Dear Dr. Ellie:
I have a problem that is causing me great anxiety. I am 51 years old and have extremely dry mouth. I have gone sought medical help but they are at a loss at this moment as to why. Maybe it's menopause, that's the only thing I can think of as the dry mouth gets better and then worse.
Anyway, I see cracks in my teeth and now I have small white spots forming. I do wear retainers at night. My dentist said the cracking was normal with age. I also feel that my gums are receding. I am also getting canker sores. I drink a glass of wine at night and I have a orange juice for breakfast. Is this too acidic? I rinse with Aloe vera juice and sea salt and use Biotene toothpaste and rinse.
I hope you can help me!!! I will follow any advice that you give.
Thank you so much!!
CA
Hi CA,
The message in my book Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye expands in detail WHY teeth deteriorate.
My book explains why teeth wear away, become soft, why gums recede, teeth darken in color or get cracks in them. Basically there are only two reasons that teeth deteriorate - mouth acidity and/or dry mouth.
Several chapters explain why you may have mouth acidity - and how acidity attacks teeth. One problem may be your own saliva. Saliva often becomes acidic with hormonal change, stress or with dry mouth.
You many have multiple reasons why your teeth are being damaged by mouth acidity - from things you eat or drink in addition to your own saliva.
Dry Mouth + Mouth Acidity = damage.
The answer to your problem is to constantly PROTECT your teeth. You need to "moisturize" your teeth and build strength back into them. This is actually very easy to do since Zellies mints and gum help you do both these things.
If you don't chew gum normally, then I suggest Zellies mints - in mint or fruit flavors. Eat one or two mints after anything you eat or drink - and also during the day if you have a dry mouth. These mints are healing for your mouth, protective for your teeth and will make your mouth feel moist and comfortable.
Morning and night you need the special sequence of mouth rinses and toothpaste that I recommend. These rinses help your teeth repair (reducing crack lines and helping take away sensitivity).
The system - when used regularly- will make the outer shell of your teeth harder and more resistant. This will stop any more damage in the future. There is no reason for teeth to "age" - you just need a "Zellies" way to harden them up and keep them young!
Everything you need would be found in our Complete Mouth Care Kit. You may also enjoy reading my book. The kit has an instruction manual - so you can at least get started even without the book. You must NOT mix and match the suggested products with your existing products. Put your current toothpaste away - and use only the products that I recommend.
https://www.zelliescleanwhiteteeth.com/Zellie-Mouth-Care-System.aspx
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Best Wishes,
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.cleanwhiteteeth.com/
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
585-272-1270
585-272-9910
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wine and Teeth Staining
Dear Dr. Ellie:
I have a question for you...Should I stay away from the wine for now until I get your book I ordered?
Thanks
C
Hi C
No, please don't give up on the wine!!! We all need to eat or snack on delicious things - and many are acidic!!Just be aware of this fact - that many foods and drinks are acidic (coffee and wine etc).
To protect your teeth from this acidity you need to finish the meal, drink or snack with some kind of "tooth protective food". Foods are tooth protective because they are alkaline or because they create an alkaline environment (like xylitol). Alkaline foods are mostly fresh vegetables, nuts and dairy products.
Hence perhaps the logic for wine and cheese! So, enjoy your wine but finish after the last sip of wine with a little piece of cheese or some nuts for example - either one will protect your teeth.
I told you this system would be easy - and what's more it is a delicious way to protect your teeth!! So enjoy the wine - and then protect your teeth afterwards!
What you eat or drink is not as important as the FINAL food or drink at the end of the meal or snack - the last bite!!
Best wishes,
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.cleanwhiteteeth.com/
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
585-272-1270
585-272-9910
I have a question for you...Should I stay away from the wine for now until I get your book I ordered?
Thanks
C
Hi C
No, please don't give up on the wine!!! We all need to eat or snack on delicious things - and many are acidic!!Just be aware of this fact - that many foods and drinks are acidic (coffee and wine etc).
To protect your teeth from this acidity you need to finish the meal, drink or snack with some kind of "tooth protective food". Foods are tooth protective because they are alkaline or because they create an alkaline environment (like xylitol). Alkaline foods are mostly fresh vegetables, nuts and dairy products.
Hence perhaps the logic for wine and cheese! So, enjoy your wine but finish after the last sip of wine with a little piece of cheese or some nuts for example - either one will protect your teeth.
I told you this system would be easy - and what's more it is a delicious way to protect your teeth!! So enjoy the wine - and then protect your teeth afterwards!
What you eat or drink is not as important as the FINAL food or drink at the end of the meal or snack - the last bite!!
Best wishes,
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.cleanwhiteteeth.com/
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
585-272-1270
585-272-9910
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Xylitol in Drinks
***PLEASE NOTE: we have a new website: www.cleanwhiteteeth.com, so many of the links from this blog before this post, may be broken. We are working to fix this, but in the meantime, please check the www.cleanwhiteteeth.com website if you are looking for information or Zellies Xylitol Mints and Gum.***
Dear Dr. Ellie:
I was wondering if putting the powdered Xylitol diminishes its effectiveness when place in hot drinks such as coffee or tea?
