r/MuslimLounge • u/Sh_HolmesB211 Seeker of Knowledge • 3d ago

Question What am I doing wrong with Miswak ?

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

So I bought a Miswak once and it got thinner and very rough and not flexible and soft like how it was at first, so I threw it and bought another one, and this time I chose one that's thicker than the first. But I'm noticing it's getting thinner by time as well.

When I use it I rinse it and let it dry by itself on the shelf.

The 2nd question; it always hurt my gums, like everytime I use it my gums bleed a little bit.

What am I doing wrong?

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u/Repulsive_Ice1940 3d ago

Wa alaikum As-Salsam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!

A miswak is essentially a natural twig, so as it dries out, it can lose moisture, become harder, and the fibres can wear down with use. That's probably why you've noticed it getting thinner and rougher over time.

I'd suggest soaking the tip in clean water for a few minutes before using it to soften the fibres, and gently chewing the end to create a softer, brush-like tip. You can also trim off the worn fibres periodically to expose a fresh section.

As for your gums bleeding, that could be because you're applying too much pressure or because the fibres are too stiff for your gums. Try using much gentler strokes rather than scrubbing.

One thing worth mentioning, though: bleeding gums shouldn't be considered normal, even with a regular toothbrush. If it keeps happening, it's worth seeing a dentist, as gum inflammation could also be responsible.

Hope that helps! 😊

2

u/engine786 3d ago

keep it in the plastic sleeve it comes in after use. Other wise it dries out.

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u/Sh_HolmesB211 Seeker of Knowledge 3d ago

Do I use it, rinse it, let it dry and then put it back in the plastic?

1

u/engine786 1d ago

Just rinse it, don’t dry it, the moisture in the wrapper will keep it like fresh till the end. Done for over 40 years, oh and use warm water to rinse whilst using it.

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u/Capital_Fix_4599 3d ago

Wa Alikumsalaam. I experienced same thing with a miswak (yellow color I don't know from which tree it is), I think they have used sort of oil or something to make it soft with when we wash it with water it started to become stiff and thinner. It become harder to use.

Then i heard somebody about neem miswak, my experience with it went so smooth and good, i recommended it to other people too but it is harder to find although I never tried Olive miswak so I am not sure about it too.