Efficacy of Charcoal Toothbrush in Plaque and Stain Removal in Children Aged 10–14 Years

Abstract

Introduction: From ancient times, powdered charcoal has been used as tooth-cleaning agent. Recent advance is the introduction of toothbrush with charcoal-infused bristles whose efficacy has not been scientifically well researched. Aim and objective: The aim and objective of this article was to know the plaque and stain removal efficacy of charcoal toothbrush. Materials and methods: This single-blind, randomized clinical study was conducted on thirty 10–14-year-old schoolchildren. The plaque score using Quigley-Hein plaque index (modified) and stain score using Lobene index were assessed at baseline visit (prebrushing and postbrushing), after 30-day follow-up, and data collected were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: No statistically significant difference was found for plaque removal efficacy between normal and charcoal toothbrush (p = 0.749). Charcoal toothbrush (mean = 0.6554) showed 28.82% better stain removal efficacy (p = 0.006) in comparison with normal toothbrush (mean = 0.1889). Conclusion: Charcoal toothbrush has better stain removal efficacy in comparison with normal toothbrush.