Log of Literature

Amber Suthers
10/23/14

Jahn, C. (2010). The dental water jet: a historical review of the literature. Journal of Dental
Hygiene, 84(3), 114-120. Doi:NO

This article discussed the mechanism of action of water jets that were introduced to the
public market in the 1960s. The next part of the article demonstrated clinical measurements and
patient outcomes. It supplied facts and data that was collected to review the effectiveness of
water jets in decreasing bleeding of gingival tissues and reducing gingivitis. Patients who would
benefit from the use of a water jet are patients with crowns, bridges, orthodontic patients, and
patients with diabetes or lack of compliance with flossing habits. More studies were performed
in regards to safety of use and the article followed up with a discussion regarding the findings.
Results of reduced bleeding and gingivitis has shown consistent results. However, reduction in
plaque formation has only been found when no other means of plaque removal are occurring.
Use of a water jet along with brushing hasnt shown to show significant reduction when used
concurrently.
This article affects me because there are many patients with obstacles to interproximal
irrigation issues. Patients with orthodontia, bridges or crowns have considerable need to reduce
plaque. Having an increased amount of appliances in the mouth provide more areas for plaque to
accumulate and makes it harder for the patient to remain compliant even when they are

motivated.
I agreed with the information presented in this article that water jets can be useful but
they do not replace brushing and flossing. The use of a water jet can provide some measure of
success in reducing bleeding and gingivitis in some patients. I also agree with the writer that
there is still more need for further studies in the area of reducing plaque biofilm.
I learned that the use of a water jet can be just as effective as regular floss. Studies
performed seem to suggest that using a water jet along with a regular toothbrush routine for
orthodontic patients was even more effective and reducing plaque for the patients. I am
personally a big proponent of manual flossing and found this very interesting. Whatever gets the
job done effectively is the best product to recommend to the patient. Obviously compliance,
ability and proper usage are key to the success of any product.
I had already learned about the different impact zones regarding the water striking the
tooth surface. The impact zone where the water stream strikes the tooth and the flushing zone
where the water enters the subgingival tissue to expel the bacteria are the two areas. The
mechanism of action is the pressure and pulsation of the water flow. This pulsation allows the
tissue to have periods of compression and decompression allowing the tissue to press out the
bacterial plaque.