Dental PlaqueNCT07563413
Comparative Clinical Assessment of Charcoal and Conventional Toothbrushes
A study testing charcoal toothbrush in people with Dental Plaque, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 21 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Dental Plaque
- What is being tested?
- charcoal toothbrush
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 20 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 21 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Evaluation Of Plaque And Micro-Stain Removal Efficacy Of Charcoal-Infused Versus Conventional Tooth Brushes In Egyptian Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
Oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing a wide range of conditions, including dental plaque accumulation, halitosis, extrinsic staining, gingival inflammation, and periodontal diseases, all of which can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Among these factors, dental plaque is considered the primary etiological agent in the development of both dental caries and periodontal disease. It contributes to disease progression by facilitating bacterial colonization, lowering the pH at the tooth surface, and promoting the demineralization of enamel through hydroxyapatite dissolution.
Toothbrushing with toothpaste remains the cornerstone of daily oral hygiene and the most widely accepted method for mechanical plaque control. Its effectiveness depends on multiple variables, including toothbrush design (such as bristle type and arrangement), brushing technique, frequency, and duration. In addition to plaque removal, toothbrushing also plays an important role in controlling extrinsic stains, thereby contributing to improved dental esthetics.
In recent years, charcoal-infused toothbrushes have been introduced as an alternative oral hygiene aid and have gained increasing popularity in the consumer market. These toothbrushes typically incorporate activated charcoal-often derived from binchotan charcoal-into nylon bristles. Activated charcoal is characterized by a highly porous structure and large surface area, which theoretically enhances its ability to adsorb organic compounds. Manufacturers claim that charcoal-infused toothbrushes offer multiple benefits, including antimicrobial activity, deodorizing effects, and improved stain removal. These effects are proposed to occur through mechanisms such as increasing oral pH, reducing bacterial load, and binding stain-causing chromogens on the tooth surface.
Despite these claims and widespread commercial promotion, the scientific evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of charcoal-infused toothbrushes remains limited and inconclusive. Most available studies have focused on charcoal-containing dentifrices rather than toothbrushes, and clinical trials-particularly those involving adult populations-are scarce. Furthermore, existing data show inconsistent findings regarding their superiority over conventional toothbrushes in plaque control and whitening efficacy.
Therefore, the present randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of charcoal-infused toothbrushes versus conventional nylon toothbrushes in reducing dental plaque and removing extrinsic stains among Egyptian adults. Plaque accumulation was assessed using the Turesky and Gilmore modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, a validated and widely used clinical index. Stain removal efficacy was evaluated objectively using spectrophotometric color measurements (ΔE, ΔL*, Δb*) obtained with a Vita Easyshade device, allowing for precise and reproducible assessment of tooth color changes.
All participants were instructed to perform twice-daily toothbrushing using a standardized fluoride toothpaste to control for confounding variables. Clinical outcomes were recorded at baseline and after a four-week follow-up period. By employing a randomized controlled design and objective measurement tools, this study aims to provide reliable clinical evidence regarding the actual benefits of charcoal-infused toothbrushes.
This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by being among the first to evaluate the stain removal efficacy of charcoal toothbrushes in an adult population within a clinical setting. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based recommendations and guide both clinicians and patients in making informed decisions regarding the use of modern oral hygiene products
- Conditions
- Dental Plaque
- Being tested
- charcoal toothbrush
- Keywords
- charcoal,toothbrush,plaque,stains
- Medical subject headings
- Dental Plaque, Anthrax
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
charcoal toothbrushProcedure or surgery
Participants were randomly assigned to either a charcoal-infused toothbrush (test group) or a conventional nylon toothbrush (control group). Both groups were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using standardized fluoride toothpaste and to follow the same brushing instructions provided at baseline. No additional oral hygiene aids or whitening products were allowed during the 4-week study period. Compliance was encouraged through regular reminders, and clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| conventional toothbrush | Active comparator | Participants in the control group used a conventional nylon-bristled toothbrush . They were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using a standardized fluoride toothpaste and identical oral hygiene instructions. The use of any additional oral hygiene or whitening products was also prohibited throughout the 4-week study period. Receives: Procedure: charcoal toothbrush |
| charcoal toothbrush | Experimental | Participants in the test group used a charcoal-infused toothbrush containing activated charcoal incorporated into nylon bristles. They were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using a standardized fluoride toothpaste and the same standardized brushing instructions provided at baseline. No additional oral hygiene aids or whitening products were permitted during the 4-week study period. Receives: Procedure: charcoal toothbrush |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The plaque score
(Turesky and Gilmore modification of Quigley Hein plaque index)
Measured: 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Stain removal efficacy , measured by color change
Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 May 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion1 Feb 2026
- Study completion20 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Dental PlaqueStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to either a charcoal-infused toothbrush (test group) or a conventional nylon toothbrush (control group). Both groups were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using standardized fluoride toothpaste and to follow the same brushing instructions provided at baseline. No additional oral hygiene aids or whitening products were allowed during the 4-week study period. Compliance was encouraged through regular reminders, and clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, yomna sayed khallaf, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07563413
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Charcoal toothbrush
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 4 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluation Of Plaque And Micro-Stain Removal Efficacy Of Charcoal-Infused Versus Conventional Tooth Brushes In Egyptian Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07563413
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Charcoal toothbrush
- Conditions
- Dental Plaque
- Keywords
- charcoal,toothbrush,plaque,stains
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing a wide range of conditions, including dental plaque accumulation, halitosis, extrinsic staining, gingival inflammation, and periodontal diseases, all of which can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Among these factors, dental plaque is considered the primary etiological agent in the development of both dental caries and periodontal disease. It contributes to disease progression by facilitating bacterial colonization, lowering the pH at the tooth surface, and promoting the demineralization of enamel through hydroxyapatite dissolution.