Since I’ve sworn off Slenda (my previous coffee and iced tea sweetener) and started putting in Xylitol I wondered if it was helping my oral program or causing the product to be ineffective because it was in a drink that would otherwise be damaging to my teeth.
I couldn’t find this answer on your blog.
Thanks - J
Hi J,
Any exposure to xylitol will be beneficial -- in that it will help to remove some plaque bacteria.
The ideal time to eat or drink xylitol is after meals or snacks, or whenever the mouth is dry or acidic (conditions which put teeth at increased risk).
Research has shown that frequency is very important if you are trying to eliminate plaque.
On the other hand, putting granular xylitol into an acidic drink complicates things.
The xylitol in the drink may be enough for somebody at very low risk, but I don't think it is sensible to rely on it. The acidity of the tea or coffee is likely to cause damage to your teeth and this may be more than the xylitol can undo.
It would be a better suggestion to end -- after you finish the drink -- with a piece of xylitol gum, a breath mint, or little granular xylitol dissolved in some water.
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.cleanwhiteteeth.com/
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
585-272-1270
Dear Dr. Ellie:
I was wondering if putting the powdered Xylitol diminishes its effectiveness when place in hot drinks such as coffee or tea?
Since I’ve sworn off Slenda (my previous coffee and iced tea sweetener) and started putting in Xylitol I wondered if it was helping my oral program or causing the product to be ineffective because it was in a drink that would otherwise be damaging to my teeth.
I couldn’t find this answer on your blog.
Thanks - J
Hi J,
Any exposure to xylitol will be beneficial -- in that it will help to remove some plaque bacteria.
The ideal time to eat or drink xylitol is after meals or snacks, or whenever the mouth is dry or acidic (conditions which put teeth at increased risk).
Research has shown that frequency is very important if you are trying to eliminate plaque.
On the other hand, putting granular xylitol into an acidic drink complicates things.
The xylitol in the drink may be enough for somebody at very low risk, but I don't think it is sensible to rely on it. The acidity of the tea or coffee is likely to cause damage to your teeth and this may be more than the xylitol can undo.
It would be a better suggestion to end -- after you finish the drink -- with a piece of xylitol gum, a breath mint, or little granular xylitol dissolved in some water.
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.cleanwhiteteeth.com/
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
585-272-1270
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Dental Sealants
Hi, Ellie-
1. What are your thoughts on dental sealants? Our pediatric dentist has recommended them for my second and third sons, based on the surface anatomy of their molars, but not for my oldest son. All three are cavity-free, thank goodness. When, if ever, do you think that sealants are a good idea?
2. When traveling (or whenever you need to carry a toothbrush with you for any reason), how do you store it in order to keep it clean?
Thanks a lot.
L
Hi L,
I have to be really careful when discussing sealants, because I have already incurred the wrath of local dentists.You must take this as a descriptive ( a narrative about sealants).I am going to present the idea of sealants from the other side.
I'd like to discuss why NOT to have sealants -- but please don't take this as a diagnosis or advice -- I am already in trouble for advising against sealants. There is research to show that regular use of xylitol over time can offer the same benefits as sealants -- but without some of the problems.
What are the problems with sealants?
As a parent I would be very concerned if the sealant material contained Bisphenol A (otherwise known as BPA) - the product that has recently generated concern because it leaches out of plastic baby bottles. Bisphenol A can mimic estrogen hormone - even at low doses. To be fair, the sealant companies in recent years, have begun making sealants materials without Bisphenol A.
The theory behind sealants is that they block up the crevices of the teeth.
When cavity forming mouth bacteria get into these crevices or fissures, they lodge inside the walls of the deep cracks. These bacteria are very difficult to remove -- and in essence they become the place where mouth bacteria multiply quickest - becoming "fountains of bacteria".
Research shows that the kind of bacteria in crevices is the same kind of bacteria found all over the mouth.
Problems begin when the crevices are populated with bacteria that form cavities. Then, every time you eat or drink -- you feed them -- they multiply -- they form acids -- they destroy your tooth down at the bottom of this crevice.
On the other hand, if the bacteria in the crevices are "xylitol" ones - healthy ones - your mouth will have healthy bacteria - the kind that cannot produce cavities (because they don't produce acids). This healthy kind of bacteria will block up the crevices and keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
So how do you know if your grooves of fills with harmful or healthy bacteria? If you've never had a cavity, the chances are your mouth bacteria are healthy ones. If your child has had a history of cavities throughout life -- without any xylitol in the last few years -- then there's certainly a great risk from bacteria in these crevices and fissures. Sealants do not change the kind of bacteria in your mouth -- but they block up the crevices so they cannot get decay.
Sealants do not change or remove bacteria - they temporarily remove some risk --especially for children who are at high risk for cavities -- because their mouths are infected with cavity forming bacteria. You can do a test -- a saliva test that measures the number of harmful bacteria in your child's mouth.It is an idea.
If sealants had no risk attached , I might shrug my shoulders and say "why not". BUT I have zero tolerance for any treatment that is not necessary. Since a cavity takes approximately one year to form -- I would definitely go slowly. If you're worried, you could ask about a fluoride varnish -- this is useful alternative.
