Content Dam Rdh Print Articles Volume37 Issue11 1711rdhcmillamabrush P02

Product review examines anesthetic gel for gingivitis procedures

Nov. 1, 2017
Kim Miller, RDH, reviews several new dental products, including GingiCaine, an anesthetic gel

Kim Miller

Recently launched by Gingi-Pak, GingiCaine Oral Anesthetic Gel is now available in convenient “Syringe Kits.” Each syringe contains 1.2 ml of strawberry flavored gel, formulated to deliver anesthesia directly into the sulcus. For maximum control, use the Gingi-Pak micro needle tips that feature a 7mm gauge mark and rounded end to eliminate the danger of poking or tearing inflamed epithelium.

The 20% benzocaine gel formula has a quick 15-second onset, making it ideal for a variety of procedures, including the new gingivitis procedure (D4346). The gel flows smoothly with no gritty feel and no bitter aftertaste.

The GingiCaine kit comes with 20 syringes and 40 micro tips. For more information, visit gingi-pak.com or order today by contacting your dental supply representative.

Tooth brushing in 10 Seconds Flat?

Three years ago, Marvin Musialek, founder and CEO of Amabrush, began developing the first simultaneous automatic brushing prototypes with an advisor, Dr. Hady Haririan from the Medical University of Vienna School of Dentistry. The resulting product is a device that brushes all teeth in 10 seconds flat. You read that right, full mouth brushing in 10 seconds flat!

The premise of the Amabrush is to save users time by cleaning all tooth surfaces simultaneously with soft, vibrating bristles. The device consists of a handpiece, toothpaste capsule, and mouthpiece. According to Amabrush, the toothbrush can clean each surface, including the distal of those pesky third molars. The Amabrush does not replace flossing.

The flexible mouthpiece is made of antibacterial silicone and features 3D arranged bristles that are directed in a 45-degree angle toward the gingival margin, simulating the Bass technique. Soft enough to prevent damage to the gum tissue, but strong enough to thoroughly clean the teeth, the mouthpiece can simply be rinsed after each use.

The handpiece attaches to the mouthpiece with a strong magnetic connection allowing for multiple users. Each family member will need their own mouthpiece, but the handpiece may be shared. A built-in mechanism foams and delivers the perfect amount of toothpaste from a capsule in the handpiece to the mouthpiece each time you brush. The toothpaste capsule, which comes in extra fresh (blue), whitening (white), and sensitive (rose), lasts for more than a month and can be replaced for about $3. You can use your own toothpaste to refill the capsule or place your toothpaste directly in the mouthpiece.

The battery lasts approximately two weeks or 28 brushing sessions. The handpiece has a low energy wireless charging module which means you could even use your wireless smartphone charger to charge Amabrush. There are several upgrades and add-ons planed like, an integrated UV light sterilizer lid, modular charging station, travel case and tongue cleaner.

The public has already contributed more than $1.7 million on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to finish its development. The first adult version of Amabrush—one size fits most mouths—is expected to ship next month.

The company also plans to develop a smaller version for children older than age 6 with permanent teeth. Like a regular toothbrush, the mouthpieces are designed to be replaced every three months. On Kickstarter, the basic Amabrush, which includes a handpiece, mouthpiece, toothpaste capsule, and charger, costs about $92. The replacement mouthpieces cost about $7 each. Replacements ship free to the U.S., Europe, and Canada with an optional subscription plan.

When asked to compare his brush, Musialek said, “It’s hard to compare it to regular toothbrushes, manual or electric, because a toothbrush is just a tool, and tools are only as good as the people using them,” he said. “If a person already uses his regular toothbrush in a professional way, then Amabrush will definitely be no better than a regular toothbrush… It just replaces the task of a regular toothbrush, in order to make brushing more convenient, less time-consuming, and simply automatic.”

At the press deadline, amabrush.com was inactive. If it’s still inactive when you read this article, you can find information at KickStarter.

Oral Pathology Identification

DenMat recently launched the new ViziLite Pro oral lesion screening system. According to the company, the system is an effective and fast way to screen your patients for abnormal lesions. The ViziLite Pro uses shortwave LED emissions that create biofluorescence, enhancing the way we view abnormal tissues with our naked eye. One charge allows the clinician to screen approximately 100 patients.

If you are not currently using some type of biofluorescencing device, you should be. Oral cancers are still on the rise, and most commonly not detected until advanced stages. Using a device such as ViziLite Pro will help you identify abnormal tissues early, saving lives in the process. Check out the device at denmat.com.

Office Wide Patient Education

Are you familiar with 10 Foot Wave? This just might be the patient education/entertainment solution your office is looking for. Enhancing the patient experience using audiovisuals is here to stay. The 10 Foot Wave system can streamline your in-office marketing, teach patients about good oral hygiene practices and cosmetic dental procedures, just to name a few, creating an interactive experience while entertaining them with news, sports, and TV content that you select. You also have the option to brand content specific to your practice.

Founded earlier this year, 10 Foot Wave creates, deploys, and controls custom digital signage media networks for a variety of professions. To date, 10 Foot Wave powers 12,000 active screens across Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities, sports venues, and independently owned and operated business. If you are looking to enhance your patients’ experience, while engaging them with education, entertainment and dental health information, check out 10footwave.com or call (877) 320-9358 for a free demonstration.

As always, drop me an email at [email protected] with the names of products you’d like to see featured here. And I always appreciate your questions and comments.

KIM MILLER,RDH, BSDH, is the co-founder of PerioFrogz.com, an information-based website providing free current oral-systemic research summaries and patient education downloads. Kim is also a coach with Inspired Hygiene, delivering customized hands-on training. She speaks internationally, writes articles and webinars, and enjoys clinical dental hygiene. Kim lives in Arizona and welcomes you to contact her at [email protected].