Comparative evaluation of plaque removal efficacy and quantitative analysis of Streptococcus mutans in saliva after using nylon and charcoal bristles toothbrushes in children: A clinico-microbiological study

Background: Dental biofilms are the primary aetiologic factors in the 2 most prevalent oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal disease. Among all oral hygiene methods available, mechanical plaque removal with a toothbrush is the primary mode of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Objectives: Comparative evaluation of plaque removal efficacy and quantitative analysis of Streptococcus mutans in saliva after using nylon and charcoal bristles toothbrushes in children.
Method: Forty healthy children aged 8-10 years having decayed-missing-filled-tooth (DMFT) score less than 5 were randomly allocated into two groups, one using charcoal bristles and the other using nylon bristles toothbrush. Loe & Silness Plaque Index was recorded along with saliva sample collection for Streptococcus mutans count before and after using the respective toothbrushes for 1 week.
Results: A significant reduction in plaque index was observed in each group with a non-significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans CFU. However, the comparison between the two groups was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: This randomised, parallel, singleblinded clinical study demonstrated that both nylon and charcoal bristles toothbrushes significantly enhanced plaque control but there was no significant difference in the two methods. There was no significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans CFU.