A restful night's slumber can do wonders to rejuvenate an exhausted body after a hectic hygiene schedule. Just the thought of laying one's head on the pillow and melting into the mattress holds promise. If your bed is becoming uncomfortable, the answer may be in memory foam. Memory foam on mattresses and pillows molds to the body and even reacts to body heat. Because it conforms to the body, the special foam helps relieve pain. Special formulations of foam products can also be found for use in hygiene, and this promises comfort.
Like the foam mattress for a tired body, Sensodyne iso-active foaming gel by GlaxoSmithKline helps relieve sensitive teeth. The formula goes from gel to foam in the mouth and fills it to cover sensitive tooth surfaces.
The transformation to foam is brought on by Isopentane (hydrocarbon found in beauty products such as mousse and shaving cream). The iso-active Isopentane is in the whitening formula and the multiaction gel, which provides sensitivity relief. A small amount of toothpaste provides relief with active ingredients potassium nitrate 5%, and sodium fluoride ion 0.15%.
Fluoride foams are a popular preventive product used in dental offices. DMG America has very tasty formulas of 1.23% acidulated phosphate. The Kolorz line uses xylitol and sucralose as sweeteners and no aspartame or saccharin in their gluten-free formula. Get mouths watering with several flavors. Dispensing is simple; shake can and fully invert to dispense. The dense foam becomes rapidly collapsible and liquefies in one to two minutes on the teeth.
Hands and instruments need attention too
Hygienists' hands deserve gentle products, even when broad spectrum germ fighting is required. Several of Sultan Healthcare's Moist Sure products are foaming hand soaps or sanitizers.
Instruments call for foam products that are designed to fight grime. Certrol International has a ProEZ foam enzyme detergent that is a soiled instrument's friend. When blood and debris dry on instruments, removing the residue and decontaminating prior to sterilizing is a tough step. Use the ProEZ foam by spraying it onto the dirty tools; this keeps them from air drying for easier sterilizing.
Suctioning saliva can cause trauma to tender sublingual tissues when a saliva ejector grabs unprotected tissue. Almore International has an easy solution – using a foam tip. The foam is placed over the tip of the suction, yet allows the saliva through. The benefits of using the foam tip include avoiding tissue irritation, suction does not become easily blocked by calculus and debris, and slurp suction noise is decreased.
Comfort for patients and clinicians can be found with foam formulas. Tasty products for both cavity fighting and sensitivity relief are available through reacting foam. Make memorable moments by using foam products.
Acidulated phosphate formula
- Contains 1.23% fluoride ion proprietary flavorings developed in consultation with food industry professionals
- Guaranteed to taste better than any other brand or your money back! Smooth foam consistency
- Better patient acceptance, gluten free, aspartame free, saccharin free
- Contains noncaloric natural sweeteners and xylitol for great-tasting Kolorz flavors
- Triple mint, cherry cheesecake, cotton candy, and blue raspberry provide great taste and variety. Patients love the smooth foam consistency of Kolorz Sixty Second Fluoride Foam.
The author did not receive compensation for products mentioned.
Karen Kaiser, RDH, graduated from St. Louis' Forest Park dental hygiene program in 1994 and currently practices at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry in Columbia, Ill. She has written several articles for RDH and other publications, sits on dental hygiene panels, and is an evaluator for Clinical Research Associates.
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