Siwak / Miswak / Souak

Siwak is a stick with miraculous effects. It comes from the root of the Salvadora Persica tree. Considered a natural toothbrush, the use of this small piece of wood dates back to Antiquity. Initially identified in India, the practice spread rapidly to the Middle East and Africa during the 6th century. Focus on a natural product with unexpected qualities.

Siwak: the 100% natural toothbrush

The siwak has been identified as the ancestor of the toothbrush. The piece of wood may not look like one at first glance. It is by biting the end and meticulously peeling the bark that the wood fibres appear. The saliva will soften the siwak, loosening the fibres. It will then give way to tiny vertical woody stems. The action consists of rubbing the teeth and gums with these fibres.

Once the filaments have been used up, they need to be chewed off. Then repeat the same action by carefully cutting away the siwak bark. This creates a new layer of stems.

This ancestral technique has many benefits. Siwak cleanses the mouth. We recommend keeping it in your pocket. It can be useful at any time.

The arak stick protects against the formation of dental plaque

In Arab countries, the tree from which siwak comes is called "arak". In the East, for decades before toothpaste became widespread, it was common practice to use this natural root. Rubbing your teeth with miswak automatically removes plaque. In other words, this natural toothbrush prevents tartar from forming between the teeth and food from settling. It also makes it easier to remove food from between the teeth and strengthens the gums. For centuries, this little piece of wood was the key to oral health.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended its use in 1986 and 2000 (source Wikipedia). Economical and environmentally friendly, it provides long-lasting enamel maintenance.

Siwak is better than a toothbrush

For practical reasons, the oriental root is more effective than the traditional toothbrush. The repetitive circular movements of the brush clean the mouth. From the gums through the molars to the tips of the canines and incisors. However, it has enormous difficulty removing food from between the teeth. For perfect cleaning, brushes or dental floss must take over.

As for siwak, these filaments penetrate directly between the teeth. These fibres help to eliminate excess food and deposits. Which makes it an indispensable ally. The wood's rigidity helps prevent cavities on the molars. Once moistened by saliva, the fibres clean the mouth thoroughly.

While its flavour lacks the freshness of toothpaste, its slight earthy odour is not unpleasant. To facilitate its use in the face of ever-increasing demand, there are versions of natural wood with mint or lemon flavours. For those who want to take the plunge, this is a breath freshener.

Repeated use better than toothpaste

In 1896, the invention of toothpaste in the United States moralised dental hygiene. The Colgate company was born. However, excessive use of fluoride is harmful to health. Although its use is refreshing, its action over time damages the enamel. The same is true of the stomach. On the other hand, our beloved plant-based toothbrush contains a host of natural substances that are good for the mouth.

Scientists have discovered that it contains a multitude of minerals. These are excellent for combating the proliferation of bacteria. To name but a few, it contains sodium, potassium and bicarbonate.

Not only do these minerals help to keep teeth white and bright, they also aid digestion and protect against limescale.

Towards the democratisation of miswak use?

Siwak is frequently sold on markets in India and North Africa, but its use has spread rapidly in Europe. Although rubbing teeth with arak is a widespread practice in the Muslim community, its influence has conquered another audience. Understanding that the remineralisation of teeth occurs through this piece of root, many smokers turned to siwak to mitigate the effects of tobacco on enamel.

As for dentists, they strongly recommend the use of an electric toothbrush. Just like our dental root, it reaches the areas that toothbrush bristles cannot scrub. It is certainly the lack of information or ignorance about the existence of siwak that accentuates specialists' lack of interest in it.

On the other hand, hippies and people who are sensitive to organic practices are fond of this little piece of wood. For them, the fact that this natural practice has no impact on the environment is desirable.

As well as being well-informed on the subject, they see the siwak as a vital element in the fortification of dental implants. This is in line with their personal interests.

Economical to use at any time of day

In southern countries, arak sticks are often sold raw. A siwak stick is generally between ten and fifteen centimetres long. This makes it a very economical natural substance. In fact, the bark can be peeled a dozen times to make room for the filaments.

In France, you'll find it sold in packaging that you must keep at all costs. Each time you use it, you can keep it safe and use it for longer. Unlike a toothbrush, siwak is not used three times a day. Instead, you rub the root intermittently throughout the day.