OBJECTIVE To determine and compare salivary fluoride retention after the use of different fluoride-containing chewing sticks and a non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste. METHODS This double-blind cross-over experimental study was undertaken among twenty randomly selected senior secondary students in Ibadan, Nigeria. Saliva samples were collected to establish baseline fluoride concentration before the use of chewing sticks and non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste. Four commonly used chewing sticks and one non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste were each used at two days interval, and saliva samples were collected at 0, 10, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after each use. These samples were stored and transported in Gio'Style coolers to the laboratory, where they were analyzed for fluoride concentration using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 620 nm. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p < 0.05. RESULTS At baseline mean (± SD) salivary fluoride concentration of participants was 25.95 (± 4.58) ppm. The mean (± SD) salivary fluoride concentration at 0 minutes was 228.0 (± 032.80) ppm, 427.65 (± 122.85) ppm, 413.45 (± 78.08) ppm, 329.05 (± 83.12) ppm and 323.80 (± 66.41) ppm corresponding to Alchornea laxiflora, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Anogeissus leocarpus, Masularia acuminate and non-herbal toothpaste respectively. At 60 minutes Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides had the highest mean (± SD) fluoride concentration of 44.75 (± 13.32) ppm. The differences in mean (± SD) salivary fluoride concentrations amongst these tooth cleaning aids at 60 minutes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides had the highest mean (± SD) salivary fluoride retention followed by the non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste. CONCLUSIONS The use of chewing sticks can be a cost-effective and efficient means of caries prevention if used properly at regular interval.