Miswak

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Traditional miswak sticks. Softened bristles on either end can be used to clean the teeth. Miswak003.jpg
Traditional miswak sticks. Softened bristles on either end can be used to clean the teeth.

The miswak is a teeth-cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree. The miswak's properties have been described thus: "Apart from their antibacterial activity which may help control the formation and activity of dental plaque, they can be used effectively as a natural toothbrush for teeth cleaning. Such sticks are effective, inexpensive, common, available, and contain many medical properties". [1]

Contents

The miswak is predominant in Muslim-inhabited areas. It is commonly used in the Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa, North Africa, parts of the Sahel, the Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia.

Science

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of the miswak in 1986, but in 2000, an international consensus report on oral hygiene concluded that further research was needed to document the effect of the miswak. [2] Some of this further research has been done on a population of 203, and concluded, "that the periodontal status of miswak users in this Sudanese population is better than that of toothbrush users". [3] Yet another comparative study conducted on a sampling of 480 Saudi Arabian adults found that "the level of need for periodontal care in the sample chosen is low when compared with the findings of similar studies undertaken in other countries. The frequent use of the 'Miswak' was associated with a lower need for treatment". [4]

Miswak extract vs. oral disinfectants

Studies indicate that Salvadora persica extract exhibits low antimicrobial activity compared to other oral disinfectants and anti-plaque agents like triclosan and chlorhexidine gluconate. [5]

Mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine was with maximum antibacterial activity, while cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinses were with moderate and miswak extract was with low antibacterial activity. [5]

However, the benefits of triclosan were discounted by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2016 and its safety is uncertain as a hygiene product ingredient. [6] Chlorhexidine gluconate was also linked to serious allergic reactions, albeit rarely. [7]

Chemical composition

Salvadorine and benzylisothiocyanate appear to be responsible for the antibacterial activity of Miswak. The plant also contains insoluble fluoride in high concentration, calcium, salicylic acid, and some antioxidants of unclear function. [8]

Other considerations

A 2016 paper has been published comparing human DNA left on used miswak and toothbrushes, including the effect of time, to determine whether miswak is a reasonable source of DNA when found at crime scenes. The conclusion was that miswak contains a high enough quantity of DNA, and retained good DNA profiling; and when compared to toothbrushes, miswak is a reasonable source of DNA for forensic profiling. In addition, time of storage up to four months had no or little effects on results. [9]

Religious prescriptions

A pack of miswak sticks. Miswak2.jpg
A pack of miswak sticks.

The use of the miswak is frequently advocated in the hadith (the traditions relating to the life of Muhammad). Situations where the miswak is recommended to be used include before or during wudu (ablution), on waking up in the morning, before going to the mosque, before entering one's house, before and after going on a journey, on Fridays, [10] before sleeping and after waking up, when experiencing hunger or thirst and before entering any good gathering. [ citation needed ]

In addition to strengthening the gums, preventing tooth decay and eliminating toothaches, the miswak is said to halt further decay that has already set in. Furthermore, it is reputed to create a fragrance in the mouth, eliminate bad breath, improve sensitivity of taste-buds and promote cleaner teeth.[ citation needed ]

Hadiths concerning the miswak

A miswak stick. Miswak 2014.jpg
A miswak stick.

It is often mentioned that the Islamic prophet Muhammad recommended the miswak's use. [11] He is quoted in various hadith extolling its virtues: [12] [13]

Were it not that I might over-burden the Believers I would have ordered them to use Siwak (Miswak) at the time of every Prayer. [14]

Four things are from among the practices of the Prophets: Circumcision, Perfume, Miswak, and Marriage. [14]

Make a regular practice of Miswak for verily it is the purification for the mouth and a means of the pleasure of the Lord. [14]

Use the Miswaak, for verily, it purifies the mouth, and it is a Pleasure for the Lord. Jib-ra-eel (A.S.) exhorted me so much to use the Miswaak that I feared that its use would be decreed obligatory upon me and upon my Ummah. If I did not fear imposing hardship on my Ummah I would have made its use obligatory upon my people. Verily, I use the Miswaak so much that I fear the front part of my mouth being peeled (by constant and abundant brushing with the Miswaak) [15]

