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Related Experiment Videos

Meswak: the natural toothbrush

F N Hattab1

  • 1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.

The Journal of Clinical Dentistry
|January 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Meswak sticks, commonly used for oral hygiene, show negligible fluoride release. While not a significant anticaries agent, meswak effectively removes plaque and polishes teeth through its physical brushing action.

Area of Science:

  • Oral Hygiene
  • Dental Materials Science
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Meswak (chewing stick) from Salvadora persica is a traditional oral hygiene tool in Afro-Asian communities.
  • Its use is widespread due to cost-effectiveness, cultural practices, and religious significance.
  • Limited scientific data exists on meswak's chemical composition and anticaries potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the chemical content of Salvadora persica sticks used as meswak.
  • To quantify the soluble and total levels of fluoride, calcium, phosphorus, and silica.
  • To evaluate the potential anticaries effect of meswak based on its chemical properties.

Main Methods:

  • Sticks of Salvadora persica were analyzed for fluoride, calcium, phosphorus, and silica content.

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  • Soluble and total amounts of these elements were determined.
  • Fluoride release upon soaking in water was measured.

    • Main Results:

    • Fluoride released from meswak in water was minimal (< 0.07 microgram/ml).
    • Approximately 39% of the total fluoride in the sticks was leachable.
    • Significant amounts of calcium (19.6% leached), phosphorus (26.4% leached), and silica were found.

    Conclusions:

    • Meswak's anticaries effect is unlikely due to its fluoride content.
    • The physical action of meswak as a toothbrush aids in plaque removal and teeth polishing.
    • Further research could explore other potential benefits of meswak's mineral content.