ArticleBDJ open2025
Efficacy of oral irrigators compared to other interdental aids for managing peri-implant diseases: a systematic review.
Article in BDJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Optimizing implant hygiene: the added value of interproximal cleaning devices around implant-supported restorations-a systematic review and meta-analysis.International journal of implant dentistry · 2025Pooled it
- 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Maxilla: A Single-Round Survey on Standard, Short, and Zygomatic Implant-Supported Prostheses.Clinical oral implants research · 2026Article
- Best oral self-care practices for peri-implant conditions and diseases: a systematic review.Frontiers in oral health · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
- Erratum issued
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivePeri-implant diseases (peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis) are inflammatory conditions that affect the peri-implant tissues and are induced by microbial biofilms (dental plaque) formed around the implant. Removal of biofilm is the fundamental step in managing peri-implant diseases. Interdental cleaning aids such as interdental brush, unitufted brush, or oral irrigation along with regular toothbrushing are recommended for effective plaque control around implants. The present systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of home use of oral irrigators compared to other plaque control methods for managing peri-implant diseases.
methodThis systematic review has been prepared using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA) checklist. Five databases were searched using the following keywords: "Peri-implantitis" OR Periimplantitis OR "Peri-implant disease" OR "Peri-implant Mucositis" AND "Oral irrigation" OR "Oral Irrigator" OR Waterpik OR "Interdental irrigation" OR "Oral Spray" OR "Oral Irrigants".
resultsOral irrigator along with mechanical brushing was found to be more effective than mechanical brushing alone in reducing the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). No statistically significant difference in improvement in quality of life and patient satisfaction with regard to comfort and ease of use was noted upon using mechanical toothbrushing alone and an oral irrigator. Implant sites where an oral irrigator was used showed more reduction in BOP (81.8% vs 33.35%) compared to sites where the floss was used (P = 0.0018). The levels of the red and orange complex bacteria in the peri-implant biofilm were lower with the use of an oral irrigator than with toothbrushing alone.
conclusionOral irrigators along with toothbrushing were found to be more effective in removing microbial plaque around implants and controlling peri-implant inflammation compared to mechanical brushing alone. The reduction in BOP was better with the use of oral irrigation compared to floss and interdental brush.
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Registered trials
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