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Efficacy and Safety of AirFloss Ultra With Essential Oils Versus Waxed Dental Floss as Adjunct to Toothbrushing: A
Tim M J A Thomassen1, Dagmar E Slot1, Therese A Elkerbout1
1Department of Periodontology Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Aim:
This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of AirFloss Ultra with essential oils (AFeo) compared to waxed dental floss (DF) as an adjunct to regular manual toothbrushing.
Material And Methods:
This study employed a randomly assigned, parallel, examiner-blind design. Eighty-two systemically healthy, right-handed volunteers with ≥ 25% gingival bleeding in the lower jaw but without periodontitis were enrolled. After 3 weeks of experimentally induced gingivitis, gingivitis reversal was assessed over the following 4 weeks. Subjects were divided into two groups: one used AFeo in addition to twice-daily manual toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, while the other used DF with the same brushing regimen. Bleeding On Marginal Probing (BOMP), Modified Silness and Löe Plaque Index (MPI), and approximal gingival abrasion scores (GAS) were recorded. These clinical parameters were analysed at baseline, intermediate time points, and study conclusion using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical methods.
Results:
The AFeo and DF groups showed a reduction in mean BOMP, MPI, and GAS scores. There were no significant differences in these parameters between the AFeo and DF groups at any time point (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusion:
No significant difference in efficacy was observed between the AirFloss Ultra filled with an essential oil solution and waxed dental floss when used alongside manual toothbrushing. This conclusion is based on assessments of gingival bleeding, dental plaque, and gingival abrasion scores in the lower jaw following experimentally induced gingivitis. Both products were also found to be safe for use.
