Unsupervised Use of Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Floss on Gingivitis

Objective: A 30-day, parallel group clinical trial was conducted to evaluate partially-supervised use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene floss on gingival bleeding. Methods: A total of 60 healthy adults with measurable proximal gingivitis at a minimum of 5 sites were assigned 1:1 to twice daily regular brushing with an anticavity dentifrice and manual brush (brushing group) or to the same brushing routine plus expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Crest® Glide®) floss (brushing + flossing). Following oral hygiene instruction and supervised product use at baseline, all treatment was twice daily with one supervised use every other day. Efficacy was measured as change in MGI scores after 30 days. Results: The subjects were predominantly female (83%), ranged in age from 18 to 45 years and had baseline mean MGI scores of 3.3 in each treatment group. All subjects completed the 30-day study. At end-of-treatment, the brushing and brushing + flossing group had mean (SD) MGI scores of 2.8 (0.4) and 2.5 (0.5), respectively. The difference between the treatment groups was statistically significant (p = 0.01), with the brushing + flossing group showing greater improvement in MGI scores than the brushing alone group. All treatments were well-tolerated, with no subject discontinuing use early. Conclusion: Tooth brushing combined with partially supervised use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene floss resulted in significant reductions in gingivitis compared to tooth brushing alone.