Meet PerioStōm: Forward Science's Game Changer For Gum Health

Here at Medfix, we're all about connecting people with genuinely impactful healthcare solutions. And sometimes, you come across a company whose mission just resonates deeply. That's how we feel about Forward Science.

They're not your typical MedTech company. Based out of Houston, Texas, Forward Science was founded in 2012 by two biomedical engineers, Robert Whitman and Brian Pikkula, with a clear goal: to innovate technology that genuinely changes lives. What really caught our attention is that they've made a conscious choice to remain independent, not owned by private equity. This means they're free to innovate quickly and genuinely, keeping everything in house from research to manufacturing to support. It's a huge advantage, allowing them to act faster and with fewer potential complications than many competitors.

Innovation Rooted in Real Needs

Forward Science burst onto the scene with OralID, a groundbreaking device for oral cancer screening. It immediately highlighted their commitment to making essential diagnostics accessible. But their innovation hasn't slowed. In fact, in 2020, Robert and Brian hosted a conference for oral health professionals, directly asking: "What product do you desperately need?" The answer was overwhelming: a real solution for gum disease. And just like that, the research and development for PerioStōm began.

PerioStōm: Addressing a Silent Epidemic

Let's talk about gum health for a second. It's not just about your mouth; your oral health is absolutely integral to your general health. You simply cannot be truly healthy without it. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation that affects the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. It’s incredibly common, hitting 2 in 5 adults (that's 47% of adults 30 or older and a whopping 70% of those 65 or older!) and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
But it gets deeper. This isn't just about your smile. The mouth and body are connected as one – it's called the oral systemic link. Chronic inflammation and pathogenic bacteria in your mouth can impact your overall health, playing a role in conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer's Disease.

Warning signs of gum disease can include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that are red, swollen, puffy, or tender
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Feeling that your teeth are loose
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

The PerioStōm Solution: Non Drug & Breakthrough Results

This is where PerioStōm truly shines. People are increasingly looking for non drug therapies, and PerioStōm fits that bill perfectly. It's an FDA-cleared, non-drug oral wound dressing intended as a physical barrier for temporary protection of oral mucosal tissue. It's a testament to Forward Science's dedication to pushing boundaries.

Robert Whitman, the CEO, is the visionary championing PerioStōm's potential, while Brian Pikkula, the Chief Scientific Officer, is the mastermind behind its groundbreaking science. Brian meticulously focused on creating a product that truly works, is safe for patients, and is simple for clinicians to use. Ellen Myers, their Director of Clinical Affairs & Strategic Markets and a dental hygienist herself, led the clinical trials and is amazed by the results.

PerioStōm is powered by a proprietary formulation of Chitosan microspheres. Now, "Chitosan" might sound super sciency, but here’s the casual breakdown: it comes from the shells of crustaceans, like shrimp, and it's the second most abundant natural polymer on Earth. In PerioStōm, this key ingredient is a powerhouse. It's antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, and acts as a biofilm disruptor – essentially, it's really good at fighting the bad bacteria and breaking down the gunk that causes gum issues. Think of it as a natural alternative that helps control dental biofilm and treats oral disease.

Diving Deeper into PerioStōm

Want to learn more about the innovation behind PerioStōm? Check out this introductory video from Forward Science.

Real World Impact: The Clinical Evidence

And the results? As you'll see in the introductory video, Ellen Myers shares how truly amazed they were by what they saw in the clinical trials. Patients received standard scaling and root planing, followed by the application of PerioStōm. After just 30 days, re-evaluation showed an incredible 72% reduction in bleeding on probing! To put that in perspective, patients typically see only about a 14% reduction with just scaling and root planing alone. An incredible leap forward.
Forward Science genuinely claims to be more excited about PerioStōm than any product they've created before, and honestly, after seeing it in action and getting to know the team, we completely understand why.

Real People, Real Impact

What truly stands out about Forward Science isn't just their innovative products; it's the people behind them. Robert, Brian, Ellen, and the entire team are incredibly genuine and authentic. They are truly dedicated to making a positive difference in the world of oral healthcare. Witnessing their commitment firsthand has been inspiring, and we at Medfix are incredibly honored to collaborate with such a remarkable group.

They are setting a new standard for how technology and compassion can blend to improve lives.