For decades, dental professionals have promoted brushing and flossing as the primary methods for maintaining oral hygiene. However, a recent publication in Digital Dentistry & Healthcare Knowledge (DDHKMAGAZINE.COM VOL. 4 ISSUE 01 SUMMER 2024) questions the adequacy of these practices in preventing periodontal and peri-implant diseases. This article underscores the need for additional measures, particularly the use of antibacterial rinses, to prevent implant loss and other dental issues.
Titled 'Peri-Implant Disease: What your patient can do to prevent losing the implant; What you can do to prevent losing the patient,' the report presents compelling evidence that brushing and rinsing are significantly more effective than brushing and flossing alone. Herb Moskowitz, DDS, Chairman of ioTech International, states, “The best defense against these diseases is a daily regimen that includes brushing, flossing, and antibacterial rinsing.”
Among the findings is a six-month study involving over 300 dental patients, which revealed that brushing and rinsing were 18 times more effective than brushing and flossing in reducing dental plaque. Another study indicated that this combination was six times more effective in decreasing plaque. Additionally, an examination of 160 dental patients demonstrated that brushing and rinsing were far more effective in reducing plaque and inflammation, based on the Plaque Index, the Modified Gingival Index, and the Bleeding Index. For more detailed study results, readers can click the following link and scroll down to page 31: https://bit.ly/3WHoznH.
Moskowitz emphasizes the importance of including rinsing in daily oral hygiene routines, particularly with an oral irrigating device or water flosser. The report notes that while a rinsing agent alone can reach depths of 21% of a 6mm pocket, combining it with an oral irrigator can achieve 90% coverage of the same pocket.
“Now that it is established that rinsing and subgingival irrigation are critical to successful periodontal and peri-implant disease prevention, it is equally important to use the most effective oral rinse or oral irrigant. Not all oral rinses are alike,” Moskowitz explains. The publication highlights molecular iodine as a superior rinsing agent, significantly outperforming other antiseptic rinses in inactivating major bacterial pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella, both primarily responsible for periodontal disease. Fusobacterium nucleatum is also linked to colon cancer. For comparative efficacy of tested antiseptic rinses, click the following link and scroll down to page 31: https://bit.ly/3WHoznH.
Molecular iodine has proven to be an exceptional agent in preventing peri-implant disease, offering broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without resistance development. Its potent properties are effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it highly beneficial for oral health. Patients tolerate molecular iodine well, experiencing no irritation or staining compared to other antiseptics.
Moskowitz notes, “By integrating molecular iodine into regular oral hygiene practices, patients can enhance the longevity of their dental implants and maintain better overall oral health.” He highlights that up to 75% of U.S. adults suffer from some form of gum disease, often unaware of the condition until severe symptoms, such as loose teeth and abscesses, develop. Alarmingly, almost 50% of 12,000 functioning dental implants analyzed had peri-implant disease, many of which could have been saved with effective home oral care incorporating an antibacterial rinse.
ioTech International, known for its molecular iodine oral care products, offers a range of rinses, including ioRinseR mouth rinses and ioRinseR Ultra, designed to control dental plaque and gingivitis. The company also recently introduced ioRinseR MR for mouth and canker sores, dry mouth, oral pain, and oral ulcers. ioRinse MR provides significant relief for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The company plans to launch ioRinseR AC, an anti-cavity mouth rinse, in September.
The benefits of ioRinse Ultra molecular iodine rinse are noteworthy: it is safe, easy to use, and more effective in laboratory testing at destroying periodontal bacteria than any other tested rinse. It helps prevent periodontal and peri-implant diseases, promotes gum health, and is non-staining and pleasant-tasting. Additionally, it offers cost-effective routine preventative care and long-lasting breath freshening.
The article concludes by linking proper oral hygiene to overall health, noting that periodontal bacteremias are closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and other debilitating conditions. For the full article, click on the following link: https://bit.ly/3WHoznH.
