Revolutionary New and Improved Toothbrush

Senegalese Tooth Brush ( ring for size comparison)

When I first arrived in Senegal, I noticed many of the men and women were chewing on what looked like long slender cigars. It looked pretty cool, but I'm not into tobacco so I wasn't real interested in picking up the habit. Until.... I found out what they really are: SENEGALESE TOOTHBRUSHES. These are tree branches, sold in the local market for around 20 cents. As you will note in the photo, they suck on them until the wood is softened and then use them as an abrasive to keep their teeth clean. Basically, they are walking around town with toothbrushes in their mouths and scrub off and on throughout the day. I must admit, they all have beautiful teeth. Coincidentially, this weeks teaching at Advanced Primary Health Care is dental hygiene. The speaker has been working in Israel with the Lebanese Refugees for many years. She performs and teaches dental hygiene. She endorses this form of brushing. Dr. Ash, if you are reading this, I am checking on importing and I will give you the ground floor opportunity. Maybe a little bartering?

Tim Grey and Jean Baptiste

Demonstrating the Senegalese Tooth Brush

You will notice that Tim is in training. His hold on the brush is quite unorthodox. Jean Baptiste looks so much more relaxed. Tim has to concentrate a little too much and is not ready to go out in public yet. I believe by the time he leaves, he will look real cool with his brush. I don't have my own stick yet. I feel a little left out.