Last updated on Wednesday, 29, April, 2020

Miswak is a chewing stick mostly of Salvadora persica tree, produced from its twig, stem or roots. This tree is commonly known as ‘arak’ in Arabic. Miswak can also come from olive trees and walnut trees. It is like a toothbrush, used to clean teeth and maintain oral hygiene. Since Islam has always emphasized on maintaining good personal hygiene. Miswak has significant importance as a religious perspective as well as for maintaining oral hygiene. It is being used for the past 7000 years, mainly by people of Greek, Arab, Rome and Egypt. Allah’s last messenger Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) said: “ Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak at every time of prayer.” Miswak is one of the most unforgettable sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). According to the researches, it cleanses the teeth chemically and mechanically. It is equally helpful or more at times than using the toothbrush. In this article, we are going to discuss the top 5 benefits of miswak.

Fights against bacteria and germs

One of the benefits of miswak is its protection against germs. Miswak has a high sulfur content, benzyl isothiocyanate and trimethylamine. Due to which it shows antibacterial properties. In our mouth at least 700 different types of bacteria are residing. Some of them are good for us, that they help in breaking the food. While some of them are harmful to our mouth. Being a source of infections, these bacteria can lead to dental cavities and periodontitis.

According to a study, mint, when combined with miswak, was able to kill 20 times the more germs. As compared to simple plain mint. When mint was combined with miswak, it was able to kill 60% of the oral cavity bacteria in half an hour. While the plain mint was able to just kill 3.6% of the bacteria in half an hour. Salvadora contains alkaloid Salvadorian, that also has antibacterial properties. MIswak also shows antifungal activities due to the presence of tannic acid, that helps in removing Candida albicans, a fungus.

Protects against plaque

Plaque is a coating that bacteria in the oral cavity produces on a daily basis. But that plaque turns into a harder coating imparting yellow colour, known as tartar. Miswak is an amazing source to remove plaque because it is rich in chloride. Since it is a toothbrush twig, loaded with antibacterial properties. Therefore it prevents the accumulation of bacteria and excess plaque can be removed easily with miswak which the bacteria produces. It is also rich in silica, that helps in removing stains due to its abravise nature.

Refreshing breath

Halitosis is a condition in which unpleasant bad odour occurs from the mouth. It is an indicator that there is some dental issue going on in your mouth.  Or it can also occur due to lack of saliva production. Miswak has a characteristic aroma, due to the presence of volatile oil that refreshes the breath. The volatile oils also increase salivation that helps in getting rid of halitosis. So using it five times daily will show fantastic results by imparting fresh breath all day long.

Strengthens gums

One of the benefits of miswak is that it strengthens gums. Plaque, when leading to tartar formation, can cause diseases of the gums like gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of gums or gingiva. Periodontitis is an inflammation of teeth surrounding tissues, leading to gums shrinkage. Miswak contains vitamin C that helps in fighting against bacteria and therefore prevents plaque buildup. It also helps in healing and repairing of damaged tissues. If you are facing any of the gum problems, start using miswak 5 times a day. This would show amazing benefits. It would reduce pain and inflammation as well.

Miswak is the ultimate source of teeth protection

Miswak has amazing antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. But along with that, it has anticarcinogenic properties. That means it would prevent the occurrence of oral cancer upon use. It contains a compound benzyl isothiocyanate that is chemopreventive in nature.  It also contains antioxidants like peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase. These antioxidants are also anticarcinogenic in nature and help in preventing cancer.

Along with that, miswak shows analgesic properties. That means it will help in pain reduction in the oral cavity. Since it helps in repairing tissue damage and decreases inflammation. It is easy to use and light on the pocket as well. Miswak has a refreshing taste and nice odour that keeps the mouth clean and refreshed. The volatile oils release gas that gives it taste and refreshing odour. Miswak removes stains, makes your teeth clean and white. It also helps in fighting against bacteria, viruses and fungus. All of these activities make it an ultimate source of teeth protection. For more information, visit here.