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The effect of different interdental cleaning devices on gingival bleeding
Nanning A M Rosema1, Nienke L Hennequin-Hoenderdos, Claire E Berchier
1Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam,The Netherlands. M.Rosema@acta.nl
Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology
|March 11, 2011
Summary
Daily use of an oral irrigator (OI) significantly reduces gingival bleeding compared to dental floss when used alongside brushing. Both prototype and standard OI jet tips proved more effective than floss in this 4-week study.
Area of Science:
- Dental Hygiene
- Periodontal Health
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- Gingival bleeding is a common indicator of poor oral hygiene.
- Dental floss and oral irrigators are commonly used adjuncts to toothbrushing.
- Effectiveness of different oral hygiene devices requires ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of an oral irrigator (OI) with a prototype jet tip versus a standard jet tip against dental floss.
- To evaluate the reduction in gingival bleeding as an adjunct to daily toothbrushing.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week, single-masked, 3-group parallel home-use study involving 108 subjects.
- Participants were randomized to use either an OI with a prototype jet tip, an OI with a standard jet tip, or waxed dental floss.
- All groups supplemented twice-daily toothbrushing with their assigned device once daily.
Main Results:
- Oral irrigation with both prototype and standard jet tips resulted in significantly lower mean gingival bleeding scores compared to dental floss at 4 weeks.
- No significant differences in plaque reduction were observed among the three groups.
Conclusions:
- Daily use of an oral irrigator, with either a prototype or standard jet tip, is more effective than dental floss in reducing gingival bleeding when used as an adjunct to manual toothbrushing.
- Oral irrigation presents a viable alternative for improving gingival health.
