Findings

What do systematic reviews say?

2 questions · 4 findings · 2 reviews

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No studies found 0 · 0%GRADE not reported 2 · 50%Very low 2 · 50%Low 0 · 0%Moderate 0 · 0%High 0 · 0%

Flossing plus toothbrushing vs Toothbrushing alone

Plaque · Adults, 16 years and older (dentate)

It is very uncertain whether flossing plus toothbrushing changes plaque compared with toothbrushing alone (very low certainty).

1 finding from 1 review

Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal… 2019 · Cochrane All outcomes
1 month
SMD -0.42 [-0.85, 0.02]
7 studies · 542 participants
Very low

Flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated floss) vs Toothbrushing alone

Plaque · Dentate adults aged 16 years or older (excluding orthodontic patients and those with severe periodontal disease)

It is very uncertain whether flossing plus toothbrushing (self-performed; manual or automated… changes plaque (Turesky-modified Quigley-Hein/other plaque indices; SMD) compared with toothbrushing alone (with or without a negative-control/placebo rinse) (very low certainty).

3 findings from 1 review

Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults 2011 · Cochrane All outcomes
1 month (mean 29 days)
SMD -0.23 [-0.52, 0.06]
5 studies · 416 participants
Very low
Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults 2011 · Cochrane All outcomes
6 months
SMD -0.06 [-0.23, 0.12]
3 studies · 487 participants
GRADE not reported
Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults 2011 · Cochrane All outcomes
3 months
SMD -0.20 [-0.36, -0.04]
5 studies · 594 participants
GRADE not reported