With the amount of emphasis we place on natural living, it is amazing that the miswak has not seen a surge in popularity. The miswak, a natural toothbrush made from the salvadora persica tree, is believed to have been in use for over 7000 years in places such as India and Central and Southeast Asia.
Like most natural alternatives, the miswak packs a wallop of health benefits: not only does it strengthen the gums, prevent tooth decay, eliminate bad breath, and help alleviate tooth pain, the miswak can also improve taste-bud sensitivity. All that from the twig of a plant! The miswak is so powerful, its use is even recommended by the World Health Organization.
Chew on Something Healthy
Around 1 in 3 people chew on a pen or pencil throughout the day, and yet few people are aware of the damages of this habit. Chewing on something hard like a pencil or pen cap can cause hairline fractures in the enamel, as well as damage to the muscles around the face. If you are one of the many people who chew on a pen or pencil while working, whether it is out of boredom or anxiety, try chewing on some miswak instead. You will be able to fulfill your desire to chew, and you can rest easy knowing that what you are chewing on is not leading to lasting damage.
The same can be said for chewing gum. While gum is touted as having healthy oral properties, less attention is given to the fact that it is usually made with artificial sweeteners and other unnatural ingredients, and can lead to conditions like TMJ. If you are chewing gum to keep your mouth clean, give a miswak stick a try.
Using the miswak is easy: chew the bark off one end of a new twig, and keep chewing until the wood underneath the bark has been softened into bristles. Dip the end of the miswak in water, and get to chewing/cleaning, no toothpaste needed! Remove the bristles every couple of days, and store your miswak in a clean, dry place.
