The Finnish oral health innovation, Lumoral, will be presented at the upcoming Scandinavian Society of Periodontology (ScSP) Conference in Visby, Sweden, from August 22-25, 2024. This conference will focus on the latest developments in periodontal disease and treatments, with an emphasis on collaborative approaches in patient care.

At the event, key topics related to periodontology will be addressed, offering new insights for dental professionals, including specialists, general dentists, and dental hygienists. Koite Health Ltd, the Finnish health tech company behind Lumoral, will showcase how the antibacterial device is transforming preventive dental care across Europe and Asia.

About Lumoral

Lumoral is an oral health device utilizing dual light therapy, intended for use alongside regular tooth brushing. It is especially beneficial for individuals with periodontitis or those at risk for cavities, providing a scientifically proven antibacterial effect. Lumoral is a Class II medical device and CE-certified.

Conference Highlights

The ScSP Conference will feature a keynote from Professor Moritz Kebschull on advancements in periodontal classification and treatment guidelines. Professor Kajsa Henning Abrahamsson will present strategies for enhancing patient motivation, a critical component of effective periodontal care. The event will also spotlight young researchers, exploring topics like the connection between periodontal health and cognitive decline in dementia patients.

The second day will focus on regional trends in periodontal disease. Presentations by Associate Professors Shariel Sayardoust and Christian Damgaard will offer insights into the latest data from Sweden and Denmark, respectively. Additionally, Professor Charlota Pisinger will discuss the impact of new nicotine products on oral health and provide guidance for healthcare professionals in helping patients quit.

Lumoral’s Growing Research Base

Lumoral’s antibacterial technology has garnered academic interest, with 11 ongoing clinical studies across Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Lithuania. These studies cover various topics, including periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and orthodontic care.

"We are honored to participate in the Scandinavian Society of Periodontology Conference, reinforcing our commitment to advancing periodontal care. We look forward to engaging with experts and sharing insights on how Lumoral can complement dental professionals’ efforts," said Mrs. Helen Huttunen, responsible for Lumoral sales in Sweden.

The Scandinavian Society of Periodontology

With over 150 members, the ScSP promotes the development of periodontology across the Nordic countries. It supports ongoing education and fosters collaboration among Scandinavian periodontists while maintaining traditional values.

Finnish health technology company Koite Health Oy has signed a distribution agreement with Polish company HealthHub Pharma for its Lumoral oral health enhancing method. The partnership, which commenced in June 2024, will introduce the innovative Lumoral technology to the Polish market, which has around 40 million residents. The target audience includes health-conscious consumers, dental professionals, and dental clinics.

HealthHub Pharma is known for distributing and marketing innovative medical products in Poland. Wojciech Ślusarczyk, the company’s Business Development Manager, commented, "Lumoral is a valuable addition to our product range, marking our shift towards innovative and preventive dental therapies. The clinical background of Lumoral distinguishes it from other medical-grade dental products on the market."

Lumoral utilizes light-activated antibacterial technology to enhance oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. Designed for home use, Lumoral helps reduce bacterial load in the mouth, slow plaque formation, and improve overall oral health. The product’s clinical validation ensures its effectiveness in maintaining oral health and preventing and treating common oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities.

Market Trends Support Lumoral Demand

According to Ślusarczyk, Poland's dental market is shifting towards preventive oral care, following the examples of Nordic countries and other Western nations, which could boost Lumoral’s sales.

"With 96% of the population suffering from tooth decay and up to 70% experiencing gum diseases, Lumoral has a significant opportunity. Our target groups include private dental practices, medical supply stores, wholesalers, and pharmacies. We are committed to excellent customer service and our customers can also order the Lumoral product directly from the www.lumoral.pl website."

Ślusarczyk outlined the company’s marketing strategy: "We are reaching out to dental practices, collaborating with wholesalers, and utilizing social media. Our marketing program, which includes offering free samples to clinics, is designed to gather feedback and build long-term relationships. We will also be participating in a number of notable dental trade fairs, including the prominent Krakdent fair that will take place in Kraków next April."

He added, "Although some professionals may be cautious about new technologies, we have not received negative feedback. We are also looking forward to the launch of Lumoral’s clinical device, which will enable its use as an adjunctive tool in dental practices. We strongly highlight six flagship indications of Lumoral (periodontitis, gingivitis, caries, orthodontics, implant health and halitosis, in which we would like to present our crucial supportive role of this medical device.”

Ślusarczyk also mentioned that Lumoral Junior, a version designed for children, will be available in the Polish market. Lumoral Junior is suitable for children aged 4–12, and children over 12 can switch to the adult Lumoral device. "We believe Lumoral Junior is a significant addition to the market and reflects our comprehensive approach to preventive dental care."

Broad Health Benefits of Lumoral

Ślusarczyk emphasized Lumoral's broader health benefits: "Oral health significantly impacts overall health, including diabetes management. Our goal is to enhance the understanding and prevention of oral diseases by providing innovative products like Lumoral."

