Ancient tips for cleaning teeth and mouth.
The branches of the arak tree have a similar effect to a toothbrush in cleaning teeth and gums, and also contain antibacterial components that prevent cavities.
Most people use toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to clean their teeth. However, in some regions, people have traditional teeth-cleaning methods passed down through generations.
Use arak tree branch
People in the Middle East and some parts of South and Southeast Asia use branches of the arak tree (miswak tree) to brush their teeth.
To brush your teeth with an arak branch, peel the bark at one end of the branch, exposing the stiff bristles inside that closely resemble toothbrush bristles. Then, soak the bristles in water or rosewater. Simply rub the bristles directly onto your teeth without using water.
Arak wood has a high concentration of fluoride and other antibacterial components that prevent tooth decay.
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Rub the hairy part of the arak tree branch directly onto your teeth without using water to clean your mouth. |
Besides the arak tree, other fragrant branches have been used in many regions for thousands of years. The first branches used for brushing teeth appeared in Babylon around 3500 BC, and in China around 1600 BC.
Some studies suggest that using twigs can clean teeth similarly to a regular toothbrush. However, according to experts, this method cannot reach between teeth and, if not used correctly, can damage gums and wear down teeth.
Use your finger
In other regions, people rub natural ingredients directly onto the surface of their teeth with their fingers. For example, Muslims rub walnut bark on their teeth. Walnut bark has antibacterial and teeth-whitening properties. However, no studies have proven the effectiveness or side effects of this bark.
In some regions of India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, people clean their teeth using brick powder, mud, salt, or ash. These materials are effective at removing stains and plaque, but they lack fluoride and are abrasive, easily damaging teeth and causing gum recession.
Charcoal powder – a traditional tooth-cleaning ingredient – is also used today. Several modern toothpastes and toothbrushes contain charcoal powder, which has been shown to clean and kill harmful bacteria.
Betel and areca nuts
Betel leaves and areca nuts, commonly used by people in Southeast Asian countries as a substitute for toothpaste since ancient times, have been shown in studies to cause yellowing of teeth and gums. Furthermore, betel leaf and areca nut consumption increases the risk of oral cancer.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is a fairly common practice in ancient Ayurvedic medicine in India. The mixture consists of small amounts of coconut, sesame, sunflower oil, or olive oil. A recent study indicated that this mixture helps cleanse bacteria and toxins, and when combined with daily flossing, it helps reduce gum inflammation.
