# Wooden Toothbrush Alternatives Dentistry Returns to its Naturalistic Roots in Sub-Saharan Africa By Ben Preiss | Published 2010-05-04 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/african-dental-sticks-folk-medicine-for-your-smile References: [news.yahoo](http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070618/lf_nm/africa_toothbrushes_dc_ylt=AgOqgpD4OByTqviK9ycm11UJr7sF) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brevi-toothbrush) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dental-sticks-for-dogs). A professor at the [University of Illinois College of Dentistry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-1) 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." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Rise of Natural Dental Care:** The use of wooden toothbrush alternatives is gaining popularity as people seek more natural and sustainable oral care products. - **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. - **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. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Natural Oral Care:** The natural oral care industry has opportunities to develop and market wooden toothbrush alternatives with various medicinal properties. - **Sustainability:** The wooden toothbrush industry can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products in the oral care market. - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainability-Focused Reusable Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-toothbrush.md) - [Innovative Natural Oral Care](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-bamboo-toothbrush-flosser.md) - [Eco-Conscious Charcoal Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charcoal-toothpaste1.md) - [Wooden Toilet Brushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-toilet-brush.md) - [Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medicalgrade-stainless-steel-toothbrush.md) - [Aluminum Electric Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suri-sustainable-electric-toothbrush.md) - [Water-Saving Toothpaste Tabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toothchews.md) - [Natural Oral Hygiene Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dr-dento.md) - [Sustainable Electric Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamtoo-koa-v2.md)