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Aims: The use of natural plant extracts in pharmacology, medicine and dental hygiene has found a growing interest in modern scientific research. Salvadora persica is a natural tree whose fibrous branches have been approved by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene. Periodontitis is a highly prevalent adult gingival disease that leads to bone destruction and connective tissue attachment loss. The aim of this research was assessment the antimicrobial activities of methanolic extract of Salvadora persica (miswak) on isolated strains from the oral fluid. Methods: In practical section, 50 female university students (21.4 ± 1 year) participated in the study. Based on examination by a periodontist, they were grouped into (Group I, n = 21) and (Group II, n = 29) i.e. with and without periodontitis respectively. Their un-stimulated saliva samples were obtained in sterile tubes. While three bacterial genera, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were identified in all subjects, Enterococcus and Escherichia were only detected in Group I. Results: A statistically significant difference in colonization levels between the two groups was observed. The effect of methanolic extract of S. persica against oral bacterial strains isolated from saliva was investigated using agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Although methanolic extract of S. persica was effective on growth inhibition of all strains, it was significantly more effective on Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative ones. Conclusions: Effective substances present in S. persica extracts, exhibit a broad range of antibacterial activity and affect almost all bacterial species regardless of the Gram-staining nature.

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.

Background: Oral hygiene practices vary from country to country and from culture to culture. ‘Miswak’ as an oral hygiene aid is a pre-Islamic custom contributed to ritual purity. The beneficial effects of miswak in respect to oral hygiene and dental health are attributed to its mechanical and pharmacological actions. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the oral hygiene status and gingival conditions in Muslim school children of Lucknow city. Materials & method: Study population comprised of 297 individuals in age group of 12–15 years from residential and non-residential Islamic institutions in Lucknow city. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the Gingival Index (1963), Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (1964) and Plaque Index (1964). Results: Statistically significant difference of mean gingival index score was observed among miswak and toothbrush & toothpaste users. Miswak users had lower mean gingival index score. Mean plaque score was lowest among combined users of toothbrush and miswak. Conclusion: Miswak users exhibited a better mean gingival score as compared to toothbrush & toothpaste users, while the mean plaque score was lowest among the combined users of toothbrush and miswak.

Aims: The use of natural plant extracts in pharmacology, medicine and dental hygiene has found a growing interest in modern scientific research. Salvadora persica is a natural tree whose fibrous branches have been approved by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene. Periodontitis is a highly prevalent adult gingival disease that leads to bone destruction and connective tissue attachment loss. The aim of this research was assessment the antimicrobial activities of methanolic extract of Salvadora persica (miswak) on isolated strains from the oral fluid., Methods: In practical section, 50 female university students (21.4 ± 1 year) participated in the study. Based on examination by a periodontist, they were grouped into (Group I, n = 21) and (Group II, n = 29) i.e. with and without periodontitis respectively. Their un-stimulated saliva samples were obtained in sterile tubes. While three bacterial genera, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were identified in all subjects, Enterococcus and Escherichia were only detected in Group I., Results: A statistically significant difference in colonization levels between the two groups was observed. The effect of methanolic extract of S. persica against oral bacterial strains isolated from saliva was investigated using agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Although methanolic extract of S. persica was effective on growth inhibition of all strains, it was significantly more effective on Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative ones., Conclusions: Effective substances present in S. persica extracts, exhibit a broad range of antibacterial activity and affect almost all bacterial species regardless of the Gram-staining nature.

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.

Background: Oral hygiene practices vary from country to country and from culture to culture. 'Miswak' as an oral hygiene aid is a pre-Islamic custom contributed to ritual purity. The beneficial effects of miswak in respect to oral hygiene and dental health are attributed to its mechanical and pharmacological actions., Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the oral hygiene status and gingival conditions in Muslim school children of Lucknow city., Materials & Method: Study population comprised of 297 individuals in age group of 12-15 years from residential and non-residential Islamic institutions in Lucknow city. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the Gingival Index (1963), Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (1964) and Plaque Index (1964)., Results: Statistically significant difference of mean gingival index score was observed among miswak and toothbrush & toothpaste users. Miswak users had lower mean gingival index score. Mean plaque score was lowest among combined users of toothbrush and miswak., Conclusion: Miswak users exhibited a better mean gingival score as compared to toothbrush & toothpaste users, while the mean plaque score was lowest among the combined users of toothbrush and miswak.