A fluoride varnish blocks up the grooves with a slow release fluoride resin. Personally, I like this idea because it offers protection for the immediate time -- but requires no maintenance -- no repairs -- no ongoing observation --
As for your toothbrush question --
I throw my toothbrushes into the garbage as I leave a hotel -- and take new Zellies toothbrush when I go traveling.
I hope this helps!
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
26 Corporate Woods, Rochester NY 14623
585-272-1270
585-272-0705 (Fax)
1. What are your thoughts on dental sealants? Our pediatric dentist has recommended them for my second and third sons, based on the surface anatomy of their molars, but not for my oldest son. All three are cavity-free, thank goodness. When, if ever, do you think that sealants are a good idea?
2. When traveling (or whenever you need to carry a toothbrush with you for any reason), how do you store it in order to keep it clean?
Thanks a lot.
L
Hi L,
I have to be really careful when discussing sealants, because I have already incurred the wrath of local dentists.You must take this as a descriptive ( a narrative about sealants).I am going to present the idea of sealants from the other side.
I'd like to discuss why NOT to have sealants -- but please don't take this as a diagnosis or advice -- I am already in trouble for advising against sealants. There is research to show that regular use of xylitol over time can offer the same benefits as sealants -- but without some of the problems.
What are the problems with sealants?
As a parent I would be very concerned if the sealant material contained Bisphenol A (otherwise known as BPA) - the product that has recently generated concern because it leaches out of plastic baby bottles. Bisphenol A can mimic estrogen hormone - even at low doses. To be fair, the sealant companies in recent years, have begun making sealants materials without Bisphenol A.
The theory behind sealants is that they block up the crevices of the teeth.
When cavity forming mouth bacteria get into these crevices or fissures, they lodge inside the walls of the deep cracks. These bacteria are very difficult to remove -- and in essence they become the place where mouth bacteria multiply quickest - becoming "fountains of bacteria".
Research shows that the kind of bacteria in crevices is the same kind of bacteria found all over the mouth.
Problems begin when the crevices are populated with bacteria that form cavities. Then, every time you eat or drink -- you feed them -- they multiply -- they form acids -- they destroy your tooth down at the bottom of this crevice.
On the other hand, if the bacteria in the crevices are "xylitol" ones - healthy ones - your mouth will have healthy bacteria - the kind that cannot produce cavities (because they don't produce acids). This healthy kind of bacteria will block up the crevices and keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
So how do you know if your grooves of fills with harmful or healthy bacteria? If you've never had a cavity, the chances are your mouth bacteria are healthy ones. If your child has had a history of cavities throughout life -- without any xylitol in the last few years -- then there's certainly a great risk from bacteria in these crevices and fissures. Sealants do not change the kind of bacteria in your mouth -- but they block up the crevices so they cannot get decay.
Sealants do not change or remove bacteria - they temporarily remove some risk --especially for children who are at high risk for cavities -- because their mouths are infected with cavity forming bacteria. You can do a test -- a saliva test that measures the number of harmful bacteria in your child's mouth.It is an idea.
If sealants had no risk attached , I might shrug my shoulders and say "why not". BUT I have zero tolerance for any treatment that is not necessary. Since a cavity takes approximately one year to form -- I would definitely go slowly. If you're worried, you could ask about a fluoride varnish -- this is useful alternative.
A fluoride varnish blocks up the grooves with a slow release fluoride resin. Personally, I like this idea because it offers protection for the immediate time -- but requires no maintenance -- no repairs -- no ongoing observation --
As for your toothbrush question --
I throw my toothbrushes into the garbage as I leave a hotel -- and take new Zellies toothbrush when I go traveling.
I hope this helps!
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.zellies.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
Author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
26 Corporate Woods, Rochester NY 14623
585-272-1270
585-272-0705 (Fax)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Ingredients in Zellies
Hello, I am needing further info. on the ingredients in Zellies. We have had sensitivities, and would like to know what "natural flavors" are in the product before using it. I greatly appreciate your assistance.
Sincerely,
C
Hi C,
Thank you for your interest in Zellies products.
Our flavors in Zellies mints are all natural - but this is a proprietary mix of natural ingredients and I cannot give you more information.
If you are looking to enjoy the benefits of xylitol and have many sensitivities - I suggest you consider Zellies granular xylitol ( US origin and derived from birch trees).
You can finish each meal with a small amount of this xylitol ( think about a strawberry dipped in xylitol).
You can dissolve granular xylitol in water and sip this at the end of each meal, after each snack or drink and whenever your mouth feels dry.
Try to have at least 5 exposures to xylitol each day - and about 1-2 grams at each exposure.
Frequency is important - and you want about 6 -10 grams a day for oral health - about one or two teaspoons a day. (more is fine - but less xylitol will not be enough to change your oral health).
Hope this is helpful.
We sell granular xylitol by the pound and also as pre-measured packets for your convenience.
www.CleanWhiteTeeth.com
We have free shipping through July 4th!!!
