Brushing the Teeth
Islamhasrecommendedusingthetoothbrushes.TheProphet(s)said,
“UnlessIdidnotwanttofatiguemypeople,Iwouldorderthemofus-
ing the toothbrush.”
ThetoothbrushesintheearlyeraofIslamwerethemiswaks.Theyare
branchesofatreethatincludessmall fibersusedforcleaningtheteeth.
Dr.Hamidal-Badri refers to someof the hygienicadvantagesof these
fibers. He says,“This plant ischemically composed of cellulosic fibers
andsomevolatileoils. Ithasaromatic rating andmineralsaltssuchas
Sodiumchloride, whichisthe normalsalt, andpotassium chlorideand
gypsumoxide.Thus,thesesticksarenaturaltoothbrushesthataresup-
pliedwithmineralsaltsandaromaticmaterialsthathelpincleaningthe
teeth. The Prophet (s) and his companions used these natural tooth-
brushes many centuries ago, while the other toothbrushes were first
usedin1800.Itisworthmentioningthatanynegligenceoftheteethmay
leadtotoothdecaythatcarriespoisonousmaterialsandoriginatesmany
diseases.”.