The efficacy of miswak (Kayu sugi) containing toothpaste on dental plaque accumulation

Abstract

Introduction: Salvadora persica, also known as miswak (Kayu sugi), has been used as natural toothbrushing compound for centuries. Many research suggested that it contains medically beneficial properties such as abrasives, antiseptics, astringent, detergent, enzyme inhibitors, and fluoride. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of miswak containing toothpaste on dental plaque accumulation. Methods: The total of 30 subjects consisted of male students of Bandung Institute of Technology, aged between 18 – 26 years old. The plaque value was measured using the Turesky Gilmore & Glickman Index Modification of Quigley & Hein at baseline (day 0), day 1, day 3, and day 7. Commercial toothpaste (Pepsodent®) was used as the control group in this pre and post-test designed, single-blind study. Results: After analysed using the paired t-test, the data showed that the mean plaque index of respondents using miswak and non-miswak containing toothpaste from baseline until day 7, were 1.70/1.19 and 1.61/1.44 respectively (p < 0.05). The mean plaque index reduction of respondents using miswak and non-miswak containing toothpaste from baseline until day 7, were 0.39 and 0.25 respectively (p = 0.00). Conclusion: Both kinds of toothpaste were able to reduce plaque, but miswak containing toothpaste was found to be more effective in reducing dental plaque accumulation.

Effect of a Novel Betel Leaf Dentifrice on Commonly Seen Oral Hygiene Parameters—A Randomized Clinical Crossover Study

“…The results of the current study are in agreement with a previous study that compared the effect of miswak toothpaste and non-miswak toothpaste on the plaque index in 30 people with ages ranging between 18 to 26 years old, and the result showed that the reduction of plaque index was more significant among the miswak users than the non-miswak group (baseline to day 7 was 1.70/1.19 in the first group and 1.61/1.44 in the second group [ 22 ]).…”

Anti-plaque efficacy of Siwak as a mechanical tooth stick

“…Some studies driven by other authors focus on the other forms of the siwak for evaluation of its effect on plaque accumulation: Poureslami (19), Varma (3), Rusminah (21) and Gupta (15) tested the tooth paste form of siwak for their studies and reported that the dentifrices containing siwak were more effective than the other tooth pastes, also in the studies done by Rieuwpassa (5) and Rajabalian (26) siwak presented in mouthwash form and had beneficial properties. In the present study we use siwak as its natural form (chewing sticks) instead of other types such as toothpaste or mouthwash.…”

“…High concentration of chloride interacts to form dental plaque and help to remove dental stains (3,9). SP have 1.0 µg/g fluride that could motivate anticariogenic activity in dental tissues (9,20,21). Mildly bitter taste of the chewing sticks could stimulate the saliva and have buffering effects (9,11).…”

The Effectiveness of Using Siwak Toothpaste on Plaque Accumulation in Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Users’

“…Almas, in 2002, showed that S. persica extract has the ability to effectively eliminate smear layer in plaque [24]. It also increases salivary flow and pH in plaque because the spicy taste felt helps increase its secretion which acts as a buffer in the oral cavity [25,26]. El-Desoukeu explained that extracts from S. persica have a more effective antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans compared to ordinary toothpaste, thereby preventing oral candidiasis [27][28][29].…”