Significance of chewing-sticks (miswaks) in oral hygiene from a pharmacological view-point.

The rate of caries has long been observed to be very low in the users of chewing-sticks even when they consume high carbohydrate diets. Recent researches have revealed that the chewing-sticks help in cleaning the teeth not simply due to mechanical removal of plaque but also due to their chemical constituents that possess the properties of whitening the teeth, protecting them from decay and removing the tartar. In addition, they stimulate the gingiva and heal spongy and bleeding gums. Large amounts of fluoride, silicone and resins have been reported to be present in many chewing-sticks which not only help in cleaning the teeth but also exert strong anticariogenic effect. Some commonly used chewing-sticks have also been shown to possess antimicrobial property due to the presence of antibiotics and/or other chemo-thcrapeutic agents. In addition some essential oils and other ingredients of the chewing-sticks have been reported to promote the healing of inflamed gums, alleviate tooth-ache and check bleeding from spongy gums. Some constituents of the chewing-sticks like fluoride and essential oils are already being incorporated into the tooth-pastes. More recently two new tooth-pastes have been manufactured which contain extracts of Salvadora and Neem, the popular chewing-sticks. Further studies on chewing-sticks are expected to reveal many more pharmacologically potent substances which would prove very effective in further promoting dental health and oral hygiene. Anatomically most of the popular chewing-sticks have been found to be well suited to their role as fine natural tooth-brushes. Holy Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) has said that "Miswak is an implement for the cleaning of teeth and pleases Allah". Many other similar injunctions clearly show Islam's deep concern in oral hygiene. The chewing-sticks as an implement to clean the teeth which still remain very cheap and practical means of maintaining oral hygiene in masses, was highly recommended by the Apostle of Allah (Peace be upon Him) about fourteen hundred years ago.