Miswak is an Arabic word comes from (Siwak) which means teeth cleaning twig or datun it is made from a salvadora persica tree and it is used as a prevention for tooth decay and gum disease. This is the natural toothbrush from nature it has many benefits that help antibacterial activity and the formation of dental plaque. In Islam, it is also used as hygienical jurisprudence means that it is a part of salat and other activities muslims do for cleanliness.
From sunnah we get many examples that how prophet (p.b.u.h) has encouraged the use of miswak for cleaniless,Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: "Cleaniness is half of faith"(Sahih Muslim)
Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said once on a Friday, "O Community of Muslims! Allah has made this day an 'Eid for you, so take a bath and needfully brush your teeth with siwak (toothstick)."(Tabarani, Majma'uz-Zawaid).
What can be more joyfull day for a Muslim then Eid.From this hadith we get very clear message of importance of Miswak.
Spiritually we gets closer to Allah because of cleanliness
In fact, the importance of the miswak is such that at one stage our Prophet PBUH was under the impression that the Almighty Allah might decree the use of the miswak as compulsory upon the Ummah (Muslims). Abu Umamah (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: 'Use the miswak, 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 miswak that I feared that its use would be decreed obligatory upon me and upon my Ummah. (IBN MAJAH)."
Physically it has observable benefits mentioned;
The major advantages of the miswak includes it strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay, assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
Miswak creates a fragrance in the mouth and eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste, sharpens the memory, causes the teeth to glow, strengthens the eyesight, assists in digestion and clears the voice.
How to use it;A miswak should not be longer than a "span" i.e. the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, and it should not be thicker than a finger's breadth.
Miswak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb is below the miswak and the remaining fingers on its upper side.
Science Also Accepts the use of this natural hygiene;
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of miswak in 1986 and in 2000 for oral hygiene.
Let's get to some science Now !
Anti-viral effects
The effects of BITC (a compound isolated from Salvadora persica root) on herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) was investigated by Al-Bagieh et al.44 The results of his plaque reduction essay indicated that BITC has a virucidal activity against HSV-1 at a concentration of 133 µg/ml. Thus, the authors supported the use of miswak (Salvadora persica) as a preventive measure for controlling oral infections.
In conclusion, this present review clearly highlights the many beneficial effects of Salvadora persica (Miswak) on oral disease prevention and health promotion. Strong evidence from the available descriptive and experimental studies support the view that Salvadora persica (Miswak) can be a potent oral hygiene tool, not only due to its excellent mechanical plague-removing efficiency, but for its broad range of biological properties. The use of miswak is associated with health, social and cultural norms, and religious beliefs. The World Health Organization has recommended and encouraged the use of these sticks as a tool for oral hygiene in areas where their use is effective and customary.