Best Wishes,
Ellie
Sincerely,
C
Hi C,
Thank you for your interest in Zellies products.
Our flavors in Zellies mints are all natural - but this is a proprietary mix of natural ingredients and I cannot give you more information.
If you are looking to enjoy the benefits of xylitol and have many sensitivities - I suggest you consider Zellies granular xylitol ( US origin and derived from birch trees).
You can finish each meal with a small amount of this xylitol ( think about a strawberry dipped in xylitol).
You can dissolve granular xylitol in water and sip this at the end of each meal, after each snack or drink and whenever your mouth feels dry.
Try to have at least 5 exposures to xylitol each day - and about 1-2 grams at each exposure.
Frequency is important - and you want about 6 -10 grams a day for oral health - about one or two teaspoons a day. (more is fine - but less xylitol will not be enough to change your oral health).
Hope this is helpful.
We sell granular xylitol by the pound and also as pre-measured packets for your convenience.
www.CleanWhiteTeeth.com
We have free shipping through July 4th!!!
Best Wishes,
Ellie
Norwegian Products
Hi,
by a coincidence, I came across Dr Ellie's book at Amazon.com. I live in Norway, and Amazon is one of the few American shops I visit frequently. I am really quite fascinated by your concept, because at the moment I am very ill and housebound and unable to get to the dentist, and have been so for the last year. If there was any way I could get this system to work for me, it would be fantastic!
Sadly, the selection of products for oral health is limited compared to yours, and in addition, buying products from abroad which exceeds about 30 dollars of value will give you an extra tax of an unpredictable size, possibly it will at least double the prize, so this is really not an option, as I would need the products continually. Also, medicines and some chemicals are banned from import, and I am unsure whether buying from you at all would be legal. So what do I do? The only product we have from your list is Listerine, but I am uncertain whether this is the correct type. (Cool mint). I have tried to approach this by reading the declarations, but none of the ingredients I have been able to find, match the list from Dr. Ellie's book.
I have now ordered a list of products from an online pharmacy, based on what the products claim to do. So my question is: Is this a wild experiment? Is it better to just use toothpaste and water and hope for the best? I ordered before I read that you should not substitute products, and now I am just confused. Can you help?
Yours hopefully, I - Norway
Hi I,
You should be able to create your own alternative routine. The best news is that xylitol is easy for you to access and is good for your health!
Hope the information below is useful.
My suggestions - in a priority list:
# 1. Ensure you have enough xylitol each day:
Use granular xylitol and eat a little at the end of each meal - or put some in water and sip it regularly during the day.
Enjoy any 100 percent xylitol gum or candy available as a treat after meals.
# 2. Clean Your Toothbrush regularly in Listerine, rinse out and allow to dry between uses
# 3. If you cannot access stabilized chlorine dioxide - use a salt rinse before you brush your teeth.
# 4.Find a toothpaste with silica and sodium fluoride - use only a little - but ensure this is the formula.
# 5. If you rinse with Listerine, rinse it off your teeth - with a sodium fluoride solution - or xylitol solution.
For more information about priorities with this system:
https://www.zelliescleanwhiteteeth.com/Ellie-Phillips-My-Recommendations.aspx
Thanks so much for your interest,
Best wishes,
Ellie
www.ZelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.com
by a coincidence, I came across Dr Ellie's book at Amazon.com. I live in Norway, and Amazon is one of the few American shops I visit frequently. I am really quite fascinated by your concept, because at the moment I am very ill and housebound and unable to get to the dentist, and have been so for the last year. If there was any way I could get this system to work for me, it would be fantastic!
Sadly, the selection of products for oral health is limited compared to yours, and in addition, buying products from abroad which exceeds about 30 dollars of value will give you an extra tax of an unpredictable size, possibly it will at least double the prize, so this is really not an option, as I would need the products continually. Also, medicines and some chemicals are banned from import, and I am unsure whether buying from you at all would be legal. So what do I do? The only product we have from your list is Listerine, but I am uncertain whether this is the correct type. (Cool mint). I have tried to approach this by reading the declarations, but none of the ingredients I have been able to find, match the list from Dr. Ellie's book.
I have now ordered a list of products from an online pharmacy, based on what the products claim to do. So my question is: Is this a wild experiment? Is it better to just use toothpaste and water and hope for the best? I ordered before I read that you should not substitute products, and now I am just confused. Can you help?
Yours hopefully, I - Norway
Hi I,
You should be able to create your own alternative routine. The best news is that xylitol is easy for you to access and is good for your health!
Hope the information below is useful.
My suggestions - in a priority list:
# 1. Ensure you have enough xylitol each day:
Use granular xylitol and eat a little at the end of each meal - or put some in water and sip it regularly during the day.
Enjoy any 100 percent xylitol gum or candy available as a treat after meals.
