Plants have been used for centuries to improve dental health and to promote oral hygiene, and this practice persists in several communities throughout the world. “Miswak” is an Arabic word meaning “tooth-cleaning stick,” and Salvadora persica miswak has a wide geographic distribution. It was used by ancient Arabs to whiten and polish the teeth. This review discusses the history and chemical composition of S. persica miswak and its influence on oral health, including the advantages and disadvantages of its use.
Good oral health has a major influence on one’s general quality of life and well-being. Several chronic and systemic diseases have been attributed to poor oral health. With the increasing incidence of oral diseases, the global need for alternative prevention and treatment methods and safe, effective, and economical products has expanded. The maintenance of oral health can be achieved mainly by mechanical and chemical means. The use of a tooth brush in combination with dentifrices is one of the most common methods of cleaning teeth.