The efficacy of oral irrigation in addition to a toothbrush on plaque and the clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation: a systematic review

Aim: The aim of this review was to systematically review the literature on the adjunctive effect of oral irrigation in addition to toothbrushing on plaque and clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation.

Material and Methods: Papers in the MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases up to January 2008 were searched to identify appropriate studies. Clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation such as plaque, bleeding, gingivitis and pocket depth, were selected as outcome variables.

Results: Independent screening of the titles and abstracts of 809 PubMed and 105 Cochrane papers resulted in seven publications that met the eligibility criteria. Mean values and standard deviations were collected by data extraction. Descriptive comparisons with brushing alone or regular oral hygiene are presented.

Conclusion: As an adjunct to brushing, the oral irrigator does not have a beneficial effect in reducing visible plaque. However, there is a positive trend in favour of oral irrigation improving gingivial health over regular oral hygiene or toothbrushing only.