What is a miswak and can it replace our toothbrush

Nowadays, organic and natural beauty products are on trend, so it's not surprising that people remembered about miskvak. Thousands of years ago, this simple device replaced people with a toothbrush and floss, paste and even an irrigator. At the same time, a miswak is just a stick made of wood, split at the end in a special way. Vladimir Shipkov, the owner of the dental clinic Dr. SHIPKOV Dental Clinic, told about misvak in detail.

Externally, the miswak looks like a primitive artisanal brush made by chewing wood fibers. But only at first glance everything is so simple. This misvak is made only from one type of wood — from the Persian Salvadora. Since ancient times, this simple oral hygiene product has been used in the Middle East, then it got to Asia, and only then to Europe and the countries of the Western Hemisphere.

This is what the Salvadoran Persian looks like

Miswak was used by tribes even before the adoption of Islam. Later, the Prophet Muhammad recommended that the faithful use the miswak, and as often as possible. At the same time, he motivated this not only with hygienic considerations, but also with some religious aspects.

Salvadora Persian was chosen for the production of miswak for a reason. Its wood has excellent anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antifungal properties. In addition, it also has a mild anesthetic effect. A detailed study of this plant showed that it contains such substances:

In the process of softening the end of the stick, as well as when using misvak, all these components enter the oral cavity and have a positive effect on the tooth enamel and gums. In addition, the microflora of the oral cavity improves, which already affects the entire body.

To make such a dental stick, take the roots or branches of the Persian Salvadora of a certain thickness. The roots are much tougher, but at the same time more useful — they contain the maximum amount of organic and mineral substances. Miswak from branches turns out to be more delicate and not as effective, but it is ideal for people with weak gums and sensitive enamel.

From the roots or branches, chop sticks 15-20 cm long, which are then peeled from the bark by 1 or 2 centimeters at the tip. When used, this part of the miswak is chewed, stopping in the likeness of a hard brush. The fibers of the Salvadora Persian wood are strong, but they do not injure the oral cavity, and the substances released from them during the brushing process are evenly distributed in the oral cavity. They act as a toothpaste and mouthwash.

Tannins contained in the juice of the plant heal bleeding gums and relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes. Fluoride fights pathogenic microflora, calcium strengthens tooth enamel, and silicon oxide whitens teeth, acting more gently than chemically aggressive artificial drugs.

The positive effect of misvak on the teeth and oral cavity has been officially confirmed by scientists. But this does not mean that a chewed wooden stick can provide full-fledged oral hygiene. Before switching from a toothbrush to a miswak, you need to consult a dentist, who will also help you choose the optimal hardness of the product and the length of its fibers.

The doctor may also detect contraindications in which the use of misvak is generally undesirable. There are not many of them, but they are still there. But if you started using a wand instead of a toothbrush or in parallel with it, then you need to remember a couple of simple rules. Once used, the fibers of the stick should be cut off immediately, since they will no longer be of any use. It is also important to know that misvak is used in the same way as a regular brush — at least twice a day, and preferably after each meal.

And in general — are you sure that you are taking care of your teeth correctly? Watch how one of the residents of Texas does it and you will understand everything.