Help! Is Chewing Stick bad for my Teeth

Chewing sticks are cheap 'natural toothbrushes' made from tree twigs(small branches). Its use is commonly seen in people who dwell in rural areas where toothbrushes and toothpastes are not readily available. Many of our grandparents make use of chewing sticks to clean their teeth. Some make use of the chewing stick first and then use their toothbrush and paste afterwards.

Some chewing sticks have medicinal properties. Commonly used chewing sticks in Nigeria include Bitter leaf twig, 'Pako Ijebu'/'atu-uhie', 'Orin ayan', Orin Ata etc

Advantages

• It is cheap
• No need to apply toothpaste
• Chewing increases the flow of saliva which helps cleanse the teeth
• Chewing the stick is a good form of exercise for the jaws
• Those who use the chewing stick spend longer time brushing their teeth than those who make use of the toothbrush.

Disadvantages

• The inner surfaces of the teeth(where the tongue rests) might not be easy to reach.
• May cause abrasion(wearing down) of the teeth if the end is not chewed properly before applying on the surfaces of the teeth.

Conclusion
Using the chewing stick is based on preference. If you decide to use it, make sure you chew the end well before applying on the teeth and be sure to clean every surface of your teeth. If you find it difficult to reach every surface of your teeth, you may benefit from using a toothbrush and paste.