The miswak, an Arabic word that means tooth-cleaning stick, is regarded as the first known tool of dental hygiene, along with other types of chewing sticks. It is the best-kept secret of the ancient world and is still widely utilized throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Central and Southeast Asia.
Benefits of the Miswak
Dental experts have examined the miswak's inherent antimicrobial qualities over time. Miswak is derived from the roots and branches of a certain tree known as the Salvadora Persica, or Arak tree. According to a number of these experts, the miswak can improve your dental hygiene when used properly by:
Reducing plaque
Eliminating germs
Combating odors
Increasing salivation
Assisting with nicotine addiction
In addition to its roots and branches, the Salvadora Persica is known to have natural cures in its berries and leaves.
How to use the Miswak?
It's understandable to be dubious about the miswak's supposed health advantages if you haven't used it before.
Utilizing the miswak as an additional oral hygiene tool in addition to your toothbrush may have a big impact on both the environment and your health. The miswak is not only more economical and ecologically friendly, but it can be carried around and has an outer layer that cleans itself, so you may brush it more often and thoroughly.
Here is a step-by-step process on how to use the Miswak:
Trim the Miswak: Cut one end of the twig's bark off by half an inch. Just carefully grasp the miswak while holding the knife in your other hand. Start gently cutting the bark now. A lot of traditional miswak practitioners clip the bark to a maximum of two inches and a minimum of one inch.
Chew the Miswak: Break off some of the twig's bark. To begin, begin by gnawing on the bark on both ends of the twig. Once about an inch of the beneath wood is visible, stop. Remove and throw away the bark.
Soak the Miswak: Use water to soak the tip. The traditional method of doing miswak involves dipping the bristly end of the twig into water, just like you would before brushing with toothpaste. As an alternative, because rosewater has a pleasing aroma, many traditional miswak practitioners use it instead of regular water.
Hold the Miswak: Hold the miswak branch with one thumb beneath it. Miswak sticks are traditionally handled by inserting the little finger beneath the rear of the stick, the thumb of the right hand slightly below and under the bristly tip, and the remaining three fingers over the top.
Brush your teeth: Use the bristles end to brush your teeth. Go ahead and brush now! To clean the front surfaces of your teeth, gently press the bristle tip of the stick into your teeth and move it up and down. Don't apply excessive pressure; instead, move slowly around your mouth. Instead of scraping or gouging the teeth, you want to softly clean them.
Cut the Miswak: Every few days, trim off the stale hairs. When the bristles on your miswak stick get old, break or chop them off with a knife (or your hands). This will keep your stick looking new. The average lifespan of your bristles will change. Generally speaking, you should trim the bristles on your stick whenever they start to look like a frayed, old broom.
Traditional and Modern Oral Care With Listerine® Milder Taste Mouthwash
The Listerine® Total Care Miswak Milder Taste Mouthwash fuses tradition and modern oral care for a refreshing and effective mouthwash experience. Harnessing the power of Miswak, a natural teeth-cleaning agent with centuries of use, and combining it with the trusted germ-fighting properties of Listerine®, this mouthwash offers a unique solution for your oral hygiene needs.
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References:
Abid, A., & Gul, S. (2006). Evaluation of the effects of chewing gum on oral health in a group of dental students. Saudi Dental Journal, 18(3), 125-130. http://www.emro.who.int/imemrf/sdj_2006_18_3_125.pdf
Alghamdi, M. A., Aldossary, M. S., Alzahrani, M. A., & Masoud, M. I. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the academic performance of dental students. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 16(6), 1003-1008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.11.008
Elsabagh, H. M., Elgazzar, R. F., & Mostafa, D. (2012). Awareness and practice of physical activity among medical students in Zagazig University, Egypt. Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 87(3-4), 45-49. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.EPX.0000420568.52131.06
Hamdan, M. A., Shihadeh, F. M., Hamdan, A. M., & Sawair, F. A. (2015). Factors affecting self-reported halitosis in a sample of young adult Jordanians. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 13(2), 124-129. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12113
Mozaffari, H. R., Sharifi, R., & Sadeghi, M. (2012). Effect of orthodontic treatment on oral health-related quality of life: A review of literature. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 2(2), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobcr.2012.03.003