A 30-day clinical comparison of a novel interdental cleaning device and dental floss in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis

Abstract

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of a novel battery-operated interdental cleaning device (Oral-B Hummingbird) [ID], fitted with either a flossette or pick attachment, versus hand-held dental floss in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis when combined with manual tooth brushing over a 30-day period.

Methodology: This randomized, examiner blind, parallel group study assessed three treatment groups: ID/flossette (ID/F), ID/pick (ID/P), and unwaxed manual dental floss. All groups used the same soft manual toothbrush and toothpaste. The 84 subjects were stratified to treatment groups based on initial whole mouth mean plaque scores, gingivitis scores, and gender. Subjects were instructed to brush twice daily and use their assigned interdental method once daily in the evening before brushing. Gingivitis, gingival bleeding, and plaque were evaluated at baseline and Day 30.

Results: A total of 78 subjects completed all aspects of the study and were included in the analyses. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in baseline plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding scores. After 30 days, statistically significant reductions from baseline gingivitis and bleeding scores were found for all groups (p < 0.0001), but there were no significant statistical differences among groups. Whole mouth and approximal plaque scores were significantly reduced from baseline in the manual floss and ID/F groups after 30 days of product use, with no significant difference between groups. Plaque reduction for both the manual floss and ID/F groups was significantly greater than the ID/P group. All interdental cleaning methods were safe as used in the study, with no evidence of oral hard or soft tissue trauma.

Conclusion: The Oral-B Hummingbird was safe and effective in reducing approximal plaque and gingival inflammation, and provides a useful alternative device for interdental cleaning.