Ellie Phillips (2)

Dr. Ellie Phillips challenges traditional dental thinking in her book Mouth Care Comes Clean. There is a lot of great information in this book, some of which is a bit shocking given the typical recommendations we receive from dentists in our average office visit in the US. Her approach deals with balancing the bacteria in the mouth to control acidity and end gum disease, tooth decay and endless painful trips to the dentist for procedures we may not need. As with any part of our bodies your mouth can heal if given a healthy environment to do so. She recommends a multi-pronged approach of small dietary changes, the use of the correct products that support oral health and continued trips to your dentist to track progress. As I read I constantly Googled many of her ideas and there's a lot of sound science behind them.

I have two issues with this book. First, the book is highly repetitive and the narrative tends to meander. A couple more passes by an editor would've fixed this and kept all the information intact. Second, Dr. Phillips pushes the use of xylitol on almost every page, which I found odd until I discovered she also owns a xylitol company. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, and it appears she's been promoting xylitol long before her company started, but it does come across as more of a sales pitch than it might have otherwise. Xylitol is a controversial artificial sweetener that has potential oral health benefits, more clinical trials are needed, and a lot of drawbacks if you have digestive issues or pets (it's deadly to dogs in small amounts). Do your own research before blindly trying.

I won a copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway.… (plus d'informations)

This book was definitely worth checking out of the library. I have been struggling with feeling like I could not keep my mouth clean and healthy enough over the last little while. I struggled with cavities as a kid and I am watching my kid do the same...with no rhyme or reason from dentists as to why it is happening.

I read about this cleaning system from an all natural friend and was a little leery. When I looked into it I found that the items need for the system could all be purchased at the grocery store. Granted the author makes her own brand of xylitol gum and mints (you could certainly buy another brand) - the rest of the goods include Cloysis rinse, Crest, Listerine and Act. All items I had a familiarity with.

The book is a quick read. You can skim or read in depth for the parts you have an interest in. This was the first book that gave me some real answers as to what might be causing rampant cavities in my family. What I found most interesting is that my daughter has suffered from ear infections and rampant cavities - and never put together that they could be related.

I tested the system for one week before a dentist visit and although there was a cavity to be found, I was complimented on my overall oral health (gums etc). Issues I was having with dry mouth and sensitivity and breath are all improving.

So far so good - One happy camper here. I will not be parting ways with my dentist *nor does the author want you too* but I am approaching my oral health in a new light.… (plus d'informations)