Effectiveness of Water Flossers in Orthodontic Treatment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Maintaining good oral hygiene with orthodontic appliances can be challenging, leading to plaque accumulation and complications. Traditional oral hygiene tools have limitations, and water flossers have been proposed as an effective solution. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of water flossers in orthodontic treatment by analyzing relevant studies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria included observational studies reporting data on the benefits of water flossers in orthodontic treatment, focusing on outcomes such as plaque formation, gingival inflammation, and periodontal diseases. Exclusion criteria included non-observational studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, studies in languages other than English, and studies published before 1990. Study selection and screening were performed based on relevance and eligibility. Results: The initial search yielded 740 papers, which were narrowed down through screening and exclusion criteria. Ultimately, nine comparative studies were included in the review. The included studies encompassed multiple designs and sample sizes. Data extraction included information on the study year, study design, sample size, outcome assessed, intervention details (type of water flosser used, treatment duration), and conclusions related to the effectiveness of water flossers in orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: The review suggests that water flossers can be a valuable addition to the oral hygiene routine of orthodontic patients. The studies reviewed demonstrated the effectiveness of water flossers in plaque control, reducing gingival inflammation, and minimizing bleeding compared to traditional tools like interdental brushes and string floss. However, the evidence base is still limited, and further research is needed to strengthen the findings and explore the long-term effects of water flosser use in orthodontic treatment.