New Clinical Study Finds Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet Is an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing

Research Presented at the American Dental Association Annual Conference 


PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- It is estimated that two- thirds of Americans don't floss regularly(1).  The main reasons?  According to a recent consumer survey(2), 21 percent said it is too time-consuming, 13 percent said they forget, and 12 percent said they are too lazy to floss. Now, for the floss-adverse, a new clinical study by the University of Nebraska(3) has determined that there is an effective alternative to traditional flossing -- the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet, company officials announced today at the American Dental Association's (ADA) annual conference in Philadelphia.

By comparing the traditional routine of brushing and flossing to brushing and using the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet, university researchers concluded that the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet was 93 percent more effective than floss at reducing gum bleeding -- a leading indicator of gum disease.  The study is published in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Dentistry.

The Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet delivers a unique combination of water pressure and pulsation to clean deep between teeth and below the gum line while massaging and stimulating gums.  Utilizing research conducted at universities and independent research facilities, Waterpik's Research and Development team evaluated the efficacy and safety of the device at different pressure settings to ensure that the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet provides the optimal pressure and pulsation range.  The combination of 1,200 pulsations/minute and 55-90 psi (pounds per square inch) has been tested in over 46 clinical studies with superior results.

"Traditionally, tooth brushing and flossing have been considered the standard for routine plaque removal and gingivitis reduction.  The biggest challenge with this regimen is that compliance with floss is extremely low," said Deborah Lyle, RDH, MS, and Director of Clinical Affairs, Waterpik.  "The results of this study are so dramatic that we wanted consumers to know that the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet is an easy, effective alternative that fits effortlessly into their existing oral care routines.  In fact, no matter what type of tooth brush you use, the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet can significantly improve your gum health."

About the University of Nebraska Clinical Study

The study consisted of 105 subjects that participated in a 28-day trial, with 35 subjects randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 -- manual toothbrush and floss; Group 2 -- manual toothbrush and Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet; and Group 3 -- sonic toothbrush and Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet. Subjects were asked to brush for two minutes, twice per day.  Once daily, the subjects were to use either dental floss, or the Waterpik(R) Dental Water Jet on medium setting with 500 ml of luke-warm water.  Subjects were asked to refrain from using any additional oral hygiene aids, and were examined by two calibrated examiners, with data collected at baseline, 14 days, and 28 days.

   (1) Lange WP et al.  Preventative behaviors as correlates of periodontal
       health status.  J Public Health Dent 1995:55:10-17
   (2) National Consumer Survey, Opinion Research Corporation, February 2005
   (3) Barnes CM et al.  Comparison of Irrigation to Floss as an adjunct to
       toothbrushing. J Clin Dent 2005; 16(3): In press.

  About Waterpik Technologies


The Waterpik Technologies Personal Healthcare Products division is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is a subsidiary of Water Pik Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:PIK).  The Company is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of personal health care products and professional dental products.  The Company has developed and introduced many products that are considered the first of their kind and have led to the formation of new markets, including the automatic toothbrush, end-of-faucet water filtration system, and pulsating shower massage.  For more information, visit the Water Pik Technologies, Inc. web site at http://www.waterpik.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Waterpik Technologies



CONTACT:  Chris Nguyen of Ketchum, Inc., [phone],

, for Waterpik Technologies



Web site:  http://www.waterpik.com/ 

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