You must have noticed, in the souk or outside a mosque, street vendors displaying small bunches of twigs cut in equal sizes and tied together. These are miswaks or siwaks from the arak tree, Salvadore persica, a short evergreen, which grows in Middle Eastern and African deserts. The roots of the tree have been used for hundreds of years for oral hygiene, and are still used for the same purpose. In India, it is called Peelu. Peelu toothpaste is manufactured in America, whereas Siwak toothpaste is made in Indonesia. The olive, neem, and walnut trees also provide siwak in other cultures.
The miswak is an effective way to brush teeth, remove tartar, and refresh breath. Now that modern methods such as the toothbrush and toothpaste are everywhere, shall we consider the miswak obsolete? I would say NO and will explain why.
The miswak may be an ancient discovery for cleaning the teeth and the mouth, but it is still an efficient and beneficial tool for maintaining oral (mouth) hygiene. In appearance, it may not seem hygienic, but the chemicals in its bitter juices have potent antiseptic, antibacterial (triclosan), and astringent properties, which clean teeth and prevent decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Saudi, American, European, Indian, and Pakistani researchers found that siwak users are less exposed to tooth decay and gum disease when combined with conventional tooth-brushing and flossing than any one method alone.
The miswak is rich in fluoride, a mineral that is added to modern commercial toothpastes to prevent tooth decay. Alkaloids, vitamin C, and small quantities of tannin and flavanoids are part of its makeup in order to protect tooth enamel, remove tooth plaque and discoloration, stop gum bleeding and reduce the risk of oral cancer. While the siwak’s fiber is hardy enough to scrape out tartar and polish teeth, it is also gentle enough to massage gums effectively. With its superior built-in cleaning substances, it is an affordable way of cleaning teeth for all members of society. The miswak freshens the breath without the chemical additives of modern mouth washes.
It is important to choose and use the miswak properly in order to obtain the best results. The fresher, more moist and more pliable the stick, the more beneficial. The more pungent the siwak, the better its quality. Choose medium size to slim sticks. Thin ones bend easily; thick ones are harsh on the gums. Good ones come in uniform yellowish colors with no stains or scars on the bark. Once at home, separate the sticks and expose them to dry air for a day or two before wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil and storing them in the fridge to prevent moisture loss. If refrigerated when too moist, the fibers become soft and bend easily.
Before use, cut off the exposed fiber, scrape half a centimeter off the bark, and ruffle the fiber to brush tooth surfaces in rotating movements. Try to gently remove tartar close to the gums without pushing or scratching them. Massage gums lightly with softened fibers. Run your tongue on tooth surfaces to ensure smoothness and cleanliness. To soften a dry miswak, nibble on it or soak it in water. Once finished, cut used fibers and store the remaining stick in a clean place. Repeat procedure twice or more daily.
Brushing with the miswak is not a substitute for tooth-brushing with toothpaste and flossing. They all complement each other and achieve the best results.
Oral hygiene is medically prescribed. Recent studies have linked dental and periodontal (gums) problems to heart disease. Oral care and hygiene reduce the risk of the disease and its complications.
Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), 1400 years ago, strongly recommended the use of the miswak, and said, “Had it not been a strain on my people, I would have commanded them to do siwak before each prayer” (meaning five times a day).
Siwak should not be disregarded; its benefits are still valid in our modern age and times. I, for one, vouch for its effectiveness in maintaining tooth and gum health at a low cost. The least you will gain is a sparkling and mesmerizing smile. Go for it! I did years ago.
(Information from Natural Remedies of Arabia by Robert Lebling & Donna Pepperdine.)
