Every month Dr. Ellie Phillips will answer your oral health questions as part of the Ultimate Oral Health Guide.
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Q: I have just started using your system and am blown away by it. I have bought your book for other members of the family! There is just one thing, what happens to the good bacteria, is it wiped out with the bad guys?
– Pauline
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A:
Thanks for your question.
I began writing my book over 10 years ago – and since then I have learned a lot more about the biology of the mouth and the usefulness of “good” bacteria.
Interestingly my clinical observations fit with what we know today. The mouth rinses that I recommend protect the health of the “good” tissues and “good bacteria” and only appear to select out pathogens.
It appears that xylitol works as a pre-biotic, actually allowing healthy, non-sticky bacteria to flourish.
In the digestive system – xylitol becomes butyrate – a short chain fatty acid – that actually feeds the healthy digestive bacteria (in a similar way). In fact, people with digestive issues often see improvements when they use xylitol – although they are advised to start slowly with a half dose to begin.
The way that xylitol works is that plaque bacteria absorb xylitol into their cell (as if it were sugar), every time you eat some.
Xylitol is a five-carbon molecule – unlike sugar which is a 6 carbon molecule. Being a different size, the plaque bacteria are unable to use it for energy. This means they cannot reproduce, cannot produce acids (to harm teeth) and cannot stick together (they have no energy to produce the sticky strands).
The outcome is that plaque cannot “grow”, cannot damage teeth and is easier to remove when you use a good mouth rinse! No killing takes place – it is natural selection!
I have been using this system for over 30 years and have never needed a cleaning – and my mouth feels wonderful every day. I am not alone with this – so I am very confident that this system creates a healthy, sustainable ecosystem in the mouth.
Hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Dr. Ellie
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For more information on oral health and xylitol, please visit all of Dr. Ellie’s web-sites:
Zellies.com – learn more & order your Zellies Xylitol & the Complete Mouth Care System
Dr. Ellie.com – a great resource for learning more about oral health & Dr. Ellie
Dr. E Oral Health Coaching – articles, resources and videos to help you learn more
Join the conversation online on the Zellies Facebook page!
Dear Dr. Ellie,
Thank you for your system. I have had problems from a very early age. I had numerous cavities and silver crowns on all my temporary molars. I always had good dental care as my uncle was a dentist. Still, I have spent many years and a lot of time trying to care for my teeth with a lot of brushing, flossing, cleanings (4 x a year -2 with a periodontist) and periodontal surgery. Still, I had a lot of problems. I have been using your system for a little over a year. I did not see immediate results. However, I did feel my mouth to be much cleaner. Finally, I began to see progress with my last 2 cleanings (Especially the last 1). When my pockets were measured I had a lot of 1’s and 2’s., a couple of 3’s and 4’s. That was a definite improvement. I have a few questions for you. What do you think of getting the antibiotic injections in the pockets 4mm or deeper? Also, what do you think of the emmident ultrasonic toothbrush? I have been using it for over a year. I now have been using it with crest instead of the nano bubble toothpaste recommended. I also alternate with a regular toothbrush. I still have tooth sensitivity. Recently, my teeth were feeling better and I went in for a cleaning. After that they were much more sensitive for about a month. I know I had some new numbing agent that was used and was longer lasting than the old typical one. Could this cause the sensitivity? Lastly, I had always noticed sensitivity in my teeth close to my menstral cycle and would even schedule cleanings around them. Now, I am in menopause (54) hard to tell exactly when I will be sensitive now. My question about this is how much do you think hormones affect dental health? Once again -thank you. I finally see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Before I was like the energizer bunny -just kept on going but no results! Please let me know your thoughts.
Thank you,
Nancy
P.S. I also have been using Evor-plus probiotic for about 2 years now.
Hi Ellie,
I am loving this website. I’ve been on Xylitol for a few days now, and am taking up your tooth program. I have the best breath I’ve had in ages. I tend to have “dog breath” plus some GI imbalances with mold and bacteria that have not been affected by many natural supplements.
