Clean teeth – for real. Through dual light therapy, the new Lumoral treatment removes 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria in your mouth – something that neither a toothbrush or flossing can do.

Plaque causes 95% of all oral diseases – and can ultimately also increase the risk of more serious diseases such as heart attack and diabetes. But simply brushing your teeth is not enough to remove the harmful bacteria.

– Mechanical brushing is a very important step that removes about 65% of the plaque, so we absolutely shouldn’t stop doing it. But to really get rid of all the harmful bacteria, a complement is needed, says Ing-Marie Albinsson, a dental hygienist at the clinic Lilla Tandkronan in Arvika, Sweden.

The Finnish innovation Lumoral does just that. Through dual light therapy, harmful bacteria are eliminated from the teeth surfaces and around the gums.

– Lumoral is truly a revolutionary technology that is also very easy to use. You first rinse your mouth with the green Lumorinse mouthwash and then use the Lumoral mouthpiece for 10 minutes, says Ing-Marie Albinsson.

Lumoral uses a patented light in two different wavelengths, which in combination with the Lumorinse mouthwash removes 99.9 percent of the harmful bacteria we have in our mouths. The method is very carefully tested and used in a number of medical treatments, so it is completely safe to use.

– My patients who have used Lumoral are very satisfied. Those who have had problems with even quite severe tartar describe it as if it feels like the tartar is running off the teeth, and even those with severe gingivitis have had very good results, says Ing-Marie Albinsson.

Bacteria spread through the gums

Lumoral is a Finnish innovation and was actually invented not by a dentist but by a heart surgeon.

– I have operated on many patients where we have seen that oral bacteria have caused heart problems. But about 10 years ago, I operated on a child who had a serious heart infection precisely because of oral bacteria, and I felt that enough was enough. I don't want to see another patient having to go through this because of poor oral health, says Tommi Pätilä, founder of Koite Health, which developed Lumoral.

Pätilä put together a research team, and seven years ago, Lumoral was launched and is now available in several European markets and soon in Asia.

– The tricky thing about oral infections is that they have no symptoms. If dental plaque is not removed thoroughly, it can pass through the gums into the bloodstream, says Tommi Pätilä.

So how can you prevent this from happening?

– Brushing your teeth thoroughly and using dental floss or interdental brushes is the first step. You also need to visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly. And then use Lumoral. The treatment is preventive for everyone but is particularly important for those who have already had problems with tooth loss or gum inflammation, says Pätilä.

(This article is based on the writing of dentist Viktoria Ljutkina, published in the largest dental medicine periodical in Estonia, Ajakiri Hambaarst. Ljutkina works as a dentist at Läänemere Hambakliinikus dental clinic in Tallinn.)

Periodontitis is a common disease affecting an estimated 20–50% of the population. This severe oral condition originates in the gum tissue, and if left untreated, the inflammatory process spreads deeper, leading to tooth loss (1). Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease primarily caused by bacterial colonization in the oral cavity (2). Many risk factors, such as diabetes and smoking, contribute to the development of periodontitis and influence its prognosis.

The goal of periodontitis treatment is to eliminate factors promoting inflammation in the oral cavity and support the patient's immune system. Fundamental to gum disease treatment is meticulous oral hygiene, preventing the formation of new dental calculus and reducing the number of bacteria in the oral cavity, thereby promoting periodontitis healing (3). The effects of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) on oral diseases, including periodontitis and peri-implantitis, have been extensively studied, with substantial clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness.

The Lumoral oral care method, developed by Finnish scientists, is based on dual-light antibacterial therapy that can be administered at home. Lumoral's effects have been scientifically proven in various clinical studies. Regular use of Lumoral prevents tooth decay and significantly reduces the count of periodontal bacteria in the mouth (4).

Lumoral treatment relies on the administration of dual-light therapy through the Lumoral oral device – near-infrared light and antibacterial blue light. The near-infrared light has a wavelength of 810 nm, penetrating tissues up to 10 cm deep. Antibacterial blue light, with a wavelength of 410 nm, acts on inflammation-causing bacteria, slowing down their growth. When porphyrin molecules in the bacteria are exposed to specific wavelengths of light, they produce reactive oxygen species, which, in turn, kill the bacteria.

Lumoral is effective against harmful bacteria in the mouth

The Lumoral method includes a light source and a mouthwash. The photosensitive indocyanine green molecule in the Lumorinse mouthwash, in combination with the light source, achieves the desired therapeutic outcome. Indocyanine green (ICG) is water-soluble and highly light-absorbing. The dual light reacts with the ICG photosensitizer, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat, initiating a series of photochemical and biological processes that destroy the bacterial cell membrane, thereby damaging the bacterial cell structure.

