Figures suggest that 83% of dentate adults show some evidence of gum disease (that is bleeding, calculus, periodontal pocketing of 4 mm or more),1 indicating that there has been an unmet need in treating and managing periodontal disease.

Bacterial plaque is considered the major cause of gum disease2,3 and, according to the Group B consensus report of the fifth European Workshop in Periodontology, 'Currently oral plaque biofilm disruption is the most effective way to treat and prevent both conditions [gingivitis and periodontitis]'.4

Recommendations

For effective preventive care and oral hygiene, the British Dental Health Foundation recommends:

  • Brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

  • Cleaning between teeth with interdental brushes or floss, as brushing alone only cleans up to about 60% of the surface of the teeth

  • Using a mouthwash.5

The mechanical regimen of brushing and interdental cleaning alone is often insufficient to control gum disease.6 Patient compliance is a key factor,7 as is the short amount of time in which bacteria begin to recolonise on the tooth surface.8

An innovative alternative

With all of this is mind, there is an innovative alternative to add to the list of mouthwashes available to help in the treatment and prevention of gum disease: LISTERINE Advanced Defence Gum Treatment.

Advanced Defence Gum Treatment is a twice-daily mouthwash clinically proven to treat gum disease as an adjunct to mechanical cleaning and to offer an alternative to chlorhexidine based remedies.

It's formulated with unique LAE (Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate) technology that forms a physical coating on the pellicle to prevent bacteria attaching, and so interrupts biofilm formation. When used after brushing, it treats gum disease as shown by the reduction of bleeding by 50.9% (p <0.001) in only four weeks.9

In addition, Advanced Defence Gum Treatment is designed to not cause staining.10

Advanced Defence Gum Treatment is part of the LISTERINE Advanced Defence range from Johnson & Johnson, a scientifically proven adjunct to your professional treatment.

Designed to help you treat and/or prevent specific oral care conditions, this range also includes LISTERINE Advanced Defence Sensitive and LISTERINE Advanced Defence Cavity Guard.

With this range of expert daily mouthwashes, Johnson & Johnson is looking forward to working more closely with dental professionals to help deliver advanced treatment outcomes for patients, for expert care when you're not there.

For more information on LISTERINE Advanced Defence, visit www.listerineprofessional.co.uk or call 0800 328 0750.