A toothbrush with app connectivity, pressure sensors, AI-controlled brushing coaches, and Bluetooth tracking? Honestly, is that really necessary? They’re expensive, consume resources, and, in my opinion, cause more data stress than they’re worth. BILD: ©Viktoriia M | Stock.Adobe.com

A miswak is a wooden toothbrush containing fluoride

I discovered a toothbrush that’s truly smart. I mean that in the original sense—it’s simple, effective, and sustainable. It’s called the miswak, a miracle stick made from the branches of the Salvadora persica tree. It’s completely natural, plastic-free, and biodegradable. And the best part? You don’t even need toothpaste!

Miswak naturally contains fluoride at levels between 8 and 22 ppm. (Since this amount is significantly lower than that found in toothpaste, I recommend using a fluoride gel from the pharmacy once a week if you only use the miswak).

In addition to its antibacterial properties, the wooden toothbrush is packaged minimally. For me, it’s the perfect travel toothbrush: lightweight, simple, and as eco-friendly as possible. (And yes, I tried using homemade toothpaste drops, but honestly, it wasn’t great.)

How it works:

Gently chew the top of the stick until the fibers come loose and form a small, round brush with a pleasant taste. Then, brush each tooth gently. Done! No water, no toothpaste, no waste.

There are even a few small studies that have shown miswak to be as effective as, if not more effective than, conventional toothbrushes in promoting oral health. This is, of course, only true if it is used regularly—ideally five times a day. Incidentally, this usage aligns with Islamic tradition, in which miswak is used as a Sunnah practice before daily prayers.

I use the miswak at home as a supplement, and when I’m out and about, it replaces my toothbrush entirely. It couldn’t be simpler! To be honest, it’s also a smart choice.