Do you think probiotic supplements are better than fermented vegetables and cultured organic milk like yogurt? Some say the probiotic foods are far better than expensive probiotic capsules and powders.
Thanks for your comments and I’m glad you like the program. To answer your question about probiotics, I think we all need a varied diet of foods, including fermented foods of different kinds. I view probiotics as a boost for our immune system, and especially useful when you start out changing your diet or if you are battling an infection like gum disease. I don’t think one has to necessarily continue for life – but a two or three month “boost” may be very helpful. I like the gender specific digestive probiotics from Garden of Life brand : Link
Dr. Elle, I have been following your recommendations and have experienced a healthier and cleaner mouth. I am curious whether using xylitol and Closys at the same time would be beneficial. The combination produces what seems to be a rinse that is very helpful in removing sugary foods from my mouth, but I wanted to get your opinion.
I have no idea the benefit from mixing xylitol with Closys. Closys reacts with saliva to form oxygen and has good surfactant properties; xylitol has antioxidant properties which have been explored in several recent studies – here is a link:
Hi Dr. Ellie,
Thank you for your quick response! Here are some questions regarding healthy oral bacteria:
1. What are some of the names of the healthy oral bacteria?
Specifically, are they the same bacteria as the ones found in yoghurt and digestive probiotics or are the oral bacteria different strains? i.e.:
Lactobacillus salivarius
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Etc…
2. Do any oral probiotic supplements exist? (if so, what are a few namebrands)
3. Are there any natural foods that contain specifically healthy oral bacteria? I’m not sure if yoghurt or cheese contains the correct bacterial strains.
4. After dental cleanings, the dental pellicle layer is removed. You recommend to immediately use xylitol to protect teeth from harmful bacteria and to promote the growth of a new pellicle layer.
Would you also recommend eating any certain foods, or taking any probiotics immediately after a dental cleaning to replenish the pellicle layer?
I think these questions may be of benefit to all of your readers and to myself.
Again, thank you for all of your work and your time!
[I tried 2x to place this post under the ‘what about good bacteria’ blog, but it did not work.]
KL
Sorry about your troubles posting – and I will not be able to answer all your questions yet. I read avidly and especially the subject of probiotics and oral health. The “news” about oral bacteria is growing as a huge scientific project brings us previously unpublished information. This is the human micro biome project – here is a link to information on the NIH website.
They have now cultured about 800 different kinds of oral microbes – hundreds more than previously known. Bacteria appear to live in communities with synergy and balance between the different kinds of bacteria in healthy colonies. These healthy ecosystems appear to support, communicate, and even feed each other etc. More than this is not known yet, but it does appear that in healthy mouths there are often more of “one” particular “strain” of bacteria. and that we can no longer simply talk about a general bacterial “type”. For example, healthy strep.mutans exist and they do not form sticky plaque, but a particular wild strain has been long been recognized as a problem for teeth.I expect it is the same with “lactobacilli” and ” acidophilus” – proving that details are important!
I believe we will discover the delicate nature of this balance. We know from studies over many years that cheeses and fermented dairy are beneficial for teeth. As more information about oral probiotics emerge, I will keep you posted.
My only warning – and I have said this in other posts – stay away from some of the probiotics sold in dental offices – there are periodontal probiotics sweetened with Splenda (sucralose) which can change gut pH and negatively affect digestive bacterial flora. I like Garden of Life oral probiotics – and they are probably best, being sweetened with xylitol! Here is a link to their website information.
This is cutting-edge information and as I learn I will certainly share. Thanks for a great question.
Thank you for your very kind message.
I tell the truth and have been blessed with over 40 years of experience working in different countries as both a Pediatric dentist and a Geriatric dentist. I have also worked with Special Needs patients – which offers a unique (and real) perspective on oral health.
My dream is to have more impact and help young children avoid dental disease through education and fun products like Zellies. We are working to create a Foundation for this purpose, and I will keep everyone updated with our progress.
