Dear Ellie,
We spoke on the phone a few months ago about my 2 year-old son and I greatly appreciated all of the information you gave me. I also have enjoyed using the samples you sent, so thank you for those, as well.
When we spoke, I thought you had said that sorbitol is something to avoid since it can cause bacteria in the mouth to increase. However, I noticed that ACT does have sorbitol in it. Am I remembering what you said incorrectly? Also, I have found an all natural brand of mouthwash that doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners or colors but the level of fluoride in it is lower than ACT. Is there a certain percentage strength I should look for in a mouthwash? (I use a Q-tip to put the ACT on my son’s teeth in the area that’s at risk for decay due to a fused tooth with incomplete enamel formation.
Thank you again.
M. R.
Dear M,
ACT works so I recommend it! [I also wish like you that it came in a clear, no other ingredients form, without sorbitol! I have talked to the company and maybe in the future they will come out with something like this.]
The problem with ‘look alike,” natural or similar rinses is that they have not worked as well for patients who have used them. My system was put together ‘backwards”over many, many years. I found people with good teeth and discovered what they used. Then I took people with bad teeth changed what they were using, and their situations reversed and they began to have good teeth!
When any of my patients did not improve in this miraculous way, I discovered
(every time) that they were not following my directions or they were using different products. We discovered that the substitute fluoride rinses (including Toms of Maine and Jason) were not as effective for healing teeth.
Now – that was not a “Clinical Trial” so you can take it for what it was. I am not connected with any of the companies. I only suggest ACT. Sorbitol does indeed cause mouth bacteria to grow and possibly change (mutate). You need to consume a couple of grams for this to happen (one or
two sticks of sorbitol-containing gum). I know teens and adults who consume a lot of sorbitol-containing gum each day and who have the associated gastric, gum and acid reflux problems. These symptoms are related to acidic bacteria and they appear to go away when you eat gum with 100 percent xylitol.
Sorbitol in ACT rinse is a tiny amount for flavoring. In the Q-tip delivery method it is not even worth thinking about.
Hope this helps,
Ellie Phillips, DDS
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