Benefits of Miswak (Salvadora persica)
Miswak is a twig of the Salvadora persica tree. Arak, or Siwak, is also the name of Miswak. Arak is the Arabic name of the Salvidora persica tree, whereas Siwak is an Arabic term for the stick used for cleaning teeth.
Top Miswak Benefits for Oral Health
Miswak serves as a natural toothbrush; apart from cleaning, it boasts antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and plaque control properties.
Let's know in detail some top miswak benefits.
Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory benefits
Miswak contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These are the properties of miswak that make it a natural remedy for overall oral health.
Antioxidant Benefits:
Neutralizes free radicals: Miswak's antioxidants shield cells from damage that is caused by free radicals, and hence, improve overall health.
Protects against chronic diseases: The properties of antioxidants reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:
Reduces inflammation: Miswak's anti-inflammatory compounds help to alleviate pain and swelling.
Supports oral health: Anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce gum inflammation and promote healthy gums.
Antimicrobial & Antibacterial Effects
Antimicrobial properties: Miswak has very effective antimicrobial properties that make it a handy tool for maintaining oral hygiene.
Alkaloids: Salvadorian and trimethylamine are the alkaloids that exhibit antibacterial effects.
Silica: It acts as a natural abrasive and hence reduces stains and polishes teeth.
Calcium and Fluoride: It helps in strengthening tooth enamel and prevents decay.
Tannins: Its natural astringents work to strengthen gums and also reduce gum bleeding.
Essential Oils: The essential oils of miswak promote saliva production and provide a mild odor.
Antibacterial Properties:
Miswak possesses antibacterial properties, ascribed to its natural compounds, that include:
Salvadorine: It is one of the bioactive compounds that contributes to overall oral health.
Benzyl isothiocyanate: It fights against various oral pathogens.
Trimethylamine: It helps in impeding the growth of bacteria.
Mechanical cleaning and plaque removal
With Miswak, you get a thorough oral cleaning experience. Its mechanical cleaning process:
Removes Plaque
Reduces the risk of gum disease and
Prevents tooth loss.
Effects on gums and gingival health
One of the miswak benefits is that it improves gum health and prevents gingivitis in the teeth.
Gum health: Healthy gums are the backbone of a healthy smile, and miswak benefits extend to promote long-term gum health and tooth stability. While massaging gums promotes blood flow and maintains healthy gum tissue, its natural astringent properties help tighten the gums.
Gingival health: The unique fibers and texture of miswak scrub away and remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
It is very effective to clean molars and wisdom teeth.
Regular use of miswak stimulates saliva that helps to strengthen teeth and restore tooth enamel by adding minerals and provides several benefits, like removing debris and maintaining pH level.
Saliva Stimulation and Buffering
Neutralizes harmful acids: Saliva counteracts acidic substances produced by bacteria.
Prevents enamel erosion and tooth decay: Saliva's protective properties support long-term oral health.
Comparing Miswak vs. Toothbrush: Benefits & Limitations
Should you choose a toothbrush or a miswak?
Advantages:
Miswak Benefits
Natural & eco-friendly: It is a natural and eco-friendly product since it doesn't contain chemicals and breaks down naturally.
Low cost & portable: It is easy to carry with its low cost and portability.
Built-in antibacterial: It has antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria.
Toothbrush Benefits
Easy for beginners: Fluoride toothpaste is a familiar choice for beginners.
Consistent texture: Bristles constantly stay the same all the time.
Limitations:
Miswak needs to be used correctly, and the bristles wear away. Toothbrushes are made from plastic garbage and need toothpaste from outside.
For best results, many people use both a toothbrush and a miswak. They use miswak before every ablution (as the Sunnah of miswak says) and a toothbrush in the morning or at night.
How to Use Miswak Properly (Sunnah‑Approved Technique)
It was narrated from Abu Bakr that the prophet (ﷺ) said: The siwak is cleansing to the mouth and pleasing to the Lord.
Revive the Sunnah of miswak.
Prepare the Stick: Dip the miswak stick in water for a minute. Chew one end nearly 1 cm and separate fibers to make soft bristles.
Angle and Hold: Use the soft bristle end of the miswak for brushing your teeth, and hold it like a pencil.
Brush your teeth in circular strokes, beginning at the top of your mouth and moving down the sides of your jaw.
The best time to use miswak is before prayer, when you wake up, before you go to bed, and after meals, as the Sunnah of miswak says.
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salat."
In-book reference: Book 8, Hadith 206
Using miswak to clean your teeth gives you the reward of following the Sunnah of
the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Use miswak regularly, as it removes bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis.
Just like you brush your teeth daily, make miswak a part of your everyday routine.
By embracing the Sunnah of miswak, you can combine spiritual practice with physical well-being; it promotes a holistic approach to health.
Conclusion: Embracing the Sunnah with Miswak
The Salvadora persica stick is more than just an old-fashioned alternative; it is a scientifically proven, all-natural way to keep your mouth healthy.
Follow the sunnah of Miswak and get a healthy, natural smile. Why not see for yourself how powerful Salvador Persica could be?
FAQs
How should I store miswak?
You can store miswak in a dry place away from sunlight to keep it fresh.
Can I replace my regular toothbrush with a miswak?
Research done on miswak says that it may be just as beneficial as a toothbrush. It removes plaque and keeps your gums healthy.
How long can a miswak stick be used?
With regular use, a miswak stick lasts 3 to 7 days. It depends on thickness and its usage. Trim the bristles after every use for fresh fibers.
