Not everyone uses a toothbrush – here’s what science says about the alternatives
CNNCNN — Most people use toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss to clean their teeth, but their use is by no means universal. Many people in the Middle East, and some parts of South and Southeast Asia, use twigs from the arak tree to clean their teeth. How to Use a Miswak Fingers Some people in rural India, Africa, Southeast Asia and South America use brick powder, mud, salt or ash to clean their teeth. Another tooth cleaning method that doesn’t involve toothpaste or a toothbrush is oil pulling – an ancient Ayurvedic practice. Charcoal on a toothbrush to whiten teeth Shutterstock Modern methods Tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common diseases, with most of the world population affected, according to the World Health Organization.