Comparative effectiveness of chewing stick and toothbrush: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background:With the increasing rate of oral diseases, the global necessity of effective and economical products for its prevention and treatment has intensified.Aim:This study was to compare the effectiveness of two oral hygiene aids: Chewing stick and manual toothbrush, for plaque removal and gingival health after one month of a randomized clinical trial.Materials and Methods:Dental students (age 18-22 years) of a public sector dental hospital were recruited. Sample size was determined using the American Dental Association guidelines. Participants were randomized into two interventional groups and provided with either chewing sticks or toothbrushes. Pre- and post-intervention examinations were executed by two blind and calibrated examiners using plaque and gingival dental indices. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and two sample independent t-tests.Results:Fifty subjects were recruited with mean age 20 ± 0.66 years (80% were females and 20% were males). Except for the mean plaque scores of toothbrush users (which increased at post-intervention examination), all other scores showed reduction. In contrast to the final mean gingival scores, a significant difference (P = < 0.0001) in the final mean plaque score was observed for the two respective interventional groups.Conclusion:Chewing stick has revealed parallel and at times greater mechanical and chemical cleansing of oral tissues as compared to a toothbrush.

Role of Salvadora persica chewing stick (miswak): A natural toothbrush for holistic oral health

“…No (as it has disinfectant property itself) [69] Yes [71,74] Saliva stimulation Yes [33] No [51] Sterility [36,70] Sterile if cut daily Bacterial growth after 24 h of use Side effects Nil (as it is natural) Fluoride poisoning cases reported due to fluoride toothpaste [75] General body effects [20] Yes No A recent study by Malik et al proposed that miswak (S. persica) has comparable or at times greater chemical and mechanical capability in plaque removal. [76] On the basis of the conclusion of this study, advocacy should be planned for miswak promotion as oral hygiene tool replacing nylon filament tooth brushes in developing countries where there exist economic restrains, high unmet needs and restricted dental care for general public. [76] SALVADORA PERSICA AND CULTURAL…”

Investigations of a Possible Chemical Effect of Salvadora persica Chewing Sticks

“…When used properly, they could be as effective as a toothbrush [4, 7, 9–12] or even more [13]. The frequent use of chewing stick has been associated with a lower need for periodontal treatment [14].…”

Prevalence of oral hygiene aids and bleeding gums among the people visiting Private Dental Hospital in Gadap town, Karachi

“…It has substantial effect in the treatment and prevention of infections, tooth decay, bleeding, and sore gums. [6] Brushing for sufficient time with proper technique significantly removes the dental plaque therefore both time, and technique are essentials for effective removal of plaque. [7] It has also been evaluated that occurrence of plaque induce gingivitis efficiently reduces by daily tooth brushing with proper technique and enough time.…”