Why Lumoral?
Oral health affects overall health.
The most difficult problems in dentistry are caused by tooth decay or periodontitis (long-term inflammation of the gingival tissue). These diseases are caused by bacterial biofilms. They are common but often stay asymptomatic for a long time. Most adults have some degree of bacterial inflammation in their teeth or gingival tissue. Regular oral examination by a professional is essential for asymptomatic conditions. Lumoral helps to manage biofilm bacteria. Gingival disorders are associated with the development and worsening of several chronic conditions. These diseases include cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, rheumatism and diabetes. Although Lumoral method improves oral hygiene and can eliminate bacteria that are associated with oral inflammation, the ultimate goal is to improve overall health.
Lumoral use indications
1. Dental decay • Tooth surface damage due to streptococcus mutans metabolism results acids to attack tooth enamel.
2. Gum inflammation, gingivitis, Periodontitis • Bacteria related gum diseases that can lead tooth loss, root exposure, and systematic diseases if not treated.
3. Halitosis, chronic bad breath • Oral bacteria produce sulfur compounds resulting unpleasant breath odour.
4. Oral mucositis • Oral ulcerative or erythematous lesions resulting from cancer therapies or systematic diseases.
4. Peri-implant mucositis • Bacteria caused Inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding a dental implant.
Characteristics of bacterial biofilm
Bacterial biofilm structure is different in tooth decay and periodontal disease. A mature biofilm is a community of hundreds of different bacteria, where all species form their ecological niche. The abilities of different species define their role in nutrient digestion and metabolism in the diverse community. The bacteria are well protected by the outer structure of the biofilm. The cariogenic biofilm is a community of carbohydrate-rich, mainly gram-positive bacteria. In periodontitis, biofilm composition is evolved to favour gram-negative protein-capable species.
The role of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in biofilm
Caries or periodontitis is never a condition caused by a single bacterium but requires a diverse biofilm. However, some bacteria are known to play a more prominent role. Streptococcus mutans is such a bacterium. Mutans appear to play a significant role in the worsening of caries and periodontitis. Lumoral is particularly effective against Streptococcus mutans.
Lumoral vs. Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus mutans has a weak spot targeted by the Lumoral method. The mutans lacks the catalase enzyme to defend itself from the photodynamic effect. Lumoral is very effective even in small doses against single, so-called planktonic bacteria - in the situation when the plaque hasn’t yet developed. Even a small amount of light output is enough to eliminate the planktonic mutans streptococci. In a more matured plaque, the antibacterial effect is also excellent, but the dose of light must be increased. This is because the bacteria are better protected in the biofilm structure. No bacterial adaptation for the treatment has been observed and it is not expected to develop. This is a natural antibacterial phenomenon that has existed for as long as bacteria have existed. The Lumoral method is an excellent tool against Streptococcus mutans bacteria.