Monkey Mouthwash: Chewing Sticks to Clean Teeth/Kill Germs
You’ve heard of apes using tools, but did you know some monkeys have their own brand of all-natural dental floss?
That’s right. In the wild, certain primates have been observed chewing on bitter, fibrous plants—not to eat them, but to use them like disposable toothbrushes with a side of antiseptic.
No toothpaste. No appointment. Just instinct and a leafy twig.
Chew, Spit, Repeat
Primates like chimpanzees and baboons have been spotted chewing the ends of medicinal sticks—including from plants like Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Ficus species, and other woody stems. After working the chew-stick into a frayed tip, they rub it along their teeth and gums.
And they don’t swallow it. They spit it out like a jungle sommelier who just tasted a corked bottle of cabernet.
Why? Because the compounds in those plants contain antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties—basically nature’s version of a Listerine/Colgate hybrid.
Instinct or Education?
This behavior isn’t random. It’s often seen more in older individuals, suggesting younger monkeys may learn it socially, much like we learn to brush our teeth and pretend we floss.
Some researchers believe it’s part of a larger toolkit of self-medicating behaviors—not just for oral care, but also for easing tooth pain, preventing infection, and maybe even freshening that funky jungle breath.
It’s also been observed in conjunction with other plant-based medicine use, like ingesting anti-parasitic leaves or rubbing insect-repelling plants on fur. These monkeys aren’t just surviving—they’re managing their health like pros.
What We Can Learn From a Monkey with a Stick
It’s easy to assume that animals don’t understand hygiene. But in reality, many have evolved surprisingly complex behaviors to keep their bodies clean, inside and out.
In this case? A monkey walks into the forest, chews on a stick, and walks away with a cleaner mouth and fewer germs.
It’s the most budget-friendly dental plan on Earth—and proof that intelligence doesn’t always require a degree or a dentist.
