Xylitol in your diet
If you are diabetic, xylitol may be your best and healthiest sugar-alternative for all your sweetening needs! It is a far better choice for baking than any of the artificial and processed sweeteners (Xylitol has a glycemic index of 7 and zero carbs).
The difference between sorbitol and xylitol:
Sorbitol is incorporated in many diet products, and diabetics should be careful about this, since sorbitol can feed dental plaque and contribute to gum disease (which destabilizes blood glucose). Xylitol will help stabilize blood glucose and keep your mouth healthy – which is good for body and teeth! Check out this book about xylitol: Sweeten Your Life the Xylitol Way by Karen Edwards
Xylitol for infants
Babies can be at risk for thrush and Candida infections in their mouths. Xylitol is a quick anti-fungal solution. Dissolve a quarter teaspoon of granular xylitol in a few ounces of water and wipe over the area or put the solution in a baby bottle as a drink. Do this twice a day until thrush has gone.
Xylitol for babies
Children born by Caesarian section are at greater risk for cavities as they lack the inborn protection naturally acquired by children born vaginally. If your family has a history of bad teeth, or if you or your spouse has bad teeth – think about protecting your baby by using xylitol. You can incorporate xylitol into your own diet before the baby is born.
When the baby is born you can start to wipe the baby’s gums with a solution of xylitol in water or use a xylitol tooth wipe. Research shows this will help stop cavities – so xylitol is important even before teeth erupt into the mouth.
Xylitol for children
It can be challenging to get toddlers to clean their teeth and studies show that it is impossible to rely on brushing and flossing to stop cavities. Toddlers often drink juice and like sweets – so baby teeth need help. Children with great teeth at age 4 are 85% more likely to have nice teeth as adults – so start incorporating a little xylitol at the end of each meal daily. One teaspoon per day is a good amount – split up between 4 or 5 meals.
Xylitol for everyone!
Children and adults of all ages can enjoy xylitol – a little each day. On a spoon, as a candy, gum or even brushed on teeth – even a toothbrush dipped in xylitol crystals! You can dissolve xylitol in milk, water or yogurt and enjoy this as a drink after or between meals. Strive for 5 exposures daily, preferably after meals. Research shows that between one and two teaspoons daily is the ideal amount to protect teeth and stop cavities.
Categories: Xylitol
Hi Dr. Ellie,
I’ve recently found your websites, and I’m already a fan. Just a quick question… You suggesting taking Xylitol dissolved in milk, water or yogurt, would it also be acceptable to dissolve it in tea with milk, or would it be better to drink the tea, and then have some xylitol in water afterwards?
Thanks,
Moara
It would be far better to drink the tea – then have the xylitol afterwards!
Tea contains polyphenols that are a bit like “acids” and you need to protect your teeth from them – (after enjoying the tea!).
Thanks so much Dr. Ellie. Good to know!
Dr Ellie where can I buy Xylitol in the UK, London?
Xylitol in London used to be available in Tesco and in Sainsbury’s under the label Perfect Sweet.
It would be nice to hear back with confirmation that this is still the case!
It is available in sainsburys as perfect sweet in london but i couldnt find it at tescos.
Hi Dr Ellie!
I found xylitol in a health store near where I live. It was not cheap though I have to say, almost £8 for xylitol crystals. The powder was cheaper but I went for the more expensive crystals. Anyway, I haven’t tried Tesco’s or Sainsbury’s yet but I will have a look in Tesco’s and let you know.
P.S. My tooth did calm down after about a week and a bit of using Xylitol and Retardex Mouth rinse. My dentist recommended that I either remove the tooth or have a root canal which I was not happy about due to my previously bad experience. And I couldn’t understand why I had this tooth pain when the x-ray showed I had no signs of decay or needing a root canal. It was very sensitive to hot liquids which I noticed. My dentist thought the filling I had was possibly too deep which may have been a possible cause.
Anyway, Dr Ellie I’m glad I did some research now on your website but are there any long term effects of using xylitol? I’ve heard it can upset the stomach for example. Is there any or have there been any clinical studies done on the long term effects?
Thanks
Also this sounds stupid but if Xylitol is a natural sweetner how come it doesn’t harm your teeth seeing as it is made up of natural sugars?
Sugar does not actually harm teeth – this is a long, enduring myth! You could rub sugar directly onto clean teeth and cause no harm – but the problem with sugar is that it is able to feed plaque germs.
Harmful plaque germs are called Streptococcus mutans.
When strep. mutans germs feed on sugar, they get energy to grow, multiply and form sticky tendrils.
These tendrils allow the cells to attach to teeth and to each other, allowing colonies to form a thick mass that becomes visible on teeth as plaque.
The more sugar you consume – the quicker these acid-forming and damaging germs multiply.
When Strep mutans is in contact with xylitol, it absorbs it through the cell wall in the same way that it absorbs other sugars.
