Miswak (Siwak)

There are many Hadiths, statements of Allah’s Messenger, which talked about the Siwak [using Arak wooden root sticks as a brushing tool to clean the teeth]. That is an advice of the honorable Prophet before one thousand and four hundred years. What is the advice of doctors in the third millennium?

“If it was not for the hardship that I could cause to my Ummah [Muslim Nation], I could have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak at/before every prayer.” [Bukhari and Muslim].

There are a great number of germs and bacteria that attack the teeth constantly. These germs feed on the food remnants in the mouth. Upon analyzing the material of Siwak it shows that it has characteristics that help to stop the growth of such bacteria in the mouth. Medical research confirms that the root-tooth-brush of Alarak bush roots contains an anti-decay and disinfectant and astringent matter that works to reduce and stop the bleeding of the gum.

The wood of the Siwak contains vitamin C which is necessary for the preservation of the teeth and protection from teeth decay. This vitamin also protects against gingival inflammation. It was also found that Siwak contains fluoride that is necessary to prevent teeth decay and increase the whiteness. Recent research illustrates that using the Siwak continuously on the basis of five times a day would prevent inflammation of the gum and give smoothness to the teeth. As Siwak contains silica, it gives additional strength to the teeth enamel.

The research further confirmed the presence of resin that protects the teeth from decay. It also illustrated the presence of sulfur material that purifies the mouth. Allah’s Messenger SAAW, the Messenger of mercy says the truth as he said, ‘Maintain the use of Siwak as it is betters the mouth odor and pleases the Lord, Allah, the Almighty] [Narrated by Ahmad].