At my daughter’s recent trip to the dreaded dentist’s office, her dentist told us she had a few areas on her teeth where there could be potential cavities. I was devastated! I took good care of her teeth for five years and this was the last thing I wanted to hear. Then I remembered a friend telling me she used miswak on her teeth everyday after the dentist told her she had gingivitis. The next time she went to the dentist, it was gone. I immediately began to do some research online and was surprised to learn how beneficial miswak can be for one’s teeth. Some benefits of miswak include:
- The antimicrobial properties of miswak can help prevent and even treat gum disease
- Helps reduce and prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Minimizes plaque and gingivitis
- Helps reduce toothache
- Whitens the teeth
- Refreshes the mouth and fights bad breath
- Effectively cleans between the teeth
It’s no wonder that miswak is a Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). The Prophet (saw) used it several times a day including before every prayer, when he got up from sleep, when entering his home, and before going to the masjid. He took very good care of his teeth. The Prophet (saw) said,
I stress upon you to use Miswak. [Al-Bukhari]
Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salat. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
If miswak was so important to him, why have we forgotten about this Sunnah? After reading all these benefits, I ordered a miswak stick for my daughter and myself and use it everyday at bedtime. I’ve also been using it several times a day while fasting to freshen my mouth. So far I have noticed my teeth are whiter and smoother after using it. Insha Allah it will fight those cavities! I will update you guys after our next dentist appointment. Until then, happy miswak’ing!
*You can buy miswaks on Amazon
Great reminder! Jazak Allah Khair for sharing.
Thank you Hafsa! We love all your craft creations, looking forward to the next one iA!