Meghan Wier's Page

Dear Dr. Ellie:

What do you think about the Crest Total Care Mouthwash? Is this something that can be used in place of one or both of the mouthwashes?

Thanks. CS

Hi CS,

I developed my mouth rinse "routine" for patients during 35 years as a clinical dentist.

I look at patients with good teeth and also bad teeth and question every one about the products they use. I have no financial interest in suggesting the rinses I recommend.

I recommend the products in my complete mouth care system because they work when used as described. I have noticed that everyone who uses the system correctly has improved oral health - usually quite rapidly.

Once experienced, only a few people opt out of using the system - Those who stop, usually tell me they refuse to use fluoride or will not use a rinse that contains color dye. I respect their concerns about these additives, but since we cannot perfect the products- they are what they are: they have all been used for years and found to be safe - most of all they work. I believe that having healthy teeth outweighs any worry about a little color swishing around in your mouth for a few minutes.

There are a few products I do not recommend. Many dentists do not share my concerns - many even hand out these items to their patients. I only recommend products that I use myself.

I hope this helps.
Why not do a comparison? Perhaps you could use my system for a month and then try the Pro Health if you feel strongly that you want to.

Ellie Phillips, DDS

Hi Dr. Ellie,

Just wanted to say again how MUCH I enjoy your Q & A blog!!! I think I have read all of the archives and enjoy each new post you put up. :)

I am still using your system to clean my teeth, and I do think my teeth are becoming whiter -- and I can also tell that the one deep cavity I have is starting to get better (it is not as sensitive when I use the waterpik on it).

I think for the one really bad cavity I have, the waterpik is essential -- it cleans out food that I could not remove through flossing, brushing, or rinsing (I've tried doing those things and then
using the waterpik -- there was still food there!).

I read that cavities enlarge quickly after reaching the dentin through the enamel -- so perhaps that is why there seems to be a pocket in there for food to remain -- and the food that got stuck in there only made things worse!! Well, no more -- I am REALLY cleaning my teeth
now, thanks to you. :)

We're also being diligent about using xylitol -- usually in the form of granular xylitol from our local health food store.

My last dental cleaning was in April (which is what started me on the quest to learn more about my teeth!!) and I'm planning to wait until early next year to go back, which would give me a full 6 months on your system. I can't wait to find out the results... and hopefully things will have improved and I won't need the fillings or possible root canal recommended.

By the way, I did talk to my dentist on the phone, and he confirmed that I do not have any infection in my mouth, and also indicated that I might not really need a root canal... of course they would like to go ahead and "fix" the tooth to stop it from getting worse (which I
imagine is usually the case) but I am hopeful that it will not be worse and actually be BETTER by the time I go back. :) I'll definitely keep you posted when the time comes.

Have a great week!

-T


Dear T,
This is great news.

Think of the "repair" of your teeth as you would think of a repair of a skin wound.
First it is necessary for the underneath part to be clean and then it will start to heal itself, meshing over. This may take time and you may not see much at first. Finally the top skin grows over a wound and closes the "gap". This can happen in a similar way with teeth - when you use xylitol and a dilute fluoride rinse in harmony together. The xylitol works to clean and heal the deeper layers and the fluoride works to help recrystalize and heal the surface layers.

Together xylitol and fluoride can speed and help the healing process more than either one alone.
Please keep me informed how your teeth feel. Are you able to find all the "ingredients" for the system in local stores?

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Good luck,
Ellie

Dear Dr. Ellie Phillps,

I want to thank you, I came across one of your blogs when searching out about having a root canal done. I realize know that much of my dental problems have to do with my Acid Reflux problem. I am going to make your teeth cleaning routine, my daily routine and am ordering some products from Zellies.com. I wish there was a way I could eliminate my acid reflux to further help. Any suggestions? Thank you again.

Sincerely,
CM


Dear CM,

I have found that people who eat or drink foods or beverages that contain sorbitol (the normal ingredient in cheap sugar-free products) often suffer symptoms of acid reflux. I would try to stop eating sugarless products that contain sorbitol and stop any diet drinks.
If you chew gum - check the ingredients.

There is research to show that sorbitol can grow the harmful mouth bacteria and thicken plaque on teeth. It seems possible that sorbitol could do the same to bacteria that may be involved in acid reflux symptoms.

I have friends who have replaced sorbitol with 100 percent xylitol products and seen great improvements. They have found that as their teeth begin to heal and feel better, so also do their symptoms of acid reflux.

Obviously there are many reasons for acid reflux and some are serious and require surgical intervention. On the other hand, I believe that milder symptoms may be more associated with acid-producing bacteria - in this case xylitol may be helpful.

If you find relief as you eat xylitol I would be interested to know. Remember, this change may take time - I would expect at least two to three months for substantial improvements.

Good luck and I hope to hear more from you in a little while,
Ellie
http://www.zellies.com/
http://www.cleanwhiteteeth.com/
Dental Health for Everyone!
26, Corporate Woods,
Rochester NY 14623
1-877-DR-ELLIE
585-272-1270

Dear Dr. Ellie:

Is there a certain length of time you need to chew the Zellies Xylitol gum to be effective -- 5 min, 20 min etc.? Thanks.

FM

Dear FM:

It is the sugary solution (created when xylitol dissolves in mouth saliva) that helps teeth.
This xylitol is dissolved from the gum into mouth liquids in under 2 minutes. Extra chewing may help a little - but the xylitol is quickly dissolved out of the gum. (You will notice the taste disappears quickly). Note: Taste will only stay on gum when attached to artificial sweetening agents.

As the xylitol dissolves it is working in three ways:

The xylitol solution is quickly absorbed by harmful mouth bacteria. These bacteria cannot process xylitol since it binds their internal proteins- starving them in the long term and stopping them from producing acids in the short term.

Xylitol in solution stimulates mineral-laden saliva to flow into the mouth, bringing calcium and other minerals to bathe teeth

The mineral rich saliva creates an environment (by raising the pH) where minerals go into any softened areas on teeth to remineralize them.


I hope this answers your question.

Ellie Phillips, DDS

Dear Dr. Ellie,

I wanted to write and let you know how happy I am with my order. The kids and I opened the package expecting there to be 3 little cans in there, but oh were we surprised! The pretty paper, cute polka dotted bags, free samples, etc. were all so nice and it made opening the box a real treat. My oldest daughter laid claim to the pretty paper, my younger daughter wanted the pretty bags, and everyone loved the flavor of the gum and mints I ordered. Thank you so much for this unexpected, most welcome treat of a beautiful box in which we found our yummy Zellies. :-)

Sincerely,
The B Family

Dear B family,

Than you so much for your note of appreciation. I have always tried to be a friendly dentist and one that was kind and thoughtful. Most of all I have always worked to give patients as much pleasure as possible (sometimes a challenge with difficult treatments!).

I guess the empathy I felt for patients has brought me to this place. I decided some years ago that someone had to start a xylitol company. Finally I decided it was going to be my job to introduce the US public to the products that Scandinavians and others have enjoyed for years!

The paper and presentation expresses what I feel about Zellies. Xylitol offers such a different way to think about teeth.

Thanks again for your note. Every speck of encouragement is valued!

Ellie
www.Zellies.com
www.CleanWhiteteeth.com
Dental Health for Everyone!
26, Corporate Woods,
Rochester NY 14623
1-877-DR-ELLIE
585-272-1270