Clinical Functional Evaluation of Oral Irrigators in Self-care

<p> Purpose: Personal mechanical plaque control instruments can be broadly divided into toothbrushes and interdental cleaning products. The present study investigated the effect of interdental cleaning via a water jet (oral irrigator) in addition to other mechanical plaque control practices. In particular, we evaluated changes in the amount of plaque adhesion and the degree of gingival inflammation.</p><p> Materials and Methods: This study tested two brands of oral irrigator: the new Doltz Jet Washer Nano Cleanse (EW-NJ80; Panasonic Corporation, NJ80) and the conventional Doltz Jet Washer (EW-DJ55; Panasonic Corporation, DJ55). Dental floss (Y-shaped dental floss/pick) was used by the control group for interdental cleaning. The dentists conducting the clinical examinations were blinded. A total of 60 participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: NJ80, DJ55, or the control (dental floss) group. Tooth brushing instruction was not provided to any of the groups. The patient performed personal oral hygiene practices as per usual and then used one of the three types of auxiliary cleaning instrument mentioned above. Clinical tests (GI, PD, PCR, PISA, PESA) were conducted at the initial clinical visit and after one month of use. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the study.</p><p> Results: A significant decrease in the rate of sites showing a GI score of 2 or higher was noted in the NJ80 (54.0±4.4→43.6±4.1％, p＜0.01) and DJ55 (52.6±4.6→44.3±4.3％, p＜0.05). A significant decrease in the percentage of PD ≥4 mm sites was noted as follows: NJ80 (10.8±2.9％ to 8.2±2.6％; p＜0.01), DJ55 (10.5±2.0％ to 7.9±1.9％; p＜0.05), and control group (10.1±3.1％ to 8.4±3.2％; p＜0.05). PCR improvement was noted in all three groups, with a particularly significant improvement in the NJ80 and control groups (p＜0.01). A significant decrease in PISA was noted in the NJ80 (887.2±97.9 mm² to 712.6±87.9 mm²; p＜0.01) and DJ55 (875.2±94.1 mm² to 726.3±88.3 mm²; p＜0.05), with a more pronounced decrease in the NJ80. A significant decrease in PESA was noted in all groups (p＜0.05). The results of a questionnaire administered after using oral irrigators for a period of time showed that most participants in the NJ80 reported a sense of gentleness to the gums while using the oral irrigator.</p><p> Conclusion: A combination of toothbrushing and interdental cleaning via the EW-NJ80 oral irrigator may help with personal mechanical plaque control.</p>