Oral health is influenced by many factors, with the balance of microbes in the mouth being central. This delicate coexistence of bacteria and microorganisms is vital for the health of teeth and gums. When the microbial balance is healthy, your mouth is better protected from diseases. However, when this balance is disturbed, unpleasant consequences such as plaque, gingivitis, and even tooth decay can arise.

What is oral microbial balance?

Oral microbial balance refers to the state where the microbes in the mouth, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, live in harmony with each other and with the body's functions. When this balance is maintained, the tissues of the mouth—gums, teeth, and mucous membranes—remain healthy.

The oral cavity contains thousands of different species of bacteria, most of which are beneficial or harmless. One example of a beneficial bacterium is Streptococcus salivarius, which is common in the mouth and particularly on the tongue surface. It is part of the normal oral microbiome and helps maintain oral health by stimulating the immune system and preventing infections. This bacterium produces natural antimicrobial compounds like lantibiotics, which inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Problems arise when the microbial balance is disturbed, and harmful bacteria begin to grow uncontrollably, overshadowing beneficial species. Streptococcus mutans, one of the main microbes responsible for tooth decay, produces acid during the fermentation of sugar, which weakens tooth enamel. Another harmful bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is associated with gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). This bacterium thrives in an imbalanced mouth and can worsen inflammatory processes.

What disrupts microbial balance?

Maintaining oral microbial balance requires good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits. Regular use of antibacterial Lumoral treatment can also help keep the balance intact, supporting overall oral health.

Several everyday factors can disrupt the microbial balance in the mouth:

• Poor oral hygiene: Irregular or insufficient brushing and flossing lead to plaque buildup, creating a favorable environment for harmful bacteria to grow.
• Diet: A diet high in sugar or acidic foods promotes bacterial growth. These bacteria produce acids that wear down tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
• Dry mouth: A lack of saliva, which can be caused by certain medications, dries out the mouth and hinders its natural cleaning process, giving harmful bacteria more time to multiply.
• Stress and lifestyle habits: Long-term stress and unhealthy habits, such as smoking, can weaken the immune system and make the oral bacterial balance more susceptible to disruption.

How can Lumoral help maintain microbial balance?

Lumoral is an innovative Finnish invention that helps maintain oral microbial balance. It combines antibacterial light with a photosensitive Lumorinse mouthwash, which together kill harmful bacteria in the mouth without affecting the beneficial ones.

Lumoral’s light-activated antibacterial treatment reduces harmful plaque and bacteria, helping prevent the onset of gingivitis and cavities. When used regularly, the Lumoral method can prevent microbial imbalances and support the mouth's natural defense mechanisms.

Lumoral: Long-term benefits

Using Lumoral supports overall oral health. When the microbial balance remains healthy, the risk of plaque and cavities decreases, gum inflammation subsides, and your mouth stays fresher. Lumoral treatment is especially beneficial for those with fixed braces or other challenges to maintaining oral hygiene.

Oral microbial balance is a key part of overall health, and its disturbance can lead to various oral health problems. By maintaining good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and using the innovative Lumoral method, you can effectively protect your mouth from bacterial damage and keep your oral microbial balance optimal.

The Finnish oral health innovation, Lumoral, has sparked significant interest in the academic community, with several new studies launching in recent months. Mikko Kylmänen, Research Manager at Koite Health Oy, provides updates on Lumoral's latest clinical research.

Currently, there are 11 ongoing clinical studies across Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Lithuania investigating the Lumoral method. Five of these are funded by Koite Health Ltd, while the rest are conducted by independent academic research teams. The studies cover topics such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, orthodontics, oral lichen planus, and the prevention of oral diseases in youth.

In 2024, two new academic research teams will start their Lumoral studies. One study will examine the impact of improved oral hygiene on managing and preventing periodontitis in patients with diabetes. Another study will focus on enhancing oral hygiene for elderly individuals living at home or receiving home care.

In Italy, two research groups are advancing their Lumoral studies: The University of Turin is investigating the prevention of oral mucositis symptoms caused by radiation therapy, and Sapienza University in Rome is studying methods to alleviate early symptoms of peri-implantitis. Additionally, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals in Chennai, India, is planning to start a Lumoral study in 2024 focused on treating oral mucositis related to cancer therapies.

Research on oral mucositis is particularly significant, as no existing medication has successfully prevented its development. Mucositis, an inflammation of the oral mucosa associated with cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, causes severe pain, redness, and swelling, which can negatively impact the success of cancer treatment. Recent findings suggest that light-activated antibacterial therapy may be an effective way to manage this condition.

