Chew Stick Benefits: A Guide to African Chewing Sticks for Teeth

Introduction

A chew stick is a twig or root from certain trees, most commonly the licorice bush, neem, or Salvadora persica, that's chewed on one end until the fibers fray into soft bristles. These bristles are then used to brush the teeth and massage the gums, working like a natural toothbrush.

This simple tool has been cleaning teeth for thousands of years. The World Health Organization has recommended chewing sticks as an effective oral hygiene tool, and modern research continues to back up what traditional cultures have known for generations.

At Africa Imports, we've spent over 25 years sourcing natural African dental products. Our chew sticks come from the licorice bush and are available in several flavors. In this guide, we'll cover what chew sticks are, their researched benefits, how to use them properly, and why they're worth stocking if you run a natural products business.

What Are African Chew Sticks?

African chew sticks are twigs or roots that have been used for oral care across the continent for centuries. The practice dates back to ancient Babylonia around 3500 BCE and was common in Egypt by 3000 BCE. References to chewing sticks appear in Buddhist and Islamic texts, and the practice remains popular today across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

The sticks work through a combination of mechanical cleaning and natural plant compounds. When you chew one end, the fibers separate into a brush-like texture that scrubs teeth and gums. At the same time, the plant releases compounds with antibacterial properties.

Common trees used to make chew sticks include:

• Salvadora persica (the "toothbrush tree") – popular in the Middle East and parts of Africa
• Licorice bush – known for its naturally sweet taste and antibacterial compounds
• Neem tree – widely used in India and parts of West Africa
• African bitterleaf – traditional in rural African communities

Africa Imports sources chew sticks from the licorice bush, which gives them a pleasant, mildly sweet flavor. We also offer flavored varieties like bubblegum and cherry for those who prefer something different.

Are Chew Sticks Good for Your Teeth?

Yes, research supports chew sticks as good for your teeth. Clinical studies show they remove plaque as effectively as, and sometimes better than manual toothbrushes. 

The World Health Organization has recommended chewing sticks as an effective oral hygiene tool, and they contain natural antibacterial compounds that fight cavity-causing bacteria.

Christine D. Wu, Professor at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, has studied chewing sticks and found they release compounds that inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth. Her research suggests these natural antimicrobials may offer protective benefits beyond what mechanical cleaning alone provides.

In a randomized clinical trial following American Dental Association guidelines, researchers found that chewing stick users showed reduced plaque scores, while toothbrush-only users actually saw their plaque levels increase. A study at Kuwait University found that participants using both chew sticks and toothbrushes saw their bleeding gingiva scores drop from 32.2 to 14.93.

While this research is promising, chew sticks work best as part of a complete oral care routine. They're a supportive tool, not a replacement for professional dental care.

Chew Stick Benefits for Oral Health

Fights Plaque and Reduces Cavity Risk

The frayed bristles of a chew stick work like a natural toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque from tooth surfaces. Beyond the mechanical cleaning action, the sticks release antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Studies have found that regular chew stick users tend to have lower cavity rates compared to non-users.

Supports Healthy Gums

The chewing motion required to create and use the bristles massages and stimulates gum tissue. This helps promote blood flow to the gums, which supports overall gum health. The antibacterial properties also help prevent gingivitis. Clinical trials have shown reduced gingival bleeding among participants who used chew sticks regularly.

Freshens Breath Naturally

Chew sticks address bad breath at the source by killing odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. The chewing action also increases saliva production, which naturally washes away food particles and neutralizes acids. Licorice-based sticks release a pleasant, mildly sweet flavor that leaves the mouth feeling fresh.

May Help Whiten Teeth

The gentle abrasive action of the bristles can help remove surface stains from teeth over time. Chew sticks contain silica, which acts as a natural whitening agent. Unlike chemical whitening products, they work gradually without harsh ingredients that can damage enamel.

Strengthens Gums Through Chewing

The act of chewing itself provides exercise for the gums and supporting structures. Many people who use chew sticks throughout their lives maintain strong, healthy gums well into old age. As one observation notes, many older people are finding themselves in their 80s with healthy gums and cavity-free teeth, using nothing but chew sticks.

Increases Saliva Production

Saliva is the mouth's natural defense system. It neutralizes harmful acids, washes away food debris, and delivers minerals to tooth enamel. The chewing action required when using a chew stick stimulates saliva flow, boosting these protective benefits naturally.

Quick Summary: Chew Stick Benefits

• Removes plaque and reduces cavity risk
• Supports healthy gums and reduces bleeding
• Freshens breath naturally
• May help whiten teeth over time
• Strengthens gums through the chewing action
• Increases protective saliva production

What's Inside a Chew Stick? Natural Compounds That Support Oral Health

Chew sticks contain a range of naturally occurring compounds that contribute to their effectiveness. The specific profile varies depending on the tree species, but research has identified several key components.

 

Compound	What It Does
Fluoride	Helps protect tooth enamel and reduce cavity risk
Silica	Acts as a mild abrasive to remove stains
Sodium bicarbonate	Helps neutralize acids and inhibit tartar buildup
Chloride	Supports tartar removal
Salvadorine	Provides antibacterial and antiseptic effects
Volatile oils	Deliver antimicrobial properties and fresh taste
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)	Supports gum tissue health
Tannins	Act as astringents to tighten gum tissue
Glycyrrhizin (in licorice)	Provides sweetness and has anti-inflammatory properties

 

Licorice sticks are known for glycyrrhizin, which gives them their naturally sweet taste. Neem sticks have a more bitter, medicinal flavor. Salvadora persica (miswak) contains salvadorine, one of the most studied antibacterial compounds found in chewing sticks.

