Microhydrin ^® in Dental Care

Microhydrin when used as a dentrifice has been found to aid in maintaining good oral health and reducing periodontal pocketing in gingivitis and mild periodontitis. This is directly related to dental plaque and the action Microhydrin has on plaque removal.

Chronic periodontal disease is responsible for the majority of tooth loss in people over 35 years. The primary factor in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease is the establishment of microorganisms in the form of plaque (9,18). These bacteria produce toxins, which are capable of causing tissue destruction. Acid buildup in dental plaque is responsible for initiating tooth caries. If untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontitis and can eventually lead to tooth loss (9,18).

The most effective way to prevent gingivitis is plaque control. The most dependable way of controlling plaque is by mechanical cleansing with a toothbrush (or equivalent device), dentifrice and other cleansing aids, especially dental floss (9). Tooth brushing removes plaque and materia alba and reduces the onset and prevalence of gingivitis and retards the formation of calculus. Removal of plaque leads to resolution of gingival inflammation in its early stages (9). For best results, toothbrushing requires the cleansing action of a dentifrice.

Preliminary observations have shown that brushing with Microhydrin can reduce periodontal pocketing by 2-3 mm in persons with 4-6 mm pockets. These results were obtained by emptying a capsule of Microhydrin in a half inch of HydraCel water in a 5 oz. dixie cup, dipping the brush in the water, and brushing as usual over a period of time.

Another benefit of brushing with Microhydrin is that continued use seems to "whiten" teeth considerably. It is more effective than any other "whitening toothpaste" that is presently on the market. It is also less invasive than the whitening procedures used in the dental office.

Dental plaque consists principally of proliferating microorganisms, and a scattering of epithelial cells, leukocytes and macrophages in an adherent intercellu1ar matrix (9,18). Organic and inorganic solids form about 20 percent of the plaque. The other 80 percent of plaque is composed of water (9). When a capsule of Microhydrin is added to water it reduces the surface tension of the water from 73 dynes to 45 dynes. This lowered surface tension allows the water to adhere and increase the solubility of the plaque particles for more effective removal from the tooth surface. This fact seems to be the most significant reason for the effectiveness of Microhydrin as a dentifrice. When plaque accumulation is retarded gingival health can be restored.

Author: Dr Leonard C. Miller received his B.A. degree from Boston University in 1966. Re received his D.M.D. in 1976 from Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass. Dr. Miller served for 2 years in the United States Air Force Dental Corps. Re is a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. For 20 years he has treated patients in his private Family Dental practice in North Grafton, Mass.

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