by Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
[email protected]
Keep your eyes open for G.U.M. PerioShield, a brand new oral health rinse by Sunstar Americas, Inc. PerioShield was unveiled in May at this year’s California Dental Association 2011 Spring Scientific Session. Rather than killing the bacteria, this next generation rinse mechanically blocks plaque biofilm formation, keeping it from attaching and colonizing. PerioShield is recommended for patients with chronic inflammation and heavy plaque accumulation; the proprietary ingredient, delmopinol hydrochloride 0.2%, stops the bacteria from forming the glucan/polysaccharide film necessary for adherence to the teeth and gums.
I think it’s interesting to note that PerioShield is the only oral rinse available that has been FDA approved as a device, specifically a Class II Medical Device. All other antiplaque/gingivitis rinses are classified as drugs. When used on a regular basis, PerioShield creates an invisible protective shield around the teeth and gums, continually repelling plaque and pathogenic bacteria, reducing gingivitis and plaque levels on the average of 35%.
“Sunstar is committed to providing dental professionals and their patients with a portfolio of products that meet the unique needs of the patient,” remarked Dan Descary, managing director at Sunstar Americas. “The addition of PerioShield, with its unique plaque-inhibiting and clinically proven gingivitis-reducing properties, is a major step toward that goal.”
Rinsing with PerioShield is recommended twice a day (morning and evening) for 30 seconds. The product has a low 1.5% alcohol content and is safe and effective for long-term use. G.U.M. PerioShield Oral Health Rinse will be commercially available this month in a 300 ml bottle that provides a 15-day supply. Please visit www.sunstaramericas.com or GUMbrand.com for more information on PerioShield.
And while you’re on their website, check out the G.U.M. Soft-Picks; although not new, hygienists swear by them. During a recall or perio maintenance appointment, try having your patient use them between the teeth to check for bleeding. Your patients will be surprised by what they see. I also want to give a thumbs-up to G.U.M. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP, 0.12%, the only FDA approved alcohol-free chlorhexidine gluconate rinse.
For your patients and those of you who prefer an all-natural essential oil-based mouth rinse, you might want to try Fresh Kiss mouthwash and Sexy Mouth mouthwash. I was in British Columbia a few months ago and met a fellow dental hygienist who developed these antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, great tasting rinses made with organic essential oils and organic stevia — a zero calorie herbal sweetener, completely noncaloric unlike xylitol, which contains 9.6 calories per one teaspoon (5 gm).
These rinses are currently only available in Canada, but I highly recommend that you give them a try. Once you do, I know you will agree that you’ve never experienced anything quite like these mouth rinses. Fresh Kiss is my favorite because I love the tangy citrus taste. My husband actually prefers Sexy Mouth, which is a spicy lavender rinse. Either way, I think you’ll like these rinses once you’ve tried them.
Visit the company website www.synergyorganics.org for testimonials from dental health professionals and consumers on the efficacy of this wonderful new product for the treatment of halitosis and gingivitis. You can order Fresh Kiss or Sexy Mouth from www.canadianvitaminshop.com.
During these challenging economic times, many practices are looking to increase their new patient numbers. If that sounds like your office, you might want to check out Staffed Dental Chat (SDC), a web-based live chat service that can be added to your current website. SDC provides a live presence on your website 24/7 to connect with your visitors. Extensively trained agents answer questions about your dental practice and encourage anonymous visitors to become new patients. With more than 20 monthly chat activity reports, you can track leads, read chat transcripts, and more. Check out this innovative service at livedentistchat.com.
Have you downloaded your copy of Periodontal Disease and Overall Health: A Clinician’s Guide? This new textbook, made possible by an educational grant from Colgate, is the result of a two-year effort involving internationally respected authors and editors in the dental field. With 18 chapters of cutting-edge information, this textbook provides a current and thoughtful perspective on the relationship of periodontal disease to systemic conditions. Download your copy today at www.colgateprofessional.com/colgateoralsystemic.
Finally, be sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your most valuable asset — your hands! Reduce fatigue and lessen muscle strain by using Soft Dental Air Cell Grips. Visit softdentalgrips.com to learn more.
These truly “soft grips” feature passive feedback enabling clinicians to utilize a lighter grasp; increased tactile sensitivity and control; easy instrument rotation resulting in less hand fatigue; retrofits all sizes of instrument handles and enlarges diameter to ½ inch; autoclavable up to 400-degrees Fahrenheit; available in a variety of colors (12 pack for $35, enough for six instruments); 100% silicone (latex-free); and 100% American, made from American sourced materials.
Drop me a note anytime and tell me about your favorite products tried, true, and new!
Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH, graduated from Loma Linda University in 1981. Kim is a cofounder of PerioFrogz.com and a partner with the JP Institute as well as a national speaker, author, and hands-on trainer.
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