New at CDA: PerioShield blocks biofilm growth

Sunstar Americas unveiled the GUM PerioShield oral health rinse at the California Dental Association (CDA) 2011 spring meeting in Anaheim this week.

PerioShield, which features technology licensed from Sinclair Pharmaceuticals, represents a next-generation solution to achieving and maintaining a healthy mouth, according to Marcy Eisenstadt Freeman, director of commercialization technology and new product development for Sunstar, and Richard Demke, DDS, senior director of technology and new product development for Sunstar.

Unlike other commercial antiseptic rinses, PerioShield provides a unique plaque-blocking technology that prevents biofilm from adhering to teeth and periodontal surfaces, they noted.

The active ingredient is delmopinol hydrochloride 0.2%, which not only prevents bacteria from forming the glucan/polysaccharide film necessary for adherence, it also disrupts existing plaque biofilm, making it easier to remove, Dr. Demke said. In addition, the product's low 1.5% alcohol content is beneficial for patients who prefer or require a low-alcohol oral rinse, and it's safe and effective for long-term use, he noted.

"PerioShield is unique in its mechanism and action," Freeman told DrBicuspid.com. "It interacts with the ions in the plaque bacteria, making the plaque easier to brush away, and it sets up a matrix that keeps bad bacteria from attaching and colonizing on teeth and periodontal tissue."

In fact, unlike mouth rinses that feature a germicidal action, PerioShield has been classified as a class II medical device rather than a drug because of its mechanical action, Dr. Demke noted.

"The active ingredient ... attaches to the protein pellicle and forms a barrier over the surface of the tooth or gums," he said.

PerioShield is recommended for patients with heavy plaque and chronic gum inflammation, Dr. Demke noted.

"Chlorhexidine is the gold standard for perio disease, but you can't use it for long periods of time because of the staining and other side effects," he said. "We see PerioShield as a long-term treatment after short-term use of chlorhexidine, and for people with mild gingivitis or periodontal disease that you don't want to put on antibiotics."

There are hundreds of bacteria in the oral cavity, Freeman added, "and antibiotic products don't discriminate between the good and bad bacteria."

While there is some slight staining with PerioShield, it can be easily removed with a toothbrush, she said.

PerioShield will become commercially available as an over-the-counter product in August 2011 and will be sold through dental professionals and in pharmacies, according to Sunstar. The retail price will be $9.99.