Efficacy of Biodegradable Natural fibers Infused Toothbrushes in Plaque Control and Gingival Health: A Double blind Randomized Control Clinical Trial

Abstract

Title: Efficacy of Biodegradable Natural fibers-Infused Toothbrushes in Plaque Control and Gingival Health: A Comparative Study Background: Plaque removal is crucial for preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. Biodegradable toothbrushes, infused with natural substances like charcoal and neem, provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional nylon brushes. Charcoal offers antibacterial properties, while neem provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antiplaque and anti-inflammatory effects of charcoal-infused and neem-infused toothbrushes with conventional toothbrushes. Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 33 systemically healthy individuals diagnosed with gingivitis. Baseline plaque scores were set to zero through professional scaling. Subjects were randomly assigned into three groups of 11 each, receiving either a charcoal-infused, neem-infused, or conventional toothbrush. All participants were instructed to use the modified Bass brushing technique twice daily with a standardized toothpaste. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 7 and 14 days using the Turesky modification of the Quigley Hein Plaque Index for plaque assessment and the Silness and Löe Gingival Index for gingival inflammation. One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis was used to compare differences between groups, and repeated measures ANOVA assessed parameter changes over time. Results: The charcoal-infused toothbrush group demonstrated the lowest mean plaque scores, followed by the neem-infused group, while the non-infused group exhibited the highest plaque scores. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in plaque scores among the groups at both 7 and 14 days (p\u3c0.05). For gingival index scores, the neem-infused toothbrush group showed the lowest values, followed by the charcoal-infused group, with the non-infused group showing the highest scores. However, these differences were statistically insignificant at both recall intervals. Conclusion: Charcoal-infused and neem-infused toothbrushes exhibited superior plaque removal compared to non-infused toothbrushes. Although improvements in gingival health were observed, the differences were not statistically significant. Extended trials are recommended to further validate these findings and to explore the potential long-term benefits of using biodegradable toothbrushes. Clinical Implications: Natural-infused toothbrushes, such as those containing neem and charcoal, may enhance plaque removal and improve oral and systemic health. Their biodegradability offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic brushes, contributing to sustainability while promoting oral health