Recent Lumoral Studies Initiated in Early 2024:

1. HEALTHIER (Sweden): This study evaluates Lumoral's effectiveness in treating peri-implantitis and is conducted at the private Södertandläkarna clinic in Stockholm, Sweden, with 80 participants.
2. LumOsteo: This research examines Lumoral's role in preventing complications related to implant placement. It is being conducted at the Hammaslääkärit Eteläranta 10 clinic in Helsinki, Finland, with 40 participants.
3. Tartu University Plaque Study (Estonia): This crossover study compares two different oral hygiene methods and their effects on oral health. It is taking place at Tartu University in Estonia, where participants will alternate between using Lumoral and not using it to provide comparative results.

The HEALTHIER and LumOsteo studies are in their early stages, and precise timelines for results depend on factors such as patient recruitment. However, results from the Tartu plaque study are expected by the end of the year.

Summary of Previous Research Findings:

• Pilot Study on Peri-Implantitis (2022): Showed promising results in treating implant-related inflammations with Lumoral, including significant reductions in plaque and gum bleeding without side effects.
• Case Report on Periodontitis (2022): Demonstrated that Lumoral's antibacterial light treatment effectively eliminated harmful oral bacteria and improved severe periodontal disease outcomes.
• Clinical Randomized Study on Periodontitis (2022): Indicated significant improvements in periodontitis treatment outcomes when Lumoral was added to daily care.
• Clinical Randomized Study on Peri-Implantitis (2022): Observed reduced plaque, bleeding, and gum pocket sizes in Lumoral users compared to controls.
• Randomized Study on Oral Hygiene in Elderly Care (2023): Found that light-activated Lumoral treatment improved oral health and moisture in elderly individuals residing in 24-hour care facilities.
• Plaque Study in Healthy Adults (2023): Revealed that using Lumoral twice a week significantly reduced biofilm compared to a control group.

Innovation in Focus:

The ongoing and completed studies highlight Lumoral's versatile applications in improving oral health across various demographics and conditions. Mikko Kylmänen emphasizes that Lumoral's research opens new opportunities in oral care development. The company is proud to advance health and well-being through innovative solutions and looks forward to potential future applications of Lumoral.

For more information on Lumoral's research and effects, visit www.lumoralpro.com.

The International Dental Medicine Fair, commonly known as Dentex, once again brought the dental industry to the forefront from June 6-8, 2024. Organized by Zagreb Fair and the Croatian Chamber of Dental Medicine, the biennial event presented cutting-edge innovations, including Lumoral, to its visitors from Croatia and abroad.

One of the highlights of this year's event was Lumoral – a cutting-edge antibacterial therapy device developed by Finnish scientists designed to significantly improve oral hygiene when used as an adjunct therapy to regular brushing and flossing. The themes of the Dentex fair covered key areas of dentistry and dental technology.

Lumoral attracts attention

Lumoral has garnered attention for its innovative approach to maintaining oral hygiene. The device employs a dual-light photodynamic therapy that targets and eliminates harmful bacteria in the mouth, promoting healthier gums and teeth. Its user-friendly design and proven effectiveness make it an attractive option for both dental professionals and patients seeking to improve their oral health.

Lumoral's participation in Dentex reflects Croatian distribution partner Med-Faktor’s commitment to advancing dental care through innovation. Attendees at the event had the chance to experience firsthand how the Lumoral device can be integrated into their practice to enhance patient outcomes.

"The Dentex fair was a resounding success for our team. We had a spacious 50-square-meter area to showcase our products, with Lumoral drawing the most interest among visitors," said Med-Faktor Key Account Manager Marko Sever Cuglin.

With over 250 exhibitors presenting similar products like 3D printers, intraoral scanners, and implants, Lumoral stood out as a unique innovation.

"Our 'Wheel of Fortune' prize game, featuring a Lumoral starter set as the main prize, was a hit. It served as an excellent opportunity to introduce Lumoral to doctors, who were curious about its purpose, usage, and the time frame for seeing positive results in patients' oral health."

Sever Cuglin noted that dental professionals were impressed by Lumoral’s capabilities, recognizing its potential to improve treatment outcomes and serve as a preventive measure. "We gathered about 100 contacts interested in Lumoral, whom we plan to follow up with. Orthodontists were particularly excited about how Lumoral can help with braces maintenance, and periodontologists saw its potential to enhance standard dental treatments significantly."

Lumoral as a preoperative treatment

Experts in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy highlighted Lumoral’s utility as a preoperative treatment, emphasizing its effectiveness in eliminating harmful bacteria before implant placements or other surgical procedures.

"Overall, the response from the dental community was overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to continuing our engagements and expanding Lumoral's reach in dental practices," Sever Cuglin added.

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Med-Faktor d.o.o. (www.medfaktor.hr), is a Croatia-based importing company established in 2010 by parent company Naturaldent Dental Group. The company is currently an exclusive distributor of products such as Medentis ICX implants, Belgian SMI sutures, NEXA3D printers and various other products for the countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.