As you get older, its not just cavities that affect your dental health. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (a deeper and more serious form of gum inflammation that, left unchecked, can lead to tooth loss) become more common.

The main culprit behind gum disease is plaque a thin, sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Sugary foods and drinks cause the bacteria in plaque to produce plaque acids, which attack the tooth surface and cause decay. Other bacteria in plaque are responsible for the inflammation of gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque can also become hardened into tartar (calculus), which is usually impossible to remove without dental intervention.

Although plaque cannot be prevented, to some extent it can be kept in check by regular brushing and flossing. However, recent government figures show that 69 per cent of adults have visible signs of plaque, even though most of these people brush their teeth twice a day (Ref. 1).

Aware of this problem, Dr Sune Wikner, a Swedish dentist and former Chief Dental Officer for the city of Stockholm, has formulated the first ever plaque controller in capsule form, to complement a regular cleaning routine.

When ingested, Pro Den PlaqueOff is absorbed into your bloodstream, and then secreted into your saliva. It is through this mechanism that a special ingredient in the product is able to prevent plaque sticking to oral surfaces and is also able to soften tartar deposits. Improvements are normally seen within just five to eight weeks of use.

How a chance discovery led to the development of Pro Den PlaqueOff

Pro Den PlaqueOff was developed after Dr Wikner noticed that one of his patients, who had previously suffered from chronic tartar formation, suddenly seemed to be free of it. After questioning the patient, Wikner realised that it was probably something new in his diet that was keeping the tartar at bay. Eventually, by a process of elimination, the dentist traced the therapeutic ingredient, which turned out to be a type of seaweed.

By chance the patient had begun consuming it every day via a commercial salad seasoning. After extensive analysis and testing, Dr Wikner was finally able to get the seaweed compressed into capsule form and Pro Den PlaqueOff was launched.

The active ingredient in Pro Den PlaqueOff is Ascophyllum nodosum a specific type of seaweed that is harvested from the clean seas of Norway and Iceland and which has been clinically proven to reduce plaque when taken on a regular basis. A rich source of iodine, other beneficial nutrients in the algae include polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates, minerals and trace minerals, fibre, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies show a 66% reduction in tartar and an 87% reduction in plaque formation

To test the efficiency of Pro Den PlaqueOff, a pilot study of 30 patients with regular tartar problems was conducted, which involved the volunteers taking two capsules a day for two months (Ref. 2). The extension of tartar and plaque were recorded on teeth at the beginning of the trial and after two months. This was carried out by way of an oral hygiene index a method that is used for evaluating dental health status.

The effect of the tablets on the tartar after the two-month period differed between individuals. In 16 patients the tartar had disappeared or the extension of it was reduced. In 12 patients, only little reduction was recorded but the tartar was extremely soft and easy to remove, even by the patients themselves. In two cases there was no improvement.

The patients who still showed signs of tartar after the initial trial continued to take the tablets for a further two months. In these patients the formation of new tartar was either nil or considerably slower compared to previous years.

Pro Den PlaqueOff also had a pronounced effect on plaque formation. During the two to four month supplementation period, plaque formation was reduced by 71 to 87 per cent.

The dentists involved in the study concluded that daily consumption of Pro Den PlaqueOff may reduce the extension of plaque and tartar, and may also prevent the formation of new deposits.

A larger placebo-controlled study was conducted by researchers at Stockholms prestigious Karolinska Institute, this time involving 105 volunteers who had mild plaque or calculus problems. The outcome of this study was comparable with the pilot a 66 per cent reduction in plaque at eight weeks and a 46 per cent reduction in calculus (Ref. 3).

How an animal version of Pro Den PlaqueOff can maintain your pets oral hygiene too

Like humans, animals also get plaque. In fact, 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats over the age of three show signs of gum disease (Ref. 4). Bad breath is usually the first sign that pet owners notice when gum disease has begun to develop. Once tartar has begun to form, removal is usually a veterinary procedure performed under a general anaesthetic.

To help address dental problems in animals Pro Den PlaqueOff Animal has been developed specifically for use in cats and dogs. The active ingredient is the same as in the original version, but it comes in a granulated form rather than a capsule, which can be easily added to your pets food. Used daily, veterinary surgeons and pet owners are reporting that it can significantly help in the control of dental plaque, tartar and bad breath.

Pro Den PlaqueOff: What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for adults and children over the age of 12, is two Pro Den PlaqueOff tablets taken daily with food.

For animals: cats and small dogs ( scoop of Pro Den PlaqueOff Animal daily), medium sized dogs (1 scoop daily), and large dogs (2 scoops daily). The granules can be added to wet or dried food and the dose can be split over two meals.

Contraindications: As Pro Den PlaqueOff is a rich natural source of iodine, individuals taking medication for a thyroid imbalance should not take this product without their doctors prior approval. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and while breast feeding. These precautions apply to pets as well.

References:

1. Adult Dental Health Survey, 1998.
www.statistics.gov.uk/ssd/surveys/adult_dental_health_survey.asp

2. Mattson B and Wikner S, Kiruna, Sweden, 2001.

3. Wikner S, Timander C, J Bergstrom. Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 2003. (in press)

4. American Veterinary Society.