Our New Product Line, PerioSciences

     We have a new product line called PerioSciences.  These products utilize combinations of specific antioxidants that work with the natural antioxidants in saliva.  We all have naturally occurring antioxidants in our saliva.  These antioxidants work on a molecular level to fight off inflammatory stressors that can eventually cause tissue destruction and cell death if an imbalance occurs. Our salivary antioxidant levels decrease as we age and are compromised in the presence of inflammation caused by certain stressors like bacteria, systemic conditions, medications, nicotine, dental surgery, certain materials used in dental procedures and ulcers.
     Antioxidants are large, complex molecules that are produces by the body and they are found naturally in certain foods or plants.  Antioxidants work by bonding with free radicals (unstable molecules with an unpaired electron).  When one of these unstable free radical molecules finds another molecule, it may "steal" an electron to complete the pair.  Now the second molecule has an unpaired electron, and is now then a new free radical.  This process of one molecule stealing an electron is called oxidation.  Antioxidants work to stop or retard the process of oxidation.
     Antioxidants are part of the body's innate defense mechanism and many occur naturally in your saliva.  The antioxidants in saliva are critical for fighting free radicals and oxidative stress in the mouth.  Unfortunately however, the natural levels of antioxidants in saliva may not be enough to combat the high levels of free radicals caused by oral infection, systemic inflammation or toxic substances. 
     A very common source of chronic inflammation is periodontal (gum) disease.  The natural antioxidants found in saliva are abnormally low in people with periodontal disease.  The theory behind using antioxidants in the mouth is that they will combat the free radicals and reduce the inflammation caused by gum disease.
Using the PerioSciences products can help replenish your supply of salivary antioxidants to help minimize your mouth's negative reaction to inflammation and amplify wound healing. It will also keep the good bacteria at healthy levels.
     At Clearwater Dental Associates, we have the PerioSciences products that help to treat dry mouth and sensitivity.  There are hundreds of prescription medications that cause a reduction in saliva, giving the patient a constant dry mouth.  The antioxidants in the PerioSciences help to combat the bacteria that sticks to the teeth because of the dry mouth.  This can help to reduce tooth decay which can occur as a result of dry mouth.  The antioxidant properties  can also help to stimulate salivary flow.
    If you would like more information on these products, or if you think you would be a good candidate for using them, contact our office.  We also have an "online store" link on our homepage for ordering PerioSciences.