# 2. Clean Your Toothbrush regularly in Listerine, rinse out and allow to dry between uses
# 3. If you cannot access stabilized chlorine dioxide - use a salt rinse before you brush your teeth.
# 4.Find a toothpaste with silica and sodium fluoride - use only a little - but ensure this is the formula.
# 5. If you rinse with Listerine, rinse it off your teeth - with a sodium fluoride solution - or xylitol solution.
For more information about priorities with this system:
https://www.zelliescleanwhiteteeth.com/Ellie-Phillips-My-Recommendations.aspx
Thanks so much for your interest,
Best wishes,
Ellie
www.ZelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.com
Tooth Sensitivity
Hi Dr. Ellie,
I hope you can help me with my current problem. If you recall, six months ago I was chewing Spry gum with cinnamon and had severe tooth pain afterwards, especially from fruit jam and marinara sauce. So I used no toothpaste and instead used a little sea salt and water, no Listerine and no CloSys. Just used Act and xylitol powder/mints (use 2 packages of your powder & 4 mints each day). Sensitivity greatly improved and I could pull down hard by my upper wisdom teeth when flossing with no pain. About a month ago, I decided to try the full system (Added CloSys, Crest regular, Listerine and your tooth brush) and noticed the tooth sensitivity getting much worse to the point where I now have severe pain on upper right side for about 2 minutes after eating cereal with honey, toast with fruit jam, pasta with marinara and swishing xylitol powder with my tongue after eating those items.
Also, I was planning on having a cleaning since it has been a year since my last one and normally I go every 4 months. I'm afraid that my teeth are too weak now and doesn't a cleaning make it weaker? What do you recommend - should I stop one item at a time? I've read that some of your readers had sensitivity issues with the 3 items I've added. I don't know what to do. Please advise.
Thank you.
L
Hi L,
Thanks for your message. I'm sorry you have tooth sensitivity -- but I don't believe the rinses have added to the problem. Using my system twice a day (providing you use it exactly) will harden teeth and make them stronger and less sensitive.
Check the following:
• Do not add flavoring to the Closys -- and use it first - before brushing, every day.
• Use only regular Crest paste -- nothing and it -- not the new variety...(NOT Pro-Health) --use only the regular paste.
• Do not rinse between the steps -- go from brushing to Listerine and then immediately to ACT.
• Give ACT long enough to work -- this step is the one that will help your sensitivity the most! Don't eat or drink when you finish the rinsing. Don't rinse off with water.
Protect your teeth from damage:
I have a feeling that you may not be "protecting" your teeth enough from sugar and acidity.
You may be consuming sufficient xylitol, but I recommend you do it after exposures to any food or drink that is acidic or sweet. You mentioned jam and honey, for example. I suggest immediately after eating something sweet, you eat a Zellie mint. Also after anything you drink that is acidic or sweet.
If you don't want to eat a Zellie mint, then just eat a little granular xylitol on the end of the spoon. It appears to me you need more protection against your dietary sugars and acidity.
Modifying the rinse routine:
The only change to the rinse routine that you may want to initiate, is to dilute Listerine, if it feels to"powerful"at full strength. You can dilute Listerine 50% and it will still work - use before the ACT.
Think of Listerine as a way to increase the strength of your teeth!!
-- it's working a bit like a "weight lifting system" would work to make muscles stronger. You begin with light weights, and gradually increase the weight -- to increase the strength of your muscles. Gradually increase the strength of Listerine over six months -- and you should find your teeth improving in strength.
I know this sounds counterintuitive -- but it really works.
Damage versus repair:
My book Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye explains why all of this works - it is basic biochemistry!!
This is nothing fancy that I created: I just looked at rinses, into patient's mouths, and applied what I knew. I hope you manage to stay on my system, because I have so many wonderful e-mails from people who finally find relief from their dental problems.
Dental health is a simple balance between damage and repair. To have sensitivity you must have more damage than repair. I am suggesting ways to ensure you have less damage and more repair.
People who are never successful:
One of my biggest concerns are people who do not use the system completely. Often they are afraid of fluoride, or xylitol, or Listerine.
Sometimes health professionals suggest another product -- and (to try and keep us "both"happy) these patients mix-and-match. Stronger fluoride gels are often prescribed-- and sound as if they would be better-- but they interact with the purity of the biochemistry -- and usually take patients downhill - not in a better direction for him or her.
Unfortunately these people who mix-and-match the products, try different routines, or try to develop their own approach, live in a constant circle. They never reach the end of their experiments. I am sorry about these people, because I think they will have dental problems forever.
I hope I have explained what I believe will help you.
Best wishes,
Thanks again for your message -- please let me know the outcome!
Ellie
www.ZelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
I hope you can help me with my current problem. If you recall, six months ago I was chewing Spry gum with cinnamon and had severe tooth pain afterwards, especially from fruit jam and marinara sauce. So I used no toothpaste and instead used a little sea salt and water, no Listerine and no CloSys. Just used Act and xylitol powder/mints (use 2 packages of your powder & 4 mints each day). Sensitivity greatly improved and I could pull down hard by my upper wisdom teeth when flossing with no pain. About a month ago, I decided to try the full system (Added CloSys, Crest regular, Listerine and your tooth brush) and noticed the tooth sensitivity getting much worse to the point where I now have severe pain on upper right side for about 2 minutes after eating cereal with honey, toast with fruit jam, pasta with marinara and swishing xylitol powder with my tongue after eating those items.
