Miswaak, an Islamic alternative to the modern toothbrush, is preferred and highly recommended in Islam owing to countless oral health benefits. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), strongly recommended and advocated the use of this wooden twig as there are altogether 40 Hadith (words of the Prophet) particularly for its usage.

Originally made from Arak tree, usage of Miswak dates back to as long as 7000 years. Besides proven anti-bacterial properties, these wooden sticks are inexpensive, easily available and a better alternate to the modern toothbrush, where you don’t even have to spend on a toothpaste. The bristles on this stick can be softened on either side and used with ease, just like a traditional tooth brush.

Besides the countless health benefits, it’s one of those virtues that Allah likes, also, it is one of those things frequently practiced by the Prophets. Prophet of Islam (PBUH), strongly recommended usage of Miswak, but didn’t make it obligatory for Muslims just to make them feel at ease, so it’s usage is Mustahab, if used, it would result in virtues, if not, you won’t be held accountable on the judgement day.

The Prophet (PBUH) said,

“Four things are from among the practices of the Prophets: Circumcision, Perfume, Miswak, and Marriage”

When performing medical comparison between Miswak and toothpaste; the former naturally contains two times the amount of fluorine than in a toothpaste, besides silicon, vitamin c and trimethylamine. Besides this there are numerous minerals in the root including Potassium, Sodium Bicarbonate, sodium chloride and others.

Regular usage of this wooden twig reduces plaque, tartar, and other gum infections, discourages growth of germs and bacteria, whitens teeth and freshens breath. Also, it kills bacteria that harms gums. A recent research conducted during the last decade concluded that miswaak, if used in the correct way, reduces plaque and does not allow bacteria to grow in the mouth.

Also, use of this Islamic toothbrush is good news for smokers and coffee/tea addicts, as it cleans stains left out by heavy consumption of the above. This also inhibits a dry mouth, whereby increasing formation of saliva in the mouth.

Usage of the twig is fairly easy, just chew on one end until it becomes soft and forms bristles, use the bristles to brush your teeth as you normally do. As soon as the bristles start looking old, peel the bark and start afresh. After usage, you will get a fresh breath, just a single benefit out of the many.

Popular and extensively used in the Middle East, North African; Far Eastern Muslim countries, Sewak is proven to have decreased level of oral diseases in the areas. Umrah pilgrims heading to Makkah in the month of Ramadan with cheap ramadan Umrah packages can make use of this almost free medical remedy during the month of Ramadan to keep their breath fresh and become close to Allah.

Author Bio: Jaffar extensively writes on various topics including Religion, Cheap Hajj packages, history, geography, politics, health, fitness and so forth.