Several years ago, I had a client with multiple sclerosis who was being treated by an ayurvedic doctor. I had no idea what that was so I did a little research. Ayurveda is the ancient holistic art and science of India that utilizes natural herbs, roots, and minerals to promote optimum well-being and harmony of the individual in balance with nature and the environment.
So when I stumbled across an ayurvedic herbal toothpaste called Auromere, it really caught my attention. I bought it and have been using it for the past three months. This toothpaste contains over 30 natural ingredients, including 24 ayurvedic herbal extracts from plants, barks, roots, and flowers, including neem leaf extract. These extracts are specifically targeted for the teeth and gums.
The neem (Azadirachta indica) is an evergreen tree, which is native to the Indian subcontinent. Known for its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, neem extracts and oil have been used extensively in cosmetics, soap, hair products, body hygiene creams, and hand creams. It is interesting to note that neem oil and powder have been found to be very effective as a bed bug repellent. Neem is also used in ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of afflictions, including gum disease. In fact, twigs from the neem tree have been used for centuries as toothbrushes in the Middle East.
Several small studies have focused on the effectiveness of products with neem extract in the treatment of periodontal disease. One such study involved three groups of people over a six-week period of time.
- Group one was treated with chlorhexidine.
- Group two was treated with topical neem gel made from dried neem leaves. A 25% alcoholic extract was prepared from the leaves and then turned into a gel.
- Group three was treated with a topical placebo gel.
After establishing baselines, results were measured at three and six weeks, with the neem gel users having the lowest plaque scores.1 More studies need to be conducted, but the initial research is promising.
I find that more patients are asking about natural alternatives and treatments to improve their oral health. Since Auromere toothpaste is free of fluoride, artificial color, parabens, preservatives, saccharin, refined sweeteners, and gluten, it is perfect for your patients who have allergies or are looking for all-natural toothpaste. It’s vegan and cruelty-free and comes in four mild flavors — licorice, mint-free (which is homeopathically compatible), fresh mint, and foam-free (which is flavored with cardamom and fennel).
Auromere makes ayurvedic mouthwash, soap, lotion, shampoo, massage oil, and even a mud bath. Check them out at www.auromere.com or call (800) 735-4691.
As you know, the MyPerioPath (MPP) diagnostic test identifies the type and concentration of specific pathogens that are known to cause periodontal disease. For several years, this test has helped support clinicians striving to provide comprehensive therapy with more predictable and successful patient outcomes. Have you heard that OralDNA Labs Inc. has added a third page to its MPP lab report called MyPerioProgress?
According to OralDNA Labs general manager Ken Clarke, “MyPerioProgress was designed to help clinicians determine with increased accuracy whether or not the desired end point of therapy has been reached. This determination is achieved by evaluating the clinical signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, and by factoring in the risk for disease progression from oral bacteria.”
MyPerioProgress is automatically generated for patients who have taken the MPP test more than once.
It provides a series of graphs that allow comparison of the current test results with previous results.
The following is a partial list of important observations that are illustrated with MyPerioProgress:
- An increase or decrease in the reported pathogen(s), especially high-risk bacteria.
- The common finding of an increase in the quantity of low-risk bacteria (Capnocytophaga species [Cs]) following a successful course of treatment. This spike in Cs is typically a temporary phenomenon.
- Changes in clinical signs of pocket depth, bleeding, or type of infection (generalized or localized) in the context of similar changes in bacterial loads.
If you are not already using salivary diagnostics, now is the time to consider adding it to your treatment protocols. You can contact OralDNA Labs at www.oraldna.com or call (877) 577-9055.
Clinicians know how difficult it is to squeeze more into our already packed hygiene appointments. That’s why I was glad to see Henry Schein launching a Total Health Beyond the Mouth program developed in collaboration with the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH). The Total Health Checklist, along with clinical screenings and diagnostics, expedites the process of uncovering health problems, assessing a patient’s oral health, and its impact on their total health. The Total Health brochure and the Total Health patient guide can be used to help you educate your patients about the integral relationship between oral health and overall wellness. For more information, visit www.henryschein.com.
Have you seen the new scalers by Hu-Friedy that stay sharper longer? They feature Hu-Friedy’s proprietary EverEdge technology. These resin scalers are lightweight with ergonomic handles that come in eight different colors. Having colored resin handles makes it easy to identify instruments in the operatory. Each scaler color follows a color-coding system based on the specific areas of the mouth.
“Resin 8 Colors is a great example of Hu-Friedy customer-centric product innovation,” said Ken Serota, president of Hu-Friedy. “These hand scalers utilize a color coding system and are designed to stay vibrant through extended sterilization cycles. And when combined with EverEdge technology, the clinician experiences a superior resin instrument that provides more efficiency and better clinical outcomes.”
For more information about Hu-Friedy’s Resin 8 Colors, or to place an order, please call (800) HU-FRIEDY.
As always, email me anytime with comments and questions. Tell me about products you love or products you would like to see featured. I can be reached at [email protected].
References
1 J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jan; 90(1): 99-103. Evaluation of antiplaque activity of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract gel — a 6-week clinical study.
Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH, is a co-founder of PerioFrogz.com, which provides current oral-systemic research summaries and patient education downloads. She speaks internationally, provides hands-on training, writes articles and webinars, and is the business director for the Scottsdale Center for Dental Medicine in Scottsdale, Ariz. Contact her at [email protected].
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