The Effects of Traditional Wooden Toothbrush on Improvement of Constipation in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Constipation is one of the most common complains in each society, especially, in children and old populations. In this study, we hypothesized that the stimulation of gum epithelium by traditional wooden toothbrush would have a trigger effect on gastro-colic reflex, and thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of traditional wooden toothbrush usage on improvement of constipation symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Traditional wooden toothbrush is a special toothbrush taken from a plant called Salvadora Persica with antimicrobial and anti-germ effects. It is commonly known as “the brush of Mecca”. In a clinical trial work, 61 patients with spinal cord injury were selected who had injuries in different spinal levels (cervical, thoracic and lumbar). They were recommended to use traditional wooden toothbrush for 5 minutes twice a day, after breakfast and dinner, over a 6-week period. Regarding to changes in their gastrointestinal habits during the period of using the wooden toothbrush, they were advised to complete a questionnaire. All symptoms of bowel problems improved significantly after the 6-weeks intervention. For example, after this intervention, a patient who had one defection every 3 weeks, obtained 3 defecations every week.Keywords: Traditional wooden toothbrush, Constipation, Spinal cord injury