Alternative forms

Modern uses of arāk wood in oral hygiene expands beyond miswak itself. Extracts containing its active components have been added to mouthwash and toothpaste. [16] There is also a German patent for similar formulations for domesticated animals. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mouthwash</span> Liquid rinse for oral hygiene

Mouthwash, mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath is a liquid which is held in the mouth passively or swirled around the mouth by contraction of the perioral muscles and/or movement of the head, and may be gargled, where the head is tilted back and the liquid bubbled at the back of the mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Periodontal disease</span> Medical condition

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main cause of tooth loss for adults worldwide. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out. Bad breath may also occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toothbrush</span> Oral hygiene tool

A toothbrush is an oral hygiene tool used to clean the teeth, gums, and tongue. It consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles, atop of which toothpaste can be applied, mounted on a handle which facilitates the cleaning of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. They should be used in conjunction with something to clean between the teeth where the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach - for example floss, tape or interdental brushes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toothpaste</span> Substance to clean and maintain teeth

Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene: it is an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis). Owing to differences in composition and fluoride content, not all toothpastes are equally effective in maintaining oral health. The decline of tooth decay during the 20th century has been attributed to the introduction and regular use of fluoride-containing toothpastes worldwide. Large amounts of swallowed toothpaste can be poisonous. Common colors for toothpaste include white and blue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad breath</span> Presence of unpleasant odors in exhaled breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a symptom in which a noticeably unpleasant breath odour is present. It can result in anxiety among those affected. It is also associated with depression and symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Teeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning, and dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning. Those with dentures and natural teeth may supplement their cleaning with a denture cleaner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dental floss</span> Cord of thin filaments used in interdental cleaning

Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments used in interdental cleaning to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth or places a toothbrush has difficulty reaching or is unable to reach. Its regular use as part of oral cleaning is intended to maintain oral health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chlorhexidine</span> Disinfectant and antiseptic

Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic with the molecular formula C22H30Cl2N10, which is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to sterilize surgical instruments. It is also used for cleaning wounds, preventing dental plaque, treating yeast infections of the mouth, and to keep urinary catheters from blocking. It is used as a liquid or a powder. It is commonly used in salt form, either the gluconate or the acetate.

<i>Salvadora persica</i> Species of shrub

Salvadora persica or the toothbrush tree is a small evergreen tree native to the Middle East, Africa and India. Its sticks are traditionally used as a natural toothbrush called miswak and are mentioned by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene use.

Periodontology or periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. A periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tooth brushing</span> Act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush

Tooth brushing is the act of scrubbing teeth with a toothbrush equipped with toothpaste. Interdental cleaning can be useful with tooth brushing, and together these two activities are the primary means of cleaning teeth, one of the main aspects of oral hygiene. The recommended amount of time for tooth brushing is two minutes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scaling and root planing</span> Dental procedure

Scaling and root planing, also known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy or deep cleaning, is a procedure involving removal of dental plaque and calculus and then smoothing, or planing, of the (exposed) surfaces of the roots, removing cementum or dentine that is impregnated with calculus, toxins, or microorganisms, the agents that cause inflammation. It is a part of non-surgical periodontal therapy. This helps to establish a periodontium that is in remission of periodontal disease. Periodontal scalers and periodontal curettes are some of the tools involved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oral hygiene</span> Cleaning the mouth by brushing the teeth and cleaning in between the teeth

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's oral cavity clean and free of disease and other problems by regular brushing of the teeth and adopting good hygiene habits. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath. The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay and gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gingivitis</span> Inflammation of the gums

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums; ulitis is an alternative term. The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms that are attached to tooth surfaces, termed plaque-induced gingivitis. Most forms of gingivitis are plaque-induced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teeth-cleaning twig</span> Plant branch chewed for oral hygiene

A teeth-cleaning twig is an oral hygiene tool made from a twig from a tree. It can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Biotene is an over-the-counter dental hygiene product currently marketed GSK plc. It comes in a number of forms, including toothpaste, mouthwash and gel.

