CLINICAL EFFECTS, USES AND APPLICATIONS OF MISWAK (SALVADORA PERSICA) ON ORAL HEALTH OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES: A SCOPING REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

The miswak chewing sticks (Salvadora persica) is an effective oral care tool, and its viability is accomplished via the potential of constituent fibres to manage plaque due to friction between plant fibres and tooth surfaces, in addition to the abundance of its phytoconstituents, which are unusual in their sophistication as well as bioactivity. Previous research has unearthed that miswak has anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, anti-cariogenic, and whitening properties, as well as improved oral health. This study adopts a systematic-descriptive method to analyse the clinical benefits, potency, limitations and disadvantages, effects, uses, and applications of miswak. Because of the combination of mechanical cleansing, enhanced salivation, and antibacterial component leaching-out, as well as other major therapeutic properties, the efficacy of adequate miswak usage can be equal to or exceed that of toothbrushes in eradicating dental plaque. However, the effectiveness of the miswak is inhibited by the configuration of its bristles (i.e., poor angulation), which limits its mechanical action concerning plaque removal. Consequently, it is essential to encourage researchers to support ongoing research into making miswak toothbrushes better at adapting to user needs and thoroughly cleaning all tooth surfaces.