The effect of waxed and unwaxed dental floss on gingival health. Part I. Plaque removal and gingival response.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of waxed and unwaxed floss in plaque removal and on gingival health when used in a home oral hygiene program. Eighty patients, having previously received periodontal therapy, were divided into four similar groups, according to the S-OHI. Each group represented four different types of dental floss being tested: Butler waxed, Butler unwaxed, Johnson and Johnson waxed, and Johnson and Johnson unwaxed. After receiving a thorough prophylaxis, each patient received oral hygiene instruction with a video tape, and was given a toothbrush and a quantity of test floss. At 0, 28 and 56 day intervals, The patients were scored for plaque and gingivitis. The data were then analyzed statistically using analysis of variance. It was found that there was no statistical difference among the four different types of tested floss as far as their plaque removal ability or prevention of gingivitis is concerned.