Miswak - Nature"s Toothbrush
Have you noticed how Africans and Arabs of a certain vintage age almost always have white, healthy teeth? Well, their secret to great oral hygiene can very often be attributed to a simple, natural solution called Miswak.
What is Miswak? Miswak is a small twig-like stick that's commonly used as a toothbrush, without the need for toothpaste.
This twig is usually the root of the arak tree (Salvadora Persica), which is found in many countries in the Middle-East and Africa.
Its use has been widespread in these regions from as far back as over 5,000 years ago.
Other trees have produced a similar tooth-stick however - including walnut and olive trees.
Benefits of Miswak The Miswak, also known as chewing stick, has numerous benefits hence its great popularity in many countries.
Amongst these are that:
The World Health Organization is also in support of the Miswak, and state that "chewing sticks are generally consistent with scientific ideas about requirements for oral health care"[1].
The important uses of the Miswak tree are mentioned in a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, another renowned organization.
They mention that "toothsticks relieve toothache and gum disease and have similar properties as a mouthwash used for gum and teeth problems"[2].
Antibiotic properties suppresses the growth of bacteria and the formation of plaque in the mouth.
How to use Miswak Miswak is very simple to use.
Nibble the bark off until the centre of the chewing stick is exposed.
Then chew on the centre till they turn into brush-like bristles.
Brush teeth with the bristles, place in your miswak holder and store in a cool, dry place after use.
Who can use Miswak? The usage of the Miswak is simple and children can also benefit from using it.
With a shift in focus to organic solutions to health and aesthetic problems, it is expected that the popularity and usage of these chewing sticks will expand in Western countries.
References [1]The World Health Organization 'The chewing stick in oral health care' by Enwonwu, C.
and Anyanwu, R.
(1985).
[2]The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 'Indigenous multipurpose trees of Tanzania' by Forestry Department, 1993.
What is Miswak? Miswak is a small twig-like stick that's commonly used as a toothbrush, without the need for toothpaste.
This twig is usually the root of the arak tree (Salvadora Persica), which is found in many countries in the Middle-East and Africa.
Its use has been widespread in these regions from as far back as over 5,000 years ago.
Other trees have produced a similar tooth-stick however - including walnut and olive trees.
Benefits of Miswak The Miswak, also known as chewing stick, has numerous benefits hence its great popularity in many countries.
Amongst these are that:
- It contains silica which rids the teeth surface of stains and deposits
- It contains calcium and fluoride.
These have anti-bacterial properties and help re-mineralise the teeth structure - The miswak exudes resins, an organic substance, which forms a protective layer over the enamel from the effects of anti-bacterial action.
- It contains essential oils which stimulate saliva flow and also have an antiseptic effect.
- It contains tannic acid which has been found to be an excellent anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent.
- Alkaloids stimulate the gingiva
The World Health Organization is also in support of the Miswak, and state that "chewing sticks are generally consistent with scientific ideas about requirements for oral health care"[1].
The important uses of the Miswak tree are mentioned in a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, another renowned organization.
They mention that "toothsticks relieve toothache and gum disease and have similar properties as a mouthwash used for gum and teeth problems"[2].
Antibiotic properties suppresses the growth of bacteria and the formation of plaque in the mouth.
How to use Miswak Miswak is very simple to use.
Nibble the bark off until the centre of the chewing stick is exposed.
Then chew on the centre till they turn into brush-like bristles.
Brush teeth with the bristles, place in your miswak holder and store in a cool, dry place after use.
Who can use Miswak? The usage of the Miswak is simple and children can also benefit from using it.
With a shift in focus to organic solutions to health and aesthetic problems, it is expected that the popularity and usage of these chewing sticks will expand in Western countries.
References [1]The World Health Organization 'The chewing stick in oral health care' by Enwonwu, C.
and Anyanwu, R.
(1985).
[2]The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 'Indigenous multipurpose trees of Tanzania' by Forestry Department, 1993.
