Advantage And Disadvantage Of Chewing Stick

Chewing stick

Chewing stick is the oldest form of tooth cleaning in the world. This form of tooth cleaning has been replaced with modern toothbrush and paste.

However, there has been some form of debate as to the most effective tooth cleaning method between both. This has led scientist into the study of both methods with some results.

The term chewing stick is used by most countries of the world. However, some culture prefers the name ‘Miswak or Siwakin.’ They are obtained from different types of trees e.g. walnut and olive tree. Correct use of the stick can effectively produce a fine result.

Chewing stick all have a similar way of usage and the production process. However, in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, the back of the choice plant is peeled and cut into small bits of about pencil size.

The user will have to chew an open end until it produces a brush like fibre. This brush like fibre, with saliva to act as the lubricant is used to clean the teeth and tongue.

Chewing stick has some advantage over tooth brush and paste. Let us see some of them.

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Advantages Of Chewing Stick

1. There is strong evidence to support the claim that most old people who use the stick throughout their lifetime have stronger, whiter teeth. This is usually attributed to the fact that continuous chewing loosens and dislodges particles between the teeth, which in turn stimulates blood circulation in the gum.
2. Saliva is known scientifically to rinse away bacteria. During the process of chewing, saliva is produced in large quantity, which creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria to thrive.
3. It is tough hence able to remove plaques and massage gum effectively.
4. It is very portable and dry hence can be carried along during travel.
5. Prevent tooth decay and toothache.
6. Fight against bad breath.
7. It helps in reducing addiction to drugs.
8. It whitens teeth.
9. Chewing sticks have been shown to contain major chemical agents found in modern toothpaste such as fluoride, sodium bicarbonate and others that reduce bacteria colonization. Additional chemicals not found in the modern paste are also found in them, which increases their effectiveness. The longer chewing time allow these chemicals to get to the major deep corners of the mouth. The following chemicals have these functions to play in the mouth.

• Tannin: Exerts astringent effects on the mucous membrane, which reduces gingivitis.
• Resins: Forms layer over enamel and protect against caries.
• Alkaloids: They exerts bactericidal activities in the oral cavity and have characteristics aroma with antiseptic properties.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps in the healing and repair of tissues.
• Sodium Bicarbonate: Have abrasive properties same with those found in toothpaste.

It should be noted that different trees have different levels of chemicals in them.

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Disadvantages Of Chewing Stick

1. Using freshly cut chewing stick may be toxic to some tree species.
2. Causes gum injury, which leads to bleeding.
3. It is time-consuming, hence not possible for people who are in a hurry.
4. Cannot be used effectively by children, unlike paste and brush.

Paste have kind of, come to stay. This is because toothpaste vendors have design advertisement to woo chewing stick users into thinking they are still living in the past. They know exactly how to play on man’s intelligence because they know that no one wants to be viewed as old school. Whereas, chewing stick marketers are not taking advantages of these techniques employed by the big paste and toothbrush industry.

Most modern tooth paste manufacturers already know that chewing stick is far better than toothpaste, hence try to incorporate it into their product. They know that the more they delay, the more likely the world will be informed of the advantages of chewing stick.

So far so good, the disadvantages of chewing stick are not significant except the difficulty and inconvenience. this is the only major set back.

Can the world once again go back to chewing stick? Well, time shall tell which product will survive.

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