Benefits of Miswak (chewing stick)
Modern medicine has confirmed the benefits of the miswak, highlighting its numerous advantages for oral and dental health, to the point that some have even extracted its components and used them as toothpaste. The miswak is taken from the roots of desert trees found in various regions, with the Arabian Peninsula being the most abundant and best variety. It is taken from a tree called the arak, a broad, evergreen, perennial tree with tender, intertwined branches, sometimes reaching a height of ten meters or more. Its long roots extend underground, and are then uprooted and cut into small sticks used as miswak, which acts as a natural toothbrush.
The miswak is used to clean teeth of food debris, in addition to giving teeth a pleasant scent. Some of its benefits include:
- Mouth cleansing, teeth whitening, and removal of stains and discolorations that harm a person's appearance, especially when drinking soft drinks, coffee, tea, and other beverages that stain teeth yellow and brown.
- Preventing tooth decay, especially in children, who are known for their high consumption of sweets and sugary foods.
- Healing of wounds and cracks that cause pain and burning and are present in the gums.
- To freshen and improve breath, and to get rid of unpleasant and bothersome odors that are a source of annoyance and distress to the person himself and to others.
- Getting rid of the effects of smoking easily, quickly and efficiently, especially if the person does not smoke much.
- It resists germs and bacteria that cause various dental problems such as cavities, tartar, and others.
- Preventing tartar buildup on teeth, which is one of the main causes of bad breath.