What is miswak, and does it actually work?

Miswak isn't a wellness trend. It's a twig — specifically from the Salvadora persica tree, native to the Middle East and parts of Africa and South Asia — that has been used to clean teeth for over a thousand years. It's mentioned in Islamic oral tradition as sunnah, which is part of why it remains in daily use across much of the Muslim world. Hundreds of millions of people clean their teeth with it right now.

The research holds up better than expected. Miswak contains natural fluoride, silica, and salvadorine — an alkaloid with antimicrobial properties. A 2003 systematic review found it comparable to a toothbrush for plaque removal when used correctly. In 2000, the WHO recommended it as an effective oral hygiene tool for communities without access to conventional dental care. That endorsement isn't ceremonial.

The raw twig is the original form. Chew the end to fray it into bristles, then use it directly on the teeth — no toothpaste required. It sounds stranger than it is. The taste is faintly peppery and vegetal, the sensation closer to brushing than expected. The Organic Miswak Twig from RemoBrush ($5, sustainably sourced) is the most direct way to try it.

For a more familiar entry point, the RemoBrush toothbrush is the modern translation — bamboo handle, bristles infused with miswak extract, used exactly like a conventional toothbrush. Less immersive, still plastic-free and biodegradable.

Worth adding to either: the Remo Tongue Brush, also miswak-infused. Tongue brushing has substantial evidence for reducing oral bacteria and improving breath. A dedicated tool makes it a real habit rather than an afterthought.

Not everything ancient deserves revival. Miswak does.