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One of the traditional ways to clean teeth is to use miswak. The use of miswak or Salvadora persica itself has been applied since time immemorial by the Arab community with the aim to whiten their teeth and also look more shiny.
However, nowadays siwak is not only in the form of dry sticks that are chewed or used as an alternative to just a toothbrush. There are toothpaste and mouthwash products that use siwak extract to provide users with the benefits of siwak.
Can miswak whiten teeth?
The formation of stain on the teeth is an ongoing process that takes place on a daily basis. Stains are easier to develop when you drink tea, coffee and soft drinks. In general, people judge the health and hygiene of teeth by the color of their teeth. When you look white, you may conclude that your teeth are normal, healthy, or well-groomed.
Several studies have proven that siwak is indeed beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth and hygiene.
The benefits of the siwak are related to the method of using the siwak itself. But can using toothpaste containing miswak extract provide the same benefits as using the siwak stalks directly?
Some researchers conducted studies on the use of miswak in combination with a regular toothbrush. Most of the participants used siwak in this study. As a result, almost 85% of participants felt that their mouths were fresher and their teeth became whiter after using the miswak.
As a result, the miswak turned out to be of real benefit because the participants felt a difference after combining the use of miswak and a regular toothbrush.
Another study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of whitening toothpaste containing miswak extract and other whitening toothpastes. In conclusion, toothpaste containing siwak is more effective in cleaning teeth that have tea stains and scars of chlorhexidine (a drug used to treat gingivitis / gingivitis).
The content and function of siwak extract
Siwak whitens teeth has been proven from a study. However, what are the compositions contained in the siwak so that it can have this positive impact?
- Benzyl iso thiocyanate: is the main ingredient of siwak. This substance has a powerful effect in eradicating bacteria that fight parasites that cause dental disease.
- Alkaloids: This compound is an antibacterial drug.
- Silica: acts as an abrasive that can remove stains and deposits from the surface of the teeth. These are the compounds that might make siwak whiten teeth.
- Calcium and fluoride ion: promote mineralization of teeth.
- Sodium bicarbonate: provide an abrasive effect such as silica and clean the house which can cause dental health problems.
- Tannic acid: functions as an astringent, a substance that inhibits plaque growth and prevents gum inflammation (gingivitis).
- Resin: gives your teeth a layer over the enamel so they are protected from microbial attack.
- Essential oil: maintain healthy teeth by providing an antiseptic effect and stimulating the flow of saliva.
- Vitamin C: heal and repair decayed teeth and gums.
In addition, the miswak extract in toothpaste has been proven safe to use for people who experience gingivitis (gum inflammation). The effect given by toothpaste containing miswak is known to be the same as that of herbal toothpaste in general.
From another study, it was also found that toothpaste containing miswak extract was better at preventing potential stains on teeth. The study compared whitening toothpaste with miswak extract, other whitening toothpaste, and drinking water.
Ability Salvadora persica or miswak to whiten teeth mostly due to the substances and compounds contained in them.
