Efficacy of the Use of a Water Flosser in Addition to an Electric Toothbrush on Clinical Signs of Inflammation: 4-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study compared the use of an oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush and a water flosser to the use of an oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush on the reduction of clinical signs of inflammation and plaque. METHODS: Seventy adult participants (N = 70) completed this examiner-blind, two-group, parallel clinical trial. The participants were randomized into either the water flosser + oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush (WF) group or the oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush only group (OR). Inflammation was measured by bleeding on probing (BOP) and modified gingival index (MGI) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Plaque was scored using Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) at the same timepoints. Data was reported for whole mouth, areas (marginal and proximal), and surfaces (facial and lingual). A post-study Likert scale questionnaire was completed at the 4-week visit. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in BOP, MGI, and RMNPI from baseline to 4 weeks for whole mouth (P < .001). The WF group was 37% more effective at reducing BOP, 36% for MGI, and 33% for RMNPI than the OR group at 4 weeks for whole mouth (P < .001; except RMNPI P = .003). Additionally, the WF group was significantly more effective at reducing proximal BOP (37%, P < .001), MGI (46%, P < .001), and RMNPI (52%, P = .004) compared to OR at 4 weeks. The questionnaire revealed subjects in both groups felt the device was easy to use, the instructions were clear, and their mouth felt fresh and clean. There were no adverse events reported during the study. CONCLUSION: An oral hygiene regimen consisting of the use of a water flosser in addition to an oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush significantly improved gingival health. The products used in both groups were effective and well-tolerated by the study population.