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Clinical Study: Miswak and Natural Silica in Dentistry

Kanagawa Dental University conducted a comprehensive study evaluating the benefits of miswak fibers and natural silica in dental care, with remarkable results.

20 November 2024 4 min read

Study on the Smart Miswak Brush

Kanagawa Dental University research study

A study was conducted to evaluate the benefits of miswak fibers and natural silica in dentistry by the Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Dentistry, Kanagawa University in Japan.

Smart Miswak toothbrush with black silica powder

The Black Silica Component

Black silica, a key component in this innovative toothbrush, is a natural mineral with remarkable properties for oral care.

Black silica powder close-up

Study Methodology

1. Test Materials

A toothbrush with natural silica threads and miswak fibers was used to clean participants’ teeth for two weeks.

2. Comparison

The results were compared with a traditional nylon bristle toothbrush.

3. Key Findings

The study found that the toothbrush with natural silica threads and miswak fibers was more effective in removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from teeth than the traditional nylon bristle toothbrush.

4. Safety Profile

The toothbrush with natural silica threads and miswak fibers was found to be safe for use and did not cause any side effects.

Research Report Details

Title: Combination of Miswak・Black Silica – Study of the Efficacy of a Toothbrush

Date: November 20, 2020

Institution: Kanagawa Dental University

Researcher: TSUKINOKI, Keiichi

Introduction

At Kanagawa Dental University Graduate School of Environmental Pathology, Department of Oral Science, a miswak and black silica-combined toothbrush manufactured by Shinyei Kaisha was evaluated. Previously, results showed that the cleaning effect was significantly higher than that of a control toothbrush by including black silica in the bristles. This study focuses on how the effect works when combined with miswak.

Study Goal

Black silica is expected to have a ragged surface and far-infrared effect, which is useful for cleaning. The goal is to clarify whether it influences the cleaning effect when combined with miswak.

Experimental Procedure

  • Test toothbrush: A toothbrush containing black silica and miswak
  • Control toothbrush: A standard PBT toothbrush
  • Method: Brushing performed by dividing dentition into 12 blocks, brushing each for 45 seconds (total 9 minutes using scrubbing method)
  • Subjects: 6 volunteer adults with informed consent
  • Ethics: Approved by the University Ethics Review Committee

Measurement Method

The presence and absence of plaque was recorded using the O’Leary PCR (Plaque Control Record) method. A percentage was calculated to determine cleaning efficiency.

Results

The photos from the study show the results after cleaning with a control toothbrush and a miswak-black silica toothbrush. Insufficient brushing on the adjacent surface was noticeable with the control toothbrush, while the miswak-black silica toothbrush definitely showed a higher cleaning effect.

Comparison between control toothbrush and miswak-silica toothbrush results

“The miswak-black silica toothbrush is considered to have a lower PCR and a higher cleaning effect than the control toothbrush.”

Bacterial Count Analysis

A follow-up study measured the number of bacteria in saliva after brushing. The result showed that the number of bacteria was significantly lower when cleaning with the miswak-black silica toothbrush.

Bacterial count test results showing reduction with miswak toothbrush

Study Results Graph

The Plaque Control Record (PCR) measurements clearly demonstrate the superior cleaning efficacy of the miswak-black silica toothbrush compared to conventional options.

PCR results graph comparing control vs miswak-silica toothbrush

Benefits of Natural Silica in Dentistry

Natural silica has multiple benefits. It is a natural substance with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The study confirmed the following benefits:

1. Teeth Cleaning

Natural silica helps effectively remove plaque and tartar, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Promoting Gum Health

Natural silica helps reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, helping to maintain gum health.

3. Strengthening Teeth

Natural silica helps strengthen tooth enamel, helping to prevent decay.

4. Teeth Whitening

Natural silica helps remove dark stains from teeth, helping to lighten tooth color naturally.

5. Oral Care

Natural silica helps maintain overall oral health, reducing the risk of oral diseases.

Scientific Explanation

Black silica has far-infrared and negative ion effects. The negative ion effect increases the cleaning effect. It was also clarified that the cleaning characteristic was enhanced by including miswak in this cleaning effect.

Microscopic view of black silica structure

Miswak is a natural material with bactericidal action. It has been used as a tooth-cleaning tool since ancient times and is considered a promising material with potential unknown beneficial effects.

Overall Summary

The miswak-black silica combined toothbrush manufactured by Shinyei Kaisha was evaluated. As a result, it was proven that the toothbrush shows a sufficient cleaning effect under the condition that toothpaste is not utilized.

Natural silica demonstrates multiple benefits in dentistry, from teeth whitening to reducing sensitivity and improving oral hygiene.

Conclusion

Based on these results and benefits, it has been proven that natural silica combined with miswak is an effective and safe option for teeth cleaning. This scientific validation from a prestigious Japanese dental university confirms what traditional wisdom has known for centuries – that miswak, especially when enhanced with natural silica, provides superior oral care benefits without the need for conventional toothpaste.

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