Study: Water flossers significantly improve oral health when used with oscillating electric toothbrush
Press release
The efficacy of a water flosser and an oscillating power toothbrush was the subject of a recent four-week randomized controlled clinical trial conducted by Water Pik Inc. The study found that while brushing with an oscillating power brush alone did improve oral health, the addition of a water flosser provided significantly better results for people with mild to moderate gingivitis.
The study looked at 70 adults who were randomized and assigned to one of two groups:
- Participants using a Waterpik Water Flosser and the Oral-B Pro 2000 with Precision Clean Brush Head
- Participants using only the Oral-B Pro 2000 with Precision Clean Toothbrush
The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of each approach on the reduction of gum inflammation and plaque.
After the clinical trial, study results found that using a Waterpik Water Flosser in conjunction with the Oral-B Pro 2000 with Precision Clean Brush Head was more effective than using the same brush and brush head alone. These were the findings:
- 37% more effective in reducing gingival bleeding
- 36% more effective in reducing gingival inflammation
- 33% more effective in reducing plaque
Study participants completed a questionnaire, which showed that subjects in both test groups felt that the Waterpik Water Flosser and the Oral-B Pro 2000 Toothbrush were easy to use and that the instructions were clear and easy to follow. Notably, 91% of participants who used the Waterpik Water Flosser in addition to brushing said they would continue to use the same products after the study concluded, while only 60% of the brushing-only group said they would continue using their product.
The study suggests that no matter the toothbrush used—even high-end power toothbrushes—the addition of a water flosser is more effective at removing plaque and improving gum health than brushing alone.
▶️ Read more about the study at this link.
Editor's note: This article is an edited version of a press release issued April 7, 2020, by Water Pik Inc. Press releases may be submitted to [email protected] for review and posting consideration.