Thank you again for your support. Ellie
I’ve just started using your system to help with sensitive thin enamel and receeding gums (so far so good!). Can I continue to other practices such as using a blotting brush and oil pulling (with coconut oil), or are these counter-productive in any way?
Before you start hoping for repairs, you need to figure out why you think this damage happened in the first place. Usually there is a good reason – and sensitivity is almost always from damage from acidity, bleaching, baking soda, peroxide or an abrasive toothpaste. Any damage is made worse by dry mouth conditions – and the use of harmful toothpastes or mouth rinses. Be aware that healthy drinks can damage teeth – things like lemon juice, cider vinegar or teas – just as much as juice, vitamin water or soda! You can drink these drinks – but it must be at a meal time and after the meal you need to finish with some xylitol to get rid of the acidity.
It does not sound as if you have an infection of any kind – so oil pulling would not be necessarily helping in any way – and it can be a problem ( a bit like baking soda. It may be too aggressive for your teeth). When people have sensitive teeth I often suggest you leave them alone as much as possible – and stop flossing and picking etc. Use the xylitol and rinses to clean your mouth and teeth, instead.
Ensure you have the correct toothpaste for the system – it is very important to use the Crest Cavity Protection Paste. Also do not use any water between the steps – go from one to the next. After spitting out the ACT – do not eat or drink for at least an hour. Also try to limit your snacks and drinks – so your teeth have time during the day to interact with your saliva. Early afternoon is the very best time – since saliva quality is at its finest then!
My 75 year old brother has had a rapid increase of cavities from an average of a couple a year to 9 six months ago and now a full mouth of them. His diet is the same, but he is having some problems with Parkinsons. His dentist gave him a very strong prescription floride toothpaste six months ago, but
it did not help. He does sleep often with his mouth open, but could this account for such a large increase of cavities? His dental hygiene has not been rigorous, but not changed in recent years. What could account for this sudden increase?
If I were asking questions – I would ask what your brother is most often drinking? Does he drink more frequently – and is this an acidic or sweetened beverage?
Dry mouth and acidity are the main risk factors for decay and poor oral health. These two risks can come in various forms.
When you get a drier mouth and more acidity ( at the same time) dental decay can spread like a fire in the mouth.
At our local VA hospital there are stories of Veterans who loose all their teeth in one year after entering the hospital. Their medications dry the mouth ( as a side effect ) and their diets are more processed foods, higher starch and sugars, and more acidic. Obviously hygiene plays a part, but I am very upset these patients are not given xylitol to help with their oral health issues. Recent study results show that xylitol mints can reduce root decay ( the most common problem in a dry mouth) by 40% – which is a huge reduction.
Your brother would definitely benefit from Zellies mints or gum. I would personally suggest he use ACT rinse or, better yet, get on the entire program!
Thanks for the reply. He is drinking mostly water and Ensure, pop very infrequently. He occasionally
misses his nighttime brushing with a very high content fluoride toothpaste prescribed by his dentist.
He occasionally sleeps with his mouth open, but has been doing that for years. He has not changed his medication in the past few years, so this increase of cavities is puzzling. I will start him on Xylitol and Closys mouth wash. I hope these products will also allow some restoration, as well. He does have a sweet tooth, but this has been going on for some time now. It is scary to hear about Vets who loose all their teeth in one year. I don’t think his Parkinson Medication is causing dry mouth. The Parkinson is causing him to occasionally drool, so I don’t think he has dry mouth syndrome. we will try very hard to save his teeth and will know more after a consultation with the dentist. He is a young man, so it is surprising he did not recommend anything beyond increased fluoride.
Dear Dr. Ellie,
I have just recently read your blog and I am very interested in your system. I went dental shopping yesterday but could only find the Listerine & Fluriguard (Colgate). I’m in the U.K. The blog where you mention what products to get from the U.K. was dated (I think) 2009. Do you have any updated U.K. product information please.
Also, due to grooves in my enamel made many years ago, my dentist has advised me not to brush until 1 hour after I eat but if I eat very late, as I do 1-2 times per week, I go to bed without brushing, which I don’t like, but I have at least started to chew 100% xylitol gum before I sleep. Could I just rinse with the xylitol instead of brushing?