Toothbrushing with toothpaste remains the cornerstone of daily oral hygiene and the most widely accepted method for mechanical plaque control. Its effectiveness depends on multiple variables, including toothbrush design (such as bristle type and arrangement), brushing technique, frequency, and duration. In addition to plaque removal, toothbrushing also plays an important role in controlling extrinsic stains, thereby contributing to improved dental esthetics.
In recent years, charcoal-infused toothbrushes have been introduced as an alternative oral hygiene aid and have gained increasing popularity in the consumer market. These toothbrushes typically incorporate activated charcoal-often derived from binchotan charcoal-into nylon bristles. Activated charcoal is characterized by a highly porous structure and large surface area, which theoretically enhances its ability to adsorb organic compounds. Manufacturers claim that charcoal-infused toothbrushes offer multiple benefits, including antimicrobial activity, deodorizing effects, and improved stain removal. These effects are proposed to occur through mechanisms such as increasing oral pH, reducing bacterial load, and binding stain-causing chromogens on the tooth surface.
Despite these claims and widespread commercial promotion, the scientific evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of charcoal-infused toothbrushes remains limited and inconclusive. Most available studies have focused on charcoal-containing dentifrices rather than toothbrushes, and clinical trials-particularly those involving adult populations-are scarce. Furthermore, existing data show inconsistent findings regarding their superiority over conventional toothbrushes in plaque control and whitening efficacy.
Therefore, the present randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of charcoal-infused toothbrushes versus conventional nylon toothbrushes in reducing dental plaque and removing extrinsic stains among Egyptian adults. Plaque accumulation was assessed using the Turesky and Gilmore modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, a validated and widely used clinical index. Stain removal efficacy was evaluated objectively using spectrophotometric color measurements (ΔE, ΔL*, Δb*) obtained with a Vita Easyshade device, allowing for precise and reproducible assessment of tooth color changes.
All participants were instructed to perform twice-daily toothbrushing using a standardized fluoride toothpaste to control for confounding variables. Clinical outcomes were recorded at baseline and after a four-week follow-up period. By employing a randomized controlled design and objective measurement tools, this study aims to provide reliable clinical evidence regarding the actual benefits of charcoal-infused toothbrushes.
This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by being among the first to evaluate the stain removal efficacy of charcoal toothbrushes in an adult population within a clinical setting. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based recommendations and guide both clinicians and patients in making informed decisions regarding the use of modern oral hygiene products
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to either a charcoal-infused toothbrush (test group) or a conventional nylon toothbrush (control group). Both groups were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using standardized fluoride toothpaste and to follow the same brushing instructions provided at baseline. No additional oral hygiene aids or whitening products were allowed during the 4-week study period. Compliance was encouraged through regular reminders, and clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| conventional toothbrush | Active comparator | Procedure: charcoal toothbrushParticipants in the control group used a conventional nylon-bristled toothbrush . They were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using a standardized fluoride toothpaste and identical oral hygiene instructions. The use of any additional oral hygiene or whitening products was also prohibited throughout the 4-week study period. |
| charcoal toothbrush | Experimental | Procedure: charcoal toothbrushParticipants in the test group used a charcoal-infused toothbrush containing activated charcoal incorporated into nylon bristles. They were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using a standardized fluoride toothpaste and the same standardized brushing instructions provided at baseline. No additional oral hygiene aids or whitening products were permitted during the 4-week study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 21 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| charcoal toothbrushParticipants were randomly assigned to either a charcoal-infused toothbrush (test group) or a conventional nylon toothbrush (control group). Both groups were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes using standardized fluoride toothpaste and to follow the same brushing instructions provided at baseline. No additional oral hygiene aids or whitening products were allowed during the 4-week study period. Compliance was encouraged through regular reminders, and clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | charcoal toothbrush, conventional toothbrush |
Primary outcome
The plaque score
Time frame: 4 weeks
(Turesky and Gilmore modification of Quigley Hein plaque index)
1 secondary outcome
Stain removal efficacy , measured by color change
Time frame: 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 May 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing charcoal toothbrush in people with Dental Plaque, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The plaque score (time frame: 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 May 2026.