Periodontal Disease

Dear Dr. Ellie:


I have periodontal disease. Will xylitol help keep it under control? In several months, I will be getting implants and 'snap' on dentures. But until then, I want to keep my teeth from getting worse. Will xylitol help?

-JA

Dear JA:

Yes xylitol in any form will help. Mints, gum or granular.

You need to ensure that you eat at least 6.5 grams a day.
It is best if you have it in several small doses throughout the day and best after meals.

Make sure you clean your toothbrush every day by swishing it in Listerine and then rinse off and dry thoroughly every day.

Last thing I would recommend is to use Closys mouth rinse before you brush your teeth every day and every night. Swish the Closys around your mouth and then brush your teeth (with a clean toothbrush) using Crest Original toothpaste. You should find both these items in Walgreen drug stores.

Do this and your gums will improve in a matter of weeks and you will be happy that you did this before your surgery. Also fresh pineapple helps you to heal faster eat a little each day for a week before and after your surgery!
http://www.dolenutrition.com/articleDetails.aspx?RecId=59&txtsearch=pineapple&orderby=&CatId=

Good luck,
Ellie

ellie@zellies.com