Family Dentist in West Linn: Twigs, Oil, and Mud? What History Tells Us About Brushing

When Dr. Dugger instructs patients on the need to care for their oral health, he’s usually referring to brushing twice a day and flossing daily. While most people use a toothbrush and dental floss to complete these daily tasks, not every culture throughout the world cares for their teeth in this way. Many indigenous groups, along with people living in different cultures, use traditional techniques passed down through the ages to clean their teeth.
As with any ancient technique, some of the methods used to clean teeth are more effective than others. One of the most successful techniques is the practice used by many people in the Middle East and some parts of Southeast Asia that involves the use of a twig from the arak tree, referred to as a miswak, to clean their teeth.
By fraying the end of the twig, these cultures create an almost bristle like collection of loose arak strands they use to form the miswak. Once the miswak is ready to be used as a brush, they dip the bristles in a solution of water or rosewater before rubbing the bristles against their teeth.
While this might sound like a poor excuse for a toothbrush, some science sits firmly behind why this technique actually works. The wood of the arak tree actually contains a high concentration of natural fluoride, the same compound commonly found in toothpaste, and other antimicrobial components that work to combat the development of tooth decay.
Twigs from other trees, especially those from aromatic trees that help to freshen the mouth, have been used by other cultures for thousands of years. These so-called “chew sticks” were first recorded being used in Babylonia as far back as 3500 BC, but evidence even suggests their use in China as far back as 1600 BC.
While using twigs can often replace 90 percent of what a toothbrush can accomplish, they can’t clean between teeth very effectively. Additionally, if not properly used, they can cause gum irritation and possible inflammation.
The Evolution of Brushing
The art of brushing teeth has undergone significant transformations over the centuries. From the rudimentary use of twigs and chewed ends in ancient civilizations to the sophisticated electric toothbrushes of today, the evolution of brushing has been shaped by technological advances and a deeper understanding of dental health. In ancient China, for instance, toothbrushes were crafted from boar or horse hair, while in ancient Egypt, frayed twigs served the purpose of cleaning teeth.
Fast forward to the modern era, and we have the toothbrushes we know today, featuring nylon bristles and ergonomic designs that make maintaining good oral hygiene more effective and convenient. As a West Linn dentist, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and promote overall dental health. This simple yet crucial practice is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy smile.
A More Hands-On Approach to Dental Care
Some cultures choose to take a more hands-on approach to their oral health by cleaning their teeth using only their fingers. For example, in some predominantly Muslim countries, people use the bark from the walnut tree to make a paste they then spread over their teeth by hand. The bark of the walnut tree contains natural antimicrobial properties and is also suspected to have a whitening effect on tooth enamel. However, no official research has been conducted to support these claims.
In other parts of the world, a substance consisting of ash, brick powder, mud, and salt is used to clean teeth. While historically used in rural communities in South America and India, this technique offers none of the natural antimicrobial properties as those using tree bark. Additionally, the ingredients used in this types of mixtures are often abrasive, and can lead to the development of sensitive teeth and receding gums when used for many years.
A traditional ingredient that’s made a bit of a recent comeback is charcoal. If you’ve spent much time on social media, you’ve probably seen internet personalities brushing with a black-looking toothpaste they claim actually helps to whiten teeth. These types of charcoal-based toothpaste have been shown effective at whitening teeth while keeping them clean, but they do tend to causes the same types of problems, tooth sensitivity and gum erosion, as the brick powder and mud concoctions used in India. In addition to these traditional methods, modern dental practices offer professional teeth whitening services to help remove stains and discoloration, ensuring a brighter smile.
Another ancient practice that has recently reemerged in popularity is the practice of oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves swishing a small amount of coconut oil around in the mouth for an incredible 15 minutes. (Most people spend roughly one minute brushing each day.) It’s believed this practice helps to remove toxins and bacteria from the mouth. In fact, when practiced along with daily brushing and flossing, studies do seem to suggest that oil pulling can help to reduce the gum inflammation that commonly causes gingivitis.
At our West Linn dental practice, we strive to create a comfortable atmosphere for all our patients, combining a warm, inviting environment with high-quality dental care tailored to individual needs.
Cultural and Social Factors
Cultural and social factors play a significant role in shaping our attitudes towards oral health. In some cultures, a beautiful smile is seen as a symbol of beauty and status, while in others, it is viewed as a sign of good health and hygiene. In the West Linn community, for example, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining good oral health, with many families prioritizing regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices.
As a dentist in West Linn, we recognize the importance of these cultural and social factors in shaping our patients’ attitudes towards dental care. We strive to provide a welcoming environment that caters to the diverse needs of our patients, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and valued. Whether it’s through community involvement or personalized care, our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile.
A Healthy Smile in Any Age with Dental Health
Tooth decay and gum disease will continue to cause problems now and into the future. Fortunately, whether brushing with a toothbrush, twig, or your own fingers, Dr. Dugger will be here to ensure your smile remains looking and feeling its best for a lifetime. Our comprehensive dentistry services include advanced treatments such as dental implants, providing long-term solutions for replacing missing teeth.
We also offer root canals as part of our extensive list of dental services, ensuring that we can address a wide range of dental needs, from routine care to emergency treatments.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing dental problems and promoting overall health. As a comprehensive dentistry practice in West Linn, we recommend a range of oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are also essential for detecting and preventing dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Our team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing personalized dental care and education to help our patients maintain good oral hygiene and achieve a beautiful smile. Whether you’re a family with young children or an individual looking for a welcoming environment, we invite you to experience the best in dental care at our West Linn dental practice. Your dental needs are our priority, and we are here to ensure that your first visit and every visit thereafter is as comfortable and beneficial as possible.