Teeth cleaning twig

Man in West Africa brushing teeth using a chewing stick.

A Datun (Arabic: السواك), (Hindi: दातुन), Miswak, Teeth Cleaning Twig, Twig Toothbrush, Bush Toothbrush, Tooth Twig, Chew Stick, or Chewing Stick is a tool made from a twig from a tree with antimicrobial properties. It can thus help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

History

Chew sticks are twigs with a frayed end used to brush against the teeth,^[1] while the other end was used as a toothpick.^[2] The earliest chew sticks have been dated to Babylonia in 3500 BC^[2] and an Egyptian tomb from 3000 BC;^[1] they are mentioned in Chinese records dating from 1600 BC.^[2]

In Africa, chew sticks are made from the tree salvadora persica, also known as the "toothbrush tree." In Islam, this tree is traditionally used to create a chew stick called miswak, as frequently advocated for in the hadith(written traditions relating to the life of Muhammad).^[3]

Twigs used

Spring blossoms of Kikar (also called Babool) at Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India

Neem (Azadirachta indica) in Hyderabad, India

Teeth cleaning twigs can be obtained from a variety of tree species. Although many trees are used in the production of teeth cleaning twigs, some trees are better suited to clean and protect the teeth, due to the chemical composition of the plant parts. The tree species are:^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

Advantages

When compared to toothbrushes, teeth cleaning twigs have several advantages:

• Reported similar dental protection as toothbrushes ^[10]
• More ecological in its life-cycle
• Lower cost (0-16% of the cost of a toothbrush^[11])
• Independence from external supplier if made at home from privately owned trees
• Low maintenance, with some twigs need moistening with water if they become dry, to ensure the end is soft. The end may be cut afresh to ensure hygiene, and should not be stored near a sink. The twig is replaced every few weeks to maintain proper hygiene.
• No need for toothpaste
• Can combat bad breath (e.g. Cinnamon^[12])

Disadvantages

• Excessive scrubbing can damage the gums ^[13]

See also

References