Miswak in oral cavity - An update.
Miswak, scientifically known as Salvadora persica, is a species of Salvadora belonging to family Salvadoraceae. It is considered as "Nature's little toothbrush" as it is a popular chewing stick throughout Indian subcontinent. In India, it is commonly known as arak tree, meswak, peelu, kharjal or jhank. It also serves as a natural toothpaste with antibacterial, anti-caries, anti-periopathic disinfectant having anti-plaque and anti-fungal properties. Miswak sticks are being used by majority of people who cannot afford to buy the commercial western toothbrush and toothpaste mainly in rural areas of developing countries. The present review is an attempt to define the potential of the miswak in preventing and treating the common diseases of oral cavity and teeth.
Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar-Pradesh, India ; Ex-Service Senior Resident, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
Akhilanand
A
Chaurasia
Professor and Head, Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar-Pradesh, India.
Ranjit
R
Patil
Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar-Pradesh, India.
Amit
A
Nagar
Miswak; Miswak extract; Oral hygiene; Tooth Brushing