The "Salvadora Persica" tree contains chemical substances found in certain toothpastes

Source: Chan D.C.N et al. X-ray, SEM and Chemical Analysis of Salvadora Persica. Journal of Dental Research 1998:77: Special Issue B: 974. 

For hundreds of years, man has resorted to different remedies for cleaning the teeth. In the Middle East, Africa and India, twigs, roots and extracts of the “Salvadora Persica” tree have been used to clean the mouth, freshen the breath and keep the gums healthy. The tree has been nicknamed the “toothbrush tree”. To discover whether the tree contained any substances that could contribute to oral hygiene, researchers analysed the chemical composition of a branch from the tree. With the help of an electron microscope, the tree was seen to contain calcium, phosphates and fluoride. Each of these three substances, particularly fluoride, is used in toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel. The results support the theory that the “toothbrush tree” offers more than just mechanical cleaning.