FORT COLLINS, Colo. (February 24, 2015) – If you work with a dentist, hygienist, or specialist who is still on the fence about the safety of a Waterpik® Water Flosser you now have a literature review that should put their hesitation to rest. In the February 2015 issue of the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, Dr. David Jolkovsky, a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, practicing periodontist in Davis, CA and lecturer at UCLA School of Dentistry, has written a literature review designed specifically to address the safety of a Water Flosser.
"It was not a surprise to me that the majority of the published studies that specifically evaluated different areas of safety were conducted using the Waterpik® Water Flosser. Water Pik conducts high quality research that is published in peer-reviewed journals for public review," commented Dr. Jolkovsky.
This review was divided into four sections: histological findings, subgingival pathogens, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels, and bacteremia. These categories were chosen to address specific questions and misunderstandings centered on the safety of the Water Flosser or personal anecdotal beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence.
The studies unequivocally showed that a Waterpik® Water Flosser reduces inflammation on a cellular level, removes bacteria from deep periodontal pockets, does not cause damage to the junctional epithelium and is in the same range as tooth brushing, flossing, and using wooden sticks in the incidence of bacteremia.
This evidence should put to rest any concerns about using or recommending a Waterpik® Water Flosser. It is important to make clinical decisions on the best evidence available and disregard anecdotal information or assumptions. This will help provide the best recommendations for your patients that ultimately provide the desired oral health outcomes. It is important to note that not all oral irrigators, dental water jets, or water flossers have the same manufacturing specifications, and research findings for the Waterpik® Water Flosser are not transferable to other brands or designs.
Water Pik is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative personal healthcare products sold under the Waterpik® brand name. The Company has developed and introduced many products that are considered the first of their kind and have led to the formation of new markets, including the Water Flosser, and the pulsating shower massage. The Waterpik® brand is one of the most trusted oral health brands of dental professionals throughout the world. The Company's products are sold through a variety of channels, including mass merchandisers, drug store chains and specialty retailers. Headquartered in Fort Collins, CO, the Company operates facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit the Water Pik, Inc. website at waterpik.com. Water Pik can also be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Waterpik and Twitter: twitter.com/Waterpik.