By Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
Have you read the research paper that explains the causal relationship between high-risk periodontal pathogens and arterial sclerotic vascular disease?1 Now that we know that periodontal disease is causal for arterial disease when high-risk pathogens (Aa, Pg, Tf, Td, Fn) are involved, we as dental health care providers have a significant opportunity to reduce the largest cause of death and disability in this country, arterial disease. We must help our patients get their periodontal infection (bleeding) under control and into remission. We can save lives by treating periodontal diseases and this research paper proves it.
Based on my clinical experience and patient observations for more than 30 years, as well as the research, I believe that the use of an interdental water device, when combined with good brushing habits and routine visits to the dental hygienist, can drastically assist our patients in reducing gingival bleeding. It is only when gums bleed that harmful high-risk pathogens have access to the 60,000 miles of our circulatory system and therefore every organ, joint, and system in our body.
The new Cordless Advanced water flosser by Waterpik could be the home care device that helps your patients with bleeding gums turn the corner to a better level of health. This ergonomically friendly device includes the following manufacturer features:
- Four tips to clean all tooth surfaces
- 360-degree tip rotation
- Effective around implants and braces
- Easy fill reservoir
- 45-second water capacity
- Rapid magnetic charging system with global compatibility
- Waterproof design for use in the shower
- Electronic pressure control
- Three comfortable pressure settings
- Ultra quiet design
- Two-year warranty
- Tip storage case
- Microfiber travel bag
Bleeding gums caused from high-risk pathogens is a health risk. It’s time for us to do something different and help our patients get their periodontal disease, including gingivitis, under control. If you haven’t recommended a Waterpik to your patients recently, do it today! You just might save a life. The Cordless Advanced water flosser is available in white, black, blue, and orchid and retails for $99. Visit waterpik.com to learn more.
Chronic Malodor Solution
According to Philips independent research, “about 30 percent of the population worldwide suffers from chronic malodor and 75 percent of us are concerned about breath quality.” It’s interesting to note that most oral malodor is a result of bacteria build-up in the mouth, especially on the tongue, rather than food smells like coffee and onions, which are temporary.2
Philips Sonicare Breath care kit is the first complete at-home breath management system that measures and tracks bacteria in the mouth which result in malodor. The Breath analyzer detects levels of odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) with professional accuracy in about 30 seconds and the results are displayed in parts per billion on your iPhone or Android when synced with the Philips Sonicare app.
There is no need to blow into the device. The analyzer is equipped with an internal fan to draw just the right amount of breath into the electrochemical professional-grade sensor within seconds. The fan also enables the device to self-clean between uses. The analyzer is calibrated to professional laboratory and commercial grade devices for optimal accuracy and rapid detection of hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide VSCs.
The Philips Sonicare app uses intelligent tracking to turn data into personalized oral care insights by providing tailored tips and coaching developed by dental professionals to educate patients, resulting in better breath quality and overall oral care. In fact, combining the new Breath analyzer with the Philips Sonicare TongueCare+ kit, which includes the tongue brush head with 240 flexible cone-shaped MicroBristles (31,000 vibrations per second) and BreathRx antibacterial tongue spray could just be the perfect two-pronged approach to sweet smelling breath. This kit retails for $119. If you are not familiar with this new intelligent device and would like to learn more, be sure to ask your Philips representative for information or visit usa.philips.com.
Goodbye, Aligner Funk
WhiteFoam by EverSmile is the latest breakthrough in oral care for cleaning clear aligners and retainers. The patent pending EverClean technology whitens and cleans your trays using proprietary surfactants, solvents, and hydrogen peroxide. WhiteFoam will also whiten and brighten your teeth while it cleans your trays and retainers. Simply apply half a pump to each tray, distribute evenly to cover all areas, insert trays and spit out the excess. WhiteFoam will not alter the fit of your aligners or retainers and is safe to use up to four times per day with little or no tooth or gum sensitivity.
WhiteFoam may also be used to soak aligner trays outside of the mouth as well. Caution: EverSmile WhiteFoam is designed for use with clear orthodontic aligners or Essix-type plastic retainers. Use with Hawley retainers or other acrylic appliances may alter the color of the acrylic.
EverSmile WhiteFoam may be purchased in a 24-pack or in bulk, depending on your practice’s needs, and retails for $20 to $25 per bottle. When used twice per day, one bottle of WhiteFoam will last about 30 days. Many dentists have found that patients who use WhiteFoam are more compliant with their aligner and retainer wear. Check out WhiteFoam today when you visit EverSmileWhite.com or call 855-595-2999 for more information.
As always, feel free to contact me with product suggestions and questions at [email protected]. RDH
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].
References
1. Bale BF, Doneen AL, Vigerust DJ. High-risk periodontal pathogens contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Postgraduate Medical Journal. Published November 29, 2016. http://pmj.bmj.com/content/early/2016/11/29/postgradmedj-2016-134279.
2. Bad breath: causes and tips for controlling it. American Dental Association website. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/for_the_dental_patient_sept_2012.ashx. Updated September 2012.
