Going to the Dentist in South Sudan

This post is for my friends at Bailey Family Dental and Braces.

It may seem odd when you first arrive in South Sudan to see children and some adults walking along moving a small stick about in their mouths.

They are brushing their teeth. The small stick is cut from a "beel" (pronounced bell) tree or bush. This is an African toothbrush.

Dental experts that have studied this method say it works quite well.

After breaking off a live branch about the length of an american toothbrush, you peel about 1- 2 inches off of the bark at one end using your fingernail.

Then you bite on the end you have prepared. Biting frays the wood into finer strands. The frayed  wood has a brushing and flossing effect. Additional rubbing up and down cleans  tooth enamel.

Scientists believe it  is possible the chemicals in the wood may contain fluoride as some plants

Abuk demonstrating brushing her teeth

do and that it has some ability to promote fresh breathe.

The World Health Organization has encouraged the use of chewing sticks for oral hygiene in poor countries. Consistently providing commercial products to the poor in remote areas would not be sustainable.

But then God knew that when He provided the beel tree for the people of Africa and lots of beautiful cavity free smiles.

I did give it a try. I am always eager to learn something new. I think it is an acquired skill and not very glamorous.

So, I will stick with my toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.

Giving it a try