It has been documented that two-thirds of Americans do not floss regularly and only about 22% can demonstrate correct technique.
1 Based on this, dentists and hygienists have repeatedly asked if the Waterpik
Ò Dental Water Jet is a good alternative for non-compliant patients. They understood the need to look for alternatives to flossing for those individuals who will not or cannot floss. Now, for those non-compliant individuals, a new clinical study from the University of Nebraska
2 has determined that there is an effective alternative to traditional flossing – the Waterpik
® Dental Water Jet.
About the University of Nebraska Clinical Study
Conducted in 2005, the single-blind, controlled, 28 day clinical trial included 105 subjects randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 – manual toothbrush and floss; Group 2 – manual toothbrush and Waterpik® Dental Water Jet; and Group 3 – sonic toothbrush and Waterpik® Dental Water Jet. Subjects were asked to brush for a timed two minutes, twice per day. In the evening, subjects used either a WaterpikÒ Dental Water Jet or dental floss. Written and verbal instructions were given and the subjects were told to refrain from using any additional oral hygiene aids. Data was collected by two calibrated examiners at baseline, 14 days, and 28 days.
Study results demonstrated that when combined with toothbrushing, the WaterpikÒ Dental Water Jet is an effective alternative to traditional dental floss for reducing bleeding, gingival inflammation and plaque. The addition of the WaterpikÒ Dental Water Jet provided superior results for gum bleeding and gingivitis reduction. Specifically, manual toothbrushing plus the WaterpikÒ Dental Water Jet was over 93% more effective at reducing bleeding on the facial surfaces and 50% better at reducing gingivitis compared to brushing and flossing on the facial and lingual surfaces at day 28.
Waterpik Dental Water Jets
The Waterpik® Dental Water Jet delivers a unique combination of water pressure (1,200 pulsations per minute) and pulsation (55-90 pounds per square inch) to reach interproximally and subgingivally. It has been tested for safety and efficacy in over 45 clinical studies demonstrating significant reduction in one or more of the following: bleeding, gingivitis, subgingival pathogenic bacteria, and inflammatory mediators (IL-1b and PGE2). Likewise, it has been tested on individuals with special considerations including implants, crown and bridge, orthodontic appliances, diabetes, and those in periodontal maintenance.
Patient Education Brochure
The Waterpik
Ò Dental Water Jet can benefit all patients even those with good oral hygiene. New complimentary patient education brochures are now available and include a $5 rebate. To order simply, go to
http://professional.waterpik.com/ and fill out the form.
Waterpik Technologies
1730 E. Prospect Road
Fort Collins, CO 80553-0001
E-Mail: professional@waterpik.com
1 Lang WP et al. Preventative behaviors as correlates of periodontal health status. J Public Health Dent 1995:55:10-17
2 Barnes CM et al. Comparison of irrigation to floss as an adjunct to toothbrushing. J Clin Dent 2005; 16(3):71-77.