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 outcomes1 month (mean 29 days)SMD -0.23 [-0.52, 0.06]5 studies · 416 participantsVery low
- Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults 2011 · Cochrane All outcomes6 monthsSMD -0.06 [-0.23, 0.12]3 studies · 487 participantsGRADE not reported
- Flossing for the management of periodontal diseases and dental caries in adults 2011 · Cochrane All outcomes3 monthsSMD -0.20 [-0.36, -0.04]5 studies · 594 participantsGRADE not reported