Plaque Removal

Waterpik™ Water Flosser: Significantly More Effective than String Floss for Removing Plaque

Study showed the Waterpik™ Water Flosser removed 29–33% more plaque than string floss across all surfaces, proving superior single-use cleaning effectiveness when combined with manual toothbrushing.

Waterpik™ Water Flosser: Significantly More Effective than String Floss for Removing Plaque

Evaluation of the Plaque Removal Efficacy of a Water Flosser Compared to String Floss in Adults After a Single Use

Goyal CR, Lyle DM, Qaqish JG, Schuller R. J Clin Dent 2013; 24(2):37–42.
Study conducted at BioSci Research Canada, Ltd.

Objective

To compare the plaque-removal efficacy of the Waterpik™ Water Flosser to string floss when used alongside a manual toothbrush.

Methodology

Seventy subjects participated in this randomised, single-use, single-blind, parallel clinical study.
Participants abstained from all oral hygiene for twenty-three to twenty-five hours prior to their appointment.
Subjects were screened and assigned to one of two groups:

  • Waterpik Water Flosser plus a manual toothbrush

  • Waxed string floss plus a manual toothbrush

Instructions were provided for each product. Each participant brushed for two minutes using the Bass method.
Group One used the Water Flosser with 500 ml of warm water, and Group Two used waxed string floss to clean all interproximal areas.
Subjects were observed to ensure proper use and complete coverage.
Plaque scores were recorded for whole mouth, marginal, approximal, facial, and lingual regions using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index.

Results

The Waterpik Water Flosser was 29% more effective than string floss for overall plaque removal, 29% more effective for approximal surfaces, and 33% more effective for marginal surfaces.

Conclusion

The Waterpik Water Flosser is significantly more effective than string floss in removing plaque from all tooth surfaces after a single use.

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