A Study Comparing the Interproximal Plaque and Gingivitis Effects of Three Interdental Cleaning Modalities (PAU)

Inclusion Criteria:

• are in good/excellent health
• are 18 - 70 years old
• have abstained from all oral care in the 12 hours prior to their scheduled appointment, but no more than 18 hours prior
• have abstained from consumption of apples and other sticky fruits in the 12 hours prior to their appointment
• have a minimum of 20 natural teeth (excluding 3rd molars)
• have 2 qualifying Interproximal Unit test sites in each posterior quadrant from 3 approximating teeth : The following are the IU test site qualifiers:
• Each IU test site shall consist of two adjacent teeth with un-restored interproximal surfaces with a closed contact. (Note: restorations are permissible if they do not interfere with plaque and GCF sampling as determined by examiner discretion)
• IU test sites of choice are as follows in the order of preference:
• Molar/premolar
• Premolar/premolar
• Molar/molar
• molar/canine
• have PPD ≤ 4mm at all four sites within each interproximal unit test site
• have ≥ 20 bleeding sites (whole mouth) as determined by the Gingival Bleeding Index
• have provided written informed consent and are willing to participate and be available at all times required for participation
• are willing and able to fully understand and comply with the written and verbal study instructions provided in English
• agree to return all study materials at the final visit

Exclusion Criteria:

• have systemic diseases, Down's syndrome, or known AIDS/HIV;
• Have Diabetes
• are a smoker
• are pregnant or nursing by subject report;
• have a cardiac pacemaker or AICD
• are undergoing or require extensive dental or orthodontic treatment;
• have had oral or gum surgery in the previous 2 months;
• require antibiotic treatment for dental appointments;
• have used antibiotics within 4 weeks of enrollment
• are currently using prescription-dose anti-inflammatory medications or anticoagulants (including aspirin)