By Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
Homeopathic Recovery Kit
The StellaLife VEGA Oral Care Recovery Kit is a breakthrough homeopathic medicine ideal as adjunctive therapy for postsurgical treatment and can significantly reduce, or in some cases eliminate, the need for narcotic pain medications and steroids.
This homeopathic system includes a gel, spray, and rinse formulated to be used as an adjunct following wisdom teeth removal, placement of dental implants, bone grafting, osseous surgery, connective tissue grafting, scaling and root planing, etc.
According to the manufacturer, this homeopathic medicine is formulated for hydration, periodontal health, and fresh breath. With one application, the rinse kills over 99% of Streptococcus mutans, reducing the anaerobic bacteria load for over three hours, in turn accelerating wound healing.
The gel and the sublingual spray both contain 14 active ingredients that are listed in Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of United States (HPUS). When absorbed through the oral mucosa, in combination with the rinse, the gel was also found to accelerate healing.
According to case study results, the VEGA Oral Care Recovery Kit temporarily relieves pain and swelling, reduces bruising, speeds healing, relives oral ulcers, dry sockets, and cold sores. In fact, since the Recovery Kit was found to accelerate healing in open wounds, it's highly recommended as part of daily oral hygiene for every dental patient.
I encourage you to visit their website, stellalifehealing.com where you can read the case studies with full color photos, read research, and learn more about homeopathy.
Gum Chucks Update
OralWise announced in January 2017 that you will be able to direct your patients to Target to purchase the Adult and Kids Starter Kits and Universal Refills. In March, Walgreens will also begin to carry the Gum Chucks line.
Black is White Toothpaste by Curaprox
Curaprox is the oral health brand of Curaden Swiss, which began collaborating with dental health-care professionals, researchers, and teachers in 1972 to develop oral hygiene tools that are gentle and effective.
The most recent additions to their line are the Black is White (refreshing lime) and White is Black (extra mild mint) toothpaste. Activated carbon gives the toothpaste both its color and its name.
According to the manufacturer, stains are removed by active carbon instead of abrasion or chemical bleaching. Activated carbon absorbs stain particles and gently eliminates them. The manufacturer also states the toothpaste contains enzymes that naturally occur in the saliva to enhance the saliva's antibacterial and antiviral functions. In addition, these enzymes protect against caries and combat dry mouth.
Both of these toothpastes contain sodium fluoride and nanohydroxyapatite. There is no sodium lauryl sulphate and no triclosan. Additional ingredients include starphere for cooling properties and Prestige Sparkling Blue, a physical brightener.
Activated carbon/charcoal is being used in a variety of ways, including skin care products and treatment of poisoning, drug overdoses, gas, bloating, etc. However, there is some controversy regarding the appropriateness of activated carbon (charcoal) in toothpaste. A spokesperson for the American Dental Association, Dr. Kim Harms, is quoted as saying, "There's no evidence at all that activated charcoal does any good for your teeth."
As a health-care professional, you might try Black is White for yourself; you know your patients will ask you about it. You can learn more about the Curaprox line and Black is White toothpaste by visiting curaprox.com.
Brushy Ball!
I met, Rob Malen, the owner and inventor of Brushy Ball last summer at RDH Under One Roof. Rob gave me a Brushy Ball demo and I experienced first-hand the value of this delightful educational tool. Brushy Ball serves as a personal tooth brushing coach as your child follows the illuminated sequence for brushing which is divided into four posterior and two anterior areas; imagine the "follow the leader' game. Brushy Ball is also a toothbrush holder, and a captivating timer to ensure a full two minutes of brushing. This motivational tool can also serve as a demonstration model for children in a dental office setting.
Rob explained how Brushy Ball was inspired by the experiences he and his daughter shared as she learned to brush her teeth on her own. Seven years later with the launch of Brushy Ball and as a winner of the Parent Tested Parent Approved Award, Rob fulfilled his mission which was, "Help all brushers more easily learn a complete oral hygiene habit!" In fact, he invites users to share feedback on the website about features they would like to see in upcoming models.
Dental practices are using Brushy Ball in three ways: as a unique retail item, a buzz-worthy gift for new patient families, and to demonstrate correct brushing technique. Rob offers special pricing for practices-a 33% discount-and you can even custom label the package, if you choose.
Please visit brushyball.com to enjoy a Brushy Ball demo and to learn more about Rob's Brushy Ball story. Brushy Ball can be purchased from the website with free shipping and is also available on Amazon.com. Order one today for your kids or grandkids.
Mouth Healthy Kids
The American Dental Association sponsored website, mouthhealthykids.org, is an amazing resource for everyone interested in furthering patient education. You will find lesson plans for preschool through middle school, and you can download seven toothbrushing tunes, games, quizzes, and toothfairy certificates. There's a tab for preteens and educators, videos and activity sheets. I encourage you to visit mouthhealthykids.org and take advantage of the resources you will find there.
As always, I welcome your comments and product suggestions. Please email me 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].
