Many of us use an Electronic toothbrush or a Regular Manual toothbrush; however in some parts of the world, its’ citizen use a different device as a toothbrush. In West Africa there is a tree with antimicrobial properties. Can you imagine brushing your teeth with a twig? Well believe or not, people from Africa, Middle East and parts of Asia, used a Miswak twig to clean their teeth.
Past Use – History
Chewing sticks have been used for thousands of years. These were once used by Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Let’s keep in mind that these nations once ruled the world, they had the best technologies, medical advancements and knowledge of their time. If these past super nations considered a Miswak stick a worthy tool for cleaning their teeth is because they found many oral health benefits in them.
This method of cleaning teeth might sound outdated or an alien thing for the Western World; however the chewing stick has a wide variety of oral health benefits. It is still popular today, it is not weird to see people in parts of Africa, Asia and Middle East, with a stick in their mouth; similar to Western citizen carrying a toothpick.
Studies and test made on Miswak have proven that this twig is more than just a tool use to scrub our teeth; it actually contains several oral properties and can provide its users a variety of dental benefits.
Now, the question is: why would anyone think of using a tree twig to clean their teeth?
Well, let’s keep in mind that the first bristle toothbrush, resembling the modern toothbrush, was found in China in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). However, the modern day toothbrush was not mass produce until 18th century. The problem is that tooth decay, cavities, gum disease have existed since the beginning of human history; to prevent oral diseases civilizations used chewing sticks. Some have compared Regular Toothbrush or a Mechanical Toothbrush against the Miswak, the chewing stick prove to have more advantages than those that meet the eye.
Miswak Oral Health Advantage and Benefits
Miswak oral health advantage and benefits include:
- Kills bacteria
- Prevent cavities
- Fight plaque
- No more bad breath or disgusting odors
- Prevent dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Lower cost
- No need of toothpaste
- Among others
Researches have study the Miswakfor years, for example the Wrigley Company conducted a study on the chewing stick which was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2007. Among the results Wrigley’s researched concluded that the mints found in Miswak are 20 times stronger than ordinary mints.
Other studies made on the Miswak twig demonstrated that the chewing stick is more effecting in removing and reducing plaque and gingivitis than a manual toothbrush, when use correctly.
Due to the antiseptic properties this tree has, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the usage of the chewing stick. Another advantage is that the constant chewing will increase the flow of saliva, preventing dry mouth. Regarding maintenance cost, the cost are greatly reduce because you will not need to purchase toothpaste, chewing sticks cost a fraction of the cost a mechanical toothbrush does.
We invite you to consider Huangshan Dental for high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective dental care abroad.
Huangshan International Dental Hospital is a specialized dental institution based in Anhui, China, and has become a recognized destination for international patients seeking efficient and reliable implant treatment. By operating an in-house AI-powered dental lab, the hospital is able to provide same-day implants while maintaining strict quality control and significantly reducing treatment costs. This integrated approach allows patients to access advanced implant solutions that are both reliable and reasonably priced.
Supported by a highly experienced clinical team trained in China and overseas, each implant specialist at Huangshan Dental has completed over 10,000 successful procedures. Through long-term collaboration with RES Dental in the United States, international clinical expertise is continuously incorporated into daily practice. Dedicated operating rooms and a three-tier preoperative examination system further ensure treatment safety and consistency.
Patients can complete treatment on the same day of arrival, recover efficiently, and enjoy the natural scenery of Huangshan during their stay. For consultations or more information, please visit huangshandental.com or contact [email protected]
