What are the benefits of using neem sticks for brushing teeth?
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Neem is a tropical plant that has numerous health advantages. In Ayurveda, the medicinal value of neem is highlighted. Currently, various medications in Allopathy, Unani, Homeopathy are formulated with neem extracts as an ingredient. Likewise, the oral care manufacturers also take advantage of using this herb and are manufacturing products like neem toothpaste, neem mouthwash, etc.
It is because neem holds a special place in oral hygiene activities for centuries. Our forefathers used neem sticks to brush their teeth. If you are aware of the dental benefits of chewing neem twigs, we are sure that you would buy neem datum sticks from eCommerce sites at a hefty price at least once.
In this blog article, our dentists and oral hygienists have explained the benefits of this nature’s toothbrush.
How are neem twigs effective in cleaning our teeth?
Researches show that neem contains over 130 bioactive agents like Nimbin which have anti-infective and wound-healing properties. Here is the breakdown of beneficial active compounds present in neem barks:
- Azadirachtin
- Nimbin
- Nimbinin
- Nimbidin
- Nimbesterol
- Tannins
- Non-tannins
- Essential Oils
- 6-desacetyl nimbinene
- Bitter principle margosine
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Iron salts
- Lignin
- Cellulose
- Hemicellulose
Because of these active substances, neem twigs are used as a toothache relief, oral deodorant, and to keep your mouth clean. You can acquire their anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties by chewing the bark while brushing your teeth with the neem sticks.
What are the benefits of brushing with neem twigs?
- Eliminate oral bacteria – While brushing your teeth with neem twigs, you have to chew their tender barks. The antibacterial juice produced in this activity will flow into your mouth. It helps in killing the harmful microorganisms in your mouth.
- Natural toothache reliever – Similar to stopping bacteria growth, neem sticks are powerful to soothe the throbbing nerves underneath a tooth. Hence it is considered a natural remedy to treat toothache. If you sense an aching feeling in a tooth, take a need twig. Bite and chew its corner with the problematic tooth. It will help you in overcoming the pain
- Strengthen the gums – Researches show that chewing neem sticks can improve the immune response in gums and teeth. It can safeguard the gum tissues hence that the chances of plaque build-up and gum infections can be reduced to a great extent.
- Helps in teeth whitening – Besides antibacterial and anti-fungal agents, the active compounds released while chewing neem sticks have whitening properties also. It means that brushing your teeth with neem twigs would remove enamel stains and discolorations.
- Natural mouth freshener – Chewing on fresh herbs like mint, parsley, basil, and a few others is one of the most recommended natural remedies to cover up bad breath. Even though neem does not have an aromatic flavor or a nice taste, chewing on the tender bark of a neem stick can help you get rid of unpleasant mouth odors.
Apart from neem twigs, chewing neem leaves is also helpful in keeping the alkaline level in your saliva. It inhibits the growth of potentially dangerous oral bacteria.
In essence, neem has great cleansing properties. Brushing your teeth with neem datum chew sticks eliminate impurities and keep dental damaging agents invade your oral cavity.
How do you use neem sticks for brushing?
If you are supposed to do neem stick brushing, take a neem twig and remove its leaves. Then start chewing on one end up to 1 to 2 inches until it shreds into bristles. Now brush your teeth with this stick as you do with a regular toothbrush.
You can also use the neem twigs to clean your tongue. Take a little hard neem stick and bend it to a U-shape. Now scrape your tongue with it.
Bottom Line
Neem is one of the highly-praised herbs in Ayurveda and contains a myriad of medicinal properties. Nearly every part of a neem tree holds therapeutic qualities. Hence it is used for treating various dilemmas like skin problems, stomach upsets, liver problems, etc.
Likewise, neem is used for correcting various oral complications. Neem stick brushing is a more natural dental hygiene activity and it is a great way to reap the herb’s dental benefits.
