Skip Dental Cleanings

Skip Dental Cleanings

Have you ever had a dentist talk you out of a cleaning? Well, I'm going to try. I'm Dr. Ellie, and I'm here to help you have the healthiest mouth ever and avoid unnecessary dental treatments. In my opinion, you need to think about dental cleanings in a more practical way than you probably do. We all get those reminders from the dentist, whether by card, call, or text, telling us it's time for our six-month recall. And most of us just go in for a cleaning because it's what we're supposed to do. But do you really need a cleaning? Maybe you do, or maybe you don't. Do you think it stops you from getting cavities? How does that happen? What's the science behind it? Especially when it comes to little children, I get really mad because some parents pay for every child to have a cleaning—do they need it, and is it even beneficial?

The first thing we need to consider is why you're having a cleaning in the first place. Do you need it? If your dentist or hygienist tells you that you need a cleaning because you have that crusty stuff called tartar, calculus, or plaque on your teeth, then yes, you do need to do something about that. The hygienist could clean it off your teeth, but believe me, it's going to come back. Plaque is a bacterial infection—it's not just a substance. It may look like a substance in your mouth, but under a microscope, it's much more.

Your saliva contains numerous bacteria, and among them is a specific type called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria thrives on the hard surfaces of your teeth and consumes sugars from the foods and drinks you consume. The bacteria use these sugars as an energy source to multiply and create sticky pads that glue them to your teeth. Over time, they form layers and thicken into what we recognize as plaque. While you can brush or floss this off your teeth, it will always come back because your saliva continuously introduces more bacteria to your teeth.

Now, brushing your teeth every 12 hours is essential to prevent plaque from developing, but this is an ongoing process that never really stops. However, there's a strategy that could help: using xylitol, a sugar derived from birch trees. Research from the 1970s showed that consuming a small amount of xylitol after meals and avoiding eating or drinking for a while could disrupt the life cycle of Streptococcus mutans. Since the bacteria can't use xylitol as an energy source, they become slippery and can be washed away when you clean your teeth at night with a good mouthwash. Over time, with consistent use, you could eliminate these harmful bacteria from your mouth, preventing plaque from forming.

So, after several months of using xylitol and maintaining good oral hygiene, you might find that you no longer have plaque on your teeth. Without plaque, there's no need for a cleaning because you won't have any tartar or calculus to remove. In fact, I've gone 40 years without needing a cleaning because I follow these principles. Regularly testing my saliva shows that I have zero plaque-forming bacteria, which is pretty cool.

Why wouldn't I want a cleaning? When your mouth is healthy, the bacteria in your mouth form a protective coating over your teeth and gums. This biofilm acts like a bulletproof shield, preventing enamel wear and protecting against temperature fluctuations. I don't want that protective layer cleaned off just because it's a routine procedure.

Cleanings were originally invented when people believed plaque was simply stale food particles, but it's actually an infection. You don't get rid of an infection with just brushing and flossing—you need to approach it differently. By eliminating plaque with xylitol, you can keep your teeth and mouth healthy without relying on frequent cleanings.

If I've made you rethink your next dental cleaning, you might want to ask your dentist why you need one and consider discussing these ideas with them. I even have a book, Mouth Care Comes Clean, that could be helpful for you or your dentist. There's a lot of information out there, and even studies from countries with socialized medicine suggest that not everyone needs a dental cleaning every six months.

Remember, if you don't have plaque, you're not at risk for cavities or gum disease. Keeping your teeth healthy is about more than just mechanical cleaning—it's about using the right strategies, like xylitol, to maintain a plaque-free mouth. For more information, you can visit my website, DrEllie.com, where I also offer a video boot camp to guide you through these concepts. Good luck at your next dentist visit!

Rethinking Dental Cleanings: Are They Really Necessary?

Have you ever had a dentist talk you out of a cleaning? Well, I'm going to try. I'm Dr. Ellie, and I'm here to help you have the healthiest mouth ever and avoid unnecessary dental treatments. In my opinion, you need to think about dental cleanings in a more practical way than you probably do.

