Harnessing Oxygen Therapy for Effective Oral Hygiene

A wide variety of products and procedures are available to treat  patients’ oral health conditions. When it concerns periodontal disease, most treatment modalities aim to remove plaque biofilm and subgingival calculus in the operatory; however, patients struggle to maintain effective biofilm management at home. This can result in continued periodontal relapse over time.

Incorporating oxygen therapy into a patient’s at-home oral hygiene routine could be the key to seeing measurable success in periodontal disease treatment and maintenance. Gingi-Pak’s Perio Armor 1.7% hydrogen peroxide cleansing gel is an easy, effective way of delivering the therapeutic strength of oxygen that accompanies patient plaque removal efforts.

Variety of Benefits

For more than a century, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been recognized for its restorative abilities. Juven and Pierson¹ demonstrated hydrogen peroxide’s cytotoxic property in 1996. They stated that the transitional metal ions present in H₂O₂ “generate more reactive and cytotoxic oxygen species such as the hydroxyl radical, which is a powerful oxidant, and which can initiate oxidation of biomolecules.”¹ These effects were witnessed in both Gram-positive and stubborn Gram-negative bacteria, representing a breakthrough for those with periodontal disease.

When introduced into the oral microbiome, H₂O₂ breaks down the exopolysaccharide slime that protects bacterial cell walls to penetrate and oxidize molecules from within. Once the pathogenic microbes have been eradicated, H₂O₂ then removes dead organisms to promote tissue recovery.

Hydrogen peroxide is also effective in wound repair. In 2017, Zhu et al² stated that “H₂O₂ has been reported to act as a signaling molecule, driving redox-sensitive signaling mechanisms to improve dermal wound healing.” Once H₂O₂ debrides the affected area, it assists in regulating cell behavior function, which initiates exogenous augmentation and manipulation of the healing process. This results in accelerated wound recovery.

Simple Application, Big Results

When topically applied, Perio Armor 1.7% hydrogen peroxide cleansing gel can reduce disease-causing pathogens, decontaminate tissues, and activate cell regeneration — significantly improving periodontal health. Patients apply a single ribbon of gel to each of their custom dental trays and wear them for 15 minutes. In lieu of custom trays, the patient may also use a cotton swab to apply the gel directly to the gingival margin and let it sit on the tissues for 15 minutes. Once the recommended time has passed, patients brush the remaining gel from their mouths and rinse with water.

Patients can also enjoy the gentle tooth-whitening effects and fresh breath made possible by the daily use of Perio Armor gel. Available in flavors exclusive to Gingi-Pak, patients can choose between fruity strawberry, fresh mint, or sweet bubblegum. Although periodontal management is the clinician’s ultimate goal, patients will appreciate the bright smile they can achieve by using this tasty, easy-to-use product.

Gingi-Pak’s Perio Armor oral cleansing gel is an affordable, effective way for patients to experience the many benefits of oxygen therapy during their oral hygiene routine. Regular use of hydrogen peroxide can bridge the gap between at-home plaque removal and periodontal health that many individuals struggle to achieve. With easy application and flavors that are sure to please, Perio Amor is improving treatment outcomes and raising the standard we once knew in periodontal care.

References

1. Juven BJ, Pierson MD. Antibacterial effects of hydrogen peroxide and methods for Its detection and quantitation. J Food Prot. 1996;59:1233-1241.
2. Zhu G, Wang Q, Lu S, Niu Y. Hydrogen peroxide: a potential wound therapeutic target? Med Princ Pract. 2017;26:301-308.

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From Dimensions in Dental Hygiene. September 2023; 21(8):24.