In the field of dental care, changes are constant as fresh ideas shape the industry. A recent collaboration agreement between Finland’s Koite Health Ltd and Trading Co., Ltd. from Thailand is set to revolutionize dental care standards by introducing innovative light-activated technology to the country.

Founded in 2017, Innodent has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge dental solutions to Thailand's healthcare sector. Driven by a commitment to leverage the latest advancements in high-tech solutions, the company aims to provide the most innovative technologies to the dental industry. This strategic vision led to a partnership with Koite Health, and the introduction of Lumoral, a Finnish med-tech innovation, to the dental market in Thailand.

– The introduction of Lumoral to Innodent's product portfolio was the result of a personal recommendation from Dr. Hildebrand, a renowned maxillofacial surgeon from Berlin. Dr. Hildebrand's successful clinical experiences with Lumoral convinced the team at Innodent to explore this revolutionary technology further, explains Thomas Constantin, CEO and owner of Innodent Trading Co., Ltd.

Lumoral: an innovative personal healthcare device

So, what exactly is Lumoral, and how does it work? Mr. Constantin reminds that the close link between oral bacteria and overall health and well-being is an important factor that sparked interest in the Finnish oral health-enhancing innovation in the first place.

– Oral bacteria can cause dental caries and bad breath but there can also be more severe secondary effects such as cardiovascular diseases, dementia, psoriasis and many more. Overall health starts with a healthy mouth. It is therefore important to regularly clean the mouth thoroughly.

Lumoral is an innovative personal healthcare device designed to remove 99.9% of harmful oral bacteria while preserving the healthy mouth flora. Traditional oral hygiene methods can only remove approximately 60% of bacteria, leaving behind a significant risk of oral health issues, Thomas explains.

Lumoral's advanced technology utilizes color molecules in its Lumorinse mouth rinse, which adhere to harmful oral bacteria attached to teeth surfaces and gum tissue in the mouth. Subsequently, the light emitted by the mouthpiece reacts with the green sensitizer, effectively breaking down the cell membrane of bacteria and destroying them both from inside and outside. This method ensures the eradication of harmful bacteria without the risk of resistance development.

Long-term benefits for implant patients

The addition of Lumoral to Innodent's product portfolio aligns with the company’s focus on dental implantology, with a specialization in ceramic implants. While the industry predominantly utilizes titanium implants, scientific evidence suggests a significant risk of peri-implantitis, an inflammation of the tissues surrounding these metal implants, over time.

– Lumoral presents a solution to mitigate this risk, offering long-term benefits for implant patients, Constantin says.

Furthermore, Lumoral's versatility extends beyond implant care, offering benefits for individuals with various oral health concerns, including chronic bad breath, gum disease, and orthodontic patients wearing braces or clear aligners.

– This accessibility makes Lumoral an invaluable addition to Innodent's offerings, catering to a diverse range of dental needs in Thailand.

– The great advantage of Lumoral however, is that everyone benefits from removing harmful oral bacteria. Whether you are wearing braces or clear aligners, suffer from chronic bad breath, gum disease or simply want to have a perfectly clean and healthy mouth, Lumoral is your solution.

Promising prospects for both companies

The collaboration between Koite Health and Innodent holds promising prospects for both companies and dental patients in Thailand. Mr. Constantin says that for Innodent, this partnership marks a significant expansion into the business-to-consumer (B2C) market, enabling the company to reach individual consumers through online channels like their dedicated webshop.

– This shift opens new avenues for marketing and sales, enhancing accessibility to innovative dental solutions for patients across the country. Ultimately, the collaboration aims to raise awareness about oral health and its crucial role in overall well-being among the Thai population.

– By introducing Lumoral's advanced technology to the market, Koite Health and Innodent are paving the way for a new era of dental care in Thailand, one that prioritizes prevention, innovation, and improved patient outcomes.

Annimari Korte (35) is renowned for her sports track achievements and extensive sports career. However, many may need to realize that she is also a passionate advocate for oral health within and beyond the athletic arena. While a recent ADHD diagnosis may have come as a surprise in her life, for Korte, it brought a sense of relief.

Annimari is one of the fastest Finnish 100-meter hurdle runners ever and has represented Finland in several major competitions. Although she has decided to end her competitive career after this season, her goals remain high.

"The European Championships in early June are one of my main goals. I already reached the qualifying time last summer, so I don't need to chase any more limits, but I need to be in top shape by May," she says.

Annimari must meet the qualifying time to qualify for the Olympics or be ranked high enough by the end of June.

"It would be great to end my career at another Olympics. For most individual athletes in the world, competing in the Olympics is their biggest dream. It was a dream come true for me, too."

Elite Sports Challenge Oral Health

Success as a top athlete has not been a given for Korte. Illness forced her to even give up competitive sports from 2012 to 2017. It could be due to these setbacks that supporting overall health and oral well-being has always played an important role in her life.

