum recession, pocketing and other problems reach a wonderful conclusion.
Some of these clients needed to take a flossing holiday, stop using a water-pick, change their brushing habits or take pictures to show me what they are doing!

I believe every one of my coaching clients would say their half hour session was helpful and by talking together we found ways to make their recovery quicker and more complete.
Let me know if I can assist you in any way www.DrEcoaching.com

Best wishes,
Ellie

Dr.Ellie Phillips DDS

Solutions for Oral Health
www.DrEllie.com




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Xylitol Sensitivity

Dear Dr. Ellie: 

I am very interested in improving and maintaining the health and appearance of my mouth and teeth and I came across your website and have been using the complete system but am having issues with the xylitol.  Even one exposure to gum or dissolving crystals in water is causing me bloating, gas , and diarrhea.  Will I still be gaining most of the benefits of the system if I don't use xylitol?  Thanks.

D

Dear D:

50 percent of the improvements you will see from using my system come from the use of xylitol, and 50 % are from the use of the Complete Mouth Care System of rinses. Leaving out the xylitol component will give you half as many helpful improvements!

I am surprised to hear of your problems with xylitol, since it is a natural product and is "understood" by our bodies. Humans make about 15 grams of xylitol naturally every day in the process of metabolism (but do not give xylitol to dogs - they do not have the mechanism to process it).

It is true than many artificial sweeteners cause gas and bloating, including ones that have similar sounding names: sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol etc.etc. Sorbitol is the worst of these - and tiny amounts of sorbitol create gastric distress. This is one reason why we never recommend commercial xylitol gum that is also sweetened with sorbitol ( also sorbitol negates many of the benefits of xylitol).

Xylitol has been around for centuries - know to the ancient Chinese as a sugar from the "white ( birch) tree" and a cure for dental problems. Native Americans have used birch sugar ( xylitol) to protect teeth and believed it was "Gods gift to Mankind" Xylitol is also used in many other cultures around the world.

Xylitol works directly on the bacteria of the mouth. Tiny amounts taken at the end of meals are enough to get plaque bacteria to die off and stop producing acids that harm teeth and gums. Less than 1/8th teaspoon will do this if you take it after meals and drinks, several times during the day.

Xylitol passes through our digestive system as fiber but in the colon it behaves as a probiotic, improving digestion and helping to make the colon wall healthier. Usually it is only if large amounts of xylitol are taken on an empty stomach, does it create any digestive changes - and these result from absorption of water into the colon ( an osmotic reaction) which can loosen stools. Interestingly as the intestine becomes familiar with xylitol - this osmotic reaction decreases and xylitol appears to keep the digestive system regular and healthy.

I suggest you look closely at the ingredients in your gum and crystals ( since xylitol is often mixed with the cheaper artificial ingredients that can present problems - see above) If you have pure xylitol products - just start slowly - with one piece of gum or a 1/8th teaspoon at the end of each meal.
Avoid dumping a teaspoon of xylitol into your coffee - because this will not be as beneficial for your teeth - and may be too much for your system.

Probiotics can also help if you have digestive problems - and xylitol will work in harmony with probiotics.

Best wishes and I hope this answers your questions,

Out of interest, what has been your sweetener of choice when you sweeten foods- do you use sugar or some other sweetener?

Ellie

Ingredients in the Complete Mouth Care System

Dear Dr Elle: Hello, I just have a couple of questions is using colgate total instead of crest with act alcohol free and act restore ( I usually buy one every 15 days and then the other) and trident gum good or would it be better to just get the pure xylitol, act alcohol free and crest?




Hello -
COLGATE TOTAL contains Triclosan - which reacts with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15926568. You may also want to read more about Triclosan before you put any more of this toothpaste in your mouth! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan

I suggest Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste. Obviously I do NOT recommend Colgate Total.

ACT restore is also a completely different formulation - and will not give you the same results as ACT anti-cavity rinse. The restore variety contains alcohol and a different concentration of fluoride.
It is more expensive than the regular ACT and is NOT recommended in my system.

Trident gum contains sorbitol which inactivates the benefits of xylitol. Trident does not contain enough xylitol to do any good. I recommend only products that contain 100 percent xylitol. You will usually find these in a health store or on line. Zellies are the best!

Hope this answers your questions.
Ellie

www.Zellies.com

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Sorbitol and Xylitol

Dr. Ellie,

I appreciate the information as my daughter has Crohns disease and is extremely sensitive to anything diet as it causes as you stated a great deal of distress in her system. In conversations with co-workers I found out that toothpaste had Sorbitol in it which may help to explain how after surgery she is still somewhat symptomatic. We are concentrating on her diet and removing anything that may cause distress - I never thought toothpaste would be one of them. I researched "natural" toothpaste and found Xylitol was an ingredient and found your explanation very helpful and now feel better about providing a toothpaste with this in it...plus I cant find one without it and was confused as to what it was and if it would continue to cause distress.

Thank you again - very much appreciated!
Best Regards,
P

Dear P:

I do not recommend xylitol toothpaste. I have never found a xylitol toothpaste that I recommend.
If you want to brush with xylitol - that is OK - providing you do not already have fillings or cavities - in which case you will need more help.

I am sure that a pea-size amount of Crest original paste is far better than any "natural" kind. No one should be eating toothpaste. If you use the mouth rinse system that I recommend - the rinses will wash any "sorbitol" out of your mouth. The sorbitol I worry about is in chewing gums - because you are consuming it ( beware Trident and Orbit).

People with poor digestions benefit from small and continuous amounts of xylitol in their diet.
Xylitol ferments in the colon and provides the products necessary for healing the colon lining.
One great way to enjoy xylitol is to dissolve some in water - a full or half teaspoon in 16 oz of water - sipped slowly through the morning.

This will not taste any different - but it will provide a gentle amount of xylitol for your tooth and digestive health.

People with digestive problems often have poor quality saliva - so my system of mouth care is vital for them. Oral health is paramount if you have a weak immune system - the mouth is the start of the digestive tract - and you need to keep it healthy.

I hope this helps,
Best wishes,
Ellie



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Remineralization of Teeth

Dr. Ellie, 


I talked with you last September. I am a natural health practitioner and an occupational therapist. Had braces in my teens, 3 root canals, gum surgery for gum recession. In my early 30’s radically changed my diet etc. and much better health has ensued. Last July my dentist noted 2 cavities in between teeth 18 and 19 ‘flossing cavities’…this is despite flossing at that point in time…he wanted to fill them…which the teeth already have small fillings in them on the biting surface….I found your info and started on it right away….we spoke on the phone in September prior to my appt to have the teeth filled and I decided to cancel my appt. I have continued your program faithfully and now almost 7 months later …my gums are the best they have ever been and my teeth feel stronger when chewing things like nuts etc. I no longer have the slight/mild sensitivity of the involved teeth that I was having in July prior to starting your program…those teeth if sugary foods touched them just wrong would be sensitive…that seems to have resolved. They are not sensitive to hot or cold. I was at the dentist this week for a cleaning….I had terrible staining which I was happy about as I knew things must be improving….it took the hygienist at least 60 min to clean my teeth…..when they x-rayed the teeth there was no significant change in my cavities…the dentist thought one might be slightly bigger but not significant the other had not changed….they scheduled me for fillings in April….I am obviously going to continue on your program but am wondering if these teeth may be too compromised…or if I just have not allowed enough time for things to begin to heal…I am more at peace knowing if I do have to get them filled my mouth is a much healthier environment to undergo that but I would love for them to heal on their own..my dentist and hygienist are not optimistic and tell me there is no way they will heal…once thru the enamel and into the dentin cavities progress quickly…I have encouraged them to read your info but they don’t seem to be interested although they did brag on my gum tissue…that is the first time in my 41 years of life…so that is HUGE progress… and they told me to keep doing whatever it is I am doing as it seems to be helping..THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for what you do and having you info accessible to people…it has been life changing for me….any thoughts you have on to wait a little longer or proceed would be appreciated…I realize you can’t tell me what to do but your thoughts would help.

Take care and Blessings in 2012

MK

Hi MK,

In the first 6 months, xylitol gets to work inactivating plaque germs, making them slippery and stopping them reproducing.

If you started in September - then you have just completed this phase - phase one : STOP the progression of the disease.


Now you can start the process of natural healing.

Just like any other part of your body - healing is impossible if there is infection - no matter if it is your finger or a tooth.

This is why (without adequate amounts and frequency of xylitol) teeth cannot repair once the decay is into the dentin.

The germs are not killed by fluoride, or anything else - so without xylitol you cannot heal teeth that are into the dentin.

WITH my system of rinses and adequate (frequency and amounts of) xylitol - you CAN!!!

My suggestion is that you review the complete mouth care system again on my website- and ensure that you are using it correctly.

www.DrEllie.com

If you want to take a picture of the rinses and paste you are using - do that and send it to me to check - I am happy to do that.


50% of the healing is from the xylitol and 50% is from the CORRECT use of my system of mouth rinses with the CORRECT toothpaste.


You cannot use a brand fluoride or substitute Listerine etc.. Get it EXACT !!!

Last night I met a lady who said she was "on my system" but was not using the toothpaste ( she was not using any toothpaste) and she was using a brand fluoride (Equate).

I knew by looking at her teeth that she was NOT "on my system".

Her teeth would have looked very different had she been following my instructions - that is how confident I am about what I teach.

DON'T mix and match the things I suggest with other products - like pro-enamel etc.

Using anything different will sabotage your progress!

You need to use the rinse routine twice a day - morning and night - or this process WILL NOT have the power to REPAIR THOSE TEETH!!!


THIS SYSTEM is the only way to heal these teeth - and once healed, you know in the future how to PROTECT them from damage.

My system is STOP ~ PROTECT ~ REVERSE

I think you should take another 6 months of being fanatic about protecting your teeth.

Use Zellies mints after everything you eat or drink ( including tea)

Use the mouth rinses etc. twice a day, clean your toothbrush every day

Make sure to only snack on tooth-safe foods!!!

It will make a difference and then you will really be able to WOW your dentist at the end of the summer!!!

Best wishes,

Ellie







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