The effect of active oxygen
Dental plaque plays an important role in the start of cavities (caries) and gum disease. It is a persistent and sticky layer of bacteria that is constantly built up in the mouth. With brushing, using interdental brushes and dental floss 75% of all plaque can be removed. That means there are still bacteria remaining in the mouth that can cause problems. To rinse with O7 active® mouthwash helps to keep the mouth healthy.
1. Bad bacteria cannot withstand active oxygen
2. Active oxygen has been proven effective
The therapeutic effect of active oxygen on dental problems has been demonstrated in various studies. Researchers have followed patients with acute chronic periodontitis where the composition of the microflora is measured in periodontal pocket. Results show that the use of active oxygen in combination with Scaling and Root Planning (SRP) leads to a significant reduction in the amount of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria of the subgingival microflora. In addition, active oxygen has a series of beneficial therapeutic effects such as, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial and promotes the growth of capillary blood vessels.
3. Alternative for chlorhexidine
In addition to good oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning, it may be necessary to combat the pathogenic bacteria with additional products. So far, chlorhexidine is the best known antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is an effective bacteria killer. The disadvantage of chlorhexidine is that it kills all bacteria – including the good ones – and thus disrupts the oral balance. Known side effects are also the discolouration of teeth and tongue and the change of taste due to damage to the taste buds.
4. Recommended in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis and peri-implantitis
In a pilot study by JML Berendsen at the Mondzorg Hogeschool Utrecht, The Netherlands, the healing effect of active oxygen was measured on patients with periodontitis and peri-implantitis. After being treated with active oxygen for 3 months, a reduction in pocket depth of 56% was measured in the group of patients with periodontitis. In the peri-implantitis study it was shown that 75% of the affected tissue healed.
5. Fight cavities
Cavities are a demineralization process of the tooth tissue. Demineralization is initiated by acids that are secreted by certain bacteria, converted from sugars. One of the most acid-forming bacteria is the Streptococcus mutans, an optional anaerobic bacterium that can convert sugar into lactic acid in a very short time. Active oxygen is capable of greatly reducing the number of bacteria. In a study at the University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria was reduced by 70%.
6. Reduction of halitosis
Bad breath or halitosis is a pre-eminent condition caused by the presence of gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in the mouth (Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas and Bacteriodes). These anaerobic bacteria cause volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) resulting from the breakdown of proteins. These VSCs naturally have an unpleasant odor. A study by Lynch showed that active oxygen is able to oxidize these proteins and thereby greatly reduce the sulfur odor.
7. Whiten teeth
Active oxygen has an oxidizing effect. This effect is responsible for whitening the dentine and removing discoloration on and in the enamel. Unlike peroxides, no free radicals are formed during the oxidation process, which makes active oxygen safe for tooth enamel and gums.