The body's immune cells use a similar method to protect against harmful pathogens. Pathogenic bacteria contain porphyrin and flavin molecules with photosensitive properties. Therefore, Lumoral mainly affects pathogenic bacteria.

The Lumoral method has proven to be highly effective against harmful bacteria, with no development of bacterial resistance even with repeated use (5). The largest European study on periodontitis demonstrates significant improvement in treatment outcomes when dental calculus is regularly removed from the mouth. Lumoral has been shown to help users achieve better oral hygiene, even after using the most modern and efficient electric toothbrushes, which can leave plaque on teeth. The study also indicates that Lumoral aids in achieving better oral hygiene.

In support of brushing and flossing

Lumoral does not replace the need for mechanical brushing and cleaning between teeth but helps further improve oral hygiene. Effectively, Lumoral can remove bacteria from the surfaces of teeth and even from the gumline, where access with a toothbrush may be challenging.

aPDT treatment has proven to be significantly more effective and better tolerated than commonly used chlorhexidine mouthwashes. Home use of Lumoral reduces gum inflammation and enhances oral hygiene. Effective oral hygiene also enhances the efficiency of periodontal treatment (6).

Periodontal treatment and improvement of oral hygiene are considered the gold standard in periodontitis treatment. However, some patients may not respond positively to treatment due to risk factors and/or systemic diseases.

Smoking is considered a major risk factor for gum diseases, negatively impacting both the course of the disease and treatment outcomes. Nicotine in tobacco products hinders the oral cavity's defense mechanisms, impedes the healing of periodontal tissues, and adversely affects tissue blood circulation. Changes in the oral microbiome also occur due to smoking, promoting the development of advanced periodontitis and poorer healing after treatment. Finding effective treatment for smoking patients with periodontitis is crucial because managing periodontitis based on the aforementioned biological processes poses a significant challenge for physicians (7).

Independent Lumoral study shows efficacy

I decided to try the Lumoral method at Läänemere Hambakliinikus dental clinic to improve oral hygiene in patients with periodontitis. Twelve smoking patients with generalized periodontitis at stage III, grade B, and without other chronic diseases were selected for the clinical study. Half of the patients received Lumoral photodynamic therapy 2–3 times a week for six months (recommended dose after periodontal treatment twice daily for four weeks). The remaining patients received traditional periodontal treatment only. The general treatment strategy was similar for all patients, including comprehensive diagnostics (periodontal condition, radiological diagnostics, anamnesis), non-surgical periodontal treatment, and periodontal follow-ups at two weeks, three months, and six months. During the control visits, patients' dental calculus was stained to check oral hygiene.

I noticed that patients using Lumoral in addition to traditional treatment showed better results in periodontal treatment outcomes (pocket depths, tooth mobility, BOP, VIP, SUP) and oral hygiene compared to those not using Lumoral as an oral hygiene aid. Based on my clinical experience, we can conclude that using the Lumoral method improves patients' oral hygiene and leads to more positive treatment outcomes. It is essential to use the device correctly and regularly following the dentist's recommendations.

References:

Petersen, P. E., Baehni, P. C. Periodontal health and global public health. Periodontol 2000. 2012 Oct; 60 (1): 7–14.

Bartold, P. M., Van Dyke, T. E. Periodontitis: a host-mediated disruption of microbial homeostasis. Unlearning learned concepts. Periodontol 2000. 2013 Jun; 62 (1): 203–17.

Greenstein, G. Research, Science and Therapy Committee of the American Academy of Periodontology. The Role of supra- and subgingival irrigation in the treatment of periodontal diseases. J Periodontol. 2005; 76: 2015–27.

Villafuerte, K. R., Martinez, C. J. H., Vieira, L. H. P., Nobre, A. V. Benefits of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in smokers with periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina 2023, 59 (4): 684.

Lähteenmäki, H., Pätilä, T., Räisänen, I. T., Kankuri, E., Tervahartiala, T., Sorsa, T. Repeated Homeapplied dual-light antibacterial photodynamis therapy can reduce

Finnish sprinting star Aino Pulkkinen (25) has successfully combined a rising athletic career with a profession as a dental nurse at a dental clinic in Jyväskylä, Finland. Balancing high-level sports and a day job is not always easy, but it's achievable with careful planning and strong support from her work team. 

Aino Pulkkinen, from Äänekoski, a small town in Central Finland, represents the Finnish sports team Jyväskylän Kenttäurheilijat and has been coached by Olympic Youth Coach in speed and power training Petteri Jouste since 2017. 

