This book is only possible because I was gifted such an unusual career in dentistry. My father believed women should have professional equality, a revolutionary concept in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. My parents gave me the opportunity to study science at the prestigious Cheltenham Ladies’ College, knowing such an exceptional education would prepare me for dental school. It did, and it was also where I met my lifelong friend and fearless supporter, Helen from Northumberland. My dental teachers included John Featherstone and Edwina Kidd, two revered dental-science icons, even today. Swiss dentistry introduced me to the importance of lifestyle and diet, something that proved invaluable.
My unsuspecting children became a living testimony to my journey as a dentist, suffering the poor outcomes of various techniques I had been taught and believed would make teeth healthier. I am grateful my oldest daughters do not hate me for giving them tooth-damaging fluoride supplements, and my daughter with sealants understands that, at the time, I did not know better. My son reached adulthood with great teeth, but his experimentation with different oral care products weakened his teeth and resulted in fracture. My youngest daughter was possibly the most fortunate as we left her teeth alone, with nothing more than good daily care. Even her wisdom teeth erupted naturally, which had no effect on her perfect smile, even though she was warned this would cause crowding. I’m thankful that my family taught me so much and allowed me to be a busy mother and a passionate advocate for dental health.
My kids have always cheered me on, and so have many dental friends, especially Dr. Randy Freeman, who taught me the art of perfect crowns, and Dr. Saul Presser, who introduced me to exceptional filling techniques at the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. When my family needed help to repair fluoride-damaged incisors and fractured teeth, I was grateful to know two gifted cosmetic dentists, Dr. Corky Willhite of Metairie, Louisiana and Dr. Michael Woolwine of Austin, Texas. Our family continues to revere the skills of these great dentists, who were able to perfectly restore the disfigurement caused by fluorosis and fracture.
Innumerable patients remain in contact with me and their successes and appreciation are great encouragement. I cannot thank them enough for all the questions, emails, and many conversations over the years. These interactions helped me understand the acute dental struggles that worry people and how oral health can become a life-changing concern.
As I entered the business world by making xylitol products, I had great support from many good friends, including biology expert Dr. Michael Rudy and xylitol expert Dr. John Peldyak, who encouraged me on my educational mission to teach about xylitol and introduce this amazing product to the United States.
I appreciate the support of Dr. Marlene Merritt, who is a highly respected Alzheimer’s consultant in Austin, Texas and who constantly introduces my system to other health professionals at her seminars around the country. As we enter an era of lifestyle medicine and dentistry, I find myself constantly talking to people who are extremely interested in learning more about oral health as we chat in airports, at concerts, in checkout lines, in the bank, and even during Uber rides! People find the idea fascinating, and when they achieve success, they share their stories far and wide with family and friends. This is how we can change the world through a grassroots effort and how true health prevention may finally reach the people it needs to reach.
Finally, I have to thank the Greenleaf Book Group publishing team: Nathan True, Carrie Jones, Dan Pederson, Diana Ceres, and Nichole Kraft for their amazing expertise and for helping me complete this project. At times, the task seemed daunting, but they offered organized enthusiasm, reminding me why this message is so important and why this book needed to be written.
Many thanks to you all!
Ellie