Oral Hygiene Tips to Solve Common By: Xinyi Yu, DDS

CANKER SORES
No one really knows the exact cause of canker sores. Approximately 20% of the population is affected by recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores), painful single or multiple ulcerations of the nonkeratinized oral mucosa. In some cases, extension into the pharynx may occur with a significant impairment of swallowing.

Although the etiology of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs) has not been established, studies have suggested that common dentifrice ingredients, i.e., detergents, may increase the incidence of RAU. Detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) comprise 1-3% of the composition of most dentifrices sold in the U.S. The primary function of the detergent is to cause foam when brushing.

Mucins are principal organic constituents of mucus, the visco-elastic material that covers all mucosal surfaces, and evidence suggests that mucins play an integral role in nonimmune protection of the mucosal surfaces. Since detergents may denature the mucin layer covering oral mucosa, the oral epithelium may then be more exposed and vulnerable to exogenous irritating agents and allergens. In RAU patients, the incidence of ulcers may increase. But, just leaving detergent out of the toothpaste is not the solution to preventing canker sores as proven in clinical research where the Rembrandt Toothpaste for Canker Sore Suffers outperformed the detergent-free formula. Research has also shown that detergents dry out the protective mucous layer lining the mouth, which can cause irritation and pain when in contact with spicy or acidic foods.

TIP: Solve The Problem With A Clinically Proven Toothpaste

One well-known brand, Rembrandt (Den-Mat Corporation, Santa Maria, CA), markets a detergent-free dentifrice that is kind to patients who suffer from aphthous ulcers. Den-Mat’s formula, Rembrandt Toothpaste for Canker Sore Sufferers, has been shown to reduce the occurrence of canker sores by over 80% when compared to a control (patients who used other commonly available dentifrices). In fact, the Rembrandt formula even out-performed another toothpaste that was detergent-free but not the Rembrandt formula.

GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is an inflammatory process commonly observed in all dental practices, and choosing the right treatment can be a challenge. Obviously, treatment must include an agent effective against microbes that cause the problem, must be easy for the patient to use and must not cause adverse side effects. One treatment choice is a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine. However, chlorhexidine rinses are known to stain the teeth, increase calculus deposits and can have alcohol contents of 11.6%.

TIP: Choose A Mouth Rinse Containing Carbamide Peroxide Instead Of Chlorhexadine

Several studies have indicated that Rembrandt Age Defying Mouth Rinse performs equally well at reducing gingivitis as Peridex or Listerine. Research at Loma Linda University found that Rembrandt Mouth Rinse prevents and reduces gingivitis, doesn’t stain the teeth, and prevents bad breath. Research at Buffalo found that it is better than Listerine in the reduction of gingivitis (reduces gingivitis by 80%), prevents tooth staining, and even whitens teeth. Patient compliance is high because Rembrandt mouth rinses don’t burn, sting, promote ulceration or inflammation and can’t cause the staining users object to.

Non-peroxide Rembrandt Dazzling Fresh Mouth Rinse also is very effective against gingivitis and effectively kills microbes for 20 minutes making it a pleasant pre- and post-rinse in the operatory.

BLEACHING RELAPSE
After bleaching, patients are prepared for a loss of whitening over a period of time. You shared your patient’s delight when she first saw her newly bleached smile. Now you cringe a little when she tells you she’s disappointed that her $500 bleach job didn’t last longer than it did.

TIP: Recommend a Toothpaste Proven To Prevent Bleaching Relapse

In a post-bleaching study conducted at the University of Indiana, not only was there no loss of whitening, but there was an increased amount of whitening when subjects brushed with Rembrandt Plus twice a day. In a study of patients who had not had professional bleaching, performed at New York University, Rembrandt Plus actually whitened teeth by four shades in just three months, and five shades after six months of twice daily use. In both studies, added benefits were that gingivitis was reduced, bleeding was reduced, plaque accumulation was reduced, and there was no sensitivity to the gums or teeth.

THE ALCOHOL ALTERNATIVE
Alcohol in a mouth rinse is unpleasant and a concern. It burns, stings, irritates and dries out the mucosa, softens composite fillings, and is objectionable for use by children and recovering alcoholics. How much alcohol could there be in a mouth rinse? A significant amount: Listerine 27%, Peridex 11.6%. Can the mouth rinse be effective without it? Yes!

TIP: Recommend An Alcohol-Free Mouth Rinse

In three six-month clinical studies Rembrandt Mouth Rinses (Dazzling Fresh and Age Defying) were found to improve gingival conditions and reduce gingivitis, primary reasons for recommending a mouth rinse. And there is no alcohol in either formula.

With no alcohol, Rembrandt mouth rinses don’t cause dry mouth (a problem for patients undergoing cancer radiation treatment and those who have xerostomia), won’t soften composite materials, and the no-alcohol formulas don’t cause concerns for families with children or for recovering alcoholics.

Dr. Xinyi Yu is Vice President for Clinical Affairs at Den-Mat. He also practices in Santa Maria, CA. For more information: 800.445.0345 • www.denmat.com