The future of preventive dental care in Poland looks promising and Koite Health’s innovative Lumoral device addresses the needs of this evolving market, Ślusarczyk said.

Ślusarczyk explained: "Patient access to preventive care is likely to improve, potentially reducing the prevalence of oral diseases. This is crucial as over 96% of the population suffers from tooth decay."

Lumoral is user-friendly and designed for home use, fitting well with the growing trend of at-home preventive care. " Lumoral allows patients to take care of their own oral health and support dentists in their medical management, maintaining patients' good health during the treatment period," Ślusarczyk emphasized.

He also noted recent regulatory changes in Poland’s dental market, which could accelerate the shift towards preventive oral care by dental hygienists in Poland also creates opportunities for Lumoral. "Lumoral could be a valuable tool also for dental hygienists, helping them provide high-quality preventive care to their patients," Ślusarczyk noted.

"We are optimistic about Lumoral’s future in Poland, where the market is ripe for innovative solutions that can advance preventive care," Ślusarczyk concluded.

  "Our goal is to enhance the understanding and prevention of oral diseases by providing innovative products like Lumoral, " says Wojciech Ślusarczyk, Business Development Manager at HealthHub Pharma.

Those who play sports are at greater risk of dental diseases such as caries and periodontitis. Therefore, taking care of your oral health is particularly important because problems can also affect athletic performance.

Life as an athlete has many health benefits but can also have negative consequences. One is that those who play sports at a high level are more likely to have caries and inflammation of the gums, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

There are several reasons for this. People who train hard need to eat more often, which strains the teeth. It is also not uncommon to need extra energy during training sessions, and many energy supplements, such as energy bars and drinks, are high in sugar.

Intense exercise also involves a high heart rate and intense breathing, often through the mouth. This reduces saliva production, making it easier for bacteria to attach to teeth.

Studies have shown that among athletes, as many as around 70% have caries, and 15% have periodontitis or tooth loss.

Oral bacteria migrate elsewhere to the body

Annimari Korte is a hurdler who has represented Finland in both the World Championships and the Olympics. She previously held the Finnish record in the 100-metre hurdles.

- It is well known that elite athletes are at greater risk of dental disease. The symptoms themselves can be troublesome and make training complex, but they can also affect the body physically in a negative way that reduces performance, she says.

For example, the link between more severe dental disease and cardiovascular disease is well documented. Studies have shown, for example, that people with periodontitis, i.e. 28 per cent more likely to have a first heart attack. And the symptoms are not always visible.

- The harmful bacteria in our mouths can travel through the inflamed gums and into the bloodstream. When the body's immune system recognises the dangerous bacteria, the reaction results in an inflammation process to fight the bacteria. The result can be, for example, an infection of the heart valves or inflammation of the heart vessels, says Tommi Pätilä, cardiac surgeon and founder of Koite Health.

Light-activated therapy is essential for a healthy mouth

Exercising hard with low-grade inflammation in the body can involve significant risks. This is one reason why high-level athletes need to monitor their oral health.

- Because many oral conditions that can be detrimental to elite athletes are asymptomatic, it is essential to visit the dentist or dental hygienist frequently. This way, you can detect problems in time, says Annimari Korte.

To prevent oral infections and dental diseases, the most important thing to do is to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Taking some form of fluoride treatment daily is also a good tip.

Manual toothbrushing is not, however, perfect—studies have shown that it only removes 65 per cent of the harmful bacteria on your teeth—it can be helpful to use a supplement, such as Lumoral therapy. Lumoral uses a patented light-activated therapy that removes 99.9% of the harmful bacteria on the tooth surface.

- I have been using Lumoral for a year and a half now, and my gums are in much better shape today. They no longer bleed when I clean between my teeth, and I have not had a cold since then. This has allowed me to train very effectively, and recently, I did my fastest time in three years, 12.83 seconds, says Annimari Korte.

Lumoral

The Lumoral method removes microscopic plaque from the teeth and gums' surface, slowing down the formation of new plaque and tartar. Its effect is based on the light-activated Lumorinse mouthwash. The treatment targets its antibacterial effect only on plaque and thus favours the normal bacterial flora in the mouth. Lumoral is a CE-marked medical device.

Lumoral consists of a mint-flavoured mouth rinse, Lumorinse, which is combined with the special mouthpiece. Using a method resembling photosynthesis, the treatment eliminates the ability of plaque to adhere to its substrate, which means that the teeth are cleaned, and the tooth surface becomes smooth.

The treatment, which can be performed at home, takes 10 minutes and is recommended once or twice a week.

Lumoral Junior

For children, there is Lumoral Junior, which includes a mouthpiece adapted for children's needs.

It is suitable for children between 4 and 12 years old. From the age of 12, children can usually switch to using a Lumoral mouthpiece, which is ideal for adults. To use Lumoral, the child should be able to rinse their mouth with mouthwash.