Finally, I constantly have a runny nose, especially when I eat (no colds or flu though). Would using the xylitol nasal spray help and do you mail order to the U.K.
Look forward to your reply.
Kind regards
Maria
I think the latest update on products for the UK is 1) Ultradex ( or Retardex) as a first rinse. Then brush with 2) plain Colgate toothpaste or you may want to try Sainsburys toothpaste with Sodium fluoride. Rinse the toothpaste off with 3) Listerine and then rinse the Listerine off with 4) Fluriguard. This sequence apparently works well. Peppersmith have good xylitol gum and mints – and you can get Perfect Sweet from Tesco as granular xylitol.
I think the xylitol nasal spray may be a good idea – certainly worth a try. I suggest you spray twice up each nostril before going to bed – and see if this has any effect. I’d love to hear feedback – but give this product at least a month to work.
I have no idea the reason for not brushing your teeth for an hour after eating. The only thing I can think of is that your dentist is concerned about brushing in an acidic mouth….me too. But this is why you begin the routine with Ultradex/Retardex before you pick up your toothbrush.
I think the detriment of not using the system before going to bed far outweighs any danger from “eating”. When you are asleep is the most dangerous time for teeth – and our mouths are drier as saliva flow decreases during the night. You may want to either ask your dentist to explain the reason or perhaps tell him you have a new system that takes away acidity before you brush……..if you feel you need his blessing!
Hi Maria,
I’m in the uk too – I’ve done a bit of research from looking at product labels and ingredients lists. For toothpaste, oral b 1-2-3 is available in supermarkets, boots, etc and has an identical ingredients list to the paste dr Ellie recommends. If you can’t find this, look for the cheap-looking pastes and check the ingredients. You’re looking for silica and sodium fluoride, and NO sodium bicarbonate, glycerin, triclosan or other forms of fluoride. Sainsburys basics toothpaste is one I’ve found recently that meets the criteria.
You should be able to get closys – it’s called ultradex in the uk and is available in boots and large supermarkets.
For xylitol, I love peppersmith but it is quite expensive, so I only chew that 1-2 times per day – the other times I use granular xylitol, either on its own or dissolved in water. There’s a brand called perfect sweet which is available in holland and Barrett or large supermarkets (I buy mine in sainsburys).
For rinse, I’m currently trialling the fluorigard. I don’t know whether the glycerin in this will be a problem, but there aren’t many rinses around with no alcohol or glycerin. Recently I’ve discovered the cheap wilko own brand rinses don’t contain alcohol or glycerin, but I haven’t tried them yet.
Hi Nikki and thanks so much for helping others to put this system together in the UK. Please get back to us as the months unfold, and especially as you have your next dental appointments. We’d love to hear your progress reports!
Ellie
Thanks for reply Nikki and Dr. Ellie (you replied a couple of weeks back). Appreciate all the advice.
I did send another question a week or so later saying how I reacted badly to the cinnamon gum, but tongue and blisters healing nicely. I stopped using the Fluorigard as it has cinnamal (cinnamon) and have been using xylitol water as the final rinse for now. But will get the Wilko one, as I understand the value of having fluoride in final rinse.
I also noticed that after eating hot food, if I used xylitol water immediately after, my teeth felt a little sensitive. Not sure why as I usually drink cold water with my meals. Maybe it’s only happening after breakfast with hot tea. I shall monitor that one and ensure I have a mint instead.
I have approx. 6 tubes of Spry 100% xylitol cinnamon gum (30 in each) and will be happy to send to you or anyone else in UK, at no cost. Don’t want to waste them by throwing them away.
I’m experimenting with homemade xylitol mints (so much cheaper) just using xylitol, orange essence, water. If anyone is interested I’ll let you know, but I just need to work on the size of each piece a little more, so I know roughly how many grams of xylitol they contain. At the moment they are all sizes. I may do one whole piece next time and cut it into squares before it hardens.
