title: Evaluating the efficacy of a new flossing aid.
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 x 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 level 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.
authors.affiliation: Section of Public Health Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: V W
authors.initials: VW
authors.lastname: Spolsky
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kissel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010512:Periodontal Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method