Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials that compared handheld triangular woodsticks with another or no interdental cleaning device in healthy adults aged over 18 years were eligible for inclusion in the review. Trials were required to report on plaque, bleeding or gingivitis.
All included studies assessed interventions in conjunction with unsupervised manual toothbrushing. Three different brands of woodsticks were assessed (Stim-U-Dent, Jordan and Inter-Dens). Control interventions were dental floss or interdental brushes. Included studies enrolled subjects who never or only occasionally used adjunctive interdental cleaning devices, dental students, patients treated for periodontitis or partially edentulous subjects. Participant ages ranged from 18 to 81 years. Several studies gave prophylactic oral treatment before the study began, including supra- and subgingival scaling. Plaque outcomes were scored using Plaque Index of Silness and Loe, Global Plaque Index and Wolffe Index. Gingival inflammation was assessed using the Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index and the Visual Gingival Index.
Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion in the review. Disagreements were resolved through discussion.