Turkana County boasts of having the best dental health in Kenya due to its nomadic residents, who continue to uphold their traditional oral hygiene practices. Out with the old, in with the new seems to be the prevalent attitude regarding oral care in the country. However, unlike most Kenyans who now own plastic toothbrushes, the Turkana can still be seen sporting esekon toothbrushes.
Esekon, scientifically referred to as Salvadora persica, is indigenous to Africa and Asia. In the Arabian Peninsula, esekon is known as miswak, which is fitting considering kupiga mswaki literally means brushing your teeth in Kiswahili. This shrub is known as nature’s toothbrush, and it is highly recommended by the World Health Organization. The toothbrush itself does not come from the green leaves or purple-red fruit of esekon, although these can also be consumed. Instead, the stems of the tree double up as a toothbrush, as well as toothpaste.
The Turkana have a different process of brushing their teeth than the usual twice a day, plastic brush and fluoride toothpaste affair. They harvest esekon twigs, chop off any hanging leaves, divide the stems into smaller portions and begin chewing. These short twigs can be chewed all day long, so one could say that the Turkana are constantly brushing their teeth! Esekon has important ingredients that clean the teeth as the twig is chewed. These include silica, which is abrasive and scrapes food particles from the surface of the teeth, fluoride and calcium, which remineralise the tooth enamel, resins, which form a protective layer over the teeth and Vitamin C, which heals and repairs the gum tissues. When the person is done chewing, they spit out the residue to remove the bacteria from their mouths.
Attempts to introduce plastic brushes in Lodwar have been futile. Such ventures simply cannot compete with the esekon and it’s clear why. Not only is this traditional plant inexpensive, it is also drought-resistant, making it accessible year-round. Esekon can also be chewed anywhere and anytime, which is highly convenient for the Turkana who carry the twigs along on their cyclical journeys. In addition to this, the tree’s seeds produce oil that, when applied onto the skin, gives relief to those suffering from pain caused by rheumatic diseases.
How about purchasing an esekon toothbrush the next time you’re in Turkana County? It will cost you as little as Ksh. 10, but the benefits to your teeth will be tremendous! For those of you who already use this traditional toothbrush, let us know how your experience has been.
