MISWAK AN INDIGENOUS PLANT IN DENTISTRY - A GENERAL OUTLOOK

Modern medicine is witnessing many developments and these developments are not only inventing newer medicines but also revealing the benefits hidden within the traditional treatments. Oral hygiene has always been a very important aspect of human civilization. Recent science reveals that poor oral hygiene leads to gingivitis and can further progresses to periodontitis if unattended. Traditionally, various wood sticks have been used to clean the teeth. Miswak is one important medicinal plant used as a chewing stick. The sticks are prepared from the twigs, stem and roots of miswak. Miswak means “sticks used to clean teeth and gums”. This plant also called Salvadora persica has been an integral part of Islamic tradition for maintaining oral health. Various studies reveal that miswak has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer and antioxidant properties. A general outlook on its various properties is worth a knowledge.