FLUORIDE CONTENT OF WIDELY USED TRADITIONAL TOOTHBRUSHES FROM SELECTED AREAS OF ETHIOPIA

The statistical analysis, ANOVA showed significant difference between mean fluoride contents of traditional toothbrushes at p < 0.05 confidence level. According to World Health Organization oral disease is one of the top five causes for loss of life in the world. People use a chewing stick because it is easily and freely available, its unique chemical composition and religious beliefs.1 The World Health Organization has encouraged the use of chewing sticks as an alternative source of oral hygiene in poor countries where many people cannot afford commercial cleaning and whitening dental products. Clausena anisata is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is found only in high rainfall regions, in riverine forest, savanna, thicket, secondary forest and disturbed areas.