September is National Gum Care Month, the perfect time to educate patients on how to take better care of their gums. According to a CDC report, 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease.
More concerning, 9% of the adult U.S. population has the most severe stage of periodontal disease, which goes hand-in-hand with total tooth loss, impacting 1 in 6 adults over the age 65.
What else do the numbers tell us about gum disease?
- More common in men than women: 56% vs. 38.4%
- More common for those living below the federal poverty level: 65.4%
- More common in people who didn’t get a high school education: 66.9%
- More common in people who smoke: 64.2%
Partnering With Your Patients For Better Gum Health
In a qualitative "what do patients value" study in Australia of 22 general dentistry practices and 847 patients (split into intervention group and control group), it was shown that people who received a supportive, structured preventative approach to dental care adopted better oral health habits and had better long-term results. After three years, patients in the intervention group had 11% increased risk of dental caries vs. 24% in the control group.
What this shows is the relationships we build with our patients matter. Especially with patients with periodontitis, collaborate care and communication is key so they know how to best manage this chronic condition at home and understand the "why" behind treatment recommendations.
While it can be hard to help patients break certain lifestyle habits that negatively impact gum health (e.g. smoking), one of the easiest ways they can get better results with their gums, especially after scaling & root planing (SRP) and other not-so-pleasant dental procedures, is by using Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel at home.
Oxyfesh Pro Relief Dental Gel Is Proven for Exceptional Gum Health
In a 30-day published clinical study (not sponsored by Oxyfresh), 36 periodontitis patients with pocket depths of 4 or greater were randomly divided into 3 groups.
Metrics measured were Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI).
Each group started out with a Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) treatment.
- Group 1: SRP + Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel in a tray (2x daily for 10 min., starting day 10)
- Group 2: SRP + Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel applied without a tray
- Group 3: SRP procedure only
Results after 30 days:
- Group 1: 50.9% reduction in PPD; 88.2% reduction in PBI
- Group 2: 47.9% reduction in PPD; 68.9% reduction in PBI
- Group 3: 27.8% reduction in PPD; 51.1% reduction in PBI
As you can see, Oxyfresh’s Pro Relief Dental Gel – applied with a tray or without – nearly doubled the reduction in pocket depth versus SRP alone and significantly reduced gingival bleeding, making it a must-have for all perio patients and their home care routines.
Why Patients Prefer Pro Relief Dental Gel
As we all know, patient compliance can be a challenge, especially with at-home gum care. Some of the reasons patients don’t follow through when they’re given gel for at home? They don’t like the astringent taste, numbing feeling, or the sting of alcohols.
Unlike traditional gels, Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel is extremely well tolerated (and dare we say, loved) by patients because it never stings, it doesn’t taste bitter like chlorhexidine, and it doesn’t numb like Benzocaine. But just because it’s not an anesthetic does not mean it doesn’t offer fast, soothing relief and promote healing.
The Oxyfresh difference:
- Freshens bad breath: Oxygene® & zinc quickly neutralize harmful bacteria & sulfur compounds, keeping smiles clean and fresh post-dental visit.
- Helps soothe sore gums: Ultra-soothing & hydrating with nature’s best ingredients like Aloe vera, chamomile & mild spearmint leaf oil.
- Supports healthy gum tissue: Folic acid helps to strengthen gum tissue when it needs it most!
- Happy smiles: No stinging alcohol, bitter flavor, dyes, gluten or numbing agents.
Case Study of Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel + Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Mouthwash
This case study was performed by Dr. Lauralee Nygaard at her practice in Spokane Valley, WA. She is a Board-Certified Periodontist and well known for her exceptional skill with connective tissue grafting.
Dr. Nygaard is a member of numerous dental organizations including the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, and the Washington State Dental Association. She has a strong and well-deserved reputation from her peers as a high-quality periodontist, providing exceptional smile enhancing procedures.
In this case study, oral surgery graft patient and dental professional, Karlene, shared her experience of using Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel and Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Mouthwash as a post-op regimen.
"My first experience with Oxyfresh was when I had a connective tissue graft by Dr. Lauralee Nygaard. She harvested from my palate bi-laterally and grafted #23 and #25.
Obviously she used Emdogain, but much to my surprise, my post-op regimen was also impressive. I rinsed two times a day with Oxyfresh’s Fresh Breath Mouthwash and was allowed to brush with a super soft toothbrush two weeks post-op using only the mouthwash. I was able to apply the dental gel as much as I desired. If it felt itchy or irritating, I would apply the gel and instantly I got soothing relief.
At about 3 weeks post-op, I realized that each day I woke up and couldn’t tell if I had brushed in the morning or not. My sutures were in for 6 weeks and I was in disbelief that it could be so easy. How could it be possible that I hadn’t used any toothpaste and felt better than I ever had? I was in love with Oxyfresh and a firm believer!
With Oxyfresh as my post-op care, I felt fresh all day and had no complaints. This was such an easy recovery and I attribute it to Oxyfresh. I can’t recommend it enough to dental professionals as a post-surgery regimen that will help their patients immensely."
