title: Comparison of Fluoridated Miswak and Toothbrushing with Fluoridated Toothpaste on Plaque Removal and Fluoride Release.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dental caries and periodontal diseases are all induced by oral biofilm (dental plaque). This study was conducted to evaluate if fluoride-impregnated miswak is as effective in plaque removal and fluoride release as toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste.
  
  
  METHODS
  This single-blind, randomized, crossover study was conducted at the Department of Cariology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, from February 2010 to January 2011. Fifteen healthy subjects participated in this study. The participants were instructed to use the following: (1) 0.5% NaF-impregnated miswak, (2) nonfluoridated miswak, (3) toothbrush with nonfluoride toothpaste, and (4) toothbrush with 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste. Each method was used twice a day for 1 week after which plaque amount and fluoride concentration in resting saliva were measured. There was a 1-week washout period between each method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant difference between miswak and tooth-brushing was found regarding plaque removal on buccal and lingual surfaces. A somewhat higher fluoride concentration in resting saliva was found after using impregnated miswak when compared with toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Miswak and toothbrushing showed the same plaque removing effect on buccal and lingual surfaces. Miswak impregnated with 0.5% NaF resulted in a higher concentration of fluoride in saliva than brushing with 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Miswak impregnated with 0.5% NaF and toothbrushing results in comparable plaque removal and about the same fluoride concentration in saliva even it was somewhat higher for impregnated miswak.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Department of Orthodontics, Alfarabi College for Dentistry and Nursing, Jeddah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, e-mail: habaeshen@kau.edu.sa.
authors.forename: Hosam
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baeshen
authors.affiliation: Former: Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Sweden.
authors.forename: Sabin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salahuddin
authors.affiliation: Former: Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Sweden.
authors.forename: Robel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dam
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Khalid H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Zawawi
authors.affiliation: Former: Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Sweden.
authors.forename: Dowen
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Birkhed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides
keywords: Fluoride; Miswak Toothbrushing.