Unique Toothbrush (9 Pics)

Unique Toothbrush 'Salvadora Persica Linn' (SIWAK/MISWAK): This toothbrush is not a new invention. It's more like back to basics. Such sticks have been used in the Saharan desert for thousands of years. They have a natural source of fluoride and their fibers are softer than the bristles of a normal toothbrush.

Abstract

Antibacterial Activity of Siwak (Salvadora persica Linn.) against Streptococcus mutans (ATC31987) and Bacteroides melaninogenicus. Dental diseases with high prevalences in Indonesia and also in some other countries are periodontitis and caries. Both diseases are until now still a health problem. Bacteria causing dental diseases are for examples Streptococcus mutans and Bacteroides melaninogenicus, which both can spread to other organs and cause fatal diseases.

Salvadora persica (arak, siwak) has been used for a long time ago as a tool for teeth cleanser in the Middle East, Africa and several Asian countries. In this study, we have done antibacterial tests of the extract and crystal of siwak against Streptococcus mutans and Bacteroides melaninogenicus. In determining the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), the macro and micro dilution methods were used. The result showed that MIC of siwaks’ extract against Streptococcus mutans was 6.25%, and against Bacteroides melaninogenicus 1.56%.

Minimal Inhibitory Concentration of siwaks’ crystal against Streptococcus mutans and Bacteroides melaninogenicus was 12.5%, and 3.12% respectively. This study showed that the antibacterial activity of siwak’ crystal and extract were more potent against B. Melaninogenicus; it may be either that B. melaninogenicus was more susceptible than S. mutans or S. mutans was more virulent than B. melaninogenicus.