The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of brushing with chewing sticks in removing plaque and to evaluate whether toothpaste has any additional effect on the removal of established dental plaque. Kenyan schoolchildren had their plaque deposits disclosed by means of disclosing tablets and subsequently recorded on four buccal sites of all permanent teeth. The children were then allocated to two groups in a crossover design; in one group the children brushed with chewing sticks and toothpaste; the other group brushed with chewing sticks only. Substantial amounts of plaque were recorded at base line in most children. Brushing with a chewing stick for 5 min resulted in a net reduction of the proportion of plaque deposit sites per child. Toothpaste resulted in no additional effect.