Periodontal disease, known as gum disease, is an ongoing process that destroys the gums and bone supporting tissues around the teeth. It is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, affecting about 70 percent to 80 percent of the adult population. Essentially, three out of four people will become affected by periodontal disease at some time in their life.

The good news is that bone grafting is a way to replace or encourage new growth of bone or gum tissue destroyed by periodontitis.

Genex Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OTC BB: GENX), a biomedical technology company that has developed Reconstituted Bone Xenograft (RBX) for treating various bone-related injuries, now has a new product for dental applications - micro-particle RBX.

The Chinese State Food and Drug Administration approved clinical trials of micro-particle RBX focusing on orthodontic and periodontal procedures. Micro-particle RBX provides a minimally invasive technique that will improve dental surgery procedures and potentially accelerate recovery from surgeries.

"Approval for clinical trials of micro-particle RBX is a significant step in the development and expansion of our product pipeline," said Fuzhi Song, chairman and chief executive officer of Genex. "We are extending our success of treating orthopedic surgical patients with RBX to the vast number of dental patients seeking minimally invasive technologies in orthodontic treatment."

Through non-surgical, orthodontic techniques, a patient's bone and gum can be remodeled to eliminate the unsightly aesthetic defect caused by gum disease.

According to a National Dental Survey conducted by the PRC Ministry of Health from 1995 to 1998:

* More than 500 million Chinese people suffer from advanced tooth decay.

* Eighty percent of Chinese people over the age of 7 suffer from permanent tooth decay.

* Four percent over age 60 need gum treatment.

* Two percent of the nation's over-40 population require dental grafting.

Regular brushing and flossing promotes healthy teeth. It's also important to visit the dentist routinely for a checkup and professional cleaning. Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding tobacco products also can help prevent periodontal disease.

Stop and Prevent Tooth Decay