Do You Really Need a Dental Cleaning?

We all get those reminders from the dentist, whether by card, call, or text, telling us it's time for our six-month recall. And most of us just go in for a cleaning because it's what we're supposed to do. But do you really need a cleaning? Maybe you do, maybe you don't. Do you think it stops you from getting cavities? How does that happen? What's the science behind it? Especially when it comes to little children, I get really mad because some parents pay for every child to have a cleaning—do they need it, and is it even beneficial?

Understanding Plaque: It's Not Just a Substance

The first thing we need to consider is why you're having a cleaning in the first place. Do you need it? If your dentist or hygienist tells you that you need a cleaning because you have that crusty stuff called tartar, calculus, or plaque on your teeth, then yes, you do need to do something about that. The hygienist could clean it off your teeth, but believe me, it's going to come back. Plaque is a bacterial infection—it's not just a substance. It may look like a substance in your mouth, but under a microscope, it's much more.

The Role of Bacteria in Plaque Formation

Your saliva contains numerous bacteria, and among them is a specific type called Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria thrives on the hard surfaces of your teeth and consumes sugars from the foods and drinks you consume. The bacteria use these sugars as an energy source to multiply and create sticky pads that glue them to your teeth. Over time, they form layers and thicken into what we recognize as plaque. While you can brush or floss this off your teeth, it will always come back because your saliva continuously introduces more bacteria to your teeth.

How Xylitol Can Help Eliminate Plaque

Now, brushing your teeth every 12 hours is essential to prevent plaque from developing, but this is an ongoing process that never really stops. However, there's a strategy that could help: using xylitol, a sugar derived from birch trees. Research from the 1970s showed that consuming a small amount of xylitol after meals and avoiding eating or drinking for a while could disrupt the life cycle of Streptococcus mutans. Since the bacteria can't use xylitol as an energy source, they become slippery and can be washed away when you clean your teeth at night with a good mouthwash. Over time, with consistent use, you could eliminate these harmful bacteria from your mouth, preventing plaque from forming.

Achieving a Plaque-Free Mouth

So, after several months of using xylitol and maintaining good oral hygiene, you might find that you no longer have plaque on your teeth. Without plaque, there's no need for a cleaning because you won't have any tartar or calculus to remove. In fact, I've gone 40 years without needing a cleaning because I follow these principles. Regularly testing my saliva shows that I have zero plaque-forming bacteria, which is pretty cool.

The Importance of Protective Biofilm

Why wouldn't I want a cleaning? When your mouth is healthy, the bacteria in your mouth form a protective coating over your teeth and gums. This biofilm acts like a bulletproof shield, preventing enamel wear and protecting against temperature fluctuations. I don't want that protective layer cleaned off just because it's a routine procedure.

Cleanings: A Misconception Based on Outdated Ideas

Cleanings were originally invented when people believed plaque was simply stale food particles, but it's actually an infection. You don't get rid of an infection with just brushing and flossing—you need to approach it differently. By eliminating plaque with xylitol, you can keep your teeth and mouth healthy without relying on frequent cleanings.

A New Approach to Oral Health

If I've made you rethink your next dental cleaning, you might want to ask your dentist why you need one and consider discussing these ideas with them. I even have a book, Mouth Care Comes Clean, that could be helpful for you or your dentist. There's a lot of information out there, and even studies from countries with socialized medicine suggest that not everyone needs a dental cleaning every six months.

Maintaining a Healthy Mouth Without Cleanings

Remember, if you don't have plaque, you're not at risk for cavities or gum disease. Keeping your teeth healthy is about more than just mechanical cleaning—it's about using the right strategies, like xylitol, to maintain a plaque-free mouth. For more information, you can visit my website, DrEllie.com, where I also offer a video boot camp to guide you through these concepts. Good luck at your next dentist visit!