It’s easy to think teeth are a row of pebbles stuck in our jawbone – but this is far from the truth! Teeth have a blood and lymph supply connected to our body’s main circulation. Liquids and cells travel through channels inside the tooth, keeping it hydrated and supplying minerals to repair dentin and defend teeth …read more

Your Teeth Are Alive!

 Whitening & sensitivity toothpastes are top profit-generators for the oral-care industry.Artificial whitening pulls minerals from tooth enamel. Whitening products cause sensitivity & although sensitivity pastes might seem like a solution, they only mask the symptoms. These pastes do not address the cause of the ongoing problem – they just cover it up.Regular use of xylitol …read more

Whitening, Sensitivity and The Easy Solutions!

Our oral health is at risk every time we travel. In this short video, I offer strategies that can help you to protect your teeth and gums while you travel.

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Your Teeth and Travel

Today the Wall Street Journal published Halloween dental advice about preventing cavities. Dr. Ruchi Sahota, the spokeswoman for the American Dental Association, agreed “sugar-free chewing gum” combats harmful bacteria in the mouth and certain studies show xylitol adds minerals to tooth enamel. Then came the “but” ….as Dr. Sahota explains the evidence is not conclusive …read more

Halloween Advice – With a Grain of Xylitol

We agree about the need to prevent cavities, but how much more important is it to prevent cavities in children? Perhaps one of the most important groups to target with prevention are children with disabilities – those with compromised health or physical disabilities. Included in this group should be kids who are adopted and or …read more

Our Priorities in Preventing Cavities

Given that September is “Dental Infection Control Month”, I’d like to comment on a study that determined eye wear and masks are ineffective for protecting dentists from infection during treatment. Red dye showed how splatter travels from a patient’s mouth to a simulated face, positioned where a dentist or hygienist would sit in the dental office. …read more

Infection in the Dental Office

I’ve been wanting to make educational videos for a long time, but for various reasons it has been a difficult task. However, I think I’ve finally conquered the hurdles and I hope to share with you a series of videos to go along with my blog posts. The topics will be varied, and I’d love …read more

When to Use Xylitol

Brushing and flossing are not enough I know many people who value their smiles and try to look after their teeth as carefully as possible. The problem is that you can religiously brush and floss, yet end up with ongoing fillings, repairs and other treatments. The blame is usually placed on poor habits, genetics, or defects …read more

3 Things You Need To Know If You Want Healthy Teeth

The fluoride debate has been ongoing for 50 years. In the past few months I sense a renewed vigor on the side of organized dentistry to promote water fluoridation. For example, a recent study from Australia showed a 10% reduction in cavities and was heralded “Water fluoridation good for adults as well as kids”. I …read more

The Fluoride Debate: Two Sides to Every Story

Every month Dr. Ellie Phillips will answer your oral health questions as part of the Ultimate Oral Health Guide. ———– Q: Hello Dr. Ellie,  I recently found your book. I have suffered a recent decline in my dental health – which I believe corresponds to a battle with sinus infections over the same span of years.  My dentist …read more

Q&A with Dr. Ellie: Oil Pulling vs. Fluoride Rinse

It’s unlikely a child with unhealthy teeth and serious cavities will have fun at their first dental visit. Cavities are difficult to treat in young mouths and most dentists suggest sedation or general anesthesia – a scary experience for everyone. Taking toddlers to the dentist is suggested by the ADA as an opportunity for the …read more

Taking Young Children to the Dentist

You may have been told to floss more, or perhaps you were on a never-ending series of treatments when you discovered Zellies. If you have followed the dosage recommendations and taken my advice, I am sure you (and your dentist) have noticed improvements. For some people Zellies may be all they needed to “tip the …read more

Bleeding Gums at Dental Visits (BOP)