Patients are always looking for recommendations for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and (if we are lucky) floss. I sometimes find myself at a loss when they ask me for specialty items, such as eco-friendly and vegan. Also, those with dexterity issues deserve a better answer from me than putting a piece of foam at the end of their toothbrush (which is what I was taught).
Here at Dental Advisor, we were recently approached by a company who has an answer for all of these patient concerns. Radius is an eco-friendly company that makes a variety of toothbrushes, organic toothpaste, and even vegan dental floss.
Radius toothbrushes
Organic toothpaste
Organic, vegan floss
What were the Initial Insights of the Dental Advisor team and our editorial board? – Having a manual toothbrush that you can change out the heads is a great idea! – The large size of the heads on the toothbrushes they sent us as samples would make any dental professional wince; however, they fortunately come in smaller sizes. – The large handle size, and especially the brush with the weighted handle, are excellent for patients with dexterity issues. – There is no fluoride in the toothpastes, as is usually the case in these homeopathic/naturopathic products. On the plus side, they are coconut oil based. Coconut oil has been shown to possess some antimicrobial properties. Also, let’s be honest… the flavors are just plain fun.
What do our Clinical Evaluators and their patients think about this product once it’s used in their offices? Look for an article in an upcoming issue!
In my clinical practice, a lab fabricated night guard is the standard of care. With that being said, there are many times when I would like an alternative in-house option. At Dental Advisor, we recently received the SOVA® Max Nightguard (SOVA). This custom night guard could be a great option for patients in your practice where a lab fabricated night guard is not currently an option. Such instances may include: the need of a temporary solution while mid-treatment, use while a patient is being evaluated for TMD or musculature issues, acute discomfort, a patient you are unable to obtain diagnostic impressions on due to limited opening, or you need an option for those who just plain cannot afford a lab fabricated appliance.
The previously evaluated SOVA Aero night guard is a three time top product award winner for Best Temporary Therapeutic Device, and SOVA Max takes this technology one step further for tough grinders. The SOVA MAX Night Guard is 2.4mm compared to their 1.6mm SOVA Aero night guard. SOVA night guards are an “impression free” moldable material, is 30% thinner than conventional EVA night guards, and allow the patient to talk, breathe through, and drink while wearing.
What do our Clinical Evaluators, who are practicing dental professionals just like you, and their patients think about this product once it’s in their offices? Look for an evaluation in an upcoming issue!
Ona Erdt, CDA, DMD, MSHS Clinical Editor at Dental Advisor
