Dental professionals are well aware that systemic health and oral health are closely intertwined. For immunocompromised patients, this relationship becomes even more critical.

Conditions that reduce immune function, such as neutrophil disorders, chemotherapy, autoimmune disease, or congenital deficiencies, can dramatically increase susceptibility to oral infection and periodontal disease.

Unfortunately, these patients often juggle complex treatment regimens and frequent hospital visits. As a result, routine oral care may be overlooked, heightening the risk of plaque build-up, gingivitis, and progression to periodontitis.

Neutrophils make up around 95% of leukocytes recruited to the gingival crevice in response to biofilm formation. They form the first line of defence - a “defence wall” - against bacteria entering the gingival tissues.

When neutrophil function is compromised:

• Deficiency → the immune system cannot control plaque biofilm, leading to unchecked gingivitis and rapid progression to periodontitis.
• Excess → over-recruitment fuels chronic inflammation, accelerating tissue destruction and bone loss.

This imbalance highlights why daily plaque removal and interdental cleaning are essential for immunocompromised patients.

For patients with neutrophil-related conditions, meticulous oral hygiene is a frontline defence against infection.

Brushing alone is insufficient, as it fails to clean effectively between teeth and below the gumline where bacterial plaque accumulates.

Adjunctive interdental cleaning is critical. Evidence shows that water flossing is significantly more effective than string floss in reducing plaque and improving gum health.

A 2023 study demonstrated that Waterpik™ water flossers not only removed plaque efficiently but also positively influenced the oral microbiome, fostering a healthier environment.

• Removes up to 99.9% of plaque bacteria from treated areas (in vitro).
• Clinically proven to be up to 50% more effective than string floss for improving gum health.
• With the Pik Pocket™ Tip, patients can gently deliver low-pressure rinses deep into periodontal pockets, helping to manage ongoing infection risk.

Why HCPs should recommend Waterpik

For immunocompromised patients, the stakes are high. By recommending Waterpik™ water flossers, dental professionals can:

• Provide a clinically proven, easy-to-use adjunct to toothbrushing.
• Support plaque removal where traditional methods fail.
• Help vulnerable patients protect their gum health and reduce the risk of periodontal disease progression.

As clinicians, empowering patients with the right tools can make the difference between maintaining oral health and facing preventable complications.

Annastasia Kellett Wright qualified as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist from the University of Sheffield in 2013 and currently practises her full scope of practice with paediatric and adult patients in London. Annastasia has been a professional educator for Waterpik™ since 2016 and is actively involved with the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapists, acting as the trade liaison for their London regional group since 2015.