Effectiveness of the GumChucks flossing system compared to string floss for interdental plaque removal in children: a randomized clinical trial

Joshua Lin,Melissa Agnello,Márcia Dinis,Daniela R Silva,Xuesong He,Nini C Tran,Chi-Hong Tseng

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-59705-w

Joshua Lin, Melissa Agnello + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59705-w

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Feb 20, 2020
Citations: 4	License type: open-access

Affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles

Abstract

Flossing, an important oral hygiene skill, is technique-sensitive and challenging for children with developing manual dexterity. GumChucks is a novel flossing device designed to assist children with proper flossing technique. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the GumChucks flossing device compared to string floss (SF). We conducted a randomized trial with 40 children aged 4–15 years at the UCLA Children’s Dental Center from January- April 2017. Participants were randomly assigned to either GumChucks or SF. Interdental plaque score (IPS) and gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline and 4-week post-usage. Flossing speed and interdental plaque reduction were also determined immediately after first use. In addition, questionnaires were completed by children, parents and dentists. Overall, children flossed significantly faster (p < 0.001) and achieved greater IPS reduction after first use (47.0% vs. 26.8%) with GumChucks compared to SF. After 4-week post-usage, children ages 10–15 in the GumChucks group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in GI and IPS from baseline (p < 0.01) and greater efficacy in interdental plaque removal compared to the SF group (p < 0.01). Children ages 4–9 flossed more effectively (p < 0.01) with GumChucks after first use, but no significant IPS and GI improvement after 4-week post-usage. Children preferred GumChucks (92.5%) over SF, with a similar positive attitude reported by parents and dentists. GumChucks is an effective alternative interdental plaque removal aid that allows children to floss with greater speed and efficacy, with recommended parental supervision for children under age 10.

Highlights

Flossing, an important oral hygiene skill, is technique-sensitive and challenging for children with developing manual dexterity
Forty children aged [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15] years old, who were pediatric patients of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Children’s Dental Center, 40 parents of child participants, and 30 dentists were enrolled in the study. 44 children were initially screened and deemed eligible, and 4 subsequently declined to participate (Fig. 2). 40 child participants completed the 2-phase randomized clinical trial
It is an important skill to develop during childhood as it may serve to establish valuable, life-long oral hygiene habits

Summary

Introduction

An important oral hygiene skill, is technique-sensitive and challenging for children with developing manual dexterity. After 4-week post-usage, children ages [10,11,12,13,14,15] in the GumChucks group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in GI and IPS from baseline (p < 0.01) and greater efficacy in interdental plaque removal compared to the SF group (p < 0.01). Children ages [4,5,6,7,8,9] flossed more effectively (p < 0.01) with GumChucks after first use, but no significant IPS and GI improvement after 4-week post-usage. GumChucks is an effective alternative interdental plaque removal aid that allows children to floss with greater speed and efficacy, with recommended parental supervision for children under age 10. Similar oral hygiene guidelines for children are recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)[23]

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