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Miswak is a traditional chewing stick prepared from the roots, twigs, and stem of Salvadora persica and has been used as a natural method for tooth cleaning in many parts of the world for thousands of years.
In Africa, chew sticks are made from the tree Salvadora persica, also known as the "toothbrush tree".
All studies reported a positive effect of miswak as an anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, anti-cariogenic, promotion of gingival wound healing, whitening properties, orthodontic chain preservation, and biocompatibility with oral cells.
Teeth Around the World: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
With a DMFT (decayed, missing, or filled teeth) index score of 0.4, Danish citizens have pretty perfect teeth. Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the UK all have scores below 1.0, making them the five countries with the healthiest teeth.
Individuals of Asian descent and the Inuit are least likely to have wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the only teeth that develop after birth.
1. Denmark – the number one country for healthy primary teeth.
The sulfur compounds present in miswak as shown by their pungent taste and smell have a bactericidal effect.
When it comes to dental care, holy basil stands out for its teeth-whitening properties. A study in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry found that holy basil can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. How to use: Dry some basil leaves in the sun and grind them into a fine powder.
Some claim coconut oil offers benefits like healthier gums, plaque removal, and even whiter teeth. But before you make oil pulling part of your morning routine, it's important to ask, “Does coconut oil really whiten teeth?” It turns out that oil probably won't offer you significant oral benefits.
The Miswak stick is a natural twig found on the Salvadora Persica tree. It is predominantly used in the Eastern world and in various locations in Africa. 100% organic and used by many for thousands of years, the Miswak stick has many great components including: double the fluoride found in your average toothpaste.
Each miswak is approximately six fresh brushes, so if you cut yours once a day, one stick should last you approximately one week. Where should I store it? To keep your miswak fresh, store it in a dry environment where it can breathe, away from sunlight.
It has been observed that the Egyptians used burnt eggshells, powder of ox's hooves, and ashes, combined using a pumice stone to make a powder they'd rub their teeth and gums with. On the other hand, the Greeks and Romans were more abrasive with their toothpaste ingredients.
Its bristles lie in the long axis of the stick, whereas those of a toothbrush are placed perpendicular to the handle. Thus, it is difficult to reach the lingual surfaces of the dentition with a miswak. Another disadvantage is related to the habitual use of miswak for a prolonged period (Hollist, 1981).
Oral hygiene practices among tribal were found to be minimal and were not up to the mark. For cleaning teeth chewing, sticks were mainly used by majority (56.7%) of the participants. Furthermore, 7.7% of participants reported to use gudaku (a tobacco product) and 4.7% used salt for cleaning their teeth.
Veneers. Many celebrities use veneers to cover up previously discolored teeth. Porcelain veneers are favored by most famous people since they are the longest lasting and have a more natural appearance. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit over the surface of your existing teeth, giving you a radiant smile.
The best way to whiten your teeth fast is through professional teeth whitening treatments at your dentist's office. These treatments use high concentrations of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth quickly and effectively.
Try non-acidic foods: Certain foods are good for your enamel. Many types of fruits and vegetables, dairy products such as milk, and foods or drinks containing fluoride – notably spinach, grapes and black tea – will be useful to naturally restore enamel.
It is great for dental health because of its anti-plaque properties. A plethora of studies has found that miswak's cleansing ability is almost equal to modern toothbrushes. In addition to this, it has an immensely beneficial effect on saliva composition.
It doesn't expire, but it does lose freshness over time. Because it's a natural product and reacts to its surroundings, it may dry up or start to mold so it's best to use it within 1 month of purchasing it.
Today, the miswak is used for oral hygiene in many parts of the world (2), especially in Africa, Asia, south America, Saudi Arabia, and other Islamic countries (1, 3). It can prevent gum disease and dental caries (1, 4). The miswak has a frayed end that is used to brush the teeth (1, 5).
Scandinavian Dental Hygiene
Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark consistently rank high in dental care. Their comprehensive public healthcare systems ensure regular check-ups and preventative dental care for citizens.
Niger is the country with the least access to sanitation services worldwide. In 2022, some 65 percent of Nigerien population still defecated in the open. This was followed by neighboring country Chad, where about 63 percent of the people defecated in the open.