Also, I was planning on having a cleaning since it has been a year since my last one and normally I go every 4 months. I'm afraid that my teeth are too weak now and doesn't a cleaning make it weaker? What do you recommend - should I stop one item at a time? I've read that some of your readers had sensitivity issues with the 3 items I've added. I don't know what to do. Please advise.
Thank you.
L
Hi L,
Thanks for your message. I'm sorry you have tooth sensitivity -- but I don't believe the rinses have added to the problem. Using my system twice a day (providing you use it exactly) will harden teeth and make them stronger and less sensitive.
Check the following:
• Do not add flavoring to the Closys -- and use it first - before brushing, every day.
• Use only regular Crest paste -- nothing and it -- not the new variety...(NOT Pro-Health) --use only the regular paste.
• Do not rinse between the steps -- go from brushing to Listerine and then immediately to ACT.
• Give ACT long enough to work -- this step is the one that will help your sensitivity the most! Don't eat or drink when you finish the rinsing. Don't rinse off with water.
Protect your teeth from damage:
I have a feeling that you may not be "protecting" your teeth enough from sugar and acidity.
You may be consuming sufficient xylitol, but I recommend you do it after exposures to any food or drink that is acidic or sweet. You mentioned jam and honey, for example. I suggest immediately after eating something sweet, you eat a Zellie mint. Also after anything you drink that is acidic or sweet.
If you don't want to eat a Zellie mint, then just eat a little granular xylitol on the end of the spoon. It appears to me you need more protection against your dietary sugars and acidity.
Modifying the rinse routine:
The only change to the rinse routine that you may want to initiate, is to dilute Listerine, if it feels to"powerful"at full strength. You can dilute Listerine 50% and it will still work - use before the ACT.
Think of Listerine as a way to increase the strength of your teeth!!
-- it's working a bit like a "weight lifting system" would work to make muscles stronger. You begin with light weights, and gradually increase the weight -- to increase the strength of your muscles. Gradually increase the strength of Listerine over six months -- and you should find your teeth improving in strength.
I know this sounds counterintuitive -- but it really works.
Damage versus repair:
My book Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye explains why all of this works - it is basic biochemistry!!
This is nothing fancy that I created: I just looked at rinses, into patient's mouths, and applied what I knew. I hope you manage to stay on my system, because I have so many wonderful e-mails from people who finally find relief from their dental problems.
Dental health is a simple balance between damage and repair. To have sensitivity you must have more damage than repair. I am suggesting ways to ensure you have less damage and more repair.
People who are never successful:
One of my biggest concerns are people who do not use the system completely. Often they are afraid of fluoride, or xylitol, or Listerine.
Sometimes health professionals suggest another product -- and (to try and keep us "both"happy) these patients mix-and-match. Stronger fluoride gels are often prescribed-- and sound as if they would be better-- but they interact with the purity of the biochemistry -- and usually take patients downhill - not in a better direction for him or her.
Unfortunately these people who mix-and-match the products, try different routines, or try to develop their own approach, live in a constant circle. They never reach the end of their experiments. I am sorry about these people, because I think they will have dental problems forever.
I hope I have explained what I believe will help you.
Best wishes,
Thanks again for your message -- please let me know the outcome!
Ellie
www.ZelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Zellies Toothbrush
Dear Dr. Ellie:
I am a registered Dental Hygienist, and I am interested in your zellies toothbrush.
I am a registered Dental Hygienist, and I am interested in your zellies toothbrush.
-Anonymous
Dear A:
Thanks so much for your message. I am glad you are interested in zellies toothbrushes. We would be prepared to give you a good price on a larger quantity.
You may be interested in the story behind Zellies toothbrushes: As a long-time dentist I had a selection of toothbrushes given to me by various oral care companies. I wanted to know which ones were the best. I also wanted to know how people could brush their teeth with the really cheap toothbrushes available in stores. So, I purchased some from stores and used the others that I had been given. In all, I think we had about 30 different kinds of brushes in our "study".
My husband and I own a restaurant in Rochester New York. We had about 70 employees at the time. Every employee was given two different brushes to use for a couple of weeks at a time : did they like this one, or this one? This was repeated over and over - handing out different combinations of brushes and recording the results.
This study of toothbrushes continued for close to a year! We finally came down to two toothbrushes in the final round. This was the birth of the " Zellies toothbrush"! It is a combination of the two "finalist" brushes.
I hope you like the brushes, let me know how we can help you in the future.
Many thanks,
Thanks so much for your message. I am glad you are interested in zellies toothbrushes. We would be prepared to give you a good price on a larger quantity.
You may be interested in the story behind Zellies toothbrushes: As a long-time dentist I had a selection of toothbrushes given to me by various oral care companies. I wanted to know which ones were the best. I also wanted to know how people could brush their teeth with the really cheap toothbrushes available in stores. So, I purchased some from stores and used the others that I had been given. In all, I think we had about 30 different kinds of brushes in our "study".
My husband and I own a restaurant in Rochester New York. We had about 70 employees at the time. Every employee was given two different brushes to use for a couple of weeks at a time : did they like this one, or this one? This was repeated over and over - handing out different combinations of brushes and recording the results.
