The immediate effectiveness of a multi-channeled oral irrigator in reducing dental plaque and oral malodor: A preliminary single-blind clinical trial

Background: This study evaluated the immediate effectiveness of a multi-channeled oral irrigator (MCOI) in removing dental plaque and reducing oral malodor. Methods: In 20 healthy volunteers, changes in dental plaque were assessed using the Patient Hygiene Performance index. Volatile sulfur compounds were measured before and immediately after a single use of the MCOI. Participants refrained from tooth brushing for 24 hours prior to the assessment. The device administered 1000 mL of water over a 1.5-minute cycle. Oral malodor was analyzed with gas chromatography focusing on methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH) and hydrogen sulfide. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and chi-square test. Results: After a cycle of MCOI use, the average and divisions of the tooth Patient Hygiene Performance index scores significantly decreased ( P < .001), with an average reduction of 24.76% in initial dental plaque. Additionally, total volatile sulfur compounds and CH₃SH concentrations significantly decreased ( P = .011) after oral cleaning. Although the mean hydrogen sulfide concentrations decreased after oral cleaning, this change was not statistically significant ( P = .088). Conclusions: Tooth brushing typically removes approximately 42% to 60% of the initial dental plaque in healthy adults. A single cycle of MCOI use reduced plaque by approximately 25% and significantly lowered CH₃SH, a compound associated with periodontal disease. These findings suggest that the MCOI may serve as a useful adjunct to tooth brushing, particularly for individuals with limited motor skills, and could help reduce the risk of plaque-related oral diseases.