CompletedNot Applicable

Comparative Clinical Assessment of Charcoal and Conventional Toothbrushes

Egypt36 participantsStarted 2026-01-01

Plain-language summary

Oral hygiene practices are fundamental to maintaining oral health, preventing dental plaque accumulation, halitosis, stains, gingival and periodontal diseases, and improving overall quality of life. Dental plaque plays a central role in the initiation of caries and periodontal disease by lowering enamel surface pH and promoting hydroxyapatite dissolution. Toothbrushing with toothpaste remains the most widely accepted and effective method for mechanical plaque control, with its efficacy influenced by toothbrush design, brushing technique, and duration. Recently, charcoal-infused toothbrushes have been introduced as an alternative oral hygiene aid. These brushes incorporate binchotan charcoal into nylon bristles, purportedly offering antimicrobial, deodorizing, and stain-removal properties by increasing oral pH, reducing bacterial load, and absorbing stain causing compounds. Despite growing commercial interest, scientific evidence supporting their clinical efficacy remains limited. Therefore, this randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of charcoal-infused toothbrushes versus conventional toothbrushes in plaque reduction and stain removal among Egyptian adults. Plaque levels will be assessed using the Turesky and Gilmore modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, while stain removal efficacy will be evaluated through spectrophotometric color measurements using a Vita Easyshade device. Outcomes will be recorded at baseline and after four weeks of twice-daily brushing with standardized fluoride toothpaste. This study addresses a clear gap in the literature by providing clinical evidence on the effectiveness of charcoal-containing toothbrushes, thereby supporting evidence-based recommendations for modern oral hygiene practices.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects who will be given a consent to participate in the study, between 21 to 50 years old, with an original plaque score recorded above 2, and presence of at least twenty long lasting natural teeth (excluding wisdom tooth, teeth with orthodontic appliances) were included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with any physical constraints that might prevent normal oral hygiene procedures, history of sensitivity to toothpaste, use of interdental aids (interdental floss, mouth rinses, etc), pregnant or breastfeeding females, subjects under medication such as anti inflammatory, antiepileptic and antihypertensive, medically compromised patients (systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc), evidences of gingival or periodontal diseases or trauma at baseline, any lesion of hard and soft tissue, were excluded from the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The plaque score

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07563413

SponsorCairo University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-01

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