Siwak, the toothbrush of the prophet era, which also has a myriad of other benefits

Pamor siwak may have sounded familiar to Muslims. How could I not, the name of this tree trunk from Arabian land is quite often seen in the stories of the ancient prophets as a natural toothbrush. Are you curious about the health benefits of siwak other than teeth and gums?

Siwak has existed since the early civilization of the world

Miswak or miswak (in Arabic) is a twig or trunk from a tree Salvadora Persica which is also commonly called the "toothbrush tree". Generally, miswak stems are small, twig-like, and light brown in color.

Miswak twigs are thought to have been used to clean and care for teeth and mouth since the early civilizations of Arabia, Greece and Ancient Rome.

Although the plant comes from dry desert soils such as in Africa, the Middle East, or in countries of the Arabian peninsula, miswak can also be found in other areas. Generally, this miswak tree can still be found in the country of Tanzania, on sand plains that have springs in the middle (oases), and in savanna grasslands.

The tradition of chewing siwak is still quite common in some Arab countries in modern times. In Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, for example, it was found that almost more than 50% of the people who brushed their teeth more frequently than brushing their teeth. People in Nigeria and India also use toothpaste more often than brushing their teeth.

What are the benefits of siwak?

It is not only the ancestors who preserve the siwak. Even the WHO or the World Health Organization has also recommended that the world community use this tree trunk to maintain oral health since 1987.

The WHO still continues to promote brushing teeth with miswak as an alternative way to maintain the oral health of people in low-income countries.

Here are some of the benefits that can be obtained by regularly cleaning your teeth using the miswak tree trunk:

• Kills the bacteria that cause gum disease or gingivitis.
• Prevents the appearance of dental plaque.
• Maintain the white color of natural teeth not easily fade.
• Reduces the risk of cavities and other tooth decay
• Eliminates bad breath; makes the breath smell so natural.
• It also works as dental floss because the wood fibers also clean between the teeth.
• Increase saliva production and prevent dry mouth.

Not only the stems are useful for maintaining healthy teeth. The leaves of this plant can also be used as a mouthwash and sore gums. This is because the leaves contain antibiotics that suppress bacterial growth and the formation of dental plaque.

Is it better to use siwak or a toothbrush?

Research from Sweden sought a comparison between the two by examining 15 Saudi Arabian men aged 21 to 36 years. After initially undergoing dental examinations, these men were found to have quite severe plaque on their teeth. They were then asked to continue to undergo standard dental cleaning at the dentist.

After that, the researchers divided the participants into several groups: some were asked to brush their teeth routinely using only miswak sticks and those who used a toothbrush and manufactured toothpaste. The result, the researchers concluded that bersiwak is more effective for maintaining healthy teeth than regular toothbrushes. The number and severity of dental plaque in the group of men who routinely brushed their teeth with miswak was found to be significantly less than that of men who only brushed their teeth in general.

This finding is in line with a media release from WHO which states that chewing or gnawing on miswak tree trunks is just as effective for maintaining oral hygiene as using a toothbrush and manufactured toothpaste.

How do you use siwak to brush your teeth?

How to use the siwak to brush your teeth is easy. You only need to use it as if you were brushing your teeth using a regular toothbrush.

Cut, peel or peel the ends of the miswak about 1 cm. Then, chew the peeled end until the stalk opens and forms a feather. Use the bristles like brushing normal teeth. No need to add toothpaste.

Here's how to brush your teeth properly:

1. Place the bristles on the surface of the teeth closest to the edge of the gums at a 45 degree angle. Brush gently in a circular motion from top to bottom.
2. Brush starting from the row of teeth at the back of one side of the mouth then moving to the front still in a circular motion. For example, from the upper right molars to the right front side.
3. When brushing the front row teeth, hold the rod of the siwak vertically and brush in a circular motion from the edge of the gums to the top of the teeth.
4. Brush your teeth for about 2-3 minutes to make sure all surfaces of the teeth are completely brushed until the plaque or food debris is removed.

Store this "natural toothbrush" in a clean and dry place. If you want to soften your hair, dip it briefly in rosewater and dry it before brushing again.

When the hair of the miswak stalks begins to unravel and looks like a broom, cut and remove the remaining hairs. If you want to continue using the miswak, peel the skin again and chew the new end to form new "brush" bristles.

The benefits of miswak are for oral and dental health

Apart from the leaves and stems, siwak root can be used to treat back pain, chest pain, and stomach aches. This tree from the Arabian peninsula can also be used as an ointment to relieve headaches when rubbed on the forehead.

Meanwhile, miswak seeds that are processed into essential oils are reported to help relieve rheumatic pain because they contain a number of active substances such as lauric, myristic and palmitic acid.

Not to forget, according to some researchers, this toothbrush tree is useful as an antibacterial drug to help fight the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis. TB or tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by a bacterial infection.

This tree from Arab land is also used in making soap and aromatherapy candles because of its fragrant aroma. Meanwhile, the latex content of siwak skin is useful for treating wounds.