The germs cannot process xylitol since it has a different carbon structure from sugar.
(Xylitol is a five-carbon-pentose sugar – whereas regular sugar is a six-carbon-sugar).
The germs cannot use xylitol to grow and multiply, and cannot stick onto teeth (since they cannot produce the sticky tendrils) If the population of plaque germs is slowly “fed” xylitol each day – over time they stop growing, and start “slipping” off teeth.
Xylitol makes plaque stop forming and makes it slippery – so it falls off your teeth and allows them to get healthier.
Xylitol also stimulates a flow of mineral-rich saliva in the mouth – to bring calcium to teeth – to make them stronger and shinier.
I am so upset this week as I had to receive 3 crowns and 3 fillings. I never saw this coming. I quit drinking sugary drinks years ago, but my problems have only worsened. I brush at least twice a day, although I know I could do a better job with flossing. That’s all I’m told to do plus use a fluoride rinse. My dentist recommends a Rotadent toothbrush for $130… I have some items you recommend in your kit and will get the others. When I asked my dentist about xylitol, he said it is helpful and can decrease cavities by 70%. If it is so helpful, why don’t dentists suggest it to anyone? To keep people coming back?? I have seen 3 in Las Vegas and none have mentioned xylitol. I will try anything to prevent future cavities or gum issues because I absolutely cannot endure more pain from procedures or pay for additional work. I really hope the products you suggest will help me.
Everyone should be upset about the fact that the benefits of xylitol have been proven for years and years.
In 2001 the studies were presented at an Evidence-Based dental conference, and xylitol was shown to eliminate 98% of plaque, and thus prevent cavities and gum disease.
The history of xylitol dates back hundreds of years and it has been used as a public health measure in Europe for decades.
The US military adopted the use of xylitol gum to stop cavities during the first Gulf War!
(Look For Xylitol First Program: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15116453)
My system of care involves specific mouth rinses and xylitol – it is amazing.
You need to use it exactly as recommended – using the exact products.
50% of the benefits come from xylitol and 50% of the benefits come from the mouth rinse system.
This is a complete recipe to help you (even without flossing!!)
However, if you do not follow it exactly – you will not get the expected results.
I hope you will give this a try – then read my book and understand that we must spread this message around the country – as a grass roots movement.
Any ideas from anyone out there?
Hello, I just finished reading your book (got it off Amazon) and immediately ordered the kit from your website so I can start the plan. I recently went to the dentist for the first time in a few years and I have lots of 5 and 6 pockets, plus a small cavitiy that they wan’t to “monitor”. They want to do a thorough periodontal treatment but I first want to try your plan and see what kind of difference it can make. I will let you know in ~6 months if there is a positive change.
Couple questions I have before I start the plan…first is about Xylitol – does it need to be ingested to get the full benefit? Or can you simply rub on your teeth or swish it around with some liquid to get the same effect?
Secondly, I got a Sonicare toothbrush and Waterpik for Christmas, do you think these are effective and will work with your plan? Also the Sonicare comes with a UV sanitizer for the brush heads, do you think it actually works or is important to use?
Thank you I learned a lot from your book and I’m hoping it turns out to be as good as it sounds!
I am often asked the most important feature of my system. The
answer is to follow the system exactly – using the exact products that
I recommend. The details are posted on http://www.DrEllie.com – and I
often suggest purchasing a kit – to ensure the right products. Then
you can match exactly when they go to purchase more (FYI – you’ll
only find Closys at Walgreens).
The amount of xylitol is important and frequency and timing helps. I
suggest 4 grams of crystals in a bottle of water to sip during exercise
or in the morning – every day. This is important for periodontal
healing. Then have some xylitol mints or gum after meals – to control
plaque after meals. I guess you don’t have to drink the liquid – but
xylitol does have digestive health benefits. If you don’t care about
these – I guess the answer is yes, it will work on your teeth and then
you could spit it out.
Use any toothbrush that feels good. Make sure you clean all around
your gums – at the exact place where the teeth and gums meet. I am
not happy with the Waterpik – it appears to me that you will not get
the same amount of healing as you would just with good swishing
and brushing!
social networking is a good way to spread the idea. Facebook is great!
Dr Ellie – another quick question if you don’t mind: I drink a lot of tea so if i was to rinse my mouth afterwards with xylitol in cold water would this hot and cold process be bad for my teeth in the long run?
I prefer to suggest you eat a xylitol mint or gum after the tea, or just have a few granules from a spoon.
On the other hand, I don’t think the hot/cold is any problem either.
Dear Dr Ellie,
After 20 years of no problems Ive been told I have a dead molar tooth, an infection at the root, and need antibiotics or failing that, root canal treatment.
Do I have to go that way? Or will your regime work in this case?
