Efficiency of traditional chewing stick (miswak) as an oral hygiene aid among Muslim school children in Lucknow: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundOral hygiene practices vary from country to country and from culture to culture. ‘Miswak’ as an oral hygiene aid is a pre-Islamic custom contributed to ritual purity. The beneficial effects of miswak in respect to oral hygiene and dental health are attributed to its mechanical and pharmacological actions.AimThe aim of the present study was to assess and compare the oral hygiene status and gingival conditions in Muslim school children of Lucknow city.Materials & methodStudy population comprised of 297 individuals in age group of 12–15 years from residential and non-residential Islamic institutions in Lucknow city. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the Gingival Index (1963), Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (1964) and Plaque Index (1964).ResultsStatistically significant difference of mean gingival index score was observed among miswak and toothbrush & toothpaste users. Miswak users had lower mean gingival index score. Mean plaque score was lowest among combined users of toothbrush and miswak.ConclusionMiswak users exhibited a better mean gingival score as compared to toothbrush & toothpaste users, while the mean plaque score was lowest among the combined users of toothbrush and miswak.