The Waterpik™ Water Flosser: Adding a Waterpik Water Flosser to a manual toothbrush is up to 3.1 times as effective as brushing alone

Effectiveness of water flosser compared to manual toothbrush on clinical signs of inflammation: A randomized controlled trial

Goyal, CR, Lyle DM, Qaqish JG, Schuller R. Evaluation of the Addition of a Water Flosser to Manual Brushing on Gingival Health. J Clin Dent 2018; 29(4):81-86. Study conducted at All Sum Research Center LTD, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of a Waterpik™ Water Flosser in reducing clinical signs of inflammation as compared to brushing alone.

Methodology

Seventy two subjects were randomised equally into two groups in this four week, parallel clinical trial: ADA standard manual toothbrush and Waterpik™ Water Flosser (WF) or ADA standard manual toothbrush alone (MT). Inflammation was measured using bleeding on probing (BOP) and the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) at baseline, two weeks and four weeks. The Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index (RMNPI) scores were measured at baseline, two weeks and four weeks. Both groups brushed as they normally do and used the toothpaste provided.

Results

Both groups showed a significant reduction in BOP, MGI and RMNPI at four weeks (p<0.001, except marginal RMNPI for MT p=0.006). The WF group was significantly more effective for all clinical measures, improving BOP 3.1X, MGI 2.7X and Plaque 2.4X.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a Waterpik Water Flosser and manual toothbrush are superior to brushing alone in the reduction of inflammation and dental plaque.