Dental Caries, Dental Plaque Accumulation
Conditions
Keywords
Salvadora persica, Brushing technique, plaque removal, Miswak
Brief summary
The study investigates the effectiveness of a 45°-cut miswak for plaque removal compared to a toothbrush in children and assesses their preferences for these tools. Conducted at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital, it employs a split-mouth randomized controlled trial design to measure plaque levels and gather feedback through a questionnaire.
Detailed description
Miswak provides both mechanical and chemical cleaning. Its fibrous structure enables mechanical removal of debris from tooth surfaces and interdental areas, while naturally occurring compounds (e.g., fluoride, silica, and calcium) may contribute to its anticariogenic effects. Studies have reported that miswak exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-cariogenic, and antioxidant effects, and molecular docking studies have suggested potential anti-COVID-19 activity. One of the studies has shown that miswak can reduce oral bacterial load, in some cases more effectively than conventional toothpaste particularly against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli, key contributors to dental caries. Miswak-based toothpaste and mouthwash have also been associated with significant reductions in plaque levels and improved gingival health, suggesting that miswak could be a viable and affordable oral hygiene option, especially for children in underserved or resource-limited communities Methods: This research employs a split-mouth randomized controlled trial (RCT) design that compared the effectiveness of a 45-degree cut Miswak stick versus a manual toothbrush in reducing dental plaque among children aged 6 to 14 years. The study focused on evaluating intra-individual differences in plaque accumulation by assigning each child to use Miswak on one side of the mouth and a toothbrush on the opposite side. This split-mouth approach aims to minimize variability and enhance statistical reliability. This design supported intra-individual comparison and enhanced the study's internal validity. * Group A (n=36) used a manual toothbrush on the left upper and lower quadrants and a 45-degree cut Miswak on the right quadrants. * Group B (n=36) followed the reverse assignment, using the toothbrush on the right and Miswak on the left
Interventions
OTHERMiswak
Miswak is a traditional oral hygiene tool made from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree. It's used for cleaning teeth and has natural antibacterial properties. Miswak is popular in many cultures, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Africa, and is valued for its effectiveness in promoting oral health.
OTHERToothbrush
A toothbrush is a small, handheld device used for cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene. It typically consists of a handle and a head with bristles that help remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from the teeth and gums, often used in conjunction with toothpaste.
Sponsors
King Abdulaziz University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)
Masking description
The study used single blinding, meaning the examiners didn't know which side of the mouth was treated with Miswak or toothbrush to avoid bias in their assessments. Since the tools used (Miswak and toothbrush) looked different, it wasn't possible to blind the participants or their parents.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 14 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
included: * Healthy children aged 6 to 14 years. * Children who their parents/legal guardians have approved and signed the consent form, which ensures that the participants are within the target age range and are healthy, which helps to control variables that could affect oral hygiene outcomes.
Exclusion criteria
* Unhealthy children * Children whose ages are below 6 years or above 14 years * Children with orthodontic brackets because it can affect oral hygiene practices and outcomes, excluding these participants ensures a more homogeneous sample.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The plaque index score | At baseline and after 3 weeks | The plaque index score, a continuous measure assessed using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) developed by Greene and Vermillion (1964) (Greene and Vermillion 1964) |
Countries
Saudi Arabia
Outcome results
None listed