Our office is now certified to use PerioProtect. A very interesting way to enhance overall health. As you know, the human mouth has over 100 varieties of bacteria |
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and 38 of these are destructive to our body. That is why dentistry is so concerned about gum disease and the implication that if there is gum inflammation that the infection permeates into our body. |
Gum disease is asymptomatic. If there is bleeding, pus or swelling then we know that we have an acute problem. We unfortunately are not aware of the slow chronic destruction that can exist and that can slowly erode our bone away. Often gum disease is episodic.
When we can maintain periodontal pockets of 3 mm or less then we are well stabilized and our bone is protected.
Often we compromise with 4 to 5 mm pockets as there are no signs of inflammation and we hope that our patient's home care routine and diet is well maintained to not allow these sites to progress to 6 to 7 mm+ pockets. This is why we send home extra aids to be site specific such as rubber tip stimulators, interproximal stimulators, proxybrushes and/or stimudents.
The new research now shows that placement of PerioProtect trays placed in the mouth with a hydrogen peroxide gel will kill the biofilm hosting the bacteria as well as slow down the crevicular fluids that occur when there is infection. If there are endangered sites, a few drops of a low dose antibiotic (that acts as an antioxidant), is placed with the 1.7% hydrogen peroxide in the tray and amazing resolution of the deep pockets occur within a few weeks! Latest research shows that low doses of doxycycline harden weak bones. The founder cautioned us not to prescribe this medication if our patients are thinking of doing orthodontics. The reason why is the bone gets very dense and we would not be able to move teeth! Up to 99% of the bacteria around the teeth are destroyed as well as altering viruses. The medication is placed topically and directly site specific. Due to the precise fitting of the tray the solution acts in the exact spot and does not have to be taken orally (systemically). |
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This is a great way for us to not be aggressive with surgery and allow natural healing. Hydrogen peroxide is naturally manufactured within our body from our salivary glands, from our white blood cells and within a mother's breast milk. This is nature's natural forming antibiotic.
If one does not have any periodontal pockets greater than 3 mm one can reduce them with the hydrogen peroxide gel, to 1 to 2 mm depths. This means more resilient gum tissue to prevent any bacteria entering our body. The studies are becoming abundant showing Treponema denticola (bacteria found in the mouth) in 14 out of 18 of the brains of Alzheimer patients when biopsied! This corkscrew shaped spirochete attaches or screws itself into neural tissue. This is not the cause of Alzheimer’s but why should any mouth bacteria have an opportunity of entering our brain? Other bacteria can make their way into coronary arteries causing an occlusion leading to a heart attack or if it lodges in the brain a stroke can occur. They have recently found other oral bacteria in the pancreas of patients with pancreatic cancer, and linked gum disease to Type II Diabetes, preterm and low birth weight babies, blood clots and strokes, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease.
As a leading edge dentist I am excited to introduce this new protective measure to my patients. If I can control the harmful bacteria by wearing trays preventatively once a day for ten minutes and fit this in while working out or having a shower, in the morning, then I will be enhancing my immune system. Other side benefits include whiter teeth with the hydrogen peroxide, and the tray can also be adapted as a bite plate to eliminate grinding and clenching at night used without medication!
This has great applications for people who are handicapped or arthritic or have a difficult time keeping the plaque off their teeth. I do feel this is a must for our aging population, to help their immune system. This is applicable for diabetics, people with heart disease and autoimmune diseases.
The cost for these trays and follow through varies depending if you have periodontal disease in which we would have to make a progression of trays or if you are stable and desire to maximize your healthy state. Initial set up fee with tray and follow up appointment is included at $995. Dependent on the severity of your periodontal disease, the cost may be higher as additional trays and specific treatments are included to maximize healing. The 1.7% Hydrogen Peroxide will soften the hardened plaque called calculus which allows easier professional cleanings.
So who does not want better health, a long life, strong teeth and a great smile until the day we die? The mouth is a metronome for the body and as you know I believe it truly reflects our quality of life.
Ask us for more information if you would like more research or Google PerioProtect. Your feedback is extremely important to myself and my team.
Yours for the best mouth!
Dana
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