I have stopped using the XClear nasal spray as it contains Grapefruit Seed Extract which can interfere with the statins I’m taking. I’m in the process of making my own with just xylitol and distilled water.
I have been using the now system (without final fluoride rinse) for 6 weeks and have noticed that the plaque inside my bottom front teeth takes longer to build. Usually it’s very visible within a week and I scrape it off. Now it takes about 2 weeks.
Kind regards
Maria
I’m glad to hear you are making progress with your oral health. You are in a fight against mouth acidity and to promote the kind of oral bacteria that sustain oral health. Frequency of xylitol is key for you – and you may want to explore digestive probiotics to add to your weaponry! Please let us know how things progress. Thanks for your interest and input. Ellie
I am definitely using your system and xylitol as recommended by yourself and I mainly use xylitol water after eating anything and where possible I leave it in my mouth for about 5 minutes and then discard, I prefer this to putting the granules in my mouth. I started taking Healthspan Super 20 Probiotics 6 months ago.
Today I bought the Wilko ‘Cool’ Coolmint Mouthwash (from Wilkinsons – UK) as suggested by Nikki. Its ingredients are: Aqua, Polysorbate 20 Aroma, Sodium sacccharin, Sodium fluoride (0.05%), Cetylpyridinium chloride, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3diol, CI 42051. Wilkos other mouthwash products contain alcohol.
Can you please let me know if this is suitable. I really hope so as this will make my system complete and it’s so cheap at 70p for 500ml!
Kind regards
Maria
Your page http://zellies.com/products-zellies-complete.html misses the word NOT, and says the opposite of what you intended: ” We recommend ACT® Anticavity Fluoride. Avoid ACT ® Restore since it contains alcohol and has a different fluoride concentration.
Hi and thanks for your comment about a possible mistake in describing the Zellies Complete Mouth Care System. We checked the reference and cannot find a typo, nor anything written that is not intended. Perhaps this is an opportunity to clarify any confusion about ACT rinse. I only recommend the original formulation. This is sold in an 18 oz bottle and does not contain any extra “minerals”. The larger bottles are weaker (which may not work as well) and the extra “minerals” in ACT Restore are un-necessary and, as far as I am aware, have no science to support this more expensive product. I also believe ACT Restore contains alcohol – which may dry the mouth.
The reason I make specific recommendations is that I recommend products that I have clinically witnessed working (with dental eyes). I have followed the studies over many years, and am pleased to see them support the results I witnessed. On the other hand, I have watched the “new and improved” versions and have not been impressed by the science. The Oral Care Industry constantly posts record profits, yet these money-making products do not appear to improve the oral health of America. I have read many hygiene blogs where hygienists talk about tooth and skin reactions to many of these “new and improved” products. I have marveled at the marketing to “sell” products to dentists, even products banned in Europe – endorsed by the ADA. This is confusing for us all, so I prefer to recommend the products I trust and use myself.
You can ask what shall we do if they stop making these old formulations? I guess we will need to get together and have a group discussion. Let’s hope it does not come to this! Thanks again for your interest.
I have a white spot with a brownish tiny spot in the middle. I think it is a cavity. Can i heal it with other decay in my mouth. I have been using the system since July months . It stopped for a few
Months because of allergic reaction to Closys. Now i use salt water. I have been using xylitol continuously. I did go to dentist in July and the brown or tan spot was not there. Can you tell if the cavity has healed in the mirror? Also I used a flashlight to look at it and it was cloudy looking near the white spot and tiny brown spot. Thanks.
Your teeth must be protected from acidity and sugar. Using xylitol after anything acidic is important. Limit things you drink to meal times, – and never sip acidic drinks like citrus juices, flavored waters, sports drinks, lemonade, iced teas, etc.. It is these that do the most harm to teeth and suck minerals out of them. Be careful with any snacks – use Zellies to protect your teeth from anything you eat or drink.
