HEALING FROM THE INSIDE — AND THROUGH THE MOUTH
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Healing from the Inside—and Through the Mouth: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dental Health, and Dr. Ellie Phillips’ Complete Mouth Care System
I have the privilege of supporting many patients who grapple not only with chronic pain and systemic imbalance, but also with distressing dental health issues. I’ve witnessed how persistent gum disease, tooth sensitivity, chronic mouth or tongue pain, cavities, and enamel erosion often accompany or even exacerbate broader health challenges.I cannot count the number of patients who I’ve watched struggle with expensive and painful dental procedures; crowns and implants that are never quite comfortable; chronic tooth, gum, and/or tongue sensitivity or pain; and/or self-consciousness associated with the appearance of their teeth or the odor of their breath.
These dental struggles aren’t isolated—they ripple through daily life, affecting nutrition, comfort, self-esteem, and overall energy. They’re also frustratingly common: patients tell me about persistent bleeding gums, painful sensitivity, frustrating cycles of decay—even when they think they’re doing all the “right” things with brushing and flossing.
That’s why I’m wholeheartedly endorsing Dr. Ellie Phillips’ Complete Mouth Care System—a simple, evidence-informed home oral care protocol that aligns with my health philosophy.
Why Dr. Ellie Phillips’ Approach Resonates with My Philosophy
1. A Rooted, Research-Informed Method Dr. Ellie’s system is not fad-based—it’s built on decades of observation, scientific insight, and a commitment to patient-centered wellness. She observed patterns among her patients, selecting and combining everyday oral care products in a precise sequence that promotes healing rather than just surface cleansing.2. Five Minutes, Twice a Day—That’s It This protocol is designed for consistency and ease. Please note that it is important to use EXACTLY the products specified, as opposed to “improved” or “special” formulations. Please use the Amazon links below to see the exact products recommended by Dr. Ellie, even if you are purchasing from your local grocery or drug store.
- Xylitol mints or gum (6–10 grams daily) to neutralize mouth acidity and support healthy oral bacteria. Chew a xylitol mint or gum after each meal or snack and any time you need to moisten your mouth (note that xylitol gum should not be chewed for longer than 5-10 minutes). Dr. Ellie recommends the Zellie’s brand but I find that Zellie’s mints and gum may be too intensely “minty” for some people’s preference. This is one area in which deviating from Dr. Ellie’s brand recommendation is ok — just choose a product that has a simple ingredient list. Snø and Spry mints are another good option.
- CloSYS pre-rinse to gently reset mouth pH and oxygenate tissues prior to brushing. Rinse for 1 minute, allowing the product to react with saliva to create oxygen that disrupts harmful anaerobic bacteria without harming healthy flora.
- Brushing with Crest Cavity Protection Regular Paste (sodium fluoride, no glycerin) twice a day. Brush for about 2 minutes, focusing on massaging gums with the toothbrush bristles to stimulate circulation and improve healing. Dr. Ellie recommends having a morning toothbrush and a night toothbrush so that the bristles on your brush have a full 24 hours to dry between uses (which reduces the chance that bacteria from previous brushing is being reintroduced to your mouth).
- Rinsing with Listerine (Original or Cool Mint) to target plaque-causing bacteria. Swish vigorously for 30–60 seconds, letting the essential oils “floss” between teeth and combat plaque-causing bacteria.Note that Dr. Ellie actively discourages routine flossing. Some patients with extremely sensitive mouths may feel that they are not able to tolerate rinsing with Listerine. According to Dr. Ellie, you should try to swish with Listerine twice a day each day and spit it out as soon as it becomes uncomfortable (even if that is after only a few seconds). Over time, as the rest of the mouth care system reinforces and strengthens the healthy biofilm in the mouth, you will find that you are able to tolerate swishing with Listerine for longer. If you absolutely cannot tolerate Listerine or have an allergy to one of its ingredients, I would recommend Briotech Oral Swish Saline. Although it is not specifically endorsed by Dr. Ellie for use in her system, I have found it to be well tolerated by even the most sensitive mouths and it is effective at killing many of the same plaque and decay-causing microbes killed by Listerine.
- Finishing with ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse to remineralize and protect enamel. Rinse for 1 minute, then avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow remineralization and enamel protection to continue.
- Stop the constant sipping and snacking. Giving the mouth extended periods of rest during the day when we are not eating or drinking at all is very important so that the minerals in present in saliva can remineralize and strengthen the teeth. You should have at least eight hours of mouth rest overnight and several periods of 2-3 hours during the day when your mouth is able to rest from eating and drinking. If you need to moisten your mouth during periods of mouth rest, chew a xylitol candy.
3. Holistic Reinforcement Over Time Because this system encourages natural remineralization and healthy mouth biochemistry, many users experience reduced sensitivity, stronger enamel, fewer cavities, and dramatically improved gum health—with just daily consistency and correct sequencing.
But, but, but… FLUORIDE?!
I can already hear the gnashing of teeth over my endorsement of “conventional”, “chemical”, and fluoride-containing products. In accordance with my overall philosophy, however, my goal is to recommend the most effective and accessible options for my patient’s healthcare. In some instances, this means pointing them away from herbs, supplements, and old-fashioned home remedies and toward medication, surgery, or conventional products like the ones in Dr. Ellie’s system. Note that neither Dr. Ellie nor I endorse fluoride in drinking water or the use of highly-concentrated fluoride gels to the teeth. The specific form and concentration of fluoride in the products above has been selected by Dr. Ellie on the basis of her 50 years of clinic experience and deep knowledge and understanding of the microbiology and physiology of the mouth.
Why This Matters for Acupuncture Patients
As a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I firmly believe in treating the whole person. Oral health is deeply connected to systemic health—gum disease influences inflammation, digestion, immunity, and even emotional well-being. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronically infected teeth, inflamed gums, and/or old or poorly performed root canals represent a chronic stressor on the entire body that can cause or worsen many other health problems. Empowering patients to prevent or address these dental challenges naturally aligns with our integrative philosophy.By integrating Dr. Ellie’s system into your daily routine, you’re not just caring for your mouth—you’re supporting your body’s innate capacity to heal and regenerate.
A Patient-Centered Call to Action
If you find yourself struggling with:- Persistent tooth sensitivity or decay
- Gum inflammation or bleeding
- Frustrating cycles of dental work
- Embarrassment over your smile or oral health