Top 7 scientific benefits of using Miswak
5 min read
What are the advantages of using a ‘Miswak’ toothbrush instead of a normal toothbrush? How does Miswak stack up against a normal toothbrush, you might wonder? Without further ado, here are the top 8 reasons to incorporate a Miswak toothbrush into your daily routine:
- Fights Cavities And Tooth Decay
The abundance of food has been one of the biggest benefits of the modern era. You name it, and your supermarket probably has it. Sweet, sour, tangy, bitter, farm fresh, processed—you name it, and your supermarket probably has it. However, the increased availability of food, particularly high-sugar processed foods, has resulted in an increase in tooth decay in the general population.
Enamel (the glossy white coating on your teeth) is lost by tooth decay. But, you might wonder, how does it get ruined despite regular brushing? Simple. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live in our mouths, some of which are beneficial and others which are harmful. These bacteria use starch and sugar in food to make acid, which wears away at the enamel and starts the decay process, which eventually leads to a cavity.
While fluoride is used in most commercial toothpastes to combat tooth decay, another effective remedy lies already inside you in the form of saliva. Saliva aids in the prevention of tooth decay by reducing acid buildup and allowing your teeth to repair themselves. Miswak has been shown to boost saliva production in the mouth without the need of any commercial enhancers or additions, hence preventing tooth decay naturally.
Furthermore, the sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium oxide found in Miswak aid to build teeth enamel, promoting tooth whitening as well.
- It defends against tartar and plaque.
Did you know that as you read this, plaque is forming in your mouth?
Surprisingly, plaque development is a rather typical occurrence. Plaque refers to a whitish film of bacteria that occurs on the teeth and gums as germs reproduce and grow. While frequent brushing can easily eliminate plaque, the accumulation of plaque leads to the creation of ‘tartar,’ a visible yellow colour that adheres to the teeth and gums and can contribute to gum disease and tooth loss in the future.
Brushing regularly and correctly is the most effective technique to prevent tartar and plaque buildup, and thus gum disease and tooth loss. Miswak, often known as the “toothbrush twig,” is beneficial because of its antibacterial properties, which prevent bacteria from forming on the teeth and gums.
- Eliminates odours
Bad breath, often known as halitosis, is a symptom of a variety of dental problems. Bad breath is an obvious indication that something is wrong with your mouth, ranging from eating extremely strong meals to gum disease and dental cavities. Malodor can also be caused by a lack of saliva production.
Because there isn’t a single cause for foul breath, an all-in-one remedy can go a long way toward treating it. Miswak’s antimicrobial properties, combined with its ability to increase saliva production in the mouth, make it a useful treatment for bad breath. Furthermore, because the twig is a naturally occurring component, it releases specific molecules that produce a faint scent that is unique to Miswak.
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- Fights Bacteria And Germs That Are Harmful
There are over 700 distinct bacteria types in the human mouth, not all of them are hazardous. While the majority of bacteria in the mouth aid in the digestion of food and, in many situations, help to maintain healthy teeth and gums, other bacteria are harmful and actively damage teeth and gums. Bacteria in the mouth causes dental cavities, tartar, gum disease, and periodontitis (a painful condition affecting the gums and jaw bone).
Miswak has been demonstrated to possess a number of potent antibacterial chemicals that actively fight bacterial growth in the mouth in various investigations undertaken by the World Health Organization and other independent research groups. In addition, persons who used Miswak on a regular basis had fewer oral hygiene difficulties than those who didn’t/used normal toothpastes and tooth powders.
- Gums Are Protected And Strengthened
Here’s a hint: if you’re unsure whether your oral health is in good form, have a look at your gums. The gums are the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and assists in maintaining their health. As a result, every ailment that affects the teeth also affects the gums.
Plaque accumulation affects the gums in the same way as it affects the teeth. Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Advanced Periodontitis are three separate conditions that can occur when plaque hardens into tartar. Most of us have felt the stinging agony of eating anything that was too cold or too hot at some point. Gingivitis is a condition that occurs on a regular basis and is characterised by swelling and inflammation of the gums. It requires quick attention and treatment. Untreated gingivitis, which causes the underlying bone structure to deteriorate, leads gums to recede, dentures to shift, and teeth to fall out—a painful, irreversible condition known as advanced periodontitis.
Isn’t it terrifying?
Fortunately for us, Miswak comes to our aid once more! Miswak dramatically minimises the chances of gingivitis and periodontitis by preventing plaque production and subsequent tartar accumulation, keeping your gums healthy and you happy all the time.
- Analgesic and anticarcinogenic
Miswak has therapeutic effects in addition to the benefits it provides in terms of oral cleanliness and wellness. Antioxidant enzymes found in Miswak, such as peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase, are claimed to have anti-carcinogenic qualities, which means they help prevent cancer. While it has yet to be determined how successful Miswak is at fighting cancer that has already developed in the body, research has shown that it can be used as a preventative approach.
Furthermore, the active compounds in Miswak contain analgesic (pain-relieving) characteristics that aid in the treatment of inflammation and pain, particularly in the gums.
When was the last time you could say that about a toothbrush?
- Aftertaste that is both refreshing and energising
Miswak’s pleasant aftertaste and scent have been a notable benefit. Miswak provides a feeling of cleanliness and pleasant breath that is equivalent to any commercially available mouthwash, thanks to its high concentration of naturally occurring volatile aromatic chemicals. - Cost-effective and affordable
Many first-time users are surprised by how inexpensive and effective Miswak is. The cost of utilising Miswak is significantly lower than most commercially available goods, whether you use it in its natural ‘toothbrush twig’ form or formulations manufactured from the Salvadora persica (Miswak) tree. The financial benefits of Miswak, which works as a toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash in one, are also not to be underestimated.
Furthermore, one look at the Miswak twig is enough to give anyone an idea of where toothbrush producers obtain their ideas. The Miswak twig reaches every corner and nook of the mouth for an excellent cleansing, thanks to a myriad of natural fibres that act as “bristles.”
Miswak in Islam
It’s no surprise that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ such a high value on the miswak that he would have mandated its usage at every prayer session if it hadn’t been a burden to the believers.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Were I not afraid that it would be hard on my followers, I would order them to use the siwak (as obligatory, for cleaning the teeth).” [Bukhari]
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The Miswak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord.” [An-Nasa’i]
Miswak has huge benefit both in Islamicway and scientific way. So let’s start doing Miswak In Shaa Allah.
