4 minute read
Chew Sticks: Cleaning your Teeth the Natural Way
by David Hinkson
DISCLAIMER: THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IT IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL OR HEALTH ADVICE. CHECK WITH YOUR DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER FOR ADVICE.
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Are you thinking of going back to natural oral care?
If you venture into the toiletries section of your supermarket, there are so many varieties of toothpaste available. It can be almost overwhelming. We have some for sensitive teeth; ones that promise extra whitening; those with minty fresh flavour; and let us not forget the formulas that protect against plaque, cavities and gum disease.
Of course, long before toothpaste was invented, man devised some natural solutions to his oral hygiene using chew sticks or teeth cleaning twigs from several different kinds of plants. We are told that the earliest chew sticks date back to the ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt and China. This practice is still prevalent in some cultures.
Maybe you can try it!
Jamaican Chew Stick
(GOUANIA LUPULOIDES)
Right here in the Caribbean, the chew stick, known as Gouania Lupuloides, is a vine normally found in woodland areas of Jamaica. It is primarily used by Rastafarians as a natural way to clean teeth.
Islandherbsandspices.com outlines how the Jamaican chew stick is used and some of the benefits derived from it. “First, you must sever a piece of the vine, then peel away the bark from it. After peeling off the bark you can then proceed to chew on the tip of the herb but be aware that it might take some time to get used to the slightly bitter taste of the chew stick. You will also notice that the tip will become frothy and exude foam but do not be alarmed as this foamy substance will do wonders for the teeth and mouth since it works in the same way that toothpaste and dental floss do.”
Generally speaking, toothbrushing twigs are chewed until one end is frayed. The frayed end is used to brush against the teeth.
Teeth Cleaning Twigs
(e.g. NEEM)
Quite a large number of tree species produce teeth-cleaning twigs. However, the chemical makeup of some trees allows them to perform better than others. Many who live in the rural areas of India use neem twigs for brushing teeth on a daily basis. The neem has antibacterial properties and helps keep gums healthy. Neem trees are commonly found in several Caribbean islands so they should be easy to access and grow in your backyard.
Toothbrush Tree
(SALVADOR PERSICA)
Another commonly used tree for teeth cleaning is Salvador Persica, which is found in Africa and the Middle East. It is commonly referred to as the “toothbrush tree”. This tree is a large evergreen shrub, typically 6–7 metres (20–23 ft) in height. Its fragrance is said to be similar to that of cress or mustard, its taste - warm and pungent.
It is reported that in Islamic practices, chew sticks, called miswak, are made from the toothbrush tree. The miswak is mentioned in the hadith, the written traditions related to the life of Mohammed. The use of the miswak in Islam represents cleanliness and purity.
HOW TO USE CHEW STICKS
• Cut firm pieces, six inches long, from the branch.
• Strip off the bark.
• Store the sticks in paper in the refrigerator. Do not store in glass or plastic, or near the sink because they may grow mould.
• Chew the end of the stick until it turns into bristles.
• Use the bristles to brush in the same way you would a toothbrush.
• Cut off the used end.
• Use a fresh end each time.
Some points to remember:
1. Chew sticks are cost effective. There is no need for toothpaste.
2. This method is ecofriendly.
3. Using a chew stick is low maintenance. Simply use water to keep the tip of the stick moist and soft.
4. The end may be cut afresh to ensure good hygiene.
5. The twig is replaced every few weeks to maintain sanitary conditions.
6. As with a toothbrush, ensure that your stick is not too hard, so choose a species of tree that suits you.
7. Beware of excessive scrubbing, which may cause gum damage.
