Abstract

Objective: To compare the variations in electrolytes and pH between toothbrush-toothpaste and miswak users.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional analytical study, samples were collected through non-probability purposive sampling. The samples were divided into two groups i.e., 100 subjects each (regular miswak users’ group and regular toothbrush-toothpaste users. A Micro lab (200) company electrolyte analyzer and an Easy lite plus (300,400) ion selective electrode analyzer were used to measure sodium, calcium and phosphate. Salivary pH was measured with litmus paper. The electrolytes and pH of both groups were compared.
Result: The pH of miswak users was found to be more alkaline (8.5+1.6) compared to toothbrush-toothpaste users (6.8+0.4). Calcium, phosphate, and sodium content of miswak users was more than toothbrush-toothpaste users; Calcium content was 3.3+1.2 for miswak users and 2.2+1.7for regular toothbrush toothpaste users. The phosphate content of miswak users was 8.8+9.7 for and 5.7+1.5for regular toothbrush toothpaste users while the sodium content of miswak users for toothbrush toothpaste users was observed to be 18.3+4.1 and 15.5+4.7.
Conclusion: Miswak users had higher electrolytes and PH levels in comparison to toothbrush-toothpaste users.

Key words: Miswak, toothpaste, pH, calcium, phosphates, sodium, electrolytes.