John Philpott has made a fortune in real estate and mortgage banking, done the lecture circuit and worked as a biochemist. But now he’s done something he can really sink his teeth into.

His false teeth, that is.

Seven years ago Philpott lost all his teeth as he underwent radiation therapy for cancer of the esophagus. And as painful as that process was, he says the worst part was giving up the foods he loved to cook and eat. "My teeth were tumbling out one by one and the dishes that I loved kept getting more difficult to eat," says Philpott, 57, from his Franklin County home, where he has fully recovered from the cancer. "So I came up with some denture-friendly recipes."

And those recipes make up "Gourmet Meals That Will Melt in Your Mouth" from RP Publishing Inc. in Salem. The book, retailing for $12.95, enjoyed a first run of 10,000 copies and sales have been so good, the company is considering a second run. "The response has been just tremendous," Philpott says. "I felt like there was a need for it and now I’m convinced there’s a need for it. Dental offices are among the leaders phoning in orders for the book, which is now also available on Amazon.com and from Ingram Books, says Shaleigh Comer-ford of RP Publishing.

It’s not Phil-pott’s first foray into publishing, though. He auth-ored a book on steroid chemistry several years ago when he was working as a biochemist in the Midwest, and he has also published several tomes about real estate. His love for cooking dates back even further. He began rattling the pots and pans as a 6-year-old Cub Scout. "I needed to get an arrow point so I made up a lovely version of Crab Louis for my parents," he laughs.

Crab Louis, although slightly modified from that original offering, is one of more than 150 recipes spelled out in the book. Other delicacies include a variety of cuisine as diverse as Chicken Tenders Angelica and Veal Patties Marsala all the way to a beanless chili or a seafood dish known as "Just for the Halibut."

"There’s a recipe for everyone in there," said Philpott, pointing to American, Greek, Italian, Mexican, Thai and Turkish meals. "I hop around the globe."

This biochemist of the kitchen also has ventured the 40 miles north to Roanoke to sell his homemade hot sauces and herbal vinegar at the Farmers’ Market. "Philpott’s Phabulous" hot sauces and his vinegar are also available at several area independent grocers.

But it’s the cookbook that is generating the word of mouth and making it easier for sore mouths to enjoy great foods again.

It’s food for thought and, thankfully, a whole lot more for denture-wearers.