Thanks
My system of care will stop tooth and gum damage, it will prevent any more damage and can it can even reverse tooth and gum damage – BUT it can’t bring a dead tooth back to life. Sorry!
If the tooth is painful a course of antibiotics may be useful, but be aware antibiotics are a panacea and do not deal with the problems of a dead tooth.
If you choose to keep this tooth (and you may want to discuss if you want or don’t want to keep it) then a dead tooth needs to be completely cleaned out and filled (a root canal). Then a crown must be made to seal the tooth from the liquids in your mouth.
Every tooth that has a root canal MUST be crowned.
Patients often do not realize this is part two and must be done ASAP!
It is a waste of time and money to root treat the tooth if it is not sealed properly with a crown, as soon as possible after the root canal has been done.
Budget and get the whole thing done as perfectly as possible – or opt to extract it. That is my advice.
Thanks so much for your advice Ellie. What are the pros and cons of a tooth extraction? It sounds easier just to pull the thing out!
It sounds simple to pull out a tooth. In England, at the time when I grew up, people gave “the gift” of dentures to young married couples!
If you visit a nursing home you will usually see plenty of people who have no teeth.
The problem is that tooth loss causes jaw-bone loss, which can change and deform the face, and make difficulties for eating.
Some recent studies show that less than 9 teeth creates other problems, in ways that are quite shocking.
We do not fully understand why this happens, but it appears that less than 9 teeth can have an impact on mental health.
So hang onto as many teeth (at least 10 of them) if you can!
Also remember that when you loose a tooth on one side of your mouth, say a lower molar – it is possible for the teeth either side of this gap will tilt and become less stable.
This can cause a “deck of cards” collapse around the missing tooth ~ especially for people with gum disease.
This way, one lost tooth can result in a bunch of lost teeth on the same side.
When you loose teeth on one side of your mouth, say the lower molars (as mentioned above) the opposing teeth will have nothing to bite on.
Unless the missing teeth are replaced with dentures or an implant , the upper teeth may continue to “grow” into the vacant space – getting “longer” and creating bite problems.
I am not an advocate for taking out teeth, but sometimes it seems a sensible alternative.
I usually recommend an extraction rather than an improperly filled root canal tooth or an infected or dead tooth.
The thing to remember is that after the extraction – you must take steps to keep the rest of your teeth healthy – and don’t let gum disease start a land-slide of problems in that area.
I am sold on your program for me. I want to recommend it to my daughter for my toddler grandchildren, but I am concerned about this “dose” of xylitol for growing children. Have any epidemiological or toxicological studies been completed?
Xylitol is common in Europe and Scandinavia and is used as a public health measure in preschools to prevent decay.
Pediatrician Ray Wagner has studied xylitol for many years and was involved in recent studies to show that even a tiny amount of xylitol wiped on baby gums and teeth early will stop cavities.
A very small dose may not eradicate strep mutans from the child’s mouth – yet the child does not get cavities – which is interesting.
Peter Milgrom at the University of Washington published dose related studies in 2002.
He showed 5-10 grams per day is the dose necessary to eradicate harmful plaque strep mutans from the mouth.
Xylitol has been FDA approved for use in any quantity as a food.
Xylitol was used during World War II in Europe to replace table sugar in the diet.
For many decades, diabetics have used xylitol as their exclusive sweetener.
I am recommending we stay within the limits necessary for ORAL HEALTH
This means between one to two teaspoons a day to eradicate plaque/cavity bacteria – less will probably work IF YOU HAVE PERFECT TEETH AND NO FILLINGS.
5 grams is the lower end of the dose that will help teeth.
As a child reaches pre-school age I believe this is the best method to use prior to the eruption of the permanent molars – far better than toxic sealants.
For a toddler between the age of 1-4, you will need a dose between a few grains to 5 grams.
The amount will depend on if your child is at risk for cavities or if your child has cavities.
For high risk or to stop cavities you will need the higher level (5 grams).
If your family have generally great teeth and the children are cavity-free then I suggest starting in the toddler years with 2 grams a day and up to 5 grams by school age.
thanks so much for your comprehensive reply!
What about the toxicity of fluoride? Can tooth health be achieved without it?
The story of fluoride is fascinating but complicated. Like many things, there are two sides to the story. On one side, fluoride can be toxic but on the other hand it may be the best way to save teeth and preserve general health.
Salts of Fluoride
Fluoride is found in many different forms, called salts. The reactive “parent” of these salts is an element called fluorine. Fluorine is closely related to chlorine and these elements are next to each other on chemistry’s list of halogens. You do not want to breathe either chlorine or fluorine, not drink a solution of them, yet in tiny amounts their sodium salt may keep you healthy. Sodium chloride is sea or table salt and sodium fluoride is a similar salt and is the only kind of fluoride I recommend.