This study of toothbrushes continued for close to a year! We finally came down to two toothbrushes in the final round. This was the birth of the " Zellies toothbrush"! It is a combination of the two "finalist" brushes.
I hope you like the brushes, let me know how we can help you in the future.
Many thanks,
Dr. Ellie Phillips
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Weak Enamel
Dear Dr. Phillips,
I have a 5yo and a 3yo who both have "weak enamel" determined by their dentist. The 3yo has many many chipped teeth and the chewing surfaces are down. Both children have no cavities. I was told their weak enamel is due to genetics. Although I'm not completely satisfied with that answer, I did not find any other information to be useful. Since I was looking for ways to remineralize their teeth, I came upon your excellent website. I'm starting to buy the products and will try your regimen. A few questions:
1. They have been using "Trader Joe's" brand toothpaste which lists xylitol as the 4th ingredient. (CaCO3, water, glycerin, xylitol, sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Fennel oil, myrrh resin, hydrated silica, carrageenan, propolis wax, peppermint oil). To supplement fluoride, they use Tom's of Maine Natural whole care toothpaste. They brush with 2 toothpaste mixed together. I will switch to recommended regular crest toothpaste. However, is the additional xylitol in Trader Joe's toothpaste beneficial in additional to crest?
2. Are there any modifications to the mouth rinse system for young children?
3. Do you have any information or advice regarding "genetically weak enamel"?
Thank you!
RW
I have a 5yo and a 3yo who both have "weak enamel" determined by their dentist. The 3yo has many many chipped teeth and the chewing surfaces are down. Both children have no cavities. I was told their weak enamel is due to genetics. Although I'm not completely satisfied with that answer, I did not find any other information to be useful. Since I was looking for ways to remineralize their teeth, I came upon your excellent website. I'm starting to buy the products and will try your regimen. A few questions:
1. They have been using "Trader Joe's" brand toothpaste which lists xylitol as the 4th ingredient. (CaCO3, water, glycerin, xylitol, sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Fennel oil, myrrh resin, hydrated silica, carrageenan, propolis wax, peppermint oil). To supplement fluoride, they use Tom's of Maine Natural whole care toothpaste. They brush with 2 toothpaste mixed together. I will switch to recommended regular crest toothpaste. However, is the additional xylitol in Trader Joe's toothpaste beneficial in additional to crest?
2. Are there any modifications to the mouth rinse system for young children?
3. Do you have any information or advice regarding "genetically weak enamel"?
Thank you!
RW
Dear RW
Hello and thanks for your message,
In 35 years of being a dentist, I have not found any reason to blame genetics for weak enamel.
That's not to say that patients have not arrived in my office believing they inherited weak enamel.
It's just we found a reason when we started to look into diet, and other factors.
Before thinking about oral care products, I suggest you look closely at your children's diet and see if citrus drinks or fruits may be to blame.
You need to look for acidity or mouth dryness.
One or other of these conditions, or sometimes both, are the reason for "weak enamel".
The reason for your search, is so that you can help protect your children's teeth from whatever may be damaging them.
For example, I had a patient one time who ate a lot of lemons.
Every morning she would slice lemons into small sections, and suck them during the day. Her enamel had become so thin and weak, that she needed root canal treatments on three teeth! It would have been difficult for her to give up the habit of sucking lemons. Once we were able to pinpoint the problem, we were able to provide a solution. The solution was to eat a small fruit Zellie after each citrus attack.
I'm hoping you can do the same thing for your children.
If you can identify why they have a problem, you will be able to help them protect their teeth.
Acidity is often from fresh fruits like lemons, oranges, or from juice drinks.
Sometimes the problem is dry mouth.
I wonder if your children have allergies or blocked nasal passages?
Children who have ear infections often suffer from acid reflux.
This acidity can damage their teeth. Medications are another problem, particularly if they are taken before bed at night.
I think you're toothpaste choices are fine.
I don't think they have anything much to do with this weak enamel problem.
I do however feel that if you want to strengthen teeth, it is necessary for you to combine xylitol and fluoride together. I don't mean literally, but have xylitol throughout the day and use some kind of fluoride in your oral care routine.
If you can identify what may be damaging your children's teeth, simply use xylitol to take away the acidity. You can use xylitol in any form: mints, gum, granular xylitol in any form, or you can even dissolve granular xylitol in water as a tooth wash!
I urge you to consider a serious hunt for the "reason". Finding "the reason" will empower you!
You may enjoy my book, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, since it explains a lot about mouth acidity and reasons for it.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Best wishes,
Ellie
www.zelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Sorbitol and Teeth
Dr. Ellie,
In your book "Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye", you recommend Crest regular toothpaste for its sodium fluoride. When checking the ingredients, it looks like Sorbitol is the number one ingredient. I thought Sorbitol is not good for your teeth, as mentioned in your book. Now I am confused. Can you help clear things up for me?
Thanks.
G
Dear G:
Hi and thank you for your question - and close observation!
