The world’s first probiotic lozenge is now available. Specifically formulated to help restore the natural balance of the mouth and contribute to optimal oral health, GUM PerioBalance has been launched in the Boardroom of Manchester United Football Club. GUM Periobalance is a unique oral probiotic which acts specifically on the microflora of the mouth to reduce bacterial plaque build up which can lead to gum disease.
Biofilm experts, including microbiologist Professor John Thomas MS PhD who helped introduce the product, agree that a balanced microflora is essential for oral health, just as it is for overall wellness. The mouth and gastro-intestinal tract are protected by beneficial microflora which, when balanced, work together as a natural defence system for the mouth. However poor oral hygiene, stress, bad eating habits, certain medications, infection, a compromised immune system, pregnancy or a hectic lifestyle can disrupt this protective oral balance and allow ‘bad’ bacteria to thrive, causing bleeding gums, bad breath and other oral health problems.
Professor John Thomas MS, PhD commented "Achieving balance in lifestyles is a common theme amongst all living things - large and small - particularly the very smallest ...microorganisms. The oral cavity is inhabited by the most genetically diverse microbial population in the body - greater than 700 microbes. When these become out of balance, microbiota have causal links with traditional oral diseases - gingivitis and periodontitis. More recently we have discovered they have been linked with systemic diseases including cardio vascular disease, pneumonia amongst hospitalised patients, premature low birthweight babies and diabetes.”
“Re-establishing the normal balance of the oral flora, naturally and biologically without the consequences of anti-infectives is a cutting edge strategy and I am excited by the potential of this new oral probiotic PerioBalance”.
Re-establishing the balance
GUM PerioBalance is a unique advanced oral health probiotic containing the innovative and patented active ingredient Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis which has been documented in clinical studies*. PerioBalance is formulated to assist in the restoration of the natural balance of the mouth and contributes to optimal oral health by reducing bacterial plaque build up that can lead to gum and other oral health problems including bad breath. Each GUM PerioBalance mint lozenge contains at least 200 million active Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis at the time of manufacture which actively assist in the restoration of the mouth’s microflora. The product has been clinically demonstrated to improve oral health in studies* which show that regular consumption of a daily probiotic can help to increase the number of good or ‘friendly’ bacteria.
The term ‘friendly bacteria’ has been coined for microorganisms which are beneficial for human health. The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as micro-organisms that confer a positive health benefit to the host when taken in specific quantities. Most probiotics are Lactobacilli, which are natural constituents of human microflora from birth and remain an ever-present companion in the body. Reuteri Prodentis is a clinically-documented and patented natural probiotic of human origin and is one of very few species of probiotics that is uniquely adapted to reside in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity of human beings. It is also currently the only lactobacillus to produce reuterin, which is a beneficial, natural anti-microbial agent.*
Dr Philip Preshaw BDS, FDSRCSEd, PhD, who also presented at the launch commented “There is evidence to show that there is a correlation between periodontal disease and a variety of systemic diseases and the dental professional has a critical role to play, not only in the prevention of periodontal disease but also its systemic consequences in order to have an effect on a patients’ overall health and wellbeing.”
4th step
GUM PerioBalance is the next step in the recommended three step approach advocated by Sunstar, to achieving exemplary oral health. The product is a food supplement which should be used regularly for optimal oral health, particularly if a person is suffering from bleeding or sensitive gums, or when recommended by their dentist or hygienist. The lozenge is specifically recommended in all situations where a person’s natural defences can become particularly challenged, for instance during pregnancy or particularly stressful and hectic times. Clinical studies have shown that PerioBalance is safe for both adults and children under normal usage conditions*.
As Mhari Coxon, Dental Hygienist of the year commented “For me this is a ground breaking, diverse product. Children who are a high caries risk could use it as a preventative adjunct to good cleaning and a healthy diet. Patients with a family history of periodontal disease could use it as a preventative measure.
Those patients who have established periodontal disease can use it to support their maintenance regime. Those suffering from dry mouth conditions, or taking medication that causes dry mouth symptoms, could benefit from the reduction in the bacteria which cause decay and gum disease. What I am trying to convey is the broad spectrum of people who will benefit from this new development. It is an exciting time.”
Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, commented: “We are delighted that GUM PerioBalance has achieved our seal of approval and look forward to working with them for years to come. The accreditation panel agrees that Gum PerioBalance is a most innovative and exciting product.”
Taking PerioBalance is simple, pleasant and practical: One mint lozenge is taken daily after brushing and flossing the teeth; the lozenge should be allowed to slowly dissolve for ten minutes allowing the active ingredients to disperse. GUM Perio Balance is packaged in hygienic blister packs from which a once a day dose can be popped in the mouth.
Suck it and see
To win a month’s supply of GUM PerioBalance, please visit www.sunstargum.co.uk where the first 100 people to register will be sent a 30 day pack of PerioBalance to try it for themselves.
A month’s supply of 30 lozenges will retail for £15 and is available through The Dentalshop (for dental professionals) Trinity Sales & Marketing (for pharmacists) which distribute the entire GUM range. Please visit www.dentalshopwholesale.com or call 01677 424 446 / www.trinitysalesandmarketing.com or call 01235 838590
Healthy gums, healthy life
Sunstar GUM has developed a wide range of oral care products in collaboration with dental professionals to help improve oral health. In fact, GUM’s trademark 3-Step system provides a complete and advanced range of 80 oral care products for effective oral hygiene based on the complementary action of three essential components: toothbrushes, flosses, and specific products for custom care which, when working together, ensure optimal bacteria and plaque removal to prevent the possible start of a chain reaction in the mouth which could have a systemic health effect. More information about Sunstar and the GUM range is available on www.sunstargum.co.uk
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