ISSN:
1600-051X
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The purpose of this clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of a new flossing aid (Flosser®) with finger flossing on preventing plaque and gingival inflammation. 35 adults who did not use dental floss routinely were assigned randomly to one of 2 treatment groups (Flosser® or finger flossing) in a 2-period, single-blind crossover study. After prophylaxis, subjects were instructed to use the flossing aid or finger floss 1 × per day and to continue brushing for 30 days. Gingival inflammation (GI & BPI) and plaque (PI) were assessed prior to the prophylaxis and at 30 days. After a 30 day “washout” period, subjects were again reassessed for gingival inflammation and plaque, given a prophylaxis, assigned the opposite treatment (2nd treatment period) that they received the first treatment period, and assessed (GI, BPI & PI) after 30 days. Comparing the mean difference of the 30-day buccal interproximal scores between the treatment groups (flossing aid scores minus finger flossing scores) showed that the mean differences with 95% CI were: −0.013±0.067 [GI], −0.017±0.044 [BP] and 0.019±0.014 [PI]. No statistically significant differences from zero (0.05 alpha) were observed using the t-test. There was a high levei of compliance (90%) with the prescribed regiment, and subjects preferred (56%) the flossing aid slightly over finger flossing. Even though there were no statistically or clinically significant differences in gingivitis and plaque scores between the 2 flossing groups, the positive inclination for the flossing aid makes it a desirable addition to the armamentarium of preventive dentistry.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1993.tb00396.x
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