As salaamu ‘alaykum السلام عليكم ,
When we interact with one another, one of the things that are apparent is our smiles, our teeth, and our speech. All of these are related to our mouths. It’s really important for us to take good concern and care of our oral hygiene . Being sure that we don’t only brush our teeth , rather we take care to use those oral tools that are natural and help to cleanse our gums , tongues, and breath.
Furthermore, taking care of what emerges from our mouths is also extremely important. Because even if we have the whitest teeth, if we are cursing , backbiting, or lying then no matter the good teeth, we technically have bad oral habits. After all, talking about others behind their back is similar to eating their flesh. May Allaahالله aid us in leaving off foul speech Aameen.
Miswak
We have in Islaam an oral tool that brushes, flosses, and sweetens our breath. This tool was shared with us years before a modern toothbrush came into effect. This tool is called a Miswak.
Abu Umamah (Radi Allahu Anhu) has narrated the following saying of the Holy Prophet (SallAllaahu Alayhee wa Sallam), “Miswak is a means of the purification of your mouths and the pleasure of your Rabb.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Page 2495, Hadith 289]
Tabrani narrates a Hasan narration on the authority of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu), citing that Rasoolullah (SallAllaahu Alayhee wa Sallam) said, “If I did not feel that it would be difficult upon my Ummah, I would have commanded them to perform miswak with every Wudu.” [Mu’jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 341, Hadith 1238]
This small stick can be used to keep us having good oral health even easier than a toothbrush would. No need for toothpaste or to go to a bathroom and use the sink. No matter where you are no matter what time, you can pull this stick out and start brushing.
A miswak is also much healthier to use than a toothbrush is. It’s all natural from the salvadora persica tree and has nutrients that aid our teeth against cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, bad breath and much more.
Along with that is that it’s considered to be following the sunnah by using a miswak. Since our beloved prophet has informed us that this is an oral habit that he often practiced, we too would be following him in this practice.
Oil Pulling
There are so many articles related to the many benefits of oil pulling I wont go into depth here. I will link below an article that have way more scientific and medical proofs.
Although oil pulling can be done with many other oils, my personal preference along with other oral health gurus is coconut oil. Taking about a teaspoon of coconut oil and putting into your mouth then swishing it around for 20-30 minutes or so. Something so simple can impact your oral health in a good way.
This regimen also helps with teeth sensitivity , fighting bacteria, cavities , whitens and shines teeth. These along with so many more benefits are listed into detail in the above links.
Starting from Within…
When we think of oral hygiene we think of just the outer parts such as the tongue, teeth, and breath. But it goes deeper. Eating as healthy as possible and also refraining from as much refined sugars and abrasive foods also aids in better oral health.
Taking supplements for bone strength and calcium is an added help also. Here’s a link to herbs for teeth.
Closing Benefit
Speech awareness is really critical in the life of a Muslim. Being aware of what we say is not only important but obligatory. Speaking directly to the truth along with refraining from slandering, lying , backbiting etc is apart of oral health. Smiling your brightest smile wouldn’t do away with the fact that filth emerges from it.
Let us consistently remind ourselves of utilizing speech that is pleasing to Allaah, not offending others, not cursing, and complaining. So many people around the world cannot articulate themselves due to speech impediments and oral deformities . Let’s not waste this blessing that we have. Make good speech apart of our daily oral regimens as well as holistic habits such as the miswak and oil pulling.
May Allaahالله bless and protect us all Aameen.
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