The Effectiveness Of Chewable ToothbrushInReductionOf Dental Plaque Among Under-Graduate Students

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fuzzy chewable toothbrushes in reducing dental plaque among undergraduate students compared to traditional manual toothbrushes. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants, divided into two groups: one using manual toothbrushes and the other using fuzzy chewable toothbrushes. The study included participants aged 19 to 25 years, who had no history of periodontal disease or systemic health issues. Plaque levels were measured at four time intervals: before brushing, immediately after brushing, after 6 hours, and after 12 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA to compare plaque scores between the two groups. Results: The study found significant differences in plaque reduction between the two groups at all time points (p < 0.001). The manual toothbrush group showed a higher baseline plaque index (1.25) compared to the chewable group (0.79). After 12 hours, the manual group had a plaque index of 2.71, while the chewable group maintained a lower index of 0.71. The chewable toothbrush demonstrated a more consistent reduction in plaque levels over time. Conclusion: The findings suggest that chewable toothbrushes can be an effective alternative to manual toothbrushes for plaque reduction among undergraduate students. Their ease of use may encourage better oral hygiene practices, highlighting the importance of integrating innovative tools into oral health education