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Every morning, we grab our toothbrush, squeeze out some toothpaste, and quickly brush our teeth - barely awake or thinking. We've been taught this is the only right way to keep our teeth clean, a routine so automatic that we never stop to wonder - could there be another way?
But what if I told you that cultures around the world have discovered incredibly clever ways to keep their teeth healthy, passing down secrets from parents to children, using what nature gives them? These aren't just random tricks, but smart methods that have worked for families for generations, long before toothbrush or toothpaste was ever sold in stores.
Miswak is a natural tooth-cleaning stick from the Salvadora persica tree. It has been used for thousands of years across Middle Eastern and African cultures. This traditional tool contains natural compounds that effectively fight bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Used by simply chewing one end to create soft bristles and brushing teeth, Miswak offers a natural alternative to modern toothbrushes. Research indicates its effectiveness in preventing dental caries and reducing plaque, with studies showing significant oral health benefits compared to conventional toothbrushes. (1)
Green tea rinsing is a traditional Japanese oral hygiene method that offers a natural approach to dental care. By gargling with cooled green tea for 30 seconds, individuals can potentially improve oral health.
Practiced primarily in Japan and other Asian cultures, this technique involves brewing green tea, letting it cool, and then rinsing the mouth thoroughly. The process is simple: swish the tea around, while making sure it reaches all areas of the mouth, then spit it out.
Although originating in Japan, green tea rinsing is now gaining global recognition for its proven oral health benefits. Scientific research(2) has highlighted its effectiveness in reducing plaque, preventing tooth decay, and fighting gum disease. As awareness spreads about its natural healing properties, more people worldwide are adopting this simple, traditional dental care method.
Oil Pulling is an ancient practice that originated in India and is now used in various countries, including the USA and parts of Europe. It may help reduce oral bacteria, plaque, and improve gum health, but it should not replace regular brushing and flossing.
To do oil pulling, take one tablespoon of oil (like coconut oil or sesame oil) and swish it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, spit the oil into the trash, rinse your mouth with water, and brush your teeth as usual. It's a good idea to consult with your dentist before starting oil pulling, as scientific evidence on its effectiveness is still limited.
Pine needle clusters have been used as a natural tooth and mouth cleaning tool by various cultures, particularly Native American tribes. This traditional practice involves using a small bundle of pine needles as an improvised toothbrush. The technique is supposed to serve dual purposes, that is cleaning teeth and freshening breath.
They believed pine needles could fight germs and remove food from teeth. The slightly rough texture helped scrub away dirt and potentially keep their mouth clean.
Their method was simple: chew the needles, gently clean teeth, and rinse with water. While interesting, there's not much scientific proof about how well it actually works for dental care.
While not tied to a specific cultural tradition, salt water serves as a simple, natural oral cleaning technique. This method involves creating a basic rinse by dissolving salt in warm water, offering a straightforward approach to mouth care
Salt water rinses work well for some people, but the science behind it is still developing. A study suggests these rinses help with gum inflammation and provide mild oral health benefits.(3)
While beneficial, salt water rinses are not a substitute for proper dental care and should only be used as a supplementary oral hygiene method.
MedBound Times reached out to a few dentists to know their thoughts about these alternative oral hygiene options and here's what they have to say-
Miswak and salt together, with green tea rinse can serve as a alternative, but a proper brushing technique is needed to prevent receding gums.We need to understand that though there are a lot of practices, brushing with a toothbrush in an improper technique also leads to receding gums and abrasion.So, every practice has its own advantages and limitations. Keeping this thought, it is critical for effective removal of oral bacterial load on daily basis and prevent complications that could hamper oral health.
Dr. Tanneru Venkata Lakshmi Sahithi, BDS, MDS (Consultant periodontist)
Miswak, used in ancient times, still continues to hold a position in oral health care in this modern era. Have you ever thought of this? Why miswak is persisting in this modern era? Miswak has proven to be have good antiplaque and anti-cariogenic effects. But to have these effects, you should use it in the right way and regularly.
Dr. Ansila S, BDS
Almas, Khalid. "Efficacy of Miswak (Salvadora persica) in Preventing Dental Caries." Open Journal of Stomatology, 2011. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=1818.
Sharma, Neha, et al. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Green Tea Mouth Rinse on Oral Halitosis, Tongue Coating, and Plaque Accumulation in Comparison with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial." Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry 13, no. 3 (2023). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10281303/.
"Comparative Study on Dental Plaque Control." International Journal of Experimental Dental Science. https://ijeds.com/doi/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10029-1108.
By Dr. Iqra Momin
