Finnish health tech company Koite Health has signed a distribution agreement with Megagen Iberia, a major player in Spain's dental industry. This partnership aims to revolutionize oral health care by offering the innovative Lumoral treatment for patients nationwide. For Koite, the Spanish market represents a key milestone in Europe, providing significant growth potential and opening doors to other Spanish-speaking markets.

MegaGen Iberia is the Spanish division of global dental implant leader MegaGen, known for its innovative solutions like the AnyRidge implant system. With a strong presence in Spain’s growing dental implant market, MegaGen Iberia provides advanced products and offers extensive training and support for dental professionals. Their partnership with Koite Health to distribute Lumoral, demonstrates their focus on enhancing patient care.

In an interview, Enrique García Estrada, General Manager of Megagen Iberia, shares his insights on the collaboration and what it means for the Spanish dental market.

Why is Koite Health (Lumoral) a good partner for your company?

"At Megagen, innovation is at the core of everything we do. We continuously seek cutting-edge solutions that align with our commitment to enhancing dental care. From the outset, we were captivated by Lumoral’s revolutionary approach to oral health. This device not only targets oral hygiene but also allows us to engage more closely with patients, offering them an innovative way to maintain their implants at home. Lumoral's unique proposition fits perfectly within our portfolio of advanced dental solutions."

What do you expect this collaboration to bring to Megagen Iberia, the Spanish dental market, and implant patients?

"Through this partnership, we expect to provide both dental professionals and patients with a transformative tool that elevates oral care standards. Lumoral's ability to reduce bacterial plaque and maintain oral flora is particularly beneficial for implant patients, who need to safeguard their oral hygiene to prevent complications like peri-implantitis. We believe this collaboration will strengthen our position in the market by offering a solution that brings innovation directly into patients’ homes."

Dental Implants in Spain – Market Growth and Demand Drivers

Spain is one of the global leaders in dental implant procedures. Over recent decades, implants have become a popular solution for tooth replacement due to their aesthetic and functional benefits. The market is growing, driven by an aging population that needs long-term dental solutions, a focus on aesthetics, increasing oral health awareness, and technological advancements. Innovations in new materials used in dentistry, 3D imaging, and digital workflows have made implant procedures more efficient and accessible, further boosting demand and expanding the market.

"The market is growing at a steady pace," explains García Estrada. "With an aging population, there is increasing demand for implant-prosthetic rehabilitations, driven by a need for functional and aesthetic solutions. In 2023 alone, Spain recorded the sale of 1.8 million dental implants. While aging is a primary driver, factors such as rising oral health awareness and improvements in implant technology are contributing to this growth."

The Role of Oral Care in the Stability of Dental Implants

Thorough oral hygiene is crucial for implant stability. Dental implant failures can occur for various reasons, affecting both the short-term success of the procedure and long-term stability. Dental implants are not free from the risk of gum infections. Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding the implant, leading to bone loss and implant instability – possibly loss of it. It is often caused by bacterial buildup due to poor oral hygiene. If this dental plaque is not treated, it can result in implant failure.

According to García Estrada, "Studies show that 10-15% of dental implants fail due to poor oral hygiene. Post-implantation care is essential to minimize complications like peri-implantitis, a condition that can lead to implant failure. Devices like Lumoral are game changers, offering patients a preventive solution they can use at home to maintain their implants in optimal condition."

Peri-implantitis: A Growing Concern

"Peri-implantitis affects about 20-30% of dental implant patients," says García Estrada. "This inflammation around the implant can lead to bone loss and eventual failure if not properly managed. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and a history of periodontal disease. It is critical to manage this condition proactively, and Lumoral’s technology offers a promising solution to reduce these risks."

García Estrada sees Lumoral as an essential tool for implant patients. "The ability to reduce bacterial plaque and maintain oral health at home will give both patients and dentists greater peace of mind. Lumoral complements professional care, allowing dentists to focus on delivering more advanced treatments while patients can take a more active role in their daily oral hygiene. I believe dentists should consider offering Lumoral to all implant patients as part of their aftercare to prevent complications like peri-implantitis."

