Comparative Effect of Chewing Sticks and Toothbrushing on Plaque Removal and Gingival Health

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Plaque Induced Gingivitis
• Interventions: Procedure: Salvadora persica; Procedure: Toothbrush

• Registration Number: NCT01336179
• Lead Sponsor: Taibah University

Brief Summary

The purpose of the proposed study is to compare the effect of chewing sticks (Miswak) and the toothbrushes on plaque removal and gingival health.

Detailed Description

Dental plaque removal is essential in maintaining oral health. Methods for oral hygiene vary from country to country and from culture to culture. The use of a wood stick (miswak or chewing stick) for brushing the teeth is considered an important tool for oral hygiene care in many Afro-Asian communities. The aim of the study is to compare the effect of the chewing stick (miswak), and toothbrushing on plaque removal and gingival health. The participants comprise 18 healthy Saudi Arabian male volunteers aged 21 to 30 years, at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia. The study was designed as a single, blind, randomized split-mouth study. Professional tooth cleaning was conducted, and after six weeks use of either the miswak or toothbrush on each quadrant, modified plaque and gingival indices, were recorded.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2011-03
• Status Verified: 2011-04
• Primary Completion: 2011-04
• Study First Submitted: 2011-04-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-04-13
• Study First Posted: 2011-04-15
• Study Completion: 2011-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2011-05-31
• Last Update Posted: 2011-06-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 18

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy individuals
• presence of at least 14 teeth

Exclusion Criteria

• Subjects on medications (antiinflammatory or antibiotics)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Miswak, dental plaque and gingivitis	Salvadora persica	-
Toothbrush, dental plaque and gingivitis	Toothbrush	-

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Miswak is useful for removing plaque and preventing gingivitis	6 weeks	Miswak will be compared to toothbrush as a mechanical plaque control device, by calculating plaque index and gingival index scores for participants after 6 weeks of use.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Dentistry Taibah University; 🇸🇦 Almadinah, Saudi Arabia