Annimari points out that elite sports are one of the significant risk factors for oral diseases. According to one study, cavities are found in up to 70 per cent of elite athletes, tooth erosion in nearly 40 per cent, and severe gum disease in up to 15 per cent of dedicated athletes. (1)

"Athletes, in addition to their bodies, often put their teeth under strain because rigorous training requires sufficient energy intake. This can be reflected in the frequency of meals and acid attacks formed in the mouth," says Annimari.

Heavy breathing during intense training reduces saliva production in the mouth, causing dryness in the athlete's mouth. Saliva naturally provides good protection for teeth. When this is no longer the case, bacteria in the mouth can form cavities.

Annimari uses the Finnish researchers' developed light-activated Lumoral treatment as part of her regular oral hygiene routine.

"It's great that a device has been invented to help maintain oral health. Many don't realize how much oral health affects overall health and sports performance - including athletic performance," she says.

Annimari admits that training and top-level competition are much more challenging as one ages. Few over 30 can compete or train without any injuries, and dealing with them requires more effort than when younger. That's why taking care of health and healthy habits has been essential to her.

"Recovery is slower, and you can't train as much. It takes more time to recover from competitions and travel. So, you must try to eliminate all the extra stresses from training and focus only on the essential things. Experience, of course, brings the advantage of knowing what kind of training works for you and being able to train accordingly."

Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Studies show that a long-standing infection in the mouth can cause low-grade inflammation in the body. Low-grade inflammation, in turn, has harmful effects on overall health. The inflammation can be present in the body without one being aware.

Annimari has noticed that her gum problems have eased since starting Lumoral use. This has been particularly important to her as a competitive athlete, as gum inflammation can maintain a mild inflammatory state in the body, adversely affecting overall health and thus also the progress of training.

Visible improvements in oral health have motivated Annimari to use Lumoral regularly for about a year and a half now.

"After starting to use Lumoral, I noticed that my gums no longer bleed when cleaning between my teeth. This has been a significant improvement compared to the initial situation. I've been using Lumoral since the beginning of last year, and I haven't even had a cold since. Last spring, I was able to train so well and healthily that I ran 12.83, which was my best time in three years!"

Annimari's oral hygiene routine includes daily mechanical brushing, cleaning between her teeth, and regular Lumoral treatment. (2, 3, 4)

If there's ever been a lapse in my Lumoral usage, I've observed my gums beginning to ache, signaling a potential recurrence of gum inflammation. Recognizing this, I promptly resume Lumoral treatment, and remarkably, after just one session, my gum condition improves."

Life Beyond the Racetracks

Annimari is ending her competitive career after this season. What thoughts does the decision to end her racing career evoke in her?

"For someone like me, it's probably unusually easy to end a top athlete career, as I've done it once for several years. Many people experience a crisis when their sports career ends, but I'm looking forward to enjoying normal life more and starting proper training with my dogs," says Annimari.

Sport has always been Annimari's passion and way of life, but now she looks forward to new adventures and opportunities. As early as next autumn, she plans to compete in sled dog racing with her Siberian husky, Cairo.

Last September, the sprint hurdler received confirmation of ADHD, a condition she had suspected for a long time. Getting the diagnosis was a relief to her because it explained many things in her life.

"I had considered the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis three years ago, but it slipped my mind afterwards. Even last winter, I mentioned it aloud once. These are typical symptoms of ADHD; thoughts and plans often fade into oblivion or are easily forgotten."

"The diagnosis was a big relief and explained many events, problems, and accidents in life."

Korte's openness about her ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life is essential in fighting stigma and supporting others in similar situations. She now wants to encourage everyone concerned about their health to seek help if necessary.

"While ADHD certainly has its drawbacks, it can also be a significant advantage as an athlete. ADHD includes hyperfocus, where something interesting makes everything else forgotten, and everything can be focused on that one thing. For me, this has been hurdle running."

"ADHD doesn't prevent success, but it certainly helps when you find your own thing. I would encourage young people with ADHD to try out many different hobbies, where they can find their interests and utilize this hyperfocus."

Sources:

Merle CL, Wuestenfeld JC, Fenkse F, Wolfarth B, Haak R, Schmalz G, Ziebolz D. The Significance of Oral Inflammation in Elite Sports: A Narrative Review. Sports Med Int Open. 2022 Dec 25;6(2):E69-E79. doi: 10.1055/a-1964-8538. PMID: 36643596; PMCID: PMC9839431.

Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, Heikkinen AM, Kankuri E, Noponen M, Alapulli H, Tervahartiala T, Räisänen IT, Sorsa T, et al. Home-Applied Dual-Light Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Stable Chronic Periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—Three-Month Interim Results. Dentistry Journal. 2022; 10(11):206. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10110206

Nikinmaa S, Alapulli H, Auvinen P, Vaara M, Rantala J, et al. (2020) Dual-light photodynamic therapy administered daily provides a sustained antibacterial effect on biofilm and prevents Streptococcus mutans adaptation. PLOS ONE 15(5): e0232775. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232775

Nikinmaa S, Moilanen N, Sorsa T, Rantala J, Alapulli H, Kotiranta A, Auvinen P, Kankuri E, Meurman JH, Pätilä T. Indocyanine Green-Assisted and LED-Light-Activated Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy Reduces Dental Plaque. Dentistry Journal. 2021; 9(5):52. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj9050052

FAQs related to the article's topic: 

What preventive measures can endurance athletes take, in addition to the above measures, to protect their oral health during training and competitions?

