Your hygienist coaches patients on home care. Here’s how to brush. Remember to floss. Patients in braces have even bigger oral hygiene concerns, as wires and brackets are magnets for food residue and plaque. It’s highly unlikely that most orthodontic patients will maintain the rigorous standards that prevent cavities, gum disease and decalcification. Let’s face it—home care sounds time-consuming and challenging. But even if they get part of the way there with brushing and flossing, adding a rinse to patients’ daily routine can significantly improve overall oral health.
An easy-to-use rinse that addresses numerous issues
OraCare has developed a new product named OrthoProtect, an easy-to-use, at-home oral health rinse. Sold exclusively in orthodontic and dental offices, this rinse contains ingredients that can ease dental issues caused by a variety of situations.
- Activated chlorine dioxide kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, breaks up biofilm (plaque), reduces volatile sulfur compounds, and reduces bad breath. This ingredient reaches all areas of the mouth, even around wires and brackets.
- Calcium lactate encourages remineralization of dental enamel, lessens sensitivity, prevents caries, supports the protective properties of saliva, preserves gum health, and helps heal sores.
- Xylitol kills bacteria, such as Mutans, which can cause decay. It can reduce development of plaque, encourages enamel remineralization, increases salivary flow, improves dry mouth and breath quality.
- Polyxamer, a safe and mild ingredient, offers bioadhesive qualities, functions as a foaming and emulsifying agent, and produces smoother surfaces, inhibiting plaque's ability to stick to teeth.
Chlorhexidine is missing from this innovative product’s list of ingredients. In my many years in clinical practice and working with dental professionals, no one has been totally satisfied with it. One reason is that chlorhexidine can only be used for two weeks, and most dental issues can't be resolved in such a short time. It stains, can cause calculus buildup, and can affect the mouth cells that help rebuild tissue, causing an obstacle to healing.
The benefits of carrying product in-practice
Having high-quality, effective, dentist-recommended products in-office encourages patients to start using them as soon as possible. Patients don’t have to drive around searching for the product, remember what to buy, and be careful not to buy a product that is not suited to their needs. Even worse, they may take the advice of a friend or someone in the store and buy a product that makes existing issues worse. Besides the patient benefits, the additional revenue stream can enhance overall profitability of the practice.
Even for patients without orthodontic appliances, OraCare rinse is not staining, causes no additional calculus buildup, no burning, has a good taste, and can be used long term. Plus, it is more effective than any over-the-counter rinse. I personally have integrated OraCare into my oral health routine for many years. From periodontal disease, cancer care, post-op healing, mouth sores, dry mouth, fungal infections, braces, bleeding gums, and just general home care it’s simple to use and can make a remarkable difference.
Editor's note: This article originally appeared in DE Weekend, the newsletter that will elevate your Sunday mornings with practical and innovative practice management and clinical content from experts across the field. Subscribe here.
