“The unfortunate reality is that once these stains form, they cannot be removed by the patient on their own. Only a professional can effectively clean rough areas and remove stains. The easiest and most economical way for patients to manage tartar and staining is through preventive oral hygiene,” emphasizes Emilia Kataja.
In addition to regular mechanical oral hygiene, antibacterial treatments are essential for managing plaque-related oral health problems. The Lumoral device* uses antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combined with a photothermal effect to target harmful bacteria in the mouth. This helps to reduce the formation of plaque and prevents the development of black stone. By using the device regularly, patients can effectively manage bacterial loads in hard-to-reach areas, which may reduce the need for more invasive treatments later.3
Strengthening the oral care routine
As an oral health professional, incorporating Lumoral Antibacterial Therapy into a patient’s oral care routine offers a non-invasive, drug-free method to support and enhance their hygiene practices. Designed for home use, Lumoral complements regular brushing, interdental cleaning and professional checkups to help maintain long-term oral health and reduce tartar build-up.
Lumoral’s antibacterial action is particularly effective in hard-to-reach areas and on implant surfaces, helping to reduce biofilm formation and stone growth. Clinical studies have proven its effectiveness, with notable improvements in key indicators such as reduced bleeding on probing (BOP).3.4
According to the largest periodontitis study in Europe, more than half of the participants who used Lumoral were cured of gingival inflammation based on the BOP index — 2.5 times more than the control group who did not use the device. In the control group, only 22% of participants achieved healthy gums after three months. Lumoral users also experienced significantly less plaque buildup, while the control group showed no reduction in plaque levels.3
In addition, two-thirds (67%) of Lumoral users reduced the number of deep gum pockets by half compared to their baseline condition, achieving significantly better results than the control group. These findings highlight the value of Lumoral as a highly effective adjunct to traditional oral care methods.3
* Lumoral, which is not yet sold in the United States, is a CE-certified medical device, meaning it meets safety and health requirements set by the European Union. It is based on scientific research and is widely used both at home and recommended by professionals, ensuring its safety and effectiveness.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and contribute.
References
- Veses V, González-Torres P, Carbonetto B, et al. Dental black plaque: metagenomic characterization and comparative analysis with white plaque. Sci Rep. 2020? 10(1):15962. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-72460-2
- Larson J. Why do I have a black build-up on my teeth? Healthline. January 25, 2022.
- 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
- Panzironi G. La terapia photodinámica domiciliaria como medio de prevention para el control del biofilm. Zenodo. 2022.
