By Agencies / 4 Jan 2013

The miswak (miswaak, siwak) is a natural toothbrush made from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree, also known as the arak tree or the peelu tree. Other tree types that are used are the olive, walnut, and other trees with bitter roots.

Salvador Persica is an upright evergreen small tree or shrub, seldom more than one foot in diameter reaching maximum height of three meters. The leaves are small, oval, thick and succulent with a strong smell cress or mustard.

Millions of muslims use miswak and know how amazing it is, once you use it, you will never need any dentist as it even takes care of your calculus, which in modern medicine has no other way than visiting a dentist. you don't need mouthwash, tooth brush and toothpaste.

Those of you who have never heard about it and might be wondering or laughing in mind that how can a stick take care of your teeth and gums, well let me put a few facts before you and then please decide.

Scientific studies

A 2003 scientific study comparing the use of miswaak with ordinary toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favor of the users who had been using the miswaak, provided they had been given proper instruction in how to brush using it. The World Health Organisation WHO) recommended the use of the miswaak in 1986 and in 2000 an international consensus report on Oran hygiene concluded that further research was needed to document the effect of the miswak.

Recent research by Dr Otaybi from Saudi Arabia opened a new area for research on the systemic effects of Miswak (Sewak) after discovering its great positive effect on the immune system . Dr. Rami Mohammed Diabi who spent more than 17 years researching on Miswak effects on health and especially its anti-addiction effects on smokers (curative and preventive sides) had opened a great field of science and researches by his last research: "Miswak Medicine theory" or Sewak Puncture medicine which led him to what is so called Beyond Sewak: World of Science and Research. Miswak also is contributing in the fight against desertification, thereby affecting our environment and global climate.

A study which compares toothbrushing and using Miswak (Miswak ing!) can be seen on Pubmed (U.S National Library for Medicine Service). The study concluded that Miswak was more effective than tooth brushing in reducing plaque and gingivitis provided it was used correctly.

Health Effects of Miswak

Physically, the Miswak is a natural toothbrush. It is composed of a compact group of minute natural fibers that perform exactly the same job as a normal toothbrush except that it is made of natural fibers and not plastic ones. For this reason it may well be gentler on the gums.

Miswak's natural toothpaste is made up of a number of substances that play an important role in cleaning teeth. Many researchers have studied the miswak in depth, and have proven that miswak contains over ten different natural chemical compounds considered essential for good oral and dental hygiene.

They are: fluoride, silica, tannic acid, resins, alkaloids (salvadorine) , volatile oils (sinigrin), sulfur vitamin C, sodium bicarbonate, chlorides, calcium, benzylisothiocyanat e (BIT), and others including salicylic acids, sterols, trimethylamine, saponins, flavenoids.

Some of these components are stain removers and teeth whiteners, some protect teeth against caries, some are bactericidal and antiseptic, some help in healing and to repair tissue, some promote remineralization (building) of tooth enamel, and some give the taste and smell.

Modern dental care theory:

Many people believe that it is the toothpaste which fights against the beacteria and prevent cavity. Yeah that is true to may be reduce the bateria count (No oral product can every completely irradicate the bacteria) , the main mechanish how the cavity prevented is that , we don't allow the bacteria to attach to our teeth.

[ Bacteria live and reproduce on the teeth and tongue. It takes 24 hours for bacteria to attach to a tooth and develop a biofi lm, a sticky layer more commonly known as plaque. Plaque is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and the start of trouble ]

So, it means, if you brush regularly without any tooth paste using the conventional plastic brush you won't have any cavity.

What I am trying to say is, if a platic brush (with nothing chemical constituents) can prevent cavity, then think about miswak, which has bitter oil in it. The wood which consists of cellulose acts as a deodorant because just like regular tissue paper( a cellulose) absorbs the spill on the surface, the miswak absorbs the odor of your mouth. The same miswak can be used as tongue cleaner. Other benefits (from the oil released) just follows.

Only precaution you have to is, use it properly.( The same rule is required for using conventional brush). Miswak has another additonal advantage, it can easily reach the molar teeth at the back, where toothbrush often don't reach.

I also want to mention another source, my favourite one, Neem tree ( Azadirachta indicahi), It's sticks are also great for brushing teeth.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us the complete way of life, and using Miswak was highly recommended by him .

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said, "Siwak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord", and "if I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with siwak for every prayer."

Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Four things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa(Prophets of ALLAH) —circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak and marriage". (Ahmad and Tirmizi)

Also the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "One who uses miswak before wudu and then prays two raka'ats of namaz, they are equal to 70 namazs".

Advantages of Miswaak:

1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswaak assists in digestion.
12. Miswaak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.

Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:

1. For the recitation of the Qur'an.
2. For the recitation of Hadith.
3. When the mouth emits and odor.
4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islaam.
5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).
6. After entering ones home.
7. Before entering any good gathering.
8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.
9. After the signs of death are evident.
10. At the time of Sehri.
11. Before meals.
12. Before undertaking a journey.
13. On returning from a journey.
14. Before sleeping.
15. Upon awakening.