Traditional oral hygiene practices in Malawi

In most rural areas of Malawi the chewing stick is used either on its own or with ash as a paste by people who cannot afford to buy a toothbrush and toothpaste. Those near the lakeshore or near a river use fine sand. Among those using the chewing stick it is known that only a few plants are preferred. Results show that the chewing stick gives the best results and is cheap and easily available in rural areas

Oral health knowledge; attitudes; practices and oral health status in Mchinji: final report

Recommendations include the formulation of a National Oral Health Plan and embarking on major preventative programmes in the community through existing facilities and by appropriate training of serving health personnel