Study finds Waterpik flosser more effective than brushing alone

Water flosser brand Waterpik® recently released a study evaluating the effectiveness of water flossers in addition to an oscillating power toothbrush, the company announced. 

The four week randomized controlled clinical trial found that while brushing with an oscillating power brush alone did not improve oral health, but that the addition of the Water Flosser provided significant results for people with mild to moderate gingivitis.

The trial studies 70 adult participants who were randomized and assigned to either the Waterpik Water Flosser plus Oral-B® Pro 2000 with Precision Clean Brush Head group (WF), or the Oral-B Pro 2000 with Precision Clean Brush Head only group to study the efficacy on the reduction of gum inflammation and plaque. After that clinical study, the results revealed:

• 37 percent more effective in reducing gingival bleeding

• 36 percent more effective in reducing gingival inflammation

• 33 percent more effective in reducing plaque

In addition, participants completed a questionnaire, which revealed that subjects in both groups felt that the Waterpik Water Flosser and the Oral-B® Pro 2000 toothbrush were easy to use and that the instructions were cleary. Notably, 91 percent of participants who used the Waterpik Water Flosser in addition to brushing said they would continue to use the products following the study, versus 60 percent of the brushing-only group would continue using their product.

“Our clinical trials are the root of what we do,” said Deborah M. Lyle, RDH, BS, MS, director of clinical & professional affairs Waterpik. “We constantly strive to provide clinically meaningful and scientifically-driven results that address oral hygiene needs for our target consumer, while showing that the Waterpik® Water Flosser is an easy and more effective alternative to string floss, air floss, and interdental brushes.”

This study complements previously published research using a manual or sonic-powered toothbrush, which showed that no matter the toothbrush used, even high-end powered toothbrushes, the addition of the Waterpik Water Flosser is significantly more effective at removing plaque and improving gum health than brushing alone.

For more information regarding the study, visit https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/pro/clinical-research/water-flosser-oral-b-electric-toothbrush-inflammation-2020/.