Finnish health technology group Koite Health showcased its Lumoral method at the Igienista Dentale 3.0 (Dental Hygienist 3.0) congress held in Italy, Rome, on March 4, 2023. At the Lumoral stand company consultant Gianfranco Panzironi explained to a highly interested group of Italian and Spanish dental professionals how the antibacterial Lumoral method is designed to enhance oral home care for the prevention and treatment of gum diseases and dental caries.

As in other parts of the world, oral diseases are also common in Italy. Although awareness of periodontal disease has increased in the last years, about 60% of the Italian population suffers from gingivitis and periodontitis. Thus, there is a need to improve the dental hygiene habits of the people living in the country.

–The high number of dental implants placed in the mouths of Italians increases the risk of peri-implantitis because maintaining good oral hygiene continues to be problematic for patients. Regular dental hygiene sessions associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy fight and prevent oral diseases, Italian dental hygienist professional and Lumoral consultant Gianfranco Panzironi notes.

Panzironi, what did the dental experts visiting the Lumoral stand think about Lumoral?

– The Lumoral method has been a big surprise for everyone! As professionals, we are familiar with antibacterial photodynamic therapy and its benefits, but until now, we have only seen such technology used in dental clinics. Carrying home this kind of treatment is cutting edge in oral hygiene.

What is your personal view on Lumoral – How did you learn about the method?

– During my visit to IDS Cologne in September 2021, I saw the dual-light device and some green tablets on the desk of the Lumoral stand. Lumoral caught my eye immediately at the International Dental Show! As I had already used such technology in non-surgical periodontal therapy, I immediately understood the indications of using such an excellent tool. Furthermore, I was impressed by the highly professional and kind Lumoral staff I met at that congress. They offered me complete and competent information about the Lumoral method.

After being introduced to Lumoral, Panzironi wrote a scientific paper titled "Home photodynamic therapy as a means of prevention for biofilm control." In this article, he explores the role of dental plaque in causing oral problems and the benefits of Lumoral in preventing oral problems.

– Prevention is the pillar against oral diseases, and compliance with correct oral hygiene techniques is essential to preserve the normal microbiome and maintain the health of the oral cavity. Among the new technologies that allow the patient to control the biofilm comfortably and effectively, a device for the home application of antibacterial photodynamic therapy stands out, Panzironi explains.

Italy is an important market for Lumoral. Thus, the Igienista Dentale 3.0 congress was an important event for the company to attend.

– Koite Health aims to expand to some of the largest nations in the European Union as fast as possible. This way we can offer our European customers access to better oral hygiene. Through our expansion we seek to give patients who suffer from periodontitis a chance to stop the progression of the disease and to help tackle the ever-growing problem of peri-implantitis, notes Koite Health's Chief Commercial Officer Tero Pasanen.

–About 150 colleagues came to the Igienista Dentale 3.0 congress from different cities in Italy and Spain. The atmosphere was very friendly, because these are occasions for us to meet colleagues and share ideas and experiences about our profession. We had an exciting day at the event that will be remembered! concludes Panzironi.

The Oral Health Foundation calls for urgent action after a new report by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities highlights a “catastrophic rise in childhood tooth extractions”.

Figures released by the UK-based charity reveal an 83% increase in the number of 0-19 year-olds being admitted to hospital for tooth extractions under general anaesthetic, due to tooth decay. In total, there were 26,741 tooth extractions on 0–19-year-olds, due to tooth decay between 2021-2022.

According to the report, there are large disparities between areas of the country, for example, Yorkshire and the Humber rates are over five times that of the East Midlands.

The charity believes more education and funding are needed, as well as improved awareness about tooth decay so it can be prevented. 

– It is unfair and unjust for even one child to experience dental disease and pain, let alone thousands, Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation said on the foundation’s website.

– Only 10% of the country has fluoride added to their water, so expanding water fluoridation schemes could help to reduce these disparities in all areas of the UK. Water fluoridation is one of the single most credible and impactful schemes that can have a significant impact on tooth decay.

– The data on children’s general anaesthetic, hospital extractions in non-fluoridated areas versus fluoridated areas is staggering – in fluoridated areas, hospital admissions fall by as much as 68%.

According to the report caries-related tooth extraction rate for children and young people living in the most deprived areas is nearly 3.5 times that of those living in the most affluent areas.

– These figures continue to suggest that the UK is turning into a postcode lottery when it comes to dental access, Dr Carter said in the article.

The differences have been increasingly apparent as NHS dentistry is put under more stress, Dr Carter notes.

– Less NHS dentists, rising populations and dental teams combined with an NHS dental contract that does not work have certainly not helped the situation around the UK.

Tooth removals during childhood cause problems later in in life

The Oral Health Foundation says the number of children and young adults having teeth removed in hospitals is unacceptable. The charity is concerned that too many people believe that having ‘baby’ teeth removed early does not have a long-term impact on the ‘adult’ or permanent teeth.

– If the baby teeth have to be removed early due to decay, this can cause problems with the adult teeth, in the future, Dr Carter says.

– The baby teeth hold the space open for the permanent teeth to move into when they are ready. Without the baby teeth to keep these spaces, the adult teeth often come through in the wrong position. If this happens, the child will need to have orthodontic (braces) treatment, in the future.

Oral Health Foundation recommends brushing teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, using fluoride toothpaste. As children get older, they should start to clean in-between their teeth using interdental brushes, tape, or floss, once a day.

– Unless the proper steps are put in place to reduce the number of decay-related tooth extractions under general anaesthetic in hospitals, these numbers will continue to escalate and place a further strain on an already over-stretched NHS, adds Dr Carter. 

– The only way to reduce this burden is to educate all ages, on the causes of dental decay and how to prevent it, with a balanced, healthy diet that is low in sugar and maintain an effective dental hygiene routine at home, and keep an eye on their oral health by visiting their dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Source: https://www.dentalhealth.org/

Read more: Severe Dental Problems in Children on the Rise: Finnish Innovation Keeps Tooth Decay at Bay