Chlorhexidine Efficacy Without the Alcohol: Another Novel Introduction from Sunstar
Sunstar’s Aaron Pfarrer recently discussed how the company takes both conventional and innovative approaches to support oral health, which was recently recognized as intrinsically interwoven with overall health.
Pfarrer, who is Senior Director of Professional Relations, points to a tradition of launching products that are easy to use as well as efficacious, thereby encouraging patient compliance. This, he says, is the case with its alcohol-free Paroex® Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP, 0.12%, which is currently the only FDA-approved alcohol-free chlorhexidine rinse. “Because there are certain patient populations for whom the health professional may choose to prescribe an alcohol-free alternative, this product is an effective option that makes it easy for patients to adhere to their doctor’s treatment plan,” he explains.
Pfarrer notes a trend among consumers, who are increasingly opting for alcohol-free versions of a wide range of products, from hair gel, insect repellent, and skin cleansers to OTC and prescription medications, due to a preference or need to avoid products containing alcohol. The 4 oz. size of Paroex makes it more convenient for practices to send the product home with their patients, which provides Paroex with another way to contribute to higher levels of patient compliance.
Pfarrer also points out that Paroex is specifically approved by the FDA for use between dental visits as part of a professional program for the prevention and treatment of gingivitis, because, as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, it is effective in controlling plaque. However, he adds, in addition to being alcohol-free, Paroex is therapeutically equivalent to other, alcohol-containing chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% rinse products, which, as broad-spectrum antimicrobials, may sometimes be used by dental professionals as a pre-procedural or post-procedural rinse.
Pfarrer expresses how Sunstar’s tradition of bringing innovation to healthcare comes at an especially fortuitous time. “Sunstar is committed to new and novel approaches for the prevention of disease in recognition of the important link between oral health and systemic health. This is why you see not just one, but several products offered by Sunstar in the plaque-controlling area, including probiotics, antimicrobials, and plaque-controlling rinses that don’t contain alcohol,” he says.
Pfarrer stresses Sunstar’s longstanding commitment to creating simple, patient-friendly approaches to improved homecare, including products geared toward those who find it difficult to comply with recommended traditional approaches. For example, GUM® PerioBalance® is a mint-flavored probiotic lozenge developed to reduce harmful dental plaque and promote healthy teeth and gums when taken daily. Both GUM® Soft-Picks® and Proxabrush® Go-Betweens® Cleaners offer an alternative to string-flossing for those who find it difficult or unpleasant. “Products such as these can remove obstacles that inhibit people from caring properly for their oral health. There are also numerous toothbrushes—both power and manual— to meet the needs of patients those with healthy gingiva, restorations, orthodontics, periodontal disease, or post surgery.”
Pfarrer says Sunstar is continuing to study, understand, and remain poised to launch innovations geared toward oral and systemic health. “We bring innovation not just in the prevention market, but also in bone grafting and tissue regeneration through our GUIDOR products.”
Sunstar Americas, Inc.
301 E Central Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800-528-8537
paroex.com
