Al lafi T, Ababneh H
University of Wales College of Medicine, Dental School, Periodontology Department, Cardiff, UK.
Int Dent J. 1995 Jun;45(3):218-22.
Chewing sticks are commonly used in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in particular, and the Middle East, Asia, and Africa in general, in addition to many other areas for oral hygiene, religious and social purposes. Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended and encouraged the use of these sticks as an effective tool for oral hygiene. The antibacterial activity of one of these sticks has been tested against some oral aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Three methods of antibacterial activity were carried out: streaked plate method, ditch plate method, and tube dilution test for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). It was found that the extract of these sticks had a drastic effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 69 mg/100 cc, while a variable effect on other bacterial species was noted. It is concluded that using chewing sticks twice a day on a regular basis may reduce the incidence of gingivitis and possibly dental caries. Apart from their antibacterial activity which may help control the formation and activity of dental plaque, they can be used effectively as a natural toothbrush for teeth cleaning. Such sticks are effective, inexpensive, common, available, and contain many medical properties.
咀嚼棒在约旦、沙特阿拉伯和阿联酋尤为常用，在中东、亚洲和非洲普遍使用，此外在许多其他地区也用于口腔卫生、宗教和社交目的。最近，世界卫生组织（WHO）推荐并鼓励使用这些咀嚼棒作为口腔卫生的有效工具。其中一种咀嚼棒的抗菌活性已针对一些口腔需氧菌和厌氧菌进行了测试。进行了三种抗菌活性测试方法：划线平板法、沟平板法和最低抑菌浓度（MIC）的试管稀释试验。结果发现，这些咀嚼棒的提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌的生长有显著影响，MIC值为69毫克/100立方厘米，而对其他细菌种类的影响则有所不同。结论是，每天定期使用两次咀嚼棒可能会降低牙龈炎的发病率，并可能减少龋齿。除了其抗菌活性可能有助于控制牙菌斑的形成和活性外，它们还可以有效地用作清洁牙齿的天然牙刷。这种咀嚼棒有效、便宜、常见、可得，并且具有许多药用特性。