When asked about the consumer groups who will benefit most from Lumoral, Estrada highlights a broad potential audience. "While Lumoral can benefit people of all ages, we anticipate higher adoption among middle-aged and younger adults who are more likely to understand and consistently use the technology. Athletes, elderly individuals with implants, and those who are more proactive about their oral health are key target groups."

Current Oral Health Concerns in Spain: Can Lumoral Make a Difference?

Garcia Estrada continues that Spain faces significant oral health challenges, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, and the growing prevalence of peri-implantitis. Periodontitis alone affects a substantial portion of the adult population.

“Lumoral has the potential to be a game-changer, offering a solution that directly tackles the bacterial plaque that leads to these conditions. If we can integrate Lumoral into daily oral care, it could play a pivotal role in improving oral health outcomes across the country."

Introducing Lumoral at Industry Events

Megagen Iberia plans to officially launch the innovative Lumoral technology at the upcoming MINEC Summit 2025, a major scientific congress where the company is a main sponsor. The event will take place in Madrid, Spain, on January 31 and February 1, 2025.

"We’ll be showcasing Lumoral to both dental professionals and consumers. For dentists, Lumoral offers an advanced tool to enhance patient care, particularly in preventing peri-implant complications. For consumers, it is an accessible at-home solution that supports deeper oral hygiene. By targeting both groups, we aim to achieve widespread adoption and a significant impact on oral health."

“This strategic partnership between Koite Health and Megagen Iberia is set to usher in a new era of oral care in Spain, with Lumoral leading the way in improving dental health, particularly for implant patients,” says Koite Health CFO Tero Pasanen.

“We see the Spanish market as an important milestone for us in the European market, providing significant growth potential for Lumoral. The Spanish market also opens doors to other Spanish-speaking markets, outside of Europe,” Pasanen adds.

Lumoral is an innovative antibacterial treatment developed by Finnish scientists to enhance oral hygiene, complementing traditional methods like brushing and flossing rather than replacing them. It utilizes light activation along with a specialized Lumorinse mouth rinse to effectively target harmful plaque bacteria while remaining gentle on the oral flora. Lumoral is especially beneficial for individuals who may struggle with conventional oral care methods, providing an effective adjunctive therapy for maintaining oral health and preventing infections.

Finnish health technology company Koite Health Oy has signed a Lumoral distribution agreement with ProImplant OÜ, an Estonian company that specializes in supplying dental surgeons and implantologists with top-quality implantology and tooth restoration solutions. In addition to operating in Estonia, ProImplant has also been active in the Latvian market since 2020, expanding availability of antibacterial Lumoral across an even broader region.

“Our company leverages cutting-edge technology and research to provide high-quality dental products that meet the needs of dental professionals and their patients. In addition to our operations in Estonia, we also have a dedicated team in Riga and a website for our Latvian operations at proimplant.lv,” says Kait Karu, General Manager at ProImplant.

Karu says that ProImplant also offers training and support for dental professionals. These include workshops, seminars, and online resources to ensure practitioners are well-informed about the latest techniques and products – including antibacterial Lumoral therapy.

“Adding the antibacterial Lumoral treatment to our product portfolio aligns perfectly with our strategy of providing innovative solutions to dental professionals. The inclusion of Lumoral enhances our offering by addressing critical aspects of oral health—bacterial control and preventative oral care —both of which are essential also to dental surgery and implantology,” says Karu.

Karu explains further that by incorporating antibacterial treatment to their offering, ProImplant can help dental specialists in the Baltic countries improve patient outcomes, reduce the risk of postoperative infections, and support long-term oral health.

“This addition not only raises the standard of care but also differentiates ProImplant as a provider of cutting-edge, scientifically proven solutions. Furthermore, as the demand for advanced infection control methods is expected to increase, offering Lumoral helps us stay ahead in a competitive market,” Karu says.

Antibacterial Lumoral treatment benefits both patients and dental specialists by enhancing bacterial control, improving oral health by managing dental plaque buildup. Regular Lumoral treatment is ideal for patients prone to cavities, with gum disease, dental implants, or fixed braces. It is a non-invasive and convenient at-home treatment that complements professional care and is meant as an adjunctive therapy to traditional oral hygiene – brushing and flossing. 

