Dr. Ellie,
Your system has done so much for my teeth, I cant even begin to thank you enough or to express how grateful I am to have someone so focused on the health of teeth.
With that, I was not happy with my teeth, and after a year on your system went through with veneers, which I am now regreting, but I know I need to move forward. I got 4 on top front.
My question is one the veneers, I have read listerine can damage the cement and could result in lossening the veneers. This was really upsetting because I had read an earlier post where you said your system is safe.
Can you comment on this?
Overall, I saw some teeth I had that had turned gray and translucent coming back, but obviously I was obsessed on perfection of smile and this led me to the veneers.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks so much for all that you do
– J
Hi J,
Thanks for the message and if it is OK I think this may be a good topic to discuss on my blog – using your message to illustrate why Listerine has both a bad and a good reputation!
Many dentists rush to put on veneers – and some may see it as a financial opportunity – but no dentist want’s to loose you to another dentist down the street.
Most patients would not be impressed with a small booklet, three cheap mouth rinses and instructions to use these for a year or two – then re-evaluate. (Patients would most likely think this dentist had lost his mind! )
Personally I know many Cosmetic Dentists who have recommended my system to their patients for years and years.
These dentists have seen NO negative ( only POSITIVE) effects on their patients mouths and restorations.
Listerine is a mouth rinse both hated, loved and totally misunderstood.
In my book, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, I explain why Listerine is a two-edged sword – why the only way I would recommend its use is in the system that I describe.
Leaving acidic solution in the mouth is harmful (Listerine has an acidic pH of 4.2)
Alcohol as a final rinse can dry the mouth and be tough on the cement of restorations ( alcohol is a component of Listerine).
Acidity and alcohol are detrimental to natural teeth.
Acidity and alcohol are detrimental to the skin of the mouth – potentially damaging the healthy biofilm or pellicle that must cover the mouth – to protect it.
THIS IS WHY – you MUST NEVER ( in my opinion) LEAVE Listerine on teeth for long periods of time or use it as a lone rinse.
I suggest we prepare teeth FOR Listerine and protect them FROM it- using the following rules:
1) Use Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste to “cover and protect” teeth BEFORE Listerine. (This is why you do not wash the toothpaste off with water – you go directly from paste to Listerine).
2) A 30 -60 second vigorous swish with Listerine is enough.
3) When this quick and vigorous rinse is over – “bathe” teeth with ACT.
Listerine has proven to be the BEST rinse to reduce inflammation in gums – something essential for oral health.
This may be even more important for you when you have veneers or crowns – since they can trap plaque under the ledge where they join the tooth.
The benefits of Listerine are so great and when used appropriately it will bring only benefits and no damage.
If your dentist needs more information about the system used with his restorations – please let me know and I will contact him directly.
The idea of multiple mouth rinses is new and different for many in the profession. Often they do not understand what is being proposed.
Reading my book may also prove helpful since it explains this biochemistry and common sense combined!
Many thanks,
Ellie
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