You may want to try Closys again – it has a very useful effect on healing – and although salt water is OK – it is not as beneficial. Make sure you are using all the correct products – you may want to read through our booklet carefully! Here is a link: HERE
I came across one post asking about Biotene and you didn’t seem to have much to say about the product. Why is that? Is there anything about the product that you feel is a drawback? I’m using the mouthwash and toothpaste currently.
Also, as I have learned very late in life, cleaning the tongue and getting “crud” out of the tonsil area is very important too.
About flossing: I’ve been told to floss quite vigorously and up until recently I have been doing just that. However, it did occur to me that I could be doing more harm than good. In the last two years I have a lot of “triangles” between my teeth. What is behind your decision to not floss? Does it
sever the attachments between the gum and the tooth surface(that’s what I thought might be happening). I just want your opinion.
I’ve been seeing a dentist every six months since I was in my late 20s; I am 56 now and although I have no extractions or crowns (whatever), my gums have receded a great deal in my opinion. Funny how periodontists don’t seem to help! I also receive cleaning and “scaling” at every dental appointment. I also have the added gift of acid reflux, which was diagnosed last year. After reading your book I feel aggravated (not your fault). I don’t know how to proceed or who to believe.
Hi Elizabeth,
Don’t feel aggravated – things will get better! I believe Zellies can help get your mouth and you will soon know this is a better way to care for your teeth. I assume you have dry mouth – so the products you use are important. I recommend a system that works for everyone – especially people with dry mouth! The philosophy of my system is that you protect your teeth with Zellies during the day, and then you “treat” your mouth to a wonderful cleaning and protection program twice a day. By using the products I recommend, you will clean your entire mouth – including your tongue, skin of your mouth and your teeth – all as part of the program!
I support regular dental visits – but wouldn’t it be great to go in and only need an evaluation – not dental scalings at each appointment? You can help reduce plaque with xylitol because it will alkalize your mouth and protect it from acidity. What you drink is important – and I suggest you stick to water – maybe with a half teaspoon of xylitol added to it. If you have a dry mouth this is an excellent drink to sip during the morning.
My other suggestion is to review your diet( do you have enough veggies and fruits?) and consider probiotics. Some of the best probiotics are refrigerated – ask in your local health store. By ensuring your digestive health is excellent – you will help control acid reflux and the quality of your saliva. If you are using Zellies, the mouth care system that I recommend, and also Probiotics, you may want to consider a flossing holiday for a few months! You must brush and massage your gums with your toothbrush – to stimulate the circulation for gum healing, but flossing becomes unnecessary.
Do not mix and match products – using some of this and some of that – because it won’t work! I suggest you do everything I suggest for 3 months – and then check your results – they may surprise you (and maybe your dentist!) This is a link to the booklet that explains the Complete Mouth Care System in detail: CLICK HERE
Dear Dr. Ellie, I just discovered your system and am very encouraged. I will begin the full system when my zellie products arrive. I suffer from chronic sinus problems and seasonal allergies and consequently, there is usually a lot of phlegm to deal with and a tongue that needs to be cleaned to avoid bad breath. This has led to the bad habit of sipping diet soda all day long. When baking soda and/or peroxide toothpastes came along they were very desirable to me because I could brush my tongue with them and completely remove the white film that would eventually form without some kind of cleaning. I have been using baking soda and warm water as an occasional mouthwash (about five times a weak). Although my teeth seemed clean, I just had a very disappointing dental exam – gum disease, four cavities, and two teeth that need to be extracted. One is part of a bridge. The tooth has been covered with gold to the gum line since childhood (tetracycline related problem), but somehow there is significant tooth decay. My preference is to put off the extraction of that one despite the risks and try to find some way to save it.
So now, I have given up soda and baking soda and I plan to sip xylitol and water. My question is whether there are any known risks or side effects associated with consuming more than 10 grams a day. Assuming 4 grams per glass, I think I would definitely consume more than 10 grams.
Thanks for your laudable attitude and ethics and the good work and accessibility that springs therefrom.
Hi Dan,
I wish we had connected years ago – but glad to meet you now!
People with bad oral health usually have a bad taste in their mouth ALL the time.
This explains why they usually don’t like the taste of water.
Let’s get your mouth healthy and you will start to love drinking water for the first time -possibly – in your life!
You only need 10 grams of xylitol a day, and although far more is totally safe, I don’t recommend going overboard! Put ONE teaspoon of xylitol in your water in the mornings – to sip as an oral health drink. Drink what anything you like at lunchtime. Then try NOT to eat or DRINK anything for a couple of hours after lunch. Give your teeth “FACE TIME” with your own saliva – undiluted! In the evening you can have some Zellies mints or gum after things you eat or drink.
Morning and night use my complete mouth care system – EXACTLY as the booklet describes. You may want to go to a health food store and find a xylitol nasal wash for your sinus ( Xlear is a good brand), and also buy yourself some RAW Probiotics. These are usually refrigerated – and will help your digestion and immune system. You need to try and eat healthy and do this ALL at the same time for at least a couple of months! This is your New Year Revolution!!
Getting the mouth balanced and healthy again is a challenge. I tell people it is like going “up” a “down” escalator. It is hard work for about 8 weeks – but it becomes really simple when you get to the “top”. Be encouraged – let us hear your progress – and eventually you may enjoy reading Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye – which I think makes a lot more sense when you have experienced using the system personally. Good luck – and please stay in touch!
What are your thoughts on therasol with xylitol mouth rinse by oratec? I was wondering if I could use it instead of the listerine? I always had problems with plaque and required frequent cleanings. I read Dr Nara’s books and started using peroxide and baking soda/salt to brush my teeth and rinsing with therasol. I also started using a waterpik at night and flossing 2x a day. After doing this at my last cleaning the hygienist was shocked and said it was the cleanest mouth she ever saw. Then I found your site and read about baking soda and am very confused since it worked but I do not want to damage my teeth. I ordered your book which I haven’t received yet and purchased the ingredients to start the system but I was wondering if I can continue the therasol. Thank you, Jamie
Not everyone needs my system of care. I believe other effective mouth care alternatives exist and some people are “naturally” protected more than others. My system has helped thousands of people who suffered all their lives – offering a solution to their dental problems. On the other hand, if you enjoy sustainable and perfect dental health – stay on your current program! Just remember what “perfect” means: no sensitivity, no recession, no bad breath, no soft enamel, no gum disease, no need for treatments – nothing but quick, healthy check-ups each year. Don’t ever accept excuses or blame weak teeth or gums. If you ever hear these excuses – that’s the time to ditch what you are doing and give my system a try!
I have already switched to your system and will let you know how it goes. My teeth were very clean using the baking soda and the bleeding stopped but since reading your book and your website your system makes more sense. Baking soda did nothing for my tooth sensitivity and weak teeth and I think I have some gum recession. I hope this is not permanent because I used the baking soda for three months. I look forward to having stronger teeth using your system. thank you, jamie
Dear Dr. Ellie: I know you don’t floss.But what happens when you eat pepperoni or pork chop, don’t you get chunks of meat between your teeth? Isn’t that food for bacteria, so don’t you want to floss it out so you won’t have so much bacteria. Frank.
Hi Frank. I actually don’t like pepperoni – but I know what you’re saying! I think it’s important to think about your mouth as an ecosystem – and it’s the bacteria in this ecosystem that damage our teeth. Bits of meat, stuck between teeth, may look gross and feel bad, but it’s the invisible bacteria on your teeth and in our saliva that harm teeth. If cavity-forming bacteria were bright green in color ( instead of invisible) I guarantee everyone would be using xylitol to get rid of them! Sure, you can floss when you need to – but do it carefully to avoid damage to the gums. Most importantly, don’t rely on floss to clean your teeth of the invisible bacteria – xylitol and the mouth rinse system I suggest will be far more effective!
I’m so curious about the citric acid in Zellie bears? Isn’t citric acid something that is harmful to teeth?
I understand your concern, but this is such a tiny amount it poses no issues. On the other hand, we are trying to find a way to achieve the same taste without any. We are always working to provide the best and healthiest products!