Evaluation of a floss-holding device compared to hand-held floss for interproximal plaque, gingivitis, and patient acceptance
Kleber, C.J.; Putt, M.S.
Clinical Preventive Dentistry 10(4): 6-14
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0163-9633 PMID: 3267496 Document Number: 315730
An unsupervised cross-over clincial study was conducted to determine the effect of using a floss holding device compared to conventional hand flossing on interproximal plaque and gingivitis in adults. Equivalent, significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis were observed for both groups at all examinations. However, 70% of the subjects stated that they preferred using the floss holder compared to hand flossing. Previous hand floss users or those first trained to use hand floss were less likely to prefer using the floss holder. The interproximal areas of the posterior teeth in both groups were the lease thoroughtly flossed areas with the greatest amount of gingivitios. Overall, the floss holder was equivalent to conventional hand floss in the safety and effectiveness, and superior with regard to patients acceptance.