Endurance athletes can protect their oral health by maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, avoiding snacking on sugary foods, and using fluoride mouthwash to strengthen tooth enamel. During endurance training, it is good to take a sip of plain water after consuming energy.

Are there long-term studies or surveys showing that better oral health affects the performance of endurance athletes?

There has been much research and many studies on the subject, and new research results are constantly being published. Here are a few highlights:

• Vougiouklakis G et al. Dental data of the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Ashley P. (2015, January 27). Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review. Retrieved from British Journal Of Sports Medicine.
• Gallagher J, Ashley P, Petrie A, Needleman I. Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol.
• Frese C, Frese F, Kuhlman S, Reljic D, Saure D, Staehle H, Wolff D. (2014, May 9). Effect of endurance training on dental erosion, caries, and saliva.
• Oral health and sports performance in elite athletes (Perio talks podcast, also available on Spotify).

How do the acidity and sugar content of different sports drink and gel brands compare, and which ones are safer for teeth?

The acidity and sugar content of sports drinks and gels vary greatly between different brands; choosing products with a neutral pH level can help minimize tooth erosion. Citric acid is often added to energy gels as an additional ingredient to enhance flavor. However, it should be avoided as it increases the risk of erosion. For more detailed insights, it's best to consult a dentist or nutritionist.

According to a report commissioned by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), 4.9 percent of global healthcare expenditure is allocated to treat preventable oral diseases such as gum inflammation, cavities, and tooth loss. A preventive approach to oral disease management can bring significant savings to societies, especially when interventions are targeted at economically vulnerable populations.

The "Time to put your money where your mouth is: addressing inequalities in oral health" report by the Economist Impact reveals that the combined prevalence of cavities and severe gum inflammation, periodontitis, has already exceeded the combined global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like mental health disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers.

Preventive oral care saves money

The report introduces a new cost calculation model for oral disease prevention and treatment, estimating that preventable oral diseases consume approximately $357 billion annually from global healthcare budgets.

Preventable oral diseases affect too many people worldwide. Tooth decay affects over two billion individuals globally, while severe gum inflammation impacts over one billion people. Hence, the EFP report underscores the urgent need to improve global oral health.

Reducing risk factors threatening oral health, such as sugary diets, tobacco, and alcohol consumption, is recommended not only to reduce oral diseases but also to improve overall health and prevent non-communicable diseases.

The scientific evidence linking oral infections to overall health is growing continuously, emphasizing the importance of utilizing this knowledge more extensively among healthcare professionals.

For instance, a recent doctoral thesis from the University of Turku reveals that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of severe head and neck infections requiring hospitalization. The study's findings suggest that investments in oral health and dental care can reduce infection-related costs, complications, and even mortality.

The EFP emphasizes the clear link between oral and overall health, stressing the importance of prioritizing oral health in healthcare budgets and policies.

The report also introduces a framework detailing the progression of cavities from healthy teeth to severely decayed teeth, presenting preventive measures such as maintaining oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste and implementing local fluoride treatments to prevent or slow down cavity development.

Lumoral: Support for Mechanical Brushing

Efficient oral self-care is crucial for preventing and treating cavities and gum diseases. However, as people age, maintaining oral hygiene can become challenging due to declining vision, memory, or motor skills.

The Lumoral method serves as a targeted solution against microscopic plaque in the mouth, enhancing the effectiveness of mechanical tooth brushing and interdental cleaning. Lumoral treatment eliminates Streptococcus mutans bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gingivitis bacteria.

Endorsed by dentists and the Dental Hygienists' Association in Finland, Lumoral is suitable for maintaining oral health, as well as treating and preventing oral diseases at home. Lumoral slows plaque formation and significantly reduces the amount of bacteria causing periodontitis on tooth surfaces and along the gum line.

Existing studies support Lumoral's efficacy, showing that while even the most effective electric toothbrushes remove only about 65% of harmful bacteria from teeth, Lumoral eliminates over 99% of biofilm bacteria.

Sources:

1. Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, et al. Home-applied dual-light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of stable chronic periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—three-month interim results. Dent J (Basel). 2022;10(11):206. doi:10.3390/dj10110206
2. https://www.suuhygienistiliitto.fi/suomen-suuhygienistiliitto-suosittelee-lumoralia/
3. Aggarwal N, Gupta S, Grover R, Sadana G, Bansal K. Plaque removal efficacy of different toothbrushes: a comparative study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;12(5):385-390. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1669 
4. https://www.efp.org/publications/special-publications/the-burden-of-caries-and-periodontitis/