Vintage "chewing sticks" can refer to two distinct items: commercial sticks of chewing gum in their original paper wrappers, or the historical, natural twigs used as toothbrushes. Vintage Chewing Gum Sticks. These are sticks of commercially produced chewing gum from brands like Wrigley's, Adams, or various international makers, often from the mid-20th century or earlier.

Appearance: They appear as thin, rectangular pieces of gum sealed in a paper wrapper, typically with bold, mid-century style graphics and typography. The wrapper is often a slightly waxy paper, different from modern packaging.

Condition: These items are usually found in good vintage condition, though the wrappers may show minor age wear. They are primarily sold as collectibles and are not meant for consumption due to their age.

Variety: They came in a wide array of flavors, including spearmint, peppermint, fruit (strawberry, lemon, cherry), and more unique options like chlorophyll, licorice, or tropical flavors.

Natural "Chewing Sticks" (Miswak or Chewsticks). Historically, and still in some parts of the world, "chewing sticks" refer to natural twigs used for oral hygiene.

Appearance: These are pencil-sized twigs or roots from specific trees (such as Salvadora persica or various regional trees like black gum, birch, sassafras, or willow). One end of the stick is chewed or beaten until it becomes frayed and fibrous, resembling a brush head, while the other end might be sharpened for use as a toothpick.

Function: The frayed end was used to brush and scrape teeth, with the natural sap providing an "aromatic" or peppery flavor and antiseptic properties to help fight bacteria and plaque.

Historical Context: This method of oral hygiene dates back thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient Babylonian and Egyptian artifacts from as early as 3500 BC.