Why dentists like fluoride
Studies in the 1930s showed that fluoride occurs naturally in soil and water in many parts of the world. People living in areas with a tiny amount of fluoride in the water have strong teeth, but if the concentration gets higher, teeth develop white, yellow or brown stains. Dentists took this ideal amount for strong teeth and no staining, and added it to our water supplies. The problem is that they believed fluoride was built into forming teeth – but today we know that this is not how fluoride works.
How fluoride works
The correct use of fluoride can improve teeth at any age. As a dilute solution of sodium fluoride touches teeth, the fluoride pulls minerals (from mouth saliva) into tooth enamel. The minerals repair any enamel that is soft or damaged. In this way, fluoride keeps teeth strong and replaces any enamel crystals that are broken or damaged during eating, drinking or by mouth acidity. Rinsing with dilute sodium fluoride helps keep teeth shiny and protected, and may be the only way to avoid cavities and erosion in a dry or acidic mouth.
Other Benefits of Fluoride
New adult teeth in child’s mouth slowly develop a protective protein layer on their surface. Rinsing with dilute sodium fluoride speeds the development of this layer and shortens the formation time (from 12 months to about 3 or 4 months). Used with xylitol, fluoride can halt cavities in teeth and even repair them – naturally. Xylitol gets rid of cavity bacteria and fluoride re-grows enamel crystals for healing.
Without fluoride
Without dilute sodium fluoride, tooth enamel may flake or chip, especially around the gum or edges of fillings. This is why fillings “leak” or get “old” and break, and the reason that teeth are at risk of dying – and may need a root canal, crown or implant. Soft teeth get stained and worn, but dilute sodium fluoride can brighten teeth and prevent serious damage that requires dental treatments.
Dangers of fluoride
The toxicity of fluoride is from drinking too much or using the wrong kind of fluoride. Many cheap kinds of fluoride should be avoided. A tin-based salt of fluoride is stannous fluoride, which can cause tooth staining and other reactions in the mouth. Very young children often swallow toothpaste, so children should not use fluoride toothpaste until they are old enough to spit it out. Infants may get too much fluoride from formula milk, especially if powder is mixed with fluoridated water.
The only fluoride I recommend
There appears to be no benefit to drinking fluoride or taking supplements. The kind of fluoride that is in water supplies is not the kind that was originally agreed (sodium fluoride) but it is an aluminum industry by-product, which is potentially toxic. I do not recommend drinking fluoridated water.
Sodium fluoride in dilute concentrations can be rinsed around teeth or brushed onto teeth for its benefits, but then you spit the fluoride out. Studies show that there is no risk of absorption through the mouth when rinsing with fluoride. I recommend well-formulated toothpaste that contains sodium fluoride and other important ingredients for tooth healing.
True Mouth Health
More and more studies show the relationship between bad teeth, gum inflammation, and loss of teeth, with serious medical conditions including diabetes, heart attacks, arthritis, dementia and pre-term birth. Healthy teeth are important and unfilled teeth and healthy gums should be the goal.
To protect teeth from damage you need a good diet and correct oral hygiene practices. Unfortunately there are factors beyond our control that put teeth at risk for disease: mouth breathing, acid reflux, effects from medications, getting older, hormone changes and being exposed to germs from other people – to name a few.
Commentary
When you need more protection than diet can offer, you may develop cavities that require fillings. There can be great risk to health from silver or white fillings, and also if teeth fracture and require root canals or implants. These treatments can be prevented by a daily regimen that incorporates a small amount of dilute sodium fluoride, brushed and rinsed on teeth regularly.
The goal is to avoid toxic fillings and other treatments. The benefits appear to totally outweigh any concern, when using the correct kind of fluoride. My system and xylitol will maximize the benefits and offer a chance to enjoy ultimate oral health.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply and help. In the crest original toothpaste do you reccomend the paste or the gel? Thanks.
The paste definitely works well – although I suspect the gel is OK but I don’t have enough history of people using it to say for sure.(I recommend the paste)
I also wondered it the Fresh Burst (green) listerine is OK. It seems to be one of the simple formulas. Thanks.
I know that the Original Listerine works slightly better than the Cool Mint. I know the Cool Mint works.
I suspect the Fresh Burst is OK but I don’t have enough history of people using it to say for sure.
[…] babysitters and caretakers can use xylitol and my Complete Mouth Care System to clean their mouths ~ preferably before baby is […]
[…] and xylitol will help control plaque and prevent bleeding […]
Hello Dr. Ellie,
I had just finished reading your book and have a few questions. You stated that the strep mutans cannot become xylitol resistant, but after doing some research on pub med I found there are studies that have shown strains of xylitol resistant strep mutans. what is your take on this?
Thanks for your comment.
Xylitol positively affects the balance of bacteria in the mouth in a very interesting way.
It gets rid of unhealthy, damaging bacteria and also promotes healthy ones.
