Optimizing Scientific Method of Utilizing Miswak in Cleaning Oral Cavity

Objective:  Salvadora persica is a shrub belonging to salvadoraceae family. The thin roots are used as natural tooth brushes (miswak). It has been shown to be comparable or even better than a conventional tooth brush in removing dental plaque. Salvadora persica has an antibacterial effect besides mechanical cleaning. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a volatile component of  the S. persica root that is highly effective against gram negative bacteria .The spread of Islamic culture has propagated the use of miswaks, which was a pre-Islamic practice, in different parts of the world. Although many people in the eastern world are using miswak there is no scientific study to explain clear guidelines in handling miswaks. Thus, the aim of this study was to create guidelines for an optimal use of miswak.

Method: Miswak brush quality was investigated in term of BITC amount. Miswak brush was used once, twice or four times then cut; and the amount of BITC in the brush pieces was determined by extracting in hexane and analysed by GC-MS. During the miswak usage the saliva was also collected and the amount of BITC was quantified using headspace SPME and GC-MS.

 Result: The amount of BITC in 100 mg miswak brushes before use was 648 mg whereas after one two and four times use the amount was lower 351mg, 201mg and 149gm respectively. The amount of BITC in saliva collected after one time use was 28 mg whereas after two and four times uses were 3ug and 1 mg respectively.

 Conclusion:  & recommendations: The results showed a low content of BITC after 2 and 4 times use, so the recommendation is to to cut fresh tip of miswak each time of brushing.