If you haven't heard of miswak, you are not alone. Despite its prevalence in many Muslim and Arab countries, it is not widely known around the world. Miswak is a tooth-cleaning twig or chewing stick made from the roots of the Arak tree, Salvadora persica. In today's episode, Dr. B sheds some light on this twig, how it works, and what studies have shown about people who use it rather than toothpaste. Although it is likely safe to use, when the ingredient is found in commercial products, it might not have the same effect as the unprocessed compound itself. Tune in to hear all this and more!Key Points From This Episode:When Dr. B discovered miswak as a young dentist Many countries around the world use miswak, a tooth cleaning twig Discover what miswak is and the compound that makes it workWhat studies have shown about populations who use miswak as opposed to toothbrushes Dr. B's experience in Nigeria, where he worked with a community using chewing sticks Whatever our ancestors were doing to take care of their oral health worked The only toothpaste ingredient Dr. B wholeheartedly recommendsHow to Submit Your Question:Record your question for Dr. B at speakpipe.com/askthedentist Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Ask the DentistAbout Dr. Mark BurhenneFollow Dr. B on Instagram @askthedentistFollow Dr. B on Twitter @askthedentistAsk Dr. B a QuestionHydroxyapatite ToothpasteFunctional Dentist DirectoryFOLLOW DR. B: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TWITTER | TIKTOK | LINKEDIN