In Vitro Comparison of the Area of Biofilm Removal by the Quad Stream Nozzle Versus a Traditional Oral Irrigator Standard Nozzle
Bart Gottenbos, MSc, PhD; Anandh Balakrishnan, PhD; and Farah Mirza, BDS, MS
Objective
The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the area of oral biofilm removal by the Philips Sonicare Quad Stream (PSQS) nozzle (used on a Philips® Sonicare® Power Flosser) and a traditional oral irrigator with a standard nozzle (TOIS) when used per the directions for use (DFU) instructions for both devices.
Methodology
Streptococcus mutans biofilms were cultured for 40 hours in 3% sucrose medium on black polyamide 12 half-molar-shaped samples, insertable in a two-molar in vitro model. Samples were imaged on a microscope imaging system before and after treatment. The resulting images were used to determine the "black sample area," ie, the area showing the same darkness values as the underlying black surfaces from blank samples, indicating the absence of visible biofilm. A Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 7000 was employed using a Quad Stream nozzle and compared to a traditional oral irrigator with a standard nozzle, both at setting 8 out of 10. Treatment times for both nozzles were normalized to 1 second per tooth (buccal and lingual) along the gingival margin, equivalent to 60 seconds for a full mouth. The treatments were performed per the DFU for both nozzle types.
Results
The microscope images before and after treatment with the PSQS nozzle and the TOIS nozzle are shown in Figure 1. The mean percentage black sample area (± standard deviation) resulting due to exposure to the PSQS nozzle was 50% ± 3% on the full visible crown and 84% ± 7% on the gingival margin area, while that of the TOIS nozzle was 5% ± 2% on the full visible crown and 9% ± 8% on the gingival margin area. The differences between the two devices were statistically significant (P < .001).
Conclusions
The in vitro oral biofilm removal area coverage by the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser equipped with the Quad Stream nozzle was nine to 10 times as much as that of the standard nozzle used with a traditional oral irrigator.
About the Authors
Bart Gottenbos, MSc, PhD
Senior Scientist, Philips Oral Healthcare, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Anandh Balakrishnan, PhD
Senior Function Development Engineer, Function Development Team (Innovation & Development), Philips Oral Healthcare, Bothell, Washington
Farah Mirza, BDS, MS
Senior Clinical Development Scientist and Medical-Dental Safety Officer, Philips Oral Healthcare, Bothell, Washington
