Hello, Dr. Ellie,
After following your regimen for the past 5+ months, my dentist notes a slight improvement in my gum recession. (I am 64 years old.) I don’t know whether that has anything to do with the rinsing routine, but it was nice to hear something positive about that condition. I understand that I have more-or-less average recession for my age.
Here’s a new question for you, if you can afford the time:
My dentist recommended that I use a “sensitive teeth” toothpaste, like Colgate enamel/protect. He said it would help protect the slightly exposed roots of my teeth. I mentioned using ACT several times a day. He said that these toothpastes contain additional ingredients that offer further protection. From what I can read on the label, this Colgate product adds potassium nitrate. As far as I know, that merely addresses the pain issue, and doesn’t do anything to structurally protect the roots.
Do you believe that any dentifrice, or any rinse, can help structurally protect the roots in the gum-recession areas — beyond the ACT? Should I stick with Crest Regular? I don’t mean to cause a showdown between dentists. I simply like to get various opinions, then do what makes the best sense to me.
While I “have you on the phone,” do you have any recommendations for reducing the gum recession itself?
Gratefully,
-J
Hi J,
My system iswill do everything you worry about – remineralize teeth, stop and improve gum recession and make teeth gradually become “younger” again.
The problem with my system is that it takes time – it is a natural progression of events (read Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye for all the details!!)
I dislike the “quick fix it” offered by toothpaste and rinse companies – without any EVIDENCE BASED RESEARCH to back up their claims.
Sure they have studies – skewed to show that their product is better/ stronger/ faster etc.
Colgate Total was a perfect example of this.
The paste employs triclosan ( a 24 hour antibacteria also used in Purell).
Problem is that as toothpaste there is a glitch.
The compound reacts with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform – a potential co-carcinogen.
As far as I know, dentists have never been warned about this problem – and many still hand out from the plethora of samples we are sent.
I put my samples in the dumpster.
Sensodyne is the latest one doing the “push” to dentists.
I always recommend using my system: Closys – Crest cavity protection- Listerine – ACT – with at least 5 exposures to xylitol each day.
My system depends on doing this faithful routine – twice daily – always before bed – no rinsing with water in between the rinses.
Keep your toothbrush clean – don’t add flavor to the Closys.
I cannot advise you in this matter.
If you are going to continue with my system it must be done EXACT – don’t think you can mix and match – IT WILL NOT WORK.
Hope this helps,
Ellie
Ellie Phillips DDS
http://www.zelliescleanwhiteteeth.com/
Solutions for Oral Health!
author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
Categories: Uncategorized
When you say to follow the procedure "always before bed," do you mean that it must be done right before you go to bed or is it ok to do it anytime in the evening after dinner, as long as you don't have anything to eat or drink following it before going to bed? Thanks.
Anytime when you don't eat or drink is good, however during the night, when you sleep, your saliva flow slows down dramatically and your mouth becomes drier than at any other time during the day. This is when you need the most protection for teeth – this is when the system can offer you the most help. It is a fine line because what you are doing is not bad and better to have this than forget! Anytime is probably not a big deal for most people, but if you are someone with dental problems – I would definitely try to do the system as near as possible to sleep time. Ellie Phillips DDSwww.ZelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.comSolutions for Oral Health!author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye