Perio Protect: A Modern At-Home Treatment for Gum Disease

Gum disease—scientifically known as periodontal disease—impacts nearly half of U.S. adults, ranging from mild inflammation to more advanced stages that may harm oral and overall health. Nearly half of Americans (46%) have some form of this condition.

Even if you are rigorous about your dental health and use dental floss nightly, you may still have pockets deep in the mouth that you can't reach.  Plus, traditional treatments for gum disease often require frequent dental visits. Enter Perio Protect, a modern, minimally invasive, and convenient solution that empowers patients with effective at-home care.

The silent threat: Understanding gum disease

Periodontal disease is more than just a minor oral issue; it's a chronic bacterial infection that can have far-reaching consequences if left untreated. Recognizing its signs and understanding the limitations of conventional treatments is the first step toward effective management.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows a sticky film of bacteria called oral biofilm, or plaque, to build up. In its early stage, known as gingivitis, gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. If not addressed, it can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the tooth, forming spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets collect debris and become infected, leading to the breakdown of bone and connective tissue. This advanced stage is a primary cause of tooth loss in adults, with approximately 47% of adults aged 30 and older having some form of the disease.

Why traditional treatments often fall short

Traditional dental care, including professional dental cleanings and diligent home care, is the foundation of oral health. Procedures like scaling and root planing are highly effective in-office treatments for removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line. However, the core challenge of periodontal disease is its chronic nature. Bacteria in the oral biofilm begin to repopulate almost immediately after a dental visit. Additionally, standard home care tools like toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash struggle to reach deep into periodontal pockets, leaving the harmful bacteria to thrive between appointments. This gap in care can allow the disease to persist and progress, often requiring more invasive interventions over time.

Introducing Perio Protect: A new era in gum health

To combat the persistent nature of gum disease, a different approach is needed—one that empowers patients to effectively manage their condition at home. Perio Protect offers a minimally invasive, targeted therapy that directly addresses the shortcomings of traditional home care.

What is Perio Protect? A targeted home care solution

Perio Protect is a comprehensive treatment method prescribed by a dental professional to help manage periodontal disease. Perio Protect Method is an at-home care system designed to deliver medication deep below the gum line, directly into the periodontal pockets where bacteria flourish.

The Perio Protect difference

Perio Protect delivers targeted gum disease therapy through customized, mouth-guard-style trays fitted precisely to your teeth and gum line. The patented Perio Trays are custom-fabricated with a special seal to gently guide medication into the pockets and hold it there long enough to be effective. This consistent, targeted application helps manage the oral biofilm that brushing and flossing can't reach, creating a healthier environment for your gums.

This method is non-invasive and comfortable. It works well with in-office treatments. It is a strong tool for managing disease long-term. Wearing these trays for 10–15 minutes daily is simple and comfortable. They deliver medicine directly into the pockets around teeth where harmful bacteria live. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing cannot reach these areas.

How the Perio Protect Method works

Precision medication delivery with custom Perio Trays

The cornerstone of the therapy is the custom Perio Tray™. After a dental professional takes impressions of your mouth, the models are sent to a specialized Perio Protect lab where your trays are fabricated. These are not simple mouth guards; they are FDA-cleared medical devices designed with a patented seal that corresponds precisely to the conditions of your gums. This seal prevents medication from leaking out and saliva from washing it away, ensuring the Perio Gel is held against the tissue deep within the periodontal pockets. This precise, consistent delivery is crucial for disrupting the entrenched bacterial communities.

Perio Gel directly targets bad bacteria

Your custom trays are filled with Perio Gel, which contains 1.7% hydrogen peroxide. When the gel hits a periodontal pocket, it releases oxygen. This action serves multiple purposes. First, hydrogen peroxide, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, kills harmful bacteria causing the infection. Second, the release of oxygen changes the pocket's environment, making it less hospitable for the dangerous bacteria to recolonize. Finally, it acts as a debriding agent, helping to cleanse the pockets and reduce inflammation.

Disrupting oral biofilm

Oral biofilm is a complex, organized community of bacteria that adheres to tooth surfaces, especially below the gum line. This slimy matrix protects the bacteria from both the body’s immune system and traditional antimicrobials. The Perio Protect Method is specifically designed to overcome this defense. The sustained delivery of oxygenating Perio Gel breaks down the biofilm structure, exposing and killing the bacteria within. By consistently disrupting this biofilm daily, patients can prevent it from maturing and causing further damage, effectively managing the disease and promoting the healing of gum tissue.

Who is Perio Protect for?

Perio Protect is ideal for people with mild to moderate gum disease, gingivitis, or chronic periodontitis—or anyone wishing to upgrade their oral hygiene with a proactive, at-home solution. It also works well as a supportive therapy post-surgery or scaling.

If you are experiencing any common signs of gum disease, you may be an ideal candidate for Perio Protect. These symptoms include:

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
• Deep periodontal pockets identified by your dentist
• Loose or shifting teeth

Perio Protect helps patients who have undergone scaling and root planing but still have chronic inflammation. It also helps those who want a less invasive way to manage their gum disease.

The benefits of Perio Protect

The advantages of incorporating Perio Protect into your dental care routine extend far beyond simply treating gum inflammation. Its unique approach offers a range of benefits for your oral health, comfort, and even your overall well-being.

FDA-compliant, backed by science

Perio Protect is an FDA-cleared prescription device, used in combination with clinical cleanings and professional oversight. Research demonstrates it reduces reliance on deep cleanings, minimizes the need for surgery, and supports sustainable gum health.

Direct attack on gum disease

Perio Protect delivers medicine directly to the infection. It fights the bacteria that cause gum disease. Regular use helps reduce pocket depths, decrease bleeding and inflammation, and halt the progression of the disease. This proactive management helps preserve the bone and tissue that support your teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Fresher breath and a brighter smile

A welcome side effect of the Perio Protect Method is a significant improvement in oral hygiene. The Perio Gel effectively combats odor-causing bacteria, leading to noticeably fresher breath. Additionally, the low-concentration hydrogen peroxide has a gentle whitening effect, helping to lift surface stains and brighten your smile over time.

Comfort and convenience of home care

Perio Protect shifts a significant part of gum disease management from dental offices to the home. The custom Perio Trays are designed to be comfortable and are typically worn for just 10-15 minutes at a time, once or twice daily. It’s a non-invasive, pain-free alternative or supplement to more aggressive treatments.

Protecting your long-term health

Research shows that chronic inflammation from gum disease links to many illnesses. These include heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. By effectively managing the oral biofilm and reducing inflammation in your mouth, you can lower the inflammatory burden on your entire body. Treating gum disease saves your teeth and improves your overall health. This is important because severe gum diseases affect over 1 billion people worldwide.

Your Perio Protect journey: what to expect

Starting your Perio Protect therapy is a straightforward process that begins with a consultation and integrates seamlessly into your existing dental care routine.

Consultation & fit
During your dental appointment, your Tend dental professional assesses your gum health, and diagnoses the stage of your gum disease. If you are a suitable candidate, they will take detailed impressions of your teeth and gums.

Custom tray delivery
These impressions are sent to the official Perio Protect lab. Your personalized Perio Trays are manufactured with a patented internal sealing system that ensures medication stays in place and penetrates deep beneath the gumline.

Daily at-home use
Once your trays are ready, your dental office will ensure they fit perfectly and will instruct you on their use. The home care routine is simple: you place a thin line of the prescribed Perio Gel into each tray and wear them for the recommended time, usually 10-15 minutes per session. The frequency will depend on the severity of your condition, as determined by your dentist.

Complementary care
Perio Protect works alongside routine dental cleanings and monitoring, supporting long-term gum health while reducing the need for more invasive approaches.

Are there side effects?

The custom Perio Trays are made from a soft, flexible material and are designed for comfort. Most patients adapt to wearing them very quickly. The 1.7% hydrogen peroxide concentration in Perio Gel is gentle and generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Some users may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, which typically resolves on its own.

Integrating Perio Protect with your existing dental care

Perio Protect is designed to work in conjunction with, not replace, your regular dental care. It is an adjunctive therapy that enhances the results of professional dental cleanings and procedures like scaling and root planing. You can control bacterial growth at home between dental visits. This makes your professional cleanings more effective and comfortable. It helps keep your mouth healthy over time.

Understanding cost and coverage for Perio Protect

Investing in your long-term health is one of the most important decisions you can make. Understanding the financial aspects of Perio Protect can help you plan for this valuable treatment.

Does dental insurance cover Perio Protect?

Coverage for Perio Protect varies widely between dental insurance plans. While some plans may cover a portion of the cost, others may not. It is often categorized as a periodontal treatment, and many plans do offer benefits for such procedures. It is crucial to check with your dental insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy. We can assist by submitting a pre-authorization to determine your level of coverage.

Invest in your long-term oral health

While there is an upfront cost for the consultation, fabrication of the custom Perio Trays, and the medication, it’s important to view it as an investment. Uncontrolled periodontal disease can lead to costly and invasive procedures down the road, including surgery and tooth replacement. Using Perio Protect to manage the disease well can help you avoid bigger and more expensive treatments. It also helps prevent tooth loss, which affects your quality of life.

Only a certified dental professional can determine if the Perio Protect Method is appropriate for you. During a comprehensive examination, your dentist or hygienist will measure your periodontal pockets, assess bone levels with X-rays, and evaluate your overall oral health. Based on this diagnosis, they can create a personalized treatment plan. If Perio Protect is recommended, it will be prescribed as part of a complete dental care strategy designed to bring your gum disease under control and maintain your gum health long-term.

Perio Protect offers a breakthrough in gum disease management—efficacy bundled with comfort, convenience, and fewer invasive procedures. It lets patients take control of their oral health from home, with professional support guiding the way.

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