For Maintaining good oral hygiene is important. to remove dental plaque from teeth and residues food . One routine simple, but essential for prevent cavities and the Periodontal disease . While the toothbrush is now an everyday item, it hasn't always existed. Did our ancestors neglect their teeth? No, quite the opposite. In fact, more and more people are turning back to a... ancestral method : THE siwak . So what is it? siwak and what are its benefits? minug explains everything.

What is a siwak?

The siwak is a stick that comes from the root of a plant (usually the Salvadora persica ). This tree grows in hot, desert regions and is therefore very drought-tolerant. It is widespread in the Middle East and Asia. The use of the siwak has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. In fact, the WHO has recognized its benefits for about thirty years.

It's also worth noting that in Islam, the miswak is frequently mentioned in the hadiths. Indeed, the Prophet Muhammad used it daily and recommended its use several times a day. This likely explains why many people remain attached to this practice.

The benefits of siwak

The effectiveness of the siwak (also called miswak) is due to two elements:

• the passage of fibers over dental plaque
• its antimicrobial properties.

Thus, the siwak has an action:

• Antiseptic . The alkaloids it contains kill bacteria and microbes.
• Protective for the gums and against cavities, especially thanks to fluoride.
• Whitening .
• Purifying . It thus helps to fight bad breath.
• Astringent . It effectively removes dental plaque.
• Healing for minor mouth sores.

Its chemical composition gives it antibacterial and whitening properties. Specifically, it contains:

• numerous alkaloids,
• silica,
• fluoride,
• calcium,
• phosphorus,
• vitamin C.

How to use the Siwak?

1. To start using the siwak, trim the end of it, or nibble on the first centimeter.
2. Once the bark is peeled and the fibers are visible, wet them. Some populations use rose water.
3. You can now brush your teeth. No need for toothpaste, obviously.
4. You can also clean your tongue to get rid of all the bacteria that accumulate there.
5. Rinse the end of your siwak with clean water.
6. Leave to dry upright.
7. When you notice wear on the fibers, cut them and repeat the first step.

Siwak, miswak… what about their composition?

Alkaloids

These are the main antimicrobial and antibacterial agents of the siwak.

Silica

Silica is a slightly abrasive component. It helps to remove tartar and whiten teeth naturally.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes tissue healing and repair. Indeed, it is frequently used in the treatment of minor cuts and wounds.

Fluorine

Fluoride, although controversial in its synthetic form, is naturally present in the siwak. It helps prevent cavities.

Brushing your teeth naturally with the siwak

An age-old method

For thousands of years, it has been customary to clean teeth using stems, roots, or chewable sticks from various plant species. This is particularly true in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

An eco-friendly alternative

At a time when many voices are being raised against the use of plastic, numerous alternatives have emerged. While bamboo toothbrushes are suspected of greenwashing, the miswak represents a safe and completely biodegradable alternative.

There are different types of siwak, such as the olive siwak.

A natural solution

Using a miswak allows you to adopt good oral hygiene habits without using toothpaste. Indeed, brushing is what's important; toothpaste primarily serves to freshen breath. Furthermore, the most commonly used toothpastes sometimes contain controversial substances, such as fluoride.

An alternative to the traditional siwak: the olive tree

Just like the famous Salvadora persica, the olive tree, possesses numerous virtues. Indeed, its wood has antibacterial properties. This is why it is so often used in the making of kitchen utensils. Thus, the olive tree provides us with the materials to create a true miswak for dental hygiene.

➡️ Buy siwak online

Key points to remember

Using a miswak can clean and disinfect teeth, gums, and the tongue. It also promotes fresh breath. Its whitening action helps combat stains caused by various dietary habits (coffee, tea, etc.). Its numerous benefits have been studied in scientific literature.

The low cost of miswak makes it an economical solution, as well as being environmentally friendly. When the miswak stick is finished, the last remaining piece can easily be composted.

As you've seen, using a miswak has many benefits. At minug, we're so committed to reconnecting with our traditions that it was important for us to offer this toothbrush alternative in our online store. This way, millennia of a healthy tradition for both your well-being and the planet can continue. If this article has convinced you to ditch your plastic toothbrush for this wonderful alternative, and you'd like to... Buying siwak online is happening on our online store.