Background: The two most common methods used for the maintenance of oral hygiene are the toothbrush and the chewing stick or miswak. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal status among a population in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara who used miswak, a toothbrush, or both.
Methods: One hundred and fifty participants, aged 17-63 (mean 30 years), were divided into three groups: Group I (toothbrush users), Group II (miswak users), and Group III (toothbrush and miswak users). Clinical periodontal parameters were used to assess the participantsÂ’ oral hygiene status.
Results: Group II had a significantly higher percentage of the mean probing pocket depth (MPPD) comparing with the other groups. Clinical attachment loss and gingival recessions significantly increased in Group I in comparison to the other groups. The level of plaque above 60% was found to be higher in Group I than in Group II.
Conclusion: Miswak is effective as an oral hygiene aid and should be introduced and promoted to the general population.
Key words: Antimicrobial, dental, Islam, miswak, oral hygiene, periodontal status, toothbrush.
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