Across sub-Saharan Africa you will find people chewing on sticks and twigs, this is nature's toothbrush. Users say that the sticks are more natural, cheaper, effective and medicinal than their plastic store bought counterparts and science is beginning to back them up. The wooden toothbrushes come in a variety of types with different medicinal properties such as good for stomach, good for your head or for easing toothaches.
Implications - It is hard to believe that sticks can actually be good for your health! Some health stores in the US are starting to sell "chew-sticks" as an alternative form of dental care. A professor at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry named Christine D. Wu states that "there are several documented studies which suggest that the cleaning sticks are at least as effective as normal toothbrushes."
Wooden Toothbrush Alternatives
Dentistry Returns to its Naturalistic Roots in Sub-Saharan Africa
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Natural Dental Care - The use of wooden toothbrush alternatives is gaining popularity as people seek more natural and sustainable oral care products.
2. Medicinal Properties in Oral Care - The discovery of different medicinal properties in wooden toothbrush alternatives opens up opportunities for incorporating natural remedies into oral care products.
3. Global Adoption of Chew Sticks - The traditional practice of using chew sticks for oral hygiene in sub-Saharan Africa is attracting attention and adoption around the world as a natural and cost-effective alternative to traditional toothbrushes.
Industry Implications
1. Natural Oral Care - The natural oral care industry has opportunities to develop and market wooden toothbrush alternatives with various medicinal properties.
2. Sustainability - The wooden toothbrush industry can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products in the oral care market.
3. Traditional Medicine - The traditional medicine industry can explore the use of wooden toothbrush alternatives as a platform to promote and integrate natural remedies into oral health practices.