This study compared the efficacy of commercially available nylon toothbrush bristles to charcoal-infused bristle toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis over 30 days. 40 dental students were randomly assigned to use either a nylon or charcoal toothbrush. Plaque and gingival inflammation were assessed at baseline, 15 days, and 30 days. Both groups had reductions in plaque and gingivitis over time, with slightly lower scores in the charcoal group, likely due to charcoal's anti-inflammatory properties. However, the differences between groups were not statistically significant.

3. P
R
E
V
E
N
T
I
V
E
S
T
U
D
Y

4.  Efficient plaque removal is essential for the prevention
of gingival and periodontal diseases which forms the
basis of any good daily oral hygiene routine.
 The mechanical method is the most widely accepted
method of plaque control.
 The manual toothbrush is widely used and is often the
sole means of plaque removal for majority.
 Various factors such as preset angulations of the brush
head, design of the brush, bristle length and material,
brush diameter and patient skill determine the plaque
control

5.  The conventional bristles available in the market are
nylon based.
 Currently research is targeted on newer , synthetic
materials in combination with traditionally used herbal
or natural products.
 This study was designed to assess the efficacy of nylon
bristles with charcoal infused bristles.
 Traditionally charcoal has been used for oral health
care with numerous properties such as
› Abrasive nature (improves plaque removal)
› Sulfur absorbing property ( for treating halitosis)
› Whitening effect ( natural bleaching property )

6. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of
commercially available nylon bristles with
charcoal infused bristles in controlling plaque and
gingivitis.
AIM
OBJECTIVES

7. INCLUSION CRITERIA
Full complement of teeth present, except third
molars.
Age : 18-24 years
Ability to attend the hospital at recall
Good general and oral health
No periodontal therapy during the past 6
months
Moderate gingivitis

8. Poor manual dexterity
Current orthodontic therapy
Use of drugs that could affect the state of the
gingival tissues
Muco-gingival problems
A habit of taking alcohol, smoking or chewing
tobacco.
Use of any other supplemental plaque control
measures, such as interdental aids or
mouthwashes
EXCLUSION CRITERIA

9.  Dental students were screened for their oral
hygiene using the OHIS index by green and
vermillion (1964)
 40 dental students having good oral hygeine
ranging between 0.8-1.2 were selected for the
study.
 Students were demonstrated and taught Rolls
technique for brushing (1 minute) twice daily.

10.  The samples were stratified and
randomized to one of the two
brushing groups using the coin toss
method by a second examiner who
was not involved in the recording of
clinical parameters :
› Group A - soft nylon bristle.
› Group B - soft charcoal infused
bristle

11.  A commercially available fluoridated dentifrice
was provided to the participants for use throughout
the study.
 The subjects were informed about the study, and
their consent to take part in the study was
obtained and carried out in accordance with
ethical standards of the institutional committee.
 Scaling and polishing was done and baseline score
made zero.

12. INDICES USED:
 Loe and Silness Gingival
Index (1963).
 Turesky and Gilmore
modification of Quigley
Hein plaque index.
 The indices were scored at baseline, day 15 and
day 30.
 The collected data were analyzed and submitted
for statistical evaluation using Student’s t-test

13. Gingival Index Plaque Index P value
Pre-Treatment 1.1 1.4
15 days 0.5 0.6 SIG
30 days 0.4 0.6 SIG
Gingival Index Plaque Index P value
Pre-Treatment 1.2 1.65
15 days 0.4 0.5 SIG
30 days 0.2 0.4 SIG
GROUP A
GROUP -B

14.  Inter-comparison between the 2 groups
showed it was statistically non significant
in reduction of Gingival Index and
Plaque Index at 30 day interval.

15.  Mechanical plaque control is the most important
strategy to prevent periodontal diseases.
 Tooth brushing plays a pivotal role in the defense
against plaque and gingivitis.
 In the present study gingival status was assessed
using Loe & Silness gingival index ( 1963)
 Previous studies assessing brushes {Brickmann et al,
haesman et al, barnes et al and grossman et al }

16.  There was a decline in the mean gingival index
scores in Group A and Group B from baseline to
day 30.
 Group B gingival index scores showed a lower
value compared to group A probably because of
added properties of activated charcoal such as
of anti inflammatory.

17.  Turesky and Gilmore modification of Quigley-Hein
plaque index was used to assess plaque.
 This index was taken for scoring because all the
teeth can be assessed for plaque and it provides
more sensitive and accurate evaluation of
brushing effectiveness compared to other indices
BAY I, KARDEL KM ,SKOUGAARD MR ( 1967) SCOPP IW ET (1976)
 There was a reduction of the mean plaque scores
at day 30 in Group A & Group B When compared
to baseline scores

18.  This is in line with the studies done by CLAYDON AND
ADDY ( 1996), CLAYDON AND LEECH ( 2002) who concluded
that all the subjects removed approximately 50-
60% of the accumulated plaque with different
bristles and differences observed were of little
clinical significance.

19.  The plaque and gingival scores in group B were
marginally lower than group A .
 A definite and gradual improvement in reduction of
plaque and health of gingiva was observed in both the
groups.
 This could be attributed towards the abrasive property
of activated charcoal infused in the bristles.
 It has been well demonstrated that accumulation of
microbial plaque results in development of
inflammation and daily removal of plaque leads to
resolution of gingival inflammation as quoted in studies
given by CRITCHLEY ET AL ,1978

20. Charcoal infused bristles have showed decrease
in values in gingivitis & periodontitis
patients though not statistically
significant.

21.  In future a cross over design study
protocol could be done with a larger
sample size and longer duration.