“Our company leverages cutting-edge technology and research to provide high-quality dental products that meet the needs of dental professionals and their patients,” says Kait Karu, General Manager at ProImplant.

Dental products in high demand 

Karu anticipates strong demand for Lumoral in the Estonian and Latvian markets, driven by growing interest in advanced oral hygiene solutions. Despite Estonia’s relatively small population of 1.3 million, the country boasts one dentist per 1,000 inhabitants, exceeding the European average. With around 450 dental clinics in the country, clinical data also shows that every second Estonian suffers from gum disease. In Latvia, with a population of 1.8 million, there are approximately 0.72 dentists per 1,000 people (OECD). 

According to market research firm Statista, the dental devices market in the Baltics is set for substantial growth. Statista projects that revenue in the sector will reach US$49.12 million in 2024, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.11% through 2029, by which time the market is expected to expand to US$75.95 million.

“There is an increasing demand for oral hygiene solutions due to two main factors. Firstly, the aging population is growing, leading to more individuals retaining their natural teeth for a longer duration. Secondly, the rise in the number of dental implants necessitates exceptional hygiene to ensure their long-term success. Consequently, the heightened awareness of preventive oral health practices is anticipated to further boost demand for innovative hygiene methods like Lumoral,” Karu notes.

Tero Pasanen, Commercial Director of Koite Health Oy, is pleased with the Finnish company’s new Lumoral distribution partner. With projected revenue increases and a healthy growth rate, these markets are expected to play a noteworthy role in the broader global dental industry. 

"We see a very high potential for Lumoral in the Baltic countries – Estonia and Latvia. The demand for innovative oral health solutions is growing rapidly in this region, and we believe that Lumoral interests many health-conscious people in the region. For us, entering the Latvian market is particularly promising because it is a new market for use and due to the increasing awareness around preventive healthcare in the country,” Pasanen explains.

Sources:

1.     https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/medical-technology/medical-devices/dental-devices/baltics
2.       https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/

World Heart Day, launched by the World Heart Federation (WHF), is celebrated each year on the 29th of September. The global event aims to raise awareness and encourage action for heart health.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the Western world. The most common cardiovascular diseases are coronary heart disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disorders. More than 20.5 million people die from these diseases each year. Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels, leading to severe and possibly even fatal complications. However, the WHF estimates that 80% of premature deaths from the disease are preventable (1).

– By making small changes to our lifestyles, we can better manage our heart health and beat cardiovascular disease, the WHF encourages.

Such changes include actions that help improve oral health. Good oral hygiene is more than just a beautiful smile. It is essential to look after your teeth and mouth because even seemingly harmless oral conditions can put you at risk of serious diseases.

Oral pathogens are not limited to the mouth

Tommi Pätilä, a cardiac and transplant surgeon at the New Children’s Hospital (HUS), stresses that a healthy heart requires a healthy mouth and thorough daily oral hygiene. Oral biofilm bacteria are the cause of 95 percent of dental diseases.

– Simple measures such as regular brushing and cleaning of the interdental spaces and regular dental check-ups can help prevent the onset of gum disease and, at the same time, minimise the risk of bacteria or their structures in the mouth entering the bloodstream and spreading to the rest of the body, says Pätilä.

Even chewing food can spread bacteria or parts of bacteria that cause oral infections to the rest of the body through infected gums. This results in a persistent inflammatory condition within the body, which may subsequently give rise to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, Pätilä notes. 

– On the other hand, sudden problems occur when live bacteria infect the heart valves, Pätilä continues.

In 2016, Pätilä operated on a severe bacterial heart valve infection and was motivated to make a difference in oral health. 

– It turned out that the cause of the patient’s severe heart infection was bacteria from the mouth. At that point, I knew something had to be done to combat the residual plaque that causes disease and plagues in peoples’ mouths despite brushing and flossing.

Pätilä is one of three Finnish researchers who have developed the antibacterial Lumoral method. Lumoral is a patented medical device that treats and prevents oral diseases at home. The Lumoral treatment can remove 99.99% of plaque bacteria from the tooth surface (2).

Prevention and early diagnosis pays off

– In contrast to commonly held beliefs, a toothbrush is only capable of eliminating approximately 60% of oral biofilm. It's no surprise then that cavities and gingivitis stand as the most prevalent diseases worldwide. If we want to improve oral health outcomes, we need to tackle the plaque left behind by tooth brushing, says Timo Sorsa, Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases at the University of Helsinki.

