According to Helenius-Hietala, participants in both study groups received oral hygiene guidance. The visible plaque index (VPI) improved during the follow-up period in both groups. However, in the group that received antibacterial treatment, there was also a statistically significant improvement in the Community Index of Periodontal Treatment Needs (CPITN). This index is a method used to assess periodontal health by looking at specific indicators, including pocket depth and bleeding on probing, on specific teeth in various areas of the mouth. The CPITN index categorizes periodontal disease into four main categories: healthy periodontal tissues, gingival bleeding, calculus and pockets. It is commonly used in dental evaluations to determine treatment needs for periodontal disease.
In the PerioSafe trial, positive results were present in 53% of participants in the control group at baseline and 30% at the end. Meanwhile, in the group that received antibacterial treatment as adjunctive therapy, the PerioSafe test was positive in 80% at baseline and 50% at the end. Based on the findings, the researchers are confident that routine light-activated antibacterial therapy improves oral health in selected residents of 24-hour care facilities as an adjunct to routine oral hygiene.
“Light-activated antibacterial therapy improves oral hygiene. It can also increase the moisture in the mouth, as dry mouth is common in older people on multiple medications,” explained Helenius-Hietala, reminding that brushing teeth is still necessary. “It is difficult to estimate the potential cost savings, but it is generally accepted that good oral health can reduce the complications of infection in older adults (eg, aspiration pneumonia is associated with periodontitis).
Gum disease: The root of many health problems
Why is it important to explore new approaches to addressing the oral health challenges of older adults? As populations age, more seniors retain their natural teeth, which increases their susceptibility to oral disease due to the accumulation of oral bacteria. Because approximately 95% of all oral diseases stem from oral hygiene problems, it is important to find ways to address the root cause – dental plaque – with new oral hygiene methods.
Oral infections are associated with general health. When left untreated, gum infections can develop into more serious conditions such as periodontitis or peri-implantitis, which can have significant implications for oral and systemic health. Early detection and treatment of gum disease is essential to prevent further complications and maintain overall health.7,8
Studies have shown that regular light-activated antibacterial treatment significantly improves oral hygiene and reduces inflammation in the surrounding dental tissues. This treatment could be particularly beneficial for people with underlying health concerns, those who are more prone to dental disease, and those who face significant challenges in maintaining effective oral hygiene habits due to limited functional capacity.
Regular teeth cleaning to remove plaque remains the most critical aspect of maintaining oral health. Unfortunately, this is not always realized in 24-hour care settings. Good oral hygiene practices could prevent chronic oral infections and the potentially fatal complications they cause. Helenius-Hietala emphasizes that new approaches are needed to improve oral hygiene.
Limited functional capacity often leads to deficiencies in oral care practices, resulting in poor oral health outcomes. This affects people’s physical health and quality of life, as evidenced by lower self-reported quality of life scores among those with poorer oral hygiene.
Innovative approaches are needed to address these challenges. Light-activated antibacterial therapy has emerged as a new solution to reducing plaque levels in the mouth and fighting harmful plaque bacteria. The device examined in the study is a CE-marked medical device that harnesses the power of dual light therapy to effectively reduce dental plaque and bacterial load.9 The treatment is not yet available in the US market.
Developed by a cardiologist
The antibacterial method combines a light-activated antibacterial agent (Lumorinse mouth rinse) with a specific light source to target and reduce harmful oral bacteria, especially those that might skip brushing and flossing.9
The invention of the new method of enhancing oral health led to the recognition of the limitations of traditional oral hygiene methods in controlling plaque and preventing diseases such as periodontitis and tooth decay. The researchers aimed to develop a method to provide more thorough antibacterial action. The appliance uses a technique in which a photosensitizing agent, usually in the form of a mouthwash, is applied to the teeth. This agent attaches to dental plaque and oral bacteria. When illuminated by the device’s specific wavelength of light, the photosensitizer produces reactive oxygen species that have local antibacterial activity without causing damage to surrounding tissues.9-12
The antibacterial teeth cleaning method was developed in collaboration with professional dentists, microbiologists and photodynamic therapy specialists, who aimed to create a user-friendly, effective and non-invasive treatment option to enhance oral hygiene at home. This collaborative effort ensured that the technology was both practical for everyday use and scientifically grounded to provide benefits in reducing the oral bacterial load, thereby helping to prevent oral disease.
Dr Tommi Pätilä, a cardiovascular and transplant surgeon who is also one of the scientists behind the development of the new oral health enhancement method, said: “Good oral hygiene benefits everyone, but its importance is particularly emphasized in older age groups . In aged care settings, the effectiveness of implementing oral hygiene practices is often insufficient, with studies revealing considerable room for improvement in the oral hygiene levels of older people. Neglecting oral hygiene increases the risk of comorbidity, underscoring the critical nature of prioritizing hygiene.”
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and Sign up.
bibliographical references
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- Lähteenmäki H, Räisänen IT, Pärnänen P, Tervahartiala T, Sorsa T. aMMP-8 enzyme test and dental implants. Suomen hammaslääkärielehti. 2021? 28 (11): 32-39.
- Gupta S, Räisänen IT, Seppänen H, et al. aMMP-8 POCT for periodontal disease: a marker of poor oral health. Cancer Control. 2023;30:10732748231214874. doi:10.1177/10732748231214874
- Cecoro G, Annunziata M, Iuorio MT, Nastri L, Guida L. Periodontitis, low-grade inflammation and systemic health: a scoping review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020;56(6):272. doi:10.3390/medicina56060272
- Petersen PE, Baehni PC. Periodontal health and global public health. Periodontol 2000. 2012? 60 (1): 7-14. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0757.2012.00452.x
- Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, et al. Home-applied double-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
- Nikinmaa S, Alapulli H, Auvinen P, et al. Dual light photodynamic therapy administered daily provides sustained antibacterial action on biofilm and prevents Streptococcus mutans PLoS One. 2020? 15(5):e0232775. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0232775
- Nikinmaa S, Moilanen N, Sorsa T, et al. Indocyanine-assisted and LED light-activated antibacterial photodynamic therapy reduces dental plaque. Dent J (Basel). 2021? 9(5):52. doi:10.3390/dj9050052
- Jao Y, Ding SJ, Chen CC. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for the treatment of oral infections: a systematic review. J Dent Sci. 2023, 18(4):1453-1466. doi:10.1016/j.jds.2023.07.002