Peri-implant mucositis is defined as an inflammatory lesion of the peri-implant mucosa in the absence of continuing marginal bone loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meswak</span> Toothpaste brand of Dabur

Meswak is a fluoride-free toothpaste brand that was launched in India by Balsara Hygiene in 1998. The toothpaste is marketed as a herbal toothpaste as it is made from extracts of the Salvadora persica plant. The teeth cleaning twig of the plant is reputed to have been used over 7,000 years ago.

Oral health can be difficult for pet owners and veterinary teams to manage in cats, particularly for pets whose owners are not committed to regular tooth brushing and/or dental treats. Oral disease is common among cats, and may lead to other health issues such as bacterial infections of major organs including the heart, kidneys and liver. When pet owners are aware of the benefits of supporting good oral health in cats, this substantially improves positive outcomes. Dietary selection, along with at-home-dental-hygiene care, allows cat owners to influence the oral status of their pets.

References

  1. ↑ Al lafi T, Ababneh H (1995). "The effect of the extract of the miswak (chewing sticks) used in Jordan and the Middle East on oral bacteria". International Dental Journal. 45 (3): 218–222. PMID   7558361.
  2. ↑ "Darout, Ismail Abbas, Undersøkelse av en aktuell eldgammel munnrengjøringsmetode, dr.odont., disputas: 23.06.2003". www.uib.no (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2006-04-11.
  3. ↑ Darout, Ismail A.; Albandar, Jasim M.; Skaug, Nils (January 2000). "Periodontal status of adult Sudanese habitual users of miswak chewing sticks or toothbrushes". Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 58 (1): 25–30. doi:10.1080/000163500429398. PMID   10809396. S2CID   11199861.
  4. ↑ al-Khateeb TL, O'Mullane DM, Whelton H, Sulaiman MI (2003). "Periodontal treatment needs among Saudi Arabian adults and their relationship to the use of the Miswak". Community Dental Health. 8 (4): 323–328. ISSN   0265-539X. PMID   1790476.
  5. 1 2 Almas, K; Skaug, N; Ahmad, I. (February 2005). "An in vitro antimicrobial comparison of miswak extract with commercially available non-alcohol mouthrinses". International Journal of Dental Hygiene. 3 (1): 18–24. doi:10.1111/j.1601-5037.2004.00111.x. PMID   16451373.
  6. ↑ Commissioner, Office of the. "Consumer Updates - 5 Things to Know About Triclosan". www.fda.gov. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
  7. ↑ Commissioner, Office of the. "Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products - Chlorhexidine Gluconate: Drug Safety Communication - Rare But Serious Allergic Reactions". www.fda.gov. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
  8. ↑ Chaurasia, A; Patil, R; Nagar, A (May 2013). "Miswak in oral cavity - An update". Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 3 (2): 98–101. doi:10.1016/j.jobcr.2012.09.004. PMC   4306988 . PMID   25737893.
  9. ↑ Alfadaly, N., Kassab, A., & Al Hedaithy, F. (2016). Determination of DNA profiling of siwak and toothbrush samples used in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, 17(4), 383-387.
  10. ↑ "الرئيسة - الحديث - موقع الإسلام". hadith.al-islam.com.
  11. ↑ "Excellence of Miswak in Hadiths" at ziaetaiba.com.
  12. ↑ "Miswak" at sunnah.com.
  13. ↑ "Siwak" at searchtruth.com.
  14. 1 2 3 IslamKotob, Muslims and "Science", (Islamic Books), p.30.
  15. ↑ Farouk, Muhammed. "Miswak/Sewak". www.islam.tc. Archived from the original on 2010-12-22. Retrieved 2006-02-15.
  16. ↑ Halawany, HS (April 2012). "A review on miswak (Salvadora persica) and its effect on various aspects of oral health". The Saudi Dental Journal. 24 (2): 63–9. doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2011.12.004. PMC   3723367 . PMID   23960531.
  17. ↑ Bruins, Hans-Kervin; Mehlhorn, Heinz Prof Dr; Mennemann, Horst; Berendsen, Paul; Schmidt, Jürgen Dr (8 July 2004). "Oral and dental care product for domestic animals, especially dogs, cats and horses, comprises comminuted, pulverized or micronized wood". Google Patent.

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