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A practicing dentist and expert on periodontal disease, Dr. Piero, found a way for patients to slow down the microbe growth in the mouth – better than anything short of professional cleaning at a dentist office. His invention - Dental Air Force® (www.dentalairforce.com) - uses air, water and dental cleaner to replace tooth brushing and flossing and when used with hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth.
Dental Air Force® uses the same technology as the Prophy-Jet®, but is safe for home use. It removes biofilm from the surfaces of teeth, between teeth and around the gum line. Because it uses air, it oxygenates the anaerobes on a daily basis. Dental Air Force® differs from oral irrigators in that it has an abrasive component (sodium bicarbonate) to cut through the hydrophobic film and neutralizes the acidic environment. Another major ingredient in the dental cleaner is xylitol, used as a natural sweetener, however, is also said to inhibit microbial growth and tooth decay.
As you know, to remove bacteria interproximaly and along the gum line is difficult with a tooth brush, which can cause abrasion, grooves and sensitivity. While only about 5% of the population actually flosses everyday, for those that do, improper flossing can also remove bacteria from an unhealthy pocket and contaminate a healthy one. You recognize that neither brushing nor flossing can fully clean the site or change the environment within the mouth to reduce the bacteria growth. It is frequency and thoroughness of daily cleaning that controls this growth.
Clinical studies to date show 1) equal plaque removal from the buccal, interproximal and lingual surfaces – whereas the powered or manual toothbrush can over abrade the buccal surface and not access the interproximal area, 2) no adverse abrasions or lesions to soft tissue, and 3) less dentin abrasivity than the powered or manual toothbrush.
Bacteria-laden plaque causes periodontal disease, which is a potential contributing factor to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and low birth weights in infants. Discussing this issue with your patients and informing them of the best tool to control the problem is essential.
“It is imperative that we in the dental community find better ways for our patients to clean their teeth on a daily basis and improve their resistance to illnesses and diseases. Dental Air Force® does not replace professional cleanings. It also has the advantage of being used as a drug delivery system for your most difficult perio patients,” says Dr. Piero.
For more information call 616-399-8511 or visit www.dentalairforce.com