Miswak beneficial for dental health

Dr. Hani Saeed, a dentist and a professor at Dhamar University, believes the miswak has benefits, but can be over used. “I am against the daily use of the miswak because it can grind down the enamel of teeth,” he said. “If it is used no more than once per week, the stick is fine, but I discourage people from using it any more than that.”

“Using toothpaste and a toothbrush is more effective than the miswak,” said Dr. Saeed. “The brush can reach every where in the mouth and kill bacteria between the teeth.” 

“I always clean my teeth using the miswak after every prayer during Ramadan month. It gives me a fresh and good breath, and I feel better to have clean teeth and healthy gums,” said Malika Farah, 22, student at Sana’a University.

The best source of the miswak is the root of the arak tree (Salvadora persica), more commonly known as the ‘toothbrush tree’. The arak tree grows in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Southern Egypt, Chad and Eastern parts of India. In other parts of the Muslim world where the arak tree is not found, other trees are used for the same purpose. Strips of bark are used in Morocco and branches of the nim tree are often in India.

“There are two kinds of miswak sold in Yemen, spicy and bland ones. I think that the spicy kind of miswak is better than the other one because it makes some heat in the mouth during brushing and cleans them in a better way,” said miswak seller, Isam Mohammed.         

Many Muslims use the miswak on the recommendation of the Prophet Mohammed, who said, “Siwak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord”, and “if I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with siwak for every prayer.” 

“I use the miswak during Ramadan more than during other months of year because I heard an advisory opinion warning Muslims not to use toothpaste during fasting since it nullifies fasting,” said Sana’a University student, Umm Anas, 23. “I also use this stick to clean my teeth during Ramadan because I like to do what our Prophet used to do during his life,” she said. 

By contrast with the conventional plastic toothbrush, the miswak can be used any time, anywhere. It completely eliminates the need for toothpaste squeezing, vigorous brushing, foaming at the mouth or spitting.

People in Yemen have various reasons for using the miswak during Ramadan. “Using the miswak spreads among the people during Ramadan because you can find a lot of street vendors everywhere selling them in the souqs or in the front of mosques,” said Faniah al-Wessabi, 23, a student at Sana’a University. “I heard an advisory opinion which said that the taste and smell of the toothpaste may nullify fasting.” 

“Many people use the miswak to imitate others. Other people consider it an entertainment to spend the hours waiting for the fast breaking,” said Fuad al-Serwani, a student.