Toothbrushing with the root of Euclea natalensis.

The custom of cleaning teeth and the gums with a chewed root of the tree Euclea natalensis, in the belief that it benefits oral health, is practised in South Africa by married women of an African Zanzibari community. The root of E. natalensis contains naphthoquinones which are bactericidal and, as they are also pigments, the mouths of the root users are stained bright orange. Samples of fresh root were tested against Streptococcus mutans and organisms in saliva and from deep periodontal pockets. Aerobic as well as anaerobic bacterial growth was suppressed in all instances. In addition we compared the plaque index (Silness et Löe), the periodontal index (CPITN), the DMFT and the state of the oral mucosa of root users and non-users. No significant differences were recorded in any of the variables. Although the beneficial effects claimed for this custom may have scientific validity, it is concluded that the daily practice is too limited to have a demonstrable beneficial effect.