(A.iii.250)
“Monks, there are five disadvantages of not using a tooth-stick? ¹ What five? It is not good for the eyes, one has bad breath, one’s taste buds are not clear, bile and phlegm cover the food, one’s appetite is poor. These, monks, are the five disadvantages of not using a tooth-stick.
“Monks, there are five advantages of using a tooth-stick? What five? It is good for the eyes, one does not have bad breath, one’s taste buds are clear, bile and phlegm do not cover the food, one’s appetite is good. These, monks, are the five advantages of using a tooth-stick.”
1. Forest monks use tooth-sticks made from a vine, pieces of which are beaten flat at one end into a brush, while the other end is sharpened to a point to use as a tooth-pick. Chewing the vine releases sap with antiseptic properties.