A comparative clinical evaluation of plaque removal efficacy of a chewable toothpaste tablet with conventional toothpaste in children – A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important causative factors in the onset of dental caries and periodontal disorders is dental plaque. Mouthwashes and dentifrices, such as toothpaste, are examples of chemical plaque management treatments. Toothpaste is the most widely utilized oral health preventive measure. Dentifrices containing 950 PPM of fluoride have recently been developed as tablets. Tablets are a promising substitute for toothpaste. Aim: This study aimed to compare the plaque removal efficacy of a novel chewable toothpaste tablet and a traditional toothpaste in children aged 6–12 years old. Materials and Methods: A total of 128 children aged 6–12 years old were randomly split into two equal groups, with 64 subjects were given chewable toothpaste tablets and the other 64 received conventional toothpaste. The efficacy of a novel chewable toothpaste tablet with traditional toothpaste was compared, and the modified plaque index was measured at baseline at 0 weeks and after 4 weeks. Results and Discussion: A total of 127 children were evaluated out of a total of 128. Between baseline and 4 weeks, there was a statistically significant difference in mean plaque scores within groups (P = 0.001). At 4 weeks, there was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) between the chewable tablet and toothpaste groups. Conclusion: Due to the convenience of use for children and the unique type of toothpaste, chewable toothpaste tablets show a higher efficacy of plaque removal than conventional toothpaste. A chewable toothpaste tablet could be a viable alternative to conventional toothpaste for children's oral health.