How to Use Chew Sticks

Getting the most from a chew stick takes a little practice. Here's how to prepare and use one properly.

How to use a chew stick in 5 steps

1. Soak if needed – If your chew stick is dry, soak it in water for a few hours or overnight to soften the fibers.
   
   
2. Create the bristles – Chew on one end of the stick until the fibers separate and fray into a brush-like tip (about ½ inch).
   
   
3. Brush your teeth – Use the frayed end to gently brush along your teeth and gumline, similar to a toothbrush. Focus on all surfaces: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
   
   
4. Rinse and store – After use, rinse the bristles with water. Store in a dry, ventilated area (not near the sink). Use a paper bag rather than plastic or glass to prevent mold.
   
   
5. Refresh the bristles – When the bristles become soft or lose their flavor, cut away the frayed end and peel back fresh bark to expose new fibers.
   
   

Additional Tips

• Replace the stick every few weeks
• Use gentle strokes directed away from the gums to avoid irritation
• Some people use chew sticks alongside their regular toothbrush for combined benefits
• Flavored varieties make the experience more enjoyable for first-time users

Chew Sticks to Help Quit Smoking

Some people find chew sticks helpful when trying to quit smoking. Much of the challenge in quitting comes from the hand-to-mouth habit that smokers develop over years.

A chew stick gives your hands and mouth something to do. The act of chewing and the pleasant taste (especially with licorice-based sticks) can help satisfy cravings without harmful chemicals. Licorice root releases a naturally sweet sap that some people find helps reduce the urge to smoke.

This isn't a medical treatment or a guaranteed solution. But as a simple, natural tool that keeps the mouth busy, chew sticks may support your efforts to break the habit. Africa Imports offers several flavored varieties that make this approach more appealing.

Storing and Caring for Chew Sticks

Proper storage keeps your chew sticks fresh and prevents mold growth.

• Store in a dry, ventilated area (not near sinks or in bathrooms where moisture is high)
• Use a paper or cloth bag rather than plastic or glass containers
• Refrigerate for extended freshness if desired
• Cut away the used bristle end before each use to expose fresh fibers
• Replace the stick entirely every few weeks, or when it becomes soft, loses flavor, or shows signs of mold
• If storing multiple sticks, keep them separated to allow airflow

Tips for Small Business Owners Selling Chew Sticks

Interest in natural oral care products continues to grow, creating opportunities for retailers who stock alternatives to conventional options. Chew sticks sell well in health food stores, natural beauty shops, African and Caribbean markets, and holistic wellness spaces.

Customer education makes a difference. Many shoppers are curious about chew sticks but unsure how to use them. Providing simple instructions at the point of sale helps customers get started and builds confidence in the product.

Flavored options (like those from Africa Imports) appeal to customers who are new to chew sticks. The familiar tastes make the experience less intimidating. Consider bundling chew sticks with other natural wellness products like shea butter, black soap, or essential oils for themed gift sets or starter kits.

Buying wholesale reduces per-unit costs and improves your margins. Africa Imports offers bulk pricing for business customers.

Tips for Resellers:

• Display near the checkout for impulse purchases
• Create simple instruction cards customers can take home
• Offer sample packs with multiple flavors
• Position as a natural alternative to plastic toothbrushes for eco-conscious buyers
• Stock in bulk to reduce costs and ensure availability

FAQs About Chew Sticks

What are chew sticks good for?

Chew sticks are used for cleaning teeth, fighting plaque, freshening breath, and supporting healthy gums. Some people also use them to help quit smoking, as the chewing action satisfies the hand-to-mouth habit.

Are chew sticks safe for adults?

Yes, chew sticks are safe for adults when used properly. Use gentle strokes directed away from the gums to avoid irritation. If you have existing dental conditions, consult your dentist before use.

How often should you use a chew stick?

Many people use chew sticks 1-3 times daily, similar to toothbrushing. Some use them after meals when a toothbrush isn't available. Replace the stick every few weeks or when bristles wear down.

Can chew sticks replace a toothbrush?

Research shows chew sticks can be as effective as toothbrushes for plaque removal. However, many dental professionals recommend using both for the best results. Chew sticks work well as a supplement or for on-the-go cleaning.

What is the best type of chew stick?

The "best" type depends on your preference. Licorice root sticks have a naturally sweet taste. Neem sticks have a more bitter, medicinal flavor. Salvadora persica (miswak) is the most studied variety. 

Do chew sticks whiten teeth?

Chew sticks may help remove surface stains over time through gentle abrasion. They contain silica, which acts as a natural whitening agent. However, they won't bleach teeth like chemical whitening products.

Get Started with Natural Oral Care

Chew sticks offer a simple, research-backed approach to oral care that people have trusted for thousands of years. Whether you're looking to try them yourself or stock them for your customers, Africa Imports has sourced quality chew sticks for over 20 years.

We carry several flavored varieties to suit different preferences. For business owners, our wholesale pricing makes it easy to add these to your product lineup.

 

Health and Safety Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Chew sticks have not been evaluated by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of any disease. If you have dental health concerns, consult a qualified dental professional.