Have you ever heard of a miswak toothbrush or miswak stick? It may seem like a modern-day invention, but its use in brushing teeth dates back to over seven thousand years ago. The miswak is a twig from the Salvadora persica tree, also referred to as the Arak tree, and with a bit of exaggeration, it can be considered as a combination of a toothbrush, dental floss and toothpaste.
So, how does miswak work, what are its health benefits, and how to keep it fresh? Keep reading to find out.
How Does Miswak Work?
The key benefit of Miswak is its ability to reduce bacteria and improve the whiteness of teeth. It keeps teeth healthy and fights off gum issues. Additionally, it stops tartar from forming naturally.
The Salvadora persica plant is known to contain a variety of helpful ingredients, including fluorides, calcium, silicon-based compounds, tannic acid, sulfur, vitamin C, an alkaloid called salvadorine, and salicylic acid. All of these substances can be used to support overall health and whiten teeth.
Additionally, if you prefer to have something in your mouth constantly and don’t want to simply rely on chewing gum, you can munch on the miswak stick throughout the day.
Does Miswak Whiten Teeth?
The term “miswak” is derived from Arabic and refers to a twig used for oral hygiene. In addition to cleaning, it is purported to whiten and polish teeth. It is uncertain how quickly the whitening effect will be evident, though some sources suggest that results can be seen within several weeks.
The Miswak has an ingredient called sodium bicarbonate that can help eradicate discoloration on the teeth, thus brightening its hue. Moreover, it is also equipped with silica which efficiently scratches off any blemishes on the enamel.
How to Use a Miswak Stick
Before employing it for the first time, it is essential to give it a rinse and take away some of the bark on the slimmer aspect – around 1 to 1.5 cm. It is advisable to drench the miswak in water for a 24-hour period before using it for the first time and then take away the bark.
After cutting off a portion of the miswak, place it inside your mouth and gnaw on it for a couple of minutes until the bristles become similar to those of a toothbrush.
Initially, the flavor of Miswak may not be very pleasant. To me, it is reminiscent of horseradish. However, the taste doesn’t linger and isn’t too intense, so you can use it just like a regular toothbrush.
It is advised to utilize miswak two or three times each day, not just for brushing the teeth, but also to chew it, which aids in fortifying the teeth and disinfecting the mouth.
How To Keep Your Miswak Stick Fresh
Much like a regular toothbrush, a miswak stick needs to be looked after. After using it, make sure to rinse it off and store it in the plastic cover that comes with a toothbrush. Dentists suggest trimming the peeled area of the stick every day as it decreases the chance of any illnesses and decreases the potential of any hazardous materials on the stick.
Interesting tip: If you don’t like the horseradish taste of miswak, place your miswak stick it in water with lime, lemon, or mint overnight. Your miswak toothbrush will have a great taste of lemon, lime, or mint.
Where To Buy A Miswak Stick
If you’re looking to buy miswak, there are many shops that offer it in a variety of flavors. Traditional miswak sticks have a slight horseradish taste, while you can also find ones with a lemon or mint taste. Additionally, you should be aware that some stores may refer to the miswak as siwak.
Because of the many advantageous components found in miswak, there are now miswak-infused toothpastes and mouth rinses available.
Miswak is an excellent aid for dental and oral hygiene, and since it is affordable, it should be a staple in every home! Have you made the purchase of a miswak yet? If you already have one, do you feel content with it?
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