Product Spotlight: Choosing the Right Rinse for Healthy Gums

In today’s fast-moving, mobile-optimized world, having information at our fingertips means that patients can research any dental product in mere minutes and have it delivered to their doorstep in a day or two. While it’s great when patients take the initiative to manage their oral health, clinicians should be the ones providing recommendations.

Sunstar, the force behind GUM hygiene products from interdental cleaners to toothbrushes, is committed to creating oral healthcare products that are patient-friendly and effective. The GUM family of oral rinses and gels provides an option for every patient— from plaque-blocking technology to aloe vera-based and alcohol-free formulations.

The Periodontist’s ‘Gold Standard’
With nearly half of U.S. adults suffering from some form of periodontal disease, it’s more important than ever to have the right weapons in the fight against gum disease. An alcohol-free 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate rinse, GUM Paroex is ideal for use between dental visits in tandem with gingivitis treatment.

Dr. Michele Dimaira, a New Jersey-based periodontist, prescribes Paroex to nearly all of her patients, with many experiencing a night-and-day difference. “Chlorhexidine (CHX) is known as the gold standard for periodontal mouth rinses because of its high antimicrobial properties,” she said. “So, when I heard there was a CHX rinse available without alcohol, I jumped on it right away and have been prescribing it ever since.”
  GUM Paroex is also benefi cial during crown prep. “If I’m doing a crown and the tooth is broken, making the gums around it really red and sore, I’ll put a temporary in the tooth and have them use GUM Paroex for a week or two,” said Sidney Chonowski, DMD, FAGD. “When they come back, the tissue looks better and there’s not as much bleeding, so we can get a better impression of the area.”
  GUM Paroex has soothing properties, so Dr. Chonowski advises patients to add the oral rinse to a water flosser and use it on low pressure. He also prescribes it to patients who have sores in their mouth as it helps to expedite the healing process. The patient reaction has been a positive one. “Patients say that it tastes good. Their gums are not as sore and sensitive, and tend to bleed much less after using it,” he shared.

Dr. Chonowski recently saw a patient who was unable to clean his teeth properly and refused treatment by a periodontist. “Along with 4 quadrants of scaling and root planing, GUM Paroex will be a long-term solution for treating his periodontal issues.”

In her practice, Dr. Dimaira has patients rinse with GUM Paroex before scaling and root planing. She also noted that it can be particularly beneficial for patients who have problems with manual dexterity and cannot adequately brush or floss.

Powerful Plaque-Blocker
Sunstar’s breakthrough, next-generation GUM PerioShield uses 0.2% delmopinol hydrochloride to break down plaque, making it easier for patients to effectively brush and floss between treatment. Advanced plaque-blocking technology creates an invisible shield around teeth and gums that prevents bacteria adherence and new plaque from forming.

Jenna Hebert, RDH, explains to patients that in spite of brushing and flossing, plaque can remain embedded in their saliva composition or in bacteria strains. “I like that PerioShield mechanically blocks plaque and biofilm from attaching and colonizing on and around the tooth,” she shared. “It works well for people who have thick, ropey saliva, chronic inflammation, and plaque buildup.”

Hebert’s patients expressed that their teeth feel smoother after using the rinse, which reduces inflammation and bleeding. A range of clinical studies support this, showing a reduction of plaque buildup and bleeding gums in patients by up to 36%.* And patients will appreciate that a minimal alcohol content makes it safer and less irritable during long-term use, while decreasing the chance of teeth staining.

Soothing the Sores
Registered dental hygienist and author Edie Gibson recommends GUM Rincinol to her patients because it’s a simple, effective, alcohol-free oral rinse that provides her patients relief via a quick, 60-second rinse. “It hits all my ‘must haves’ for an over-thecounter oral rinse,” she said.

By creating a thin, invisible, bioadhesive protective barrier, GUM Rincinol shields sensitive nerve endings from irritants such as food, drinks, orthodontic appliances, or removable dentures. The fast-acting mouth sore rinse is aloe vera-based to promote healing of a wide range of oral issues. “It’s ideal for patients with aphthous ulcers, sores from braces, and any other appliance/ prosthesis that irritates the gingival tissues,” said Gibson.

Steven Grossman, DDS, also appreciates GUM Rincinol’s soothing and safe-for-all formulation. “Rincinol does not contain benzocaine, which can numb the whole mouth, or alcohol, which stings when it hits a canker sore or a lesion,” he said. “It also works fast, provides pain relief for hours, and can be used by patients throughout the day.”

“My 11-year-old daughter suffers from recurrent aphthous ulcers,” Gibson explained. “The first time she tried GUM Rincinol, she told me the pain stopped immediately. Now that’s the best response a Mom-gienist could hear!”

GUM Rincinol is also available in GUM Canker-X Gel for easy application and a more targeted approach to treating sores and minor cuts or abrasions. Both formulations reduce irritations without causing patients stinging or burning sensations.

Meeting the Need
Every patient is unique. Whether a preventive tool to curb gingival inflammation and irreversible decay, or a relief agent before or after surgery or scaling and root planing, Sunstar GUM oral rinses and gels should be part of the conversation—and the treatment plan.