In Finland, it is estimated that up to two out of three people over 30 suffer from periodontitis. This common gum disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated – but it is also linked to severe heart events. According to a study, individuals with periodontal disease are 30% more likely to experience a first heart attack compared to their healthy counterparts of the same age (3).

According to another study published in the Journal of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease were almost twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) than those with healthy gums (4). 

Meanwhile, a 2020 European Journal of Preventive Cardiology report found that poor oral health was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those with gum disease (5).

Professor Sorsa stresses that periodontal disease prevention is vital to maintaining a patient’s oral and overall health.

– Untreated periodontitis leads to low-grade inflammation that affects the whole body, contributing to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and potentially even cancer.

Periodontitis revealed in minutes

According to Professor Sorsa, in the long term, the prevention and rapid diagnosis of periodontal disease benefit the patient, public health, and the economy. This is also possible with the new modern diagnostic and treatment methods available that are revolutionising the whole field of dentistry.

Professor Sorsa’s extensive research career has long focused on developing an immunological rapid test for active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8). The quick test can detect whether a person’s gum tissue is undergoing periodontal breakdown before it is visually apparent. 

The test can be performed by a healthcare professional or the consumer independently at home – similar to the COVID-19 antigen test or the traditional rapid pregnancy test (6).

–The aMMP-8 rapid test can measure and assess active periodontal adhesive tissue loss and the risk of its progression within five minutes in the dental chair non-invasively, i.e. without disturbing the tissue under examination. The test complements the diagnosis, follow-up, and maintenance treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, says Professor Sorsa.

When discussing new treatment methods and prevention of periodontitis, he highlights Lumoral therapy. He calls Lumoral a drug-free alternative for treating and preventing severe gum disease. 

– Lumoral enhances the effect of the toothbrush, and studies show that it also significantly improves the results of professional oral care. At the same time, the device can potentially reduce the need to use drugs traditionally used to treat gum disease, such as antibiotics and chlorhexidine.

Based on photodynamic therapy, a light-activated antibacterial effect, Lumoral slows down plaque formation and significantly reduces the burden of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The product’s user profile is suitable for all ages, but it is particularly recommended for those with a history of problems with common oral diseases, tooth decay, and gum disease (2).

References:

1. https://world-heart-federation.org/news/deaths-from-cardiovascular-disease-surged-60-globally-over-the-last-30-years-report/
2. Pakarinen, S., Saarela, R. K. T., Välimaa, H., Heikkinen, A. M., Kankuri, E., Noponen, M., Alapulli, H., Tervahartiala, T., Räisänen, I. T., Sorsa, T., & Pätilä, T. (2022). Home-Applied Dual-Light Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Stable Chronic Periodontitis (HOPE-CP) Three-Month Interim Results. Dentistry Journal, 10(11), [206]. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10110206
3. Rydén L, Buhlin K, Ekstrand E, de Faire U, Gustafsson A, Holmer J, Kjellström B, Lindahl B, Norhammar A, Nygren Å, Näsman P, Rathnayake N, Svenungsson E, Klinge B: Periodontitis Increases the Risk of a First Myocardial Infarction. A Report From the PAROKRANK Study. 13.1.2016 Circulation. 2016;133:576–583 https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.020324
4. Nesarhoseini V, Khosravi M. Periodontitis as a risk factor in non-diabetic patients with coronary artery disease. ARYA Atheroscler. 2010 Fall;6(3):106-11. PMID: 22577425; PMCID: PMC3347825.
5. Pirkko J Pussinen, Eija Könönen, Oral health: A modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases or a confounded association?, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, Volume 23, Issue 8, 1 May 2016, Pages 834–838, https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487316636506
6. Sorsa, T., Lähteenmäki, H., Pärnänen, P., Tervahartiala, T., Mäkitie, A. Pätilä, T. &   Räisänen, I. T., (2022). Aktiivisen MMP-8:n vieritestaus ja pikadiagnostiikka, Suomen Hammaslääkärilehti 2022; 14: 26–33.