Australasian Dentist Issue 89

34 AustrAlAsiAn Dentist B i o d e g r a d a b l e B i o d e g r a d a b l e proDuCt proFIle Well-designed published clinical studies help dental professionals make informed decisions about all aspects of dental care. This is especially true for oral hygiene devices that claim to provide effective ways to maintain optimal oral health. There are over 80 published research studies that evaluate the efficacy of the Waterpik®Water Flosser on multiple levels (www.waterpik.com.au) . Gingival Bleeding The most important and consistent outcome from the studies is the reduction of gingival bleeding. The absence of gingival bleeding is a good predictor that the site will remain healthy. No gingival bleeding is the goal of daily oral hygiene. 1 Biofilm The hydrokinetic mechanical action of the Waterpik®Water Flosser removes biofilm from the tooth surface as shown with a scanning electron microscope (Figure 1). 2 The action also produces a compression and decompression of the gingival tissue and allows interdental and subgingival access to remove biofilm (Figure 2). Cleaning these areas is critical to prevention of gingival inflammation. Inflammation Daily Water Flossing has a direct impact on the inflammatory process. The Waterpik® device can reduce the level of pro- inflammatory mediators measured in the gingival crevicular fluid and blood serum from baseline and compared to regular oral hygiene methods. 3, 4 These changes coincide with a significant reduction in gingivitis and bleeding scores. Histological Microscopic findings of tissue samples from areas treated with a Waterpik®device exhibited less inflammation and vascular congestion. 5-7 Benefits of the Waterpik® Water Flosser Many individuals can benefit from using a Waterpik®Water Flosser. Orthodontic appliances present a unique challenge for both adults and adolescents. The Waterpik® Water Flosser and orthodontic tip (Figure 3) is an ideal device for individuals in orthodontic treatment. It is significantly more effective than brushing and flossing for removing biofilm and reducing gingival bleeding around fixed orthodontic appliances. 8 Individuals in periodontal maintenance programs have an increased risk of future clinical attachment loss (CAL). Use of the Waterpik®with water demonstrated similar reductions in BOP, PI, PPD and improvements in CAL compared to subgingival minocycline- treated pockets over 30 days. 9 Overall, use of a Waterpik ® Water Flosser showed stability or improvements of CAL and PPD in clinical studies. 3,4,10 This is an important goal for periodontal maintenance patients. The challenge of cleaning around implants with crowns, bridges, or dentures is obvious. The area around the implant is not always accessible and the prosthetic may have unusual contours. Traditional cleaning methods are limited due to access, but the Waterpik®Water Flosser pulsating action can enter these areas. The Water Flosser was twice as effective as dental floss in reducing bleeding around implants. 11 Special tips are available for cleaning around implants (Figure 4) and under non-removable dentures (Figure 5). The Waterpik®Water Flosser has been compared to dental floss, interdental brushes, air floss and brushing alone. In all cases, the Waterpik ® was significantly more effective in removing plaque and improving gingival health. 1 Clinical trials with the Waterpik®Water Flosser are conducted at independent universities and clinical research organizations that adhere to the ethical and scientific quality standard for designing, conducting and reporting trials that involve the participation of human subjects. 1 u For a full list of references contact gapmagazines@optusnet.com.au the evidence is conclusive – The Waterpik ® Water Flosser is clinically proven effective Figure 2: The pulsating action of a Waterpik Water Flosser Figure 4: Plaque Seeker Tip – designed for implants and other dental work Figure 3: Orthodontic tip – designed for easy cleaning around brackets, arch wires and interproximal areas Figure 5: Implant Denture Tip – angled for easy access under the denture Figure 1: Biofilm on tooth surface at 20µm – pre-treatment & Clean tooth surface at 20µm – post- treatment with Waterpik ® Water Floss