NewsletterMaking interproximal cleaning even easier for improved gum health
Besides regular brushing, cleaning between teeth is essential for good oral health. However, interproximal tooth surfaces are often overlooked by patients when cleaning their teeth. Food debris can get stuck in these areas, which can lead to the build-up of bacteria, bad breath, and even the development of gum infection.
According to a Philips Sonicare AirFloss survey conducted at the International Dental Show 2011, the majority of dental professionals report that up to half of their patients should be practicing interdental cleaning more regularly (ie, up to 4 times a week).
More than one third of dental practitioners surveyed said that their patients do not really know how to floss properly and fail to understand the importance of interdental cleaning to their overall oral and physical health. In addition, 62% of dental practitioners said that the main barrier to regular flossing and interdental cleaning for patients is that they find it too awkward, and 61% of dental practitioners said that their patients find it too time consuming.
Sonicare AirFloss, featuring breakthrough microdroplet technology, was specially designed to address these barriers by making cleaning between teeth easier while maximizing the reduction of interdental plaque biofilm to improve gum health.
The Philips Sonicare AirFloss is a handheld, battery-powered interproximal cleaner that uses a quick burst of air and water to remove plaque and particles from between teeth.
The device produces a focused spray of microdroplets (up to 0.2 mm). The droplets are propelled by a burst of air to a speed of at least 45 mph. The impact of these high-speed, high-momentum droplets physically disrupts and removes the plaque biofilm but does not damage gums, dentin, or enamel.
The Sonicare AirFloss is proven to remove up to five times more plaque between teeth than brushing with a manual toothbrush alone.1 Clinical studies have also shown that it improves gum health by up to 75% in 4 weeks compared with just brushing alone with a manual toothbrush.1
Philips Sonicare AirFloss fits easily into patients’ daily oral hygiene routine—86% of US patients surveyed found Philips Sonicare AirFloss easier to use than manual floss.2 In addition, 81% of users also reported that Philips Sonicare AirFloss provided better access to the back of the mouth than floss.2 Furthermore, after 3 months of use, 96% of previously irregular flossers continued to use Philips Sonicare AirFloss for 4 days or more per week.3 Finally, in a Philips consumer preference trial, 69% of participants found Philips Sonicare AirFloss easier to use than the leading oral irrigator.3
1 Jain V, Wei J, Jenkins W, Delaurenti M. A Randomized, Parallel Design Study to Evaluate the Effect of AirFloss (Chinook) on Removal of Interproximal Plaque and Reduction in Gingivitis. Data on file, 2010.
2. S. Krell, A. Kaler, J. Wei. An Ease of Use Study to Evaluate Philips Sonicare Airfloss, String Floss and the Waterpik Waterflosser (IHUT). Data on file, 2010.
3. S. Krell, A. Kaler, J. Wei. A 3-Month In-Home Use Test to Assess Product Usage Using Philips Sonicare AirFloss. Data on file, 2010.
for more information, contact:
Philips Oral Healthcare
800-422-9448
www.philipsoralhealthcare.com
The preceding material was provided by the manufacturer. The statements and opinions contained therein are solely those of the manufacturer and not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dentistry.
Figure 1 The Philips Sonicare AirFloss is a handheld, battery-powered interproximal cleaner that uses a quick burst of air and water to remove plaque and particles from between teeth
Figure 2 A focused spray of microdroplets is propelled by a burst of air to a speed of at least 45 mph.
