Recent studies conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the Tshwane University of Technology found that African toothbrush sticks or chewing sticks contain antimicrobial (anti-bacterial) properties.
The researchers found that Zana, a chewing stick used in Ethiopia, has a good antimicrobial efficacy with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from between 0,25 to 4mg/ml -– meaning that it would take a small amount of the concentration to kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
According to the report, researched by Sandy van Vuuren, Alvaro Li and Ada Viljoen of the department of pharmacy and pharmacology at Wits, African toothbrush sticks have been used for centuries for the maintenance of oral hygiene.
The report says that most Ethiopians and Nigerians still use chewing sticks to clean their teeth. The World Health Organisation has also promoted the use of toothbrush sticks and has encouraged further research of their efficacy.
A study conducted by researcher Khalib Almas in 2001 showed there were various plants used as chewing sticks in West Africa, such as lime tree and the orange tree.
“The roots of the senna were used by American Negroes and those of African Laburnum were used in Sierra Leone. Neem is widely used to provide chewing sticks in the Indian subcontinent,” Almas said in the report, The Antimicrobial Effects of Seven Different Types of Asian Chewing Sticks.
Almas also wrote that the chewing sticks could be of great help in developing countries with limited oral health care facilities.
Van Vuuren says that the mechanical action of the chewing does quite a good job at removing plaque. She said that the Ethiopians sit and do it for quite a number of minutes.
“Compare that to brushing your teeth for only a minute or so,” she said.
Click here to read studies done on the impact of the use of these ‘chewing sticks’.
We had this before the western tooth brush. sh.
(Source: casablancasoldier, via esmirelle)
