Oxygen Therapy Enhances Treatment Outcomes

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

Incorporating oxygen therapy into the patient’s home 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.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been recognized for its restorative abilities for more than a century. This compound boasts a cytotoxic property, which was made evident in a study conducted by Juven and Pierson¹ 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, which was a  breakthrough finding for the periodontally involved population.

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.

Studies have also found H₂O₂ to be an effective aid in wound repair. In 2017, Zhu et al² stated, “Hydrogen peroxide 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.

When topically applied, Perio Armor 1.7% hydrogen peroxide cleansing gel can reduce disease-causing pathogens, decontaminate the tissues, and activate cell regeneration — all improving periodontal health. Patients are instructed to 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 are instructed to brush the remaining gel from their mouth 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 only to Gingi-Pak, patients can choose between fruity strawberry, fresh mint, or sweet bubble gum. Although periodontal management is the clinician’s ultimate goal, patients will appreciate the bright smile they can achieve by utilizing 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 home 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. October 2023; 21(9):26