Study summary
In a study conducted at the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry (http://rdh.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?ARTICLE_ID=357007&p=56, periodontally involved extracted teeth were subjected to a three-second treatment with the Watepik Dental Jet. The result under an electron microscope revealed that 99% of the plaque biofilm was removed.
Practice relevance
In daily clinical practice, we know that patients don't floss. And many of us joke that we don't even mention the "f" word anymore in hopes of finding something else that will support our patients' lifestyle and health. I acknowledge that I graduated from college 20 years ago and the word "biofilm" wasn't even in my textbook. Add the urban legend that water irrigations are only beneficial to the ortho population, or "only remove food and debris and not sticky plaque," and a collective bias emerges.
Why wouldn't you integrate oral irrigation as an effective alternative to flossing into your home care education?
After having the opportunity to speak with Jon B. Suzuki, DDA, Ph.D., MBA, professor of microbiology and periodontology at Temple University about the study, I learned a few nuances I would like to share.
Facultative anaerobic organism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facultative_anaerobic_organism) is bacteria that can be found in the mouth which can basically "hold their breath." This means they exist with or without oxygen. If you were under the assumption that bacteria were either anaerobic or aerobic (I was), think again. The bacteria in our mouths are adapting and changing, and this data alone leads to why patients and professionals may want to pay attention to their interproximal care.
Interproximal care? Every three days?
Not I or anyone else advocates recommending that our patients only clean between their teeth every three days, yet we know the reality of clinical practice. Many times I rejoice when I hear that a patient is in fact flossing or using an interdental aid, at any interval. So when I learned that a three-second application of the Waterjet removes plaque biofilm that has been hanging around for three days, at the same rate, I was hooked! Though not ideal, it's a welcome option and still supports oral health.
Oral irrigation and patients
Since reading about this study, I have repositioned oral irrigation as "top of mind" for ALL my patient populations. Whether they want to do it in or out of the shower (I know, patients share way to much), that's their choice. I recommend that they use it at least four times a week, and ideally seven times.
Be Well,
Kristine A. Hodsdon RDH, BS
Director, RDH eVillage
