EXPLORING THE GREEN ALTERNATIVE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MISWAK AND PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSH IN MAINTAINING GINGIVAL HEALTH

Abstract

Background: Plastic toothbrushes have long been recognized as effective tools for maintaining oral and gingival health, but their use comes at the cost of environmental degradation. In contrast, Miswak, an organic alternative, not only promotes oral and gingival health but also provides environmental protection.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of Miswak, an environmentally friendly option, with plastic toothbrushes in maintaining gingival health.

Method: This cross-sectional comparative analysis was carried over a period of 6 months. A pre-validated questionnaire was circulated online and filled by sixty individuals who were divided into three groups with 20 participants each: Group A: Toothbrush users, Group B: Miswak users and Group C: Both. The questionnaire included questions pertaining to their gingival health status. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS. Chi-squared test was performed to compare the gingival health of participants.

Results: Results showed no significant difference in the gingival health status of all three groups, with a p-value of 0.898.

Conclusion: Toothbrush and miswak are equally effective in the maintenance of oral health. Thus, miswak can serve as an effective alternative to conventional toothbrushes with positive implications on the environment.