I wish we had a toothpaste made with good silica, good sodium fluoride and xylitol. Unfortunately we do not have this.
After years of searching and looking at results with patients, I feel Crest is the most tested, safe and well made of the toothpastes out there - and it works in the system that I recommend.
I think sorbitol is much more of a problem in candies and when eaten - where it upsets gastric bacteria. As the ingredient in the paste and also in the rinses - I wish it were gone - but it does not impact our results. You can use a tiny amount of toothpaste and it will work - a grain of rice size is all you need.
How do you find the rinse system is working for you?
Ellie
www.zellies.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
In your book "Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye", you recommend Crest regular toothpaste for its sodium fluoride. When checking the ingredients, it looks like Sorbitol is the number one ingredient. I thought Sorbitol is not good for your teeth, as mentioned in your book. Now I am confused. Can you help clear things up for me?
Thanks.
G
Dear G:
Hi and thank you for your question - and close observation!
I wish we had a toothpaste made with good silica, good sodium fluoride and xylitol. Unfortunately we do not have this.
After years of searching and looking at results with patients, I feel Crest is the most tested, safe and well made of the toothpastes out there - and it works in the system that I recommend.
I think sorbitol is much more of a problem in candies and when eaten - where it upsets gastric bacteria. As the ingredient in the paste and also in the rinses - I wish it were gone - but it does not impact our results. You can use a tiny amount of toothpaste and it will work - a grain of rice size is all you need.
How do you find the rinse system is working for you?
Ellie
www.zellies.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
Plaque
Ellie,
I'm curious as usual: Since Plaque is infected biofilm, and Calculus/ tartar is "hardened plaque", can Closys and Listerine penetrate that hard stuff and reach the imbedded bacteria and/ or does the bacteria migrate out of the calculus to try to eat the xylitol and die that way or does the bacteria live only on the surface of the "hardened plaque" ?
P
Hi P,
I don't know exactly - but I suspect the bacteria die off as the calculus hardens up.
It is quite possible that new bacteria form on the outside of the crusty and hard stuff and that these will die off as they are exposed to xylitol.
As we said before:
Healthy teeth are covered by a thin, invisible biofilm layer that is created out of proteins in saliva. This layer only thickens and becomes plaque when it is infected by Strep.mutans.
When minerals deposit in this plaque layer it turns into calculus.
As you see, without bacteria you will not get plaque, and without plaque you will not get calculus! Ha! Then YOU win the game!
Ellie
ellie@zellies.com
www.zellies.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
I'm curious as usual: Since Plaque is infected biofilm, and Calculus/ tartar is "hardened plaque", can Closys and Listerine penetrate that hard stuff and reach the imbedded bacteria and/ or does the bacteria migrate out of the calculus to try to eat the xylitol and die that way or does the bacteria live only on the surface of the "hardened plaque" ?
P
Hi P,
I don't know exactly - but I suspect the bacteria die off as the calculus hardens up.
It is quite possible that new bacteria form on the outside of the crusty and hard stuff and that these will die off as they are exposed to xylitol.
As we said before:
Healthy teeth are covered by a thin, invisible biofilm layer that is created out of proteins in saliva. This layer only thickens and becomes plaque when it is infected by Strep.mutans.
When minerals deposit in this plaque layer it turns into calculus.
As you see, without bacteria you will not get plaque, and without plaque you will not get calculus! Ha! Then YOU win the game!
Ellie
ellie@zellies.com
www.zellies.com
26 Corporate Woods
Rochester, NY 14623
Clean Toothbrush
Just read Dr. Ellies book, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, and wish I had this information years ago!! I have a question - how long should the tooth brush be in contact with the cleaning solution (Chlorox & H20), or does it matter? Also should the solution be made fresh every day, or can one reuse it and if so for approximately how long? Thank you very much! S
Hi S,
Thanks so much for your interest and question,
Research shows that dilute bleach or full strength Listerine will "clean' the bristles of toothbrushes.
( I use Listerine- my husband uses a UV light sanitizer).
Swish the head of the brush for a few seconds and then rinse well under running water.
The solutions work to loosen debris and germs - which you will then rinse off.
The most important thing is to completely DRY the brush between uses (bacteria hate DRY!!!).
In the hot, humid summer weather you may need to move your brush to another room, stand it by a fan or put it into a dishwasher!
You may even need two brushes and alternate their use.
(I know people who "spray" their brushes with the disinfectant to save money - and this seems to work well also).
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Best Wishes,
Ellie
Hi S,
Thanks so much for your interest and question,
Research shows that dilute bleach or full strength Listerine will "clean' the bristles of toothbrushes.
( I use Listerine- my husband uses a UV light sanitizer).
Swish the head of the brush for a few seconds and then rinse well under running water.
The solutions work to loosen debris and germs - which you will then rinse off.
The most important thing is to completely DRY the brush between uses (bacteria hate DRY!!!).
In the hot, humid summer weather you may need to move your brush to another room, stand it by a fan or put it into a dishwasher!
You may even need two brushes and alternate their use.
(I know people who "spray" their brushes with the disinfectant to save money - and this seems to work well also).
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Best Wishes,
Ellie
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