ACTIVATED CHARCOAL-IMPREGNATED BRISTLE TOOTHBRUSHES AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTION IN DENTISTRY: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate, through an integrative literature review, the available scientific evidence on the antimicrobial action of toothbrushes with activated charcoal-impregnated bristles and their clinical effects in Dentistry. This integrative review was conducted according to the proposed methodological steps. The bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase using descriptors related to toothbrushes, activated charcoal, and antimicrobial action. Randomized clinical studies and in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro microbiological studies evaluating charcoal toothbrushes compared with conventional toothbrushes were included, with no year restriction, in English and Portuguese. The included studies showed heterogeneous methodological designs, mainly comprising microbiological and clinical assessments. Overall, microbiological studies demonstrated lower bacterial contamination of the bristles of activated charcoal toothbrushes, evidenced by reduced colony-forming unit counts and the presence of antibacterial activity. In contrast, clinical studies assessing dental plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding indices showed variable results, with no consensus regarding the clinical superiority of charcoal toothbrushes over conventional toothbrushes. The available evidence indicates that toothbrushes with activated charcoal-impregnated bristles may provide an antimicrobial benefit related to reduced bacterial contamination of the bristles themselves. However, additional clinical benefits in controlling dental plaque and gingival inflammation remain inconclusive.
Author Biographies
Professor at Universidade São Judas Tadeu (USJT), São Paulo, SP – Brazil.
PhD Candidate at Universidade Guarulhos (UNIVERITAS-UNG), Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
Graduated in Dentistry (1997), Master's degree (2001), and Ph.D. (2003) in Dental Clinic - concentration area in Operative Dentistry from FOP UNICAMP, Proficiency in Laser by the Academy of Laser Dentistry ALD-USA. Research Professor in the Graduate Program and Undergraduate Dentistry at Universidade Guarulhos - UNG. Professor in the Dentistry course at Universidade São Judas Tadeu - USJT. Faculty Associate in the Dentistry/Restorative Dental Sciences department at the Health Science Center of the University of Florida. Has experience in Dental Clinic in the field of Operative Dentistry, conducting research on teeth whitening, composite resins, and dental caries. Email: gutojar@yahoo.com
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