Pulkkinen has won numerous national-level medals and has represented Finland in several international competitions over the past few years. Currently, she holds the Finnish record in the 150-meter run, and last summer, she set records in each distance of 100m, 200m, and 400m. Her journey as a top athlete has been steadily progressing, and in the last two years, she has had the opportunity to represent Finland in international championships. 

— Last summer, I represented Finland in the European Championships, and this summer, I got to participate in the World Championships in Budapest. The World Championships were always a dream for me. The fact that I got to participate was a pleasant surprise. The competitions were fantastic and added more motivation to my training. Next year, there are again the Olympics and the European Championships, hints Pulkkinen. 

Sports from an Early Age 

Pulkkinen graduated as a dental nurse a year ago and has been working at the Oral Hammaslääkärit clinic in Jyväskylä since February. Working in the oral health service profession provides a suitable balance to the life of a competitive athlete—intense training sessions and the rigours of competitions. However, without her employer's flexibility, support, and encouragement, managing a day job and a tight training schedule would be impossible. 

— Work hours are always adjusted according to my training schedule, depending on whether the competition season is underway. Usually, I work at least a couple of shifts per week, but if training allows, I'm happy to take on more work shifts, says Pulkkinen. 

Pulkkinen has been involved in athletics since the age of four. Until the age of 17, she combined sprinting with long jump. For the past eight years, she has focused on running. Now, her goal is the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite the challenging qualification standards for the Olympics, Pulkkinen is motivated to do everything possible to secure her spot in an individual event or a relay race. 

— Last year, my coach and I found a training solution that works for me. It has already produced significant results, Pulkkinen said. 

She engages in 6 to 10 training sessions each week. 

— Currently, I have training sessions every day except Sunday. On workdays, if I have training, it's either after or before work. 

Setting an Example for Others 

Studies in dental nursing have brought oral health issues to Pulkkinen's attention in a new way. She is eager to share this newfound knowledge, especially concerning the benefits of the antibacterial Lumoral treatment, which she has become familiar with over the past year. 

— If there has ever been a bit of laziness in brushing teeth and cleaning between them, now I do it diligently. I remember to do it and understand its real significance, she says. 

She has also started raising awareness of the importance of oral health to overall health and athletic performance, especially within sports circles. This is supported by research, as high-performance sports is one of the significant risk factors for the onset of oral diseases. 

According to one study, cavities are found in up to 70 per cent of elite athletes, dental erosion in almost 40 per cent, and severe gum disease (periodontitis) in up to 15 per cent of individuals engaged in competitive sports (1). 

Several possible reasons exist for the increase in inflammatory oral diseases among elite athletes. Physical stress is one of the most significant factors. Intensive training increases the body's stress levels, directly affecting oral health and susceptibility to various gum diseases. 

Physical stress alters saliva composition during training and reduces its secretion. Frequent mouth breathing during training and dehydration further increase dryness in the mouth. According to Pulkkinen, all these factors expose teeth to cavities and dental erosion and contribute to the onset of inflammatory oral diseases. 

Considering What Goes into the Mouth 

Pulkkinen emphasizes the significant impact of diet on athletes' oral health. Rigorous training programs require regular eating, often supplemented with "sports nutrition" such as carbohydrate gels and bars consumed during training. This further stresses oral health by increasing the daily number of acid attacks in the mouth. Many athletes consume sports drinks, especially during intensive training and competitions. 

— At this point, being aware of the constant snacking and the impact of energy drinks on the mouth, it's a bit unpleasant to consume foods and beverages that are harmful to oral health. However, as an athlete, I need sufficient energy and hydration to run fast and achieve my personal best. 

— Thanks to my studies, I have reduced my use of sports drinks a lot, but during the summer, especially during the competition season, I increase their consumption to avoid muscle cramps or other harm to the body. At the same time, it's good to enhance the use of Lumoral and overall oral hygiene even more. 

Pulkkinen has been using the antibacterial teeth cleaning method since late autumn, and she has already noticed that the antibacterial oral care method brings a new level of cleanliness to her mouth after using the device. 

— I have noticed that tartar quickly accumulates on my teeth. I hope that Lumoral will also help with that aspect. On the other hand, when you drink coffee, it causes stains. I also believe that the device will help with that. 

— I have been using Lumoral for about a month, and it's easy to use. Especially when I eat a bit unhealthier food or consume sports drinks, I use the antibacterial teeth cleaning method. I just visited the dental hygienist to remove minor tartar and stains from my teeth, so I can now monitor how it helps maintain cleaner teeth!