This is very different from the way an antibiotic works with unwanted bacteria. The problem with antibiotics is that they attack bacteria, but this promotes changes in the bacteria. The bacteria’s new traits usually allow them to avoid the attacks of the antibiotic. As the bacteria change, we describe this as antibiotic “resistance”.
Xylitol works like this: Harmful strep mutans absorb xylitol into their cytoplasm at each exposure to xylitol. These bacteria normally use carbohydrate sugars for an energy source, and they cannot use xylitol because it has a different molecular structure from all other sugars and sugar alcohols. (It only has 5 carbon atoms instead of 6 ). This means the bacteria cannot grow and multiply, they do not produce acids (to attack teeth) and most importantly – they cannot produce stands of glycoproteins that stick them to your teeth and to each other. This means that plaque gets less in volume, less acidic, and less sticky. The next time you rinse your mouth or clean your teeth – you will remove these plaque germs from your teeth more easily.
Strep mutans bacteria do not develop any changes, nor do they react any differently to xylitol.
What happens over time is that the population of sticky strep mutans is depleted, and a non-sticky strain of strep mutans take their place in the protein mesh called biofilm that covers your teeth. You will always have some strep mutans in your mouth – but you need the kind that do not form thick layers of damaging and acid-producing plaque. So yes, we develop “xylitol tolerant” strep mutans – but it is a good thing and healthy for the flora composition of the mouth.
Hi Dr Ellie,
I am sorry for sounding ignorant but I am still confused about how to effectively take xylitol.
Is ingesting it better than keeping it in my mouth, or the other way around (I should keep xylitol powder in my mouth for about 5 minutes I read), for best oral health?
Could you please clarify this?
I thank you in advance,
Sam
If you want to get rid of plaque or gum problems – you have to use xylitol consistently – frequently (all day and throughout the day). This is because plaque forms in an acidic mouth – so it is important to prevent acidity between and after every meal, snack,or drink. If you want to stop plaque forming – it does not appear to make much difference the way you “take” xylitol – in water, off a spoon, as a mint, gum etc. Frequency appears to be more important than quantity – but try to be sure to have at least 6 – 10 grams total each day.
If you have weak teeth – Zellies Mints and Zellies Gum will probably benefit your teeth more than xylitol dissolved in water. As you eat Zellies Mints or Zellies Gum, the xylitol in them will create a flow of alkaline saliva into your mouth. In a healthy mouth, healthy saliva has the “ingredients” necessary to rebuild and repair teeth. Tooth enamel will dissolve in acidic conditions and it can rebuild and repair in alkaline conditions. Think of it this way, xylitol can make your mouth “healthy” by stimulating mineral-rich saliva, which is perfect to strengthen, rebuild and repair teeth.
Be sure never to use xylitol gum, mints, toothpaste or rinses that contain glycerin or sorbitol when you are trying to rebuild teeth. It appears the glycerin (or sorbitol) can inactive the process of remineralization. Zellies products were created specifically to help improve oral health, and all the benefits possible from a little xylitol mint or piece of gum!
If you have generally OK teeth and simply want to prevent problems and make your teeth the best they can be…I suggest a combination of these two systems above. Sip on xylitol water throughout the morning – or during a work-out session. Then use a few Zellies Mints or Zellies Gum after meals, snacks and drinks for the rest of the day. The teaspoon provides 4 grams of xylitol and so a few mints and gum will take you to the perfect amount of xylitol each day.
I hope this helps explain why you can use xylitol in various beneficial ways, and by understanding how xylitol works, you can maximize its amazing benefits. Thanks for your question. Ellie
Hi Dr. Ellie
I have just purchased your book & am a little confused at exactly what exactly i should be doing..
I wont be able to use any xylitol products except for pure xylitol sugar. If i mix a little with water to make a rinse or paste on my teeth will that have the same effect. How long do i rinse for?
Also I cant get some products but can get the following:
Retardex, Listerine (is only the original ok to use? what about mint?), fluorigard, xylitol sugar.
If i cant get crest toothpaste can i use colgate? I have been using sensitive pro relief as I have very sensitive teeth & fillings on most of my teeth.
I often chew on sugar free gum during the day & always after meals, Mentos juice burst which is the only one I like as I hate mint flavour gum. Would you say that also helps?
Many Thanks
Judy
It sounds as if you are in UK – and we have success stories from people in UK who used these almost equivalent products doing well. We hope to find a way to get Zellies across the Atlantic soon! I think the new booklet we recently produced is the best way to learn the details of using this system – and there is lots of xylitol information on my Dr Ellie website that you may want to look over. Check the information HERE
Hi,
I have been looking into your system recently and I wanted to clarify a few things. Firstly is the sodium bicarbonate in retardex going to cause further sensitivity in my teeth? Also as i cannot find crest is sensodyne or “oral b pro-expert” good to use or are they too abrasive in your opinion? i think one or both contain stannous flouride. Please advise. Thank you
I believe that Retardex is the same formulation as Closys – so you will be fine using it. It is important to find a good toothpaste with sodium fluoride in it but definitely NOT Sensodyne! Yeikes!! Always avoid stannous fluoride!
