Do probiotics prevent gum disease? Is flossing truly necessary? Conflicting advice leaves many unsure. A new University at Buffalo study cuts through the noise, identifying which self-administered oral hygiene tools effectively prevent gingivitis and periodontitis beyond basic brushing.
Key finding: Only a few interventions offer proven additional protection against gingivitis and periodontitis, according to Frank Scannapieco, DMD, PhD, principal investigator, chair, and professor of oral biology at the UB School of Dental Medicine. All others lack sufficient evidence.
These insights guide best practices for gum disease prevention.
Co-researchers include Eva Volman, DDS, first author and UB alumna now practicing at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health; and Elizabeth Stellrecht, interim head of health sciences library services at UB.
Proven tools: Standard toothbrush; interdental brush; water flossing; mouthwashes with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX), Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), and essential oils (e.g., Listerine).
Brushing remains the foundation of oral hygiene, effectively controlling plaque, Scannapieco explains. Interdental brushes and water flossing outperformed other devices in reducing gingivitis when paired with brushing.
Among mouthwashes, CHX, CPC, and essential oil formulas (like Listerine) significantly cut plaque and gingivitis.
Toothpicks, while not fighting gingivitis, aid monitoring: Gently probe gums for bleeding to spot early disease signs, Scannapieco notes.
Problematic: Triclosan
Triclosan toothpastes and mouthwashes reduced plaque and gingivitis but are linked to cancers and reproductive issues. It's now banned from most toothpastes.
Unproven: Electric toothbrushes, traditional dental floss, probiotics, nutritional supplements, and many mouthwashes
Electric toothbrushes match standard ones in plaque and gingivitis reduction. Evidence for traditional floss is limited, yet Scannapieco advises keeping it: "Few studies isolate floss or brushing alone, but both are essential. Floss excels at clearing tight interdental spaces and preventing cavities."
Insufficient evidence supports mouthwashes with tea tree oil, green tea, anti-inflammatories, hydrogen peroxide, sodium benzoate, stannous fluoride, hexetidine, or delmopinol for gingivitis reduction.
Probiotics show promise but lack proof. Dietary supplements and professional scaling also fall short of strong evidence for prevention.
