Table of contents:
- Ingredients and benefits of miswak for teeth
- 1. Antibacterial
- 2. Antifungal
- 3. Analgesics
- 4. Antiplact
- 5. Anticariogenic
- The effectiveness of miswak in toothpaste
For some Indonesian people, they may already know siwak and even know about the benefits of miswak for teeth. On the other hand, miswak may still sound foreign to the ear, let alone the benefits it offers. Miswak is a plant stem that is dried and used by chewing.
Miswak comes from the roots, twigs and stems of plants with biological namesSalvadora persica.It has been used for thousands of years as a natural method of cleaning teeth in various parts of the world. But what is the content and how does the siwak work in maintaining healthy teeth and hygiene?
Ingredients and benefits of miswak for teeth
Researchers have discovered various natural bioactive components of the extractSalvadora persicaor miswak. These components are considered important in maintaining hygiene and oral health, including teeth. What are the effects of miswak for dental health?
1. Antibacterial
A study concluded that the benefits of miswak for teeth in products such as toothpaste or mouthwash(mouthwash), which is more effective in reducing the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay than regular toothpaste.
Several studies have also shown that siwak has significant antimicrobial activity against aerobic (need oxygen to live) and anaerobic (no oxygen) bacteria.
2. Antifungal
Several studies have shown that siwak has antifungal properties. The acetone extract from dried siwak stalks as much as 300 mg / ml showed the highest inhibitory activity against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata,and Candida parapsilosis (types of mushrooms). The benefits of miswak for teeth means that it works to inhibit the growth of fungus on your teeth.
3. Analgesics
Reported in a study that examined its content, miswak or miswak also turned out to be analgesic (relieves pain), astringent (reduces secretion), and anti-inflammatory (inflammation). So that it is effectively used as a treatment for minor ailments around the teeth.
In addition, it was noted that patients who used miswak regularly had a lower incidence of toothache than those who used toothbrushes.
4. Antiplact
The main cause of gingivitis and other oral health conditions is the accumulation of plaque bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to avoid plaque accumulation and maintain regular oral hygiene.Salvadora persicaor miswak is generally used by rubbing on the surface of the teeth so that the level of daily plaque accumulation will be reduced.
However, the benefits of miswak for teeth can also be in the form of an ingredient in toothpaste or mouthwash. Toothpaste containing miswak extract was found to be significantly more effective at removing dental plaque, compared to other toothpastes in the study.
5. Anticariogenic
A number of studies on infectious diseases reveal thatSalvadora persicaor miswak has a strong anti-damage effect. In a health survey conducted in Sudan, reported a lower prevalence of caries among users of miswak than users of regular toothbrushes.
The researchers also concluded that the benefits of miswak for dental health could offer new strategies to reduce the development of dental caries. This is done by inhibiting the initial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation by cariogenic bacteria.
The effectiveness of miswak in toothpaste
The best and foremost method to remove plaque to maintain oral hygiene is to remove plaque mechanically by brushing and flossing the teeth.
Various toothpastes containing siwak are now widely available on the market. This proves that the benefits of miswak for teeth in removing plaque bacteria are well known to many people. The formation of plaque on the teeth is reported to be slower when a person uses miswak mouthwash.
Plus, the benefits of miswak for teeth contained in toothpaste are significantly more effective at reducingLactobacillus (bacteria). When compared to regular toothpaste, toothpaste containing miswak immediately or within a certain time of use is better at reducing bacteria.
Another interesting fact about siwak is that toothpaste containing siwak and mint can significantly reduce the number of bacteria in the oral cavity. Given that mint leaves can provide a cool or fresh sensation, toothpaste with miswak and mint content helps prevent bacterial growth as well as refreshes the mouth. The conclusion is that products containing miswak are more effective in reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth and teeth compared to regular toothpaste.
