Maintaining proper oral health is essential since it is an integral part of maintaining your overall health. Across the globe, there are different cultural practices, from ancient remedies to modern technologies, which can help in prioritizing dental health. 

In Newton City, MA, dental care is critical for individuals since it helps in different aspects of their social lives. Whether it is using archaic herbs, traditional tools, or other ways to address different dental issues, it is important to learn about them. 

Even if you find a dentist near Newton MA, he/she can only help you with guides like brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and regular dental checkups. In this blog, you will get to explore the different cultural practices in dental care around the world, highlighting how old age has assisted in maintaining proper dental health.

Africa: Chewing Sticks

In most African countries, the traditional way of brushing teeth is by chewing sticks. This traditional method is also known as ”Miswak” or “Arak”. There are certain trees, like Salvadora persica, these trees have the characteristic of antiseptic properties. 

People care to chew small sticks from their ends until they become downy like the soft bristles of a toothbrush. This traditional method is way more unique since it will not only preserve your oral hygiene but will be more favorable for the environment. 

India: Oil Pulling

In India, there are tons of traditional ways in the field of health care, whether it is dental care or any other type of care; villages in India have secured all the sacred Ayurvedic methods of their old folks. 

Likewise, oil pulling is also an old traditional way where you have to swish a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth, and you have to keep waggling it for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This Ayurvedic method helps you to detoxify your body, reduce hives, whiten your teeth, and retain your overall oral health by reducing bacteria.

Japan: Miswak and Charcoal Toothpaste

In Japan, there are a lot of useful Japanese techniques that help in preserving overall healthcare. However, for dental care, the Japanese use “Miswak” (a stick from Salvodora persica trees) as a toothbrush and charcoal as a toothpaste. 

In Japanese writing, it is said that active charcoal has the attributes of detoxifying components, whitening teeth by removing stains, and other merits. This classic method signifies the Japanese artistic methods in dental upkeep.

Brazil: Herbal Remedies

In Brazil, folks ensure to use many natural remedies to address their dental issues and maintain oral hygiene. Most commonly, they use clove oil for toothache since it has analgesic properties that deal with the pain and let you feel relief. Chamomile tea is used to address gum inflammation; thus, it is also used as a mouthwash. 

Therefore, using homemade remedies to deal with dental issues highlights the relationship between nature and health according to Brazilian culture.

China: Traditional Chinese Medicine

China is known for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where folks use traditional techniques, thinking of them as an integral approach to dental care. Techniques like acupuncture are believed to address pain and stimulate the healing process by pressing some points on your body. 

In addition, TCM highlights the importance of a natural diet so that everyone consumes foods that help maintain oral health care.

Middle East: Siwak

In the Middle East, people like to practice an old Islamic tradition called “Siwak.” Siwak is similar to the African chewing stick method. The folks in the gulf are sure to use the roots of the Arak tree and chew their ends until they become frayed. It helps in maintaining oral hygiene. 

Additionally, Siwak is done more than five times a day according to their religious practice.

By understanding the unique cultural practices in dental care around the world, you can easily get to know about several ways of maintaining a healthy smile.