Can you maybe find a plain Colgate? One lady in the UK was using Sainsbury’s toothpaste – and from the list of ingredients it looked to be quite good.
All of this is a little bit of “try and see” because I am not familiar with the corresponding products available to you in UK. We have developed feedback that helps us help other people in the UK – so please let us know how you are doing in a couple of months! Thanks so much for your message.
Hi Dr Ellie
I have been using xylitol for almost a year now and recently had my dental check up last week in the UK. The prognosis was generally good except I had to have a filling redone as it was turning grey (I had this done when I was a child). Anyway, I have a couple of questions I opted for the white ceramic filling which cost a bomb instead of the cheaper metal ones they provide on the NHS. What is your take on the these two different type of fillings and the long lasting benefits?
Secondly, I had root canal treatment on one of my bottom right molars and it was filled with the aforementioned metal filling and sculpted into a tooth shape. Now, i’m slightly worried because I read one of your previous posts which said IF YOU HAVE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT the tooth MUST be capped! I’m shocked because my dentists haven’t mentioned this to me. Last week, during my check up I asked the dentist if I should replace it with a white filling and he said he would need to x-ray it but he said I should wait another 6 months until my next appointment and it wasn’t urgent. He did say it will need a cap in the future but the urgency of this has never been mentioned to me. Am I putting myself at risk by waiting another 6 months?
Also, at the moment I am just rinsing and occasionally brushing with xylitol and flossing (only at night) and brushing my teeth twice daily and i don’t use mouth wash or chewing gum as i can’t seem to find gum in the UK without sorbitol etc. Do you recommend adding anything to my routine? Since my dentist said my teeth were fine generally last week I figured my current system was working.
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality
websites on the web. I am going to highly recommend this website!
Thank you for the nice comments – we are here to help as many people as we can – to find the way to oral health.
Best wishes, Ellie
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really
informative. A lot of people will benefit from your writing. Cheers!
Thank you for your kind comment. Ellie
Some granular xylitol is sold with calcium silicate as an added ingredient. Do you know of any problems with this?
Hi, Dr. E.
I’m an anxious dental patient and I’d like to ask a few questions.
I’m scheduled for 2 appointments at my dentist for 4 fillings – I have none yet.
I neglected my dental health as a child and it’s left me with gingivitis/receding gums and my four back teeth having to be extracted. I’m desperate to stop this from happening again and I’m certain my regular cleaning regime isn’t working.
How long does Xylitol take to kick in? How long do I have to be continuously using the product before I see results?
Also, my teeth problems are just on the edge of severe. Would just taking the gum improve anything at all or would I need to use more thorough products like the powder or crystals?
And lastly, will Xylitol completely rebuild and restore my teeth, even if I stop using it? For example, like when you scrape your knee and you use a band-aid to help it heal. When you take that bandaid off – in this instance, stop using Xylitol – the scrape has healed and you don’t need it anymore. Does Xylitol work like that? Or Will I have to use it for life?
Thanks for taking the time =]
Hi Samantha,
I understand your anxiety and I am sorry that you have had such a bad dental “life” so far. Most of the education that I present about oral health will fly directly in the face of everything you have believed about teeth! This is why my system is going to work – where other things you have done have not worked for you.
Xylitol is your friend – both for your teeth and for your health. I have been enjoying Zellies mints and gum for decades – and my children have eaten these products all their lives! i can’t imagine why I would ever want to stop protecting my teeth – xylitol is the easiest and most delicious way to ensure your mouth stays healthy – even as you get older.
If you start using the exact products in my Complete Mouth Care System and use this exactly as we recommend ( EXACT) along with enough of the Zellies mints and gum – you should notice a huge difference in about a week or two. The benefits continue – year after year. Zellies are probably the most effective and convenient way to enjoy xylitol – and by far the most delicious. I’d suggest you start with the entire kit from our website to ensure you have exactly the correct products. Good luck – you will love the changes that our new way to care for your teeth will bring!
Hi…wondering if you can help..I am 55 and this past year…about 7-8 of my teeth have severe gum recession…The teeth are still firmly in place (for now) but sensitivity is an issue and I am thinking they may fall out if it continues! Is it possible to reverse this? Please help. I live in Canada and am allergic to sulfites and balsam of Peru…preservatives that are in pretty much everything…food to cosmetics to hygiene products…toothpastes even. I had to give up chewing gum a few years back for this reason. I live in Canada and will have to explore the products your site suggests to see if they are available here. I was told by my dentist to use Sensodyne…which I have been doing alternating with Toothsoap to limit exposure but to deal with sensitivities. (I would have to see if Crest and listerine have the sulfites added). I do not drink our fluoridated water…but drink spring water instead. My dentist also sites this as a problem and has told me I should drink fluoridated tap water Regardless of his comments, I don’t think ingesting fluoridated water is healthy for my body. I did manage to find the Xylitol crystals….but have never heard of the Zellies before and whether they are available here in Winnipeg Manitoba. Just a note, I have also been a high raw foodist for the past few years as I was trying to fix my allergies. I do eat cooked vegetables in the evening, and small amounts of grass fed meats and organic chicken several times a month. I do not eat dairy or wheat. My gums started to recess before this change of diet…but they are now getting worse…but I am also going through menopause…I can’t tell what is causing what any more!!…Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
You seem to have a number of issues to consider. This is why I suggest you begin with a few simple changes, like using xylitol regularly every day. Zellies mints can be ordered from our website at http://www.Zellies.com and we ship to Canada, so I don’t think you will have any problems. Zellies help protect teeth from acidity. A raw food diet is tough on teeth – and Zellies will do their best to control this damage. Try to keep drinks to meal-times and avoid sipping between meals (even healthy drinks). Be sure to have a Zellie mint after every meal, snack, or drink, during the day.
Avoid all products with baking soda or peroxide. I’m am concerned about tooth soap – often this is an ingredient. Any product with glycerin is to be avoided also. I’d suggest the only toothpaste you should use is a very small amount of Crest Cavity Protection paste – no other paste will help you like this one.
Initially why not make these small changes and see how your mouth feels? I think your oral bacteria are unbalanced and it may be good to add an oral Probiotic to your regimen. I really like Garden of Life Probiotic Smile. When your mouth bacteria are balanced your teeth should start to feel comfortable and have a thin, protective coating on the outside of the enamel. I think you may enjoy reading my book Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye – to understand a bit more about the products I recommend, fluoride etc. It will help unravel your concerns!
Once you get used to using Zellies and the correct Crest toothpaste, I hope you will consider using the rest of my Complete Mouth Care System. Once you have the developed some confidence and are using these products, I’d advise you to stop flossing in the areas where you have recession. The mouth rinses will clean your gums and heal the tissues.
I’d be interested to know how these suggestions work for you. I think once your mouth is better – you will find other systemic health improvements occur naturally. Please keep in touch.
Thank you for your response. I have purchased 2 of your kits…hoping that will provide at least a months worth of rinse (?) I also bought the case of mints. Am hoping the “natural” flavour does not include Balsam of Peru (also referred to by many other names but which is found in so called “natural” stuff….) as I am allergic to that. Normally cannot eat mints/candies because of this. I purchased 2 silver toothbrushes and your book. I have the Xylitol crystals on my counter.
Re my tooth soap…it is made of Saponified Olea europaea (organic extra virgin olive oil), coco nucifera (organic coconut oil) and essential oil. It does not have soda or peroxide listed.
I also do oil pulling in the morning with Sesame Oil….raw unprocessed. Not sure once your packet arrives if I should continue or suspend this routine while I do what you recommend.
I also don’t eat dairy. I have read the research from Dr. Colin T Campbell (The China Study) in which he indicates that all his research re dairy/meat shows it to be cancer-forming. Are you familiar with his work? I have for that reason given up dairy and meat.
HOWEVER…at this moment with my gums receding and the possibility of teeth falling out….I have reintroduced small amount of grass fed animal meat (elk, chicken, beef) and have made bone broth from bones of same I do take a probiotic at night before bed as well as enzymes with my meals. I would also consider purchasing organic unpasteurized cheese, organic, or milk kefir if you think this would help in the short term.
Do you sell the products Cloysis and Act separately from the Crest and Listerine. The latter 2 products I can get in Canada and quite frankly the shipping of these products costs almost as much if not more than the products themselves. Given my financial situation, I would rather purchase just the ones I need versus the entire kit with toothpaste and Listerine which is readily accessible in Canada.
Thanks for all your advice…. 🙂
Elizabeth
Oh sorry…one more question…I have read some of your articles…and they say to not floss. When I floss I always remove food stuff that is stuck between my teeth…or caught in my blackholes…..If I didn’t floss the food would remain there…surely that can’t be healthy??? Also, I wear night guards because I had wore braces and because I grind my teeth terribly at night…If I didn’t floss…and the food stuff was left between my teeth…and then I wore a guard all night trapping it there….ugh..wouldn’t that be a disaster??? Thanks….
Elizabeth
Hi…I wanted to ask I recently tried using xylitol to do a 2 min rinse…basically taking half teaspoon of the xylitol grains ..popping it into my mouth and having it melt n swish around. ….. but I notice my teeth aches slightly or a slight numbing/throbbing sensation after I finish the rinse… what could this be? Should I continue on?
And is it advisable to use my toothbrush when I have this mixture in my mouth?
Thx
I don’t know what reaction you are creating in your mouth.
My first thought is that you should ensure that you have purchased a pure 100 percent xylitol. ( Be aware there are a number of weird brands – one is called “Ideal” xylitol that mixes xylitol with bad ingredients like Splenda).
I also suggest you start to use xylitol in the way that we suggest. Enjoy 1/5th teaspoon ( 1 gram) directly from a spoon or as a mint or piece of Zellies gum at the end of every meal. There is no need to make xylitol into a 2 minute rinse. Here is a link to our booklet that explains how to use xylitol:
Hello Dr.
I have a question for you. I have ten children, from 5 -32 year in age. My youngest child, the one that received the most attention to his teeth ( from me) is the only one who has developed cavities in baby teeth! I find it so surprising as I am careful to brush them myself. One thing I read in your pages is that a child born by c-section is more vulnerable to decay. This child is the only one of my children that I did not birth naturally. So interesting, but hard to understand why that makes so much difference. Is that why he has cavities? So, I’m now starting the xylitol gum with him after meals and snacks. Will this be enough to stop the decay and reverse the process, keeping the damage from going further? I am also brushing his teeth with Act rinse for kids before he goes to bed ( he can’t seem to get the rinse and spit action down yet.) What are your thoughts? and Should I take him to see a dentist? I hesitate at this time because I don’t want him to have fillings in these teeth.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
You may find the answers to many of your questions in Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye. This book attempts to explain why some people have dental problems and others do not. Toothbrushing does not make any difference when it comes to cavities – this is a bacterial infection.
When babies come through the birth canal they pick up some very protective bacteria inside their mouths. Without this it is easier for bad tooth germs to infect a baby’s mouth. The only way to get rid a mouth of these germs, once they have become resident in the mouth, is to use the kind of xylitol in Zellies. No amount of brushing or flossing can change the bacterial profile of the mouth. ZellieBears – 5 times a day will adjust the bacteria in your child’s mouth to healthy before adult molar erupt. I’m glad you have discovered this information in good time before your son has any permanent tooth problems.
Hi Dr. Ellie,
2 questions:
1. If recommended daily dose is 6-8 grams (~ 1.5 tsp) and say I rinse after each meal this amount per day, doesn’t it mean that I do not (should not) need to ingest anymore?
2. I am still not clear on the benefits of ingesting xylitol for dental health. Wouldn’t rinsing be best as it works directly in the mouth to reduce plaque and build a healthy environment?
Brooke-
Basically yes – you could put the xylitol in your mouth and then spit out.
If you put xylitol into water and make a solution – you will loose the hygroscopic properties of xylitol. In other words, you miss the “pulling” of alkaline saliva into the mouth – the way that a mint or gum will do.
Xylitol in water will improve oral health but your teeth will not have the same amount of benefit and may not end up as white, shiny or strong as they would be if you put the xylitol mint or gum directly in your mouth after meals and when your mouth is dry.
Hi Dr Ellie,
Thanks so much for all your wonderful information.
I was wondering a few things:
Does it matter if the xylitol is from corn or from trees?
Do I need to rinse my mouth out after swishing around the saliva that from from putting granules in my mouth or can it be the last thing I do before bed?
If I sweeten lemonade or limeade with xylitol am I getting the same benefits or is the acid in the citrus affecting the effect?
Thank you!
Honestly most of the drama around xylitol is created for marketing purposes!
Good xylitol from corn (providing it is non-GMO and tested for purity) will be fine.
Zellie’s uses U.S. grown birchwood xylitol for our gum and granular xylitol – mainly because of public demand – not because I think it is superior!
Certainly don’t rinse your mouth after swishing granules…or eating mints and gum. Xylitol is great for teeth and for mouth health. We suggest Zellie’s Polar Bears are used as a reward – AFTER kids brush their teeth before bed at night!
If you add xylitol to water or into drinks (like lemonade) you do not get it’s oral health benefits. It’s better to eat some after you have finished drinking your lemonade!
It’s been awhile since any questions were posted or answered here. I hope you’re still checking it. For toothpaste you mention a specific crest product. I’ve heard that fluoride isn’t necessary, and even bad for teeth. I’ve been recommended a product called PrevDent. I’m wondering about your thoughts on this product, or if any of your preferred products have changed since you wrote the pdf guide and your book?
No change in anything that I recommend. Fluoride is a catalyst to help minerals go into teeth – and sodium fluoride is the ONLY kind of fluoride I recommend. Just like the use of sunscreen, not everyone needs to use sunscreen, and you don’t drink it. Not everyone needs fluoride and we don’t need to drink it. If you want to strengthen your teeth – I believe that my system is vastly superior to ANYTHING else you can use. Prevident has never produced the amazing results that my system achieves. I suggest you leave Prevident in a drawer, use the products I recommend EXACTLY as